HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT WEDDING MUSIC

Claire Muir quizzes the experts on how couples can best decide which musical acts they need throughout the day – and how you can keep these choices personal to the two of you

With a husband-to-be who was uber-into music, I knew we’d have no problems sorting out our wedding tunes. The only potential issue would be having far too many fave songs to squeeze into one day, especially as we’d asked guests to share requests on their RSVPs, too. Thankfully, hiring an exclusive-use venue for two nights made space for extra musical accompaniments. On Friday night the bridal party mingled to a selection of chilled but cheesy songs and those who stayed over on Saturday were treated to a 90s Britpop-filled afterparty playlist. Not everyone has had their wedding

music in mind for years or endless inspiration at their fingertips, though – and that’s OK says Gerad McArthur, director at GeO Gospel Choir, which performs modern songs with a gospel twist. “It’s your wedding so that means it’s all about you and that should be reflected in your music choices,” he says. “The importance of music on the day depends on what role it plays in your life. The attachments we make to music and how a song can literally take you back to the moment you met someone.”

Gerad McArthur GeO Gospel Choir Where to start

There’s no doubt about it, music is a critical part of any big day – “Music sets the whole atmosphere for a wedding,” says Siobhán Rodger, director and musician with Amarone Music – and it deserves some careful consideration. At Hireaband, Del Cotton is no stranger to supporting couples with wedding music. “You could copy Her Majesty the Queen and be wakened on your wedding day by a piper! The same piper could pipe you and your guests into the ceremony. Prior to and post-ceremony is perfect for classical music, from a string quartet or harpist – or uplifting music from a choir. At your reception, your piper is back on duty to welcome you, and while you’re being photographed you could entertain your guests musically while they await your return.” Top tip from Del? Check if your evening band would offer an acoustic daytime set too to save on double the travel costs. Meanwhile, if you want your reception to go on into the wee hours (1am is the latest Del recommends), hire a DJ for after the band. “You get all the banging tunes that it’s hard for a live band to recreate,” he explains. While some may go all out with music, others may be budget-conscious or just not that into it. Here, Gerad says

Amarone at Carlowrie Castle

Splendid Gentlemen

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your bare minimum or “stand-out moments” will be your ceremony and first dance. “These are key moments for people when reminiscing and both revolve around music. There is nothing more sentimental and exciting for newlyweds than these lasting memories and they can be very much enhanced by live music. Lyric content is so important too.”

Roni Hyslop All Wrapped Up Events Management

Finding your vibe

At Splendid Gentleman, a Scottish wedding band with a twist, Dee McLaren says to start by looking around. “There’s plenty of agencies and bands so don’t just book one at the first showcase you go to. Ask friends for recommendations too.” Siobhán suggests looking at the options available and seeing which suppliers offer the kind of music you think will suit the feel of the day. “Have a look through their song lists, picture your venue, imagine yourselves in your wedding outfits and listen to some demos. You’ll find the perfect music that will give you memories to last a lifetime.” When you’ve found the one (or ones!), Dee advises taking a look through the band’s repertoire and picking out a few favourites that you definitely want played. “This helps to give us an indication of what your musical taste is like and a starting idea on how to build a set,” he explains. Keeping costs down? Tell your story through music and create your own playlists, suggests Roni Hyslop at All Wrapped Up Events Management. “Many couples ask their guests for their favourite tracks and add them in. That’s one way to guarantee a full dancefloor!” If you go for this option, help your wedding planner or event co-ordinator out by remembering to clearly label which part of the day each playlist is for. So, is it a case of picking a theme and sticking to it all day? Or would a little mix and match work? “I don’t think you need to restrict yourself to one style,” says Gerad. “If the couple are very opposite individuals, having different styles only complements their day in the same way they complement each other.”

What’s hot right now?

According to Del, trends come and go but he has noticed a big increase in ceilidh bands and those that feature a live saxophone. “Sax players with a DJ or backing tracks performing an Ibiza-style set is very much in demand. But one thing that never changes is interest in bands with very strong vocals.” Looking to do something different? “We’ve had everything from singing waiters to spontaneous singsongs at dinner,” says Roni. “One groom even delivered his speech in song form. At another wedding, the couple hired a band and while they were on their break, the bride’s father’s band took to the stage and did a set.” She also recalls a couple of weddings where the festival-loving newlyweds had different bands take to the stage throughout the day, T in the Parkstyle. That said, Del warns that being too quirky could leave out many of your guests. “There is such a wide variety in any wedding reception audience that it’s wise to try and cater for everyone.”

GeO Gospel Choir

1. At the time, it may feel like it takes a lifetime to walk down the aisle but realistically most bridal marches last about two minutes maximum. So, make sure you choose your favourite part of the song.

2. We advise couples to choose two songs for the signing of the register. You need to get settled, have pictures taken, deal with the legalities, pose again, then move back into position, and the last thing you want is an awkward silence after your song finishes.

3. The couple’s exit should be a moment of celebration so pick something upbeat to walk out to.

4. Consider a special moment during your ceremony to make it unique. We’ve performed a

‘pre-bridal’ march song for the bridesmaids then a different song for the bride. Another couple requested gospel hymns and a favourite of ours is for ‘secret singers’ to pose as guests then burst out in song mid-ceremony.

5. It’s your wedding day so make it personal and do YOU!

Self-confessed Goths Corinne McShane and Gary Thermo are going with “all things rock and heavy” for their autumn 2022 wedding. We found out more…

Q: How did you decide what to include?

A: We’ve seen some amazing DJs (shout out to Gerry Lyons!) but we both love live music and knew we wanted a band. We spoke to the amazing Aurora who were thankfully free on our day. The music we’ve chosen is personal to us, from nerdy video game music to rock that’ll raise a smile.

Q: What are your plans for ceremony music?

A: We’re not sure what Corinne is walking in to but there’ll be piano versions of video game music and songs we love from musicals during the signing of the register.

Q: And the evening reception?

A: We love rock, pop, punk and heavy metal but know that’s not for everyone, so our band suggested including rock versions of classic songs too. We’ll also have a ceilidh because a Scottish wedding without a ceilidh is like a day without sunshine!

Q: Any other toe-tapping opportunities during the day?

A: We’ve slowly been curating a playlist of ambient music with the help of our friends – you can share a collaborative playlist on Spotify so people can add to it. It’s cool because it’ll be there forever, and we can revisit whenever we want.

jo and liam photography

Want to see what Corinne and Gary’s dream wedding would look like? Turn to page 28

With their love of music one of the key factors in bringing to-be-weds Amber Hollinger and Keiron Weston together, it’s no surprise they want to keep their choices super-personal. “We’re very open to listening to new musicians and although we definitely don’t agree on it all, we understand where each other is coming from when we get excited about a song,” smiles Amber.

There’s no clear theme or vibe for their wedding day music because, quite simply, they love a bit of almost everything! “It’ll be a mix of our favourites throughout our growing up years, songs with a place in our hearts and fun ones for night-time.”

The meaningful songs will mostly feature in the ceremony, and they’ve already decided to play She is Love by Parachute before Amber walks down the aisle, followed by Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton for her big entrance. “Not only is this one of the songs that helps our little girl sleep but when I hear it, it reminds me of the stages of getting to know Keiron,” she says.

Things will get bouncier as the day goes on with the evening reception set to feature Abba and Elvis classics, early 2000s R&B and hip hop, and a mix of emo and indie tunes from the couple’s teen years. “We also want to add some line dancing in there – the likes of Shania Twain, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. And maybe I’ll even get the Cha Cha Slide on because nothing gets the party going like a song with a dance routine!”

You can read all about Amber and Keiron’s wedding plans in their “I do” diary on yourscottishwedding.co.uk

Ross Alexander Photography