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When planning your wedding music, it’s easy to focus on song choices alone—but the real magic happens when music is used to shape the energy of your entire celebration. Think of your wedding as a journey for your guests, with music guiding them through every moment, from quiet anticipation to joyful celebration and heartfelt goodbyes.
As a wedding violinist, one of my biggest priorities is understanding the vibe couples want for their day. When I talk with my couples, I don’t just ask what songs they love—I ask how they want their day to feel. Are they envisioning an elegant, intimate gathering? A lively, high-energy party? A perfect balance of both? Once I understand that vision, I help shape the experience through music, ensuring every moment flows naturally into the next.
“Christie was so flexible and wonderful about communicating with us! We loved working with her for our wedding. She helped us create a custom song list and made the wedding that much more beautiful and memorable.”— Kara P.
Let’s take a walk through the shape of your wedding day—and how music creates the perfect rhythm for it.
Let's talk details about YOUR wedding day!
Setting the Mood: Prelude & Processional
As guests arrive, the prelude music sets the stage. Soft, inviting selections create a warm, expectant atmosphere. Whether it’s light classical pieces or instrumental covers of love songs, this is the first impression of your wedding’s vibe.
The processional is about pacing and grace. Since this music accompanies the wedding party and your entrance, it’s essential to choose something that complements walking speed and heightens the emotion of the moment. A slow, steady rhythm keeps movements graceful, whether it’s the wedding party’s entrance or a bride’s big moment. I help couples choose pieces that naturally guide the timing and create a seamless, intentional flow.
A Grand Entrance & a Joyful Exit
The Grand Entrance carries the weight of the moment—this is the peak of anticipation before your vows. It should feel significant and emotionally rich.
Then comes the recessional, the moment of pure joy when you’re officially married! This is when your friends and family lose their minds with happiness, and the music should match that energy. Something upbeat, celebratory, and full of life sets the perfect tone for what’s ahead.
Postlude & Cocktail Hour: Transitioning the Vibe
As guests exit the ceremony space, the postlude serves as a musical bridge. Should it flow into a mellow, lounge-like atmosphere for cocktail hour, or should it pick up with punchy, fun selections that encourage mingling and even spontaneous singalongs?
For one wedding, the couple wanted a lively garden party feel, so we transitioned from an elegant ceremony into light, upbeat acoustic pop covers. At another, the couple leaned into a relaxed, sophisticated vibe with classic jazz-inspired instrumentals (think Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, and Etta James). This is a great time to reflect your personality and help guests unwind.
“Christie was truly the star of our wedding! She worked with us carefully to curate a song list that included both Hindi and English songs. She played the cocktail hour, and our guests loved her so much that we actually had her play for an additional half hour! Thank you for everything, Christie!”— Shivani S.
Dinner: Bringing the Energy Down
As we move into dinner, the energy comes down again. Music should be present but never overpowering — a soft, elegant backdrop that enhances conversation without competing with it. Since there are often speeches during dinner, it’s important that the music flows naturally without awkward volume shifts when it’s time for toasts.
For the cake cutting, I like to suggest something cheeky and fun — like "Sugar" by Maroon 5, "Sweetest Thing" by U2, or "Sugar Sugar" by The Archies. It’s a lighthearted moment, and the music should reflect that!
Dancing: Keeping the Floor Alive
As the dance floor opens, the energy rises again. First dances—whether for the couple, parent dances, or special dedications—create emotional highlights before the party truly kicks off.
A growing trend I love is creating a rise and fall in energy throughout the night. Collaborating with a DJ and a live musician (like a violinist!) brings dynamic moments to life. I like working with DJs to highlight certain songs, layering live violin over popular tracks or serenading your friends and family with a soaring melody to an emotional ballad. This keeps the crowd fully engaged and the dance floor poppin’ all night long!
Closing the Night: The Final Dance
Just like a well-structured movie or song, the end of the night should have a satisfying conclusion. Announcing a final song gives everyone one last chance to come together. A slower, well-known selection invites guests to hug, sway, and sing along, creating a beautiful send-off moment before the night officially ends.
Bringing Your Vision to Life
When I work with couples, I don’t just put together a list of songs—I help craft the experience they want their guests to have. In my proposals, I outline how the music will shape each part of the day, so couples can truly visualize how it all comes together. Whether you want a romantic, intimate feel or a high-energy celebration (or a bit of both!), I’ll help you create a wedding soundtrack that feels uniquely you.
Hi, I'm Christie!
With over 29 years of experience mastering the violin, I specialize in crafting bespoke setlists and arrangements that reflect your unique vision and preferences. Recognized with awards like "The Best of the Bash" and The Knot Best of Weddings, I'm dedicated to creating unforgettable musical experiences tailored to your event.
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