You've spent months, maybe even over a year, meticulously planning your wedding day. Every detail, from the floral arrangements to the canapés, has been chosen with love and care. And, of course, that includes the music. You’ve pictured it: the perfect acoustic set during your drinks reception, setting the ideal mood as your guests mingle and celebrate.
But what if I told you there’s a huge, common mistake that leads countless couples to miss the very live music they carefully selected and paid for? It’s true. As a professional who’s been part of hundreds of weddings, I've seen it happen time and time again.
The Sneaky Culprit: Your Wedding Photos
Yes, you heard that right. While essential, your wedding photos are often the primary reason you won't hear your own afternoon entertainment. Here’s how it usually plays out:
Your ceremony finishes, and you're officially married – hooray! Your guests head to the reception area for drinks and canapés, where your live musician is beautifully setting the atmosphere. But where are you, the happy couple? You’re whisked away by your photographer for those beautiful, intimate shots you’ll cherish forever. This often happens off-site or in a secluded part of your venue.
By the time you return, often an hour or more later, your musician might be wrapping up their set or have already finished. You walk back into the reception feeling fantastic, only to realize you’ve heard barely a note of the performance you so carefully planned. It’s disheartening, to say the least.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Beyond the disappointment of missing out, there are a few key reasons why avoiding this mistake is crucial:
-
It’s Your Money: You’ve invested in quality entertainment. You deserve to enjoy it!
-
The Atmosphere: Live music creates an unparalleled ambiance. Your guests will love it, but you are the reason it's there.
-
Memories: Imagine dancing to your favourite song, played live, with your new spouse. These are moments you want to experience, not just hear about from others.
Two Simple Fixes to Ensure You Don't Miss the Music
The good news? This problem is easily solvable with a little proactive planning.
1. The Staggered Arrival: Talk to your photographer about splitting your photo session. Start with a shorter, immediate session right after the ceremony – perhaps 20-30 minutes of key shots. Then, return to your guests and enjoy a full set (or at least a significant portion) of your live music. You can then resume your photography session later, perhaps closer to the evening reception or during a natural lull. This allows you to soak in the atmosphere and greet your guests while the music plays.
2. The Strategic Location: Discuss with your venue and musician the possibility of setting up your live music where you will be for photos. This might mean a specific beautiful garden area or a unique architectural spot. If your photos can happen in earshot of the music, you get the best of both worlds – stunning shots and your perfect soundtrack. This requires coordination, but it’s often achievable.
Your Wedding Day, Your Experience
Remember, your wedding day is about your experience. While it's easy to get swept up in the timeline and logistics, don't forget to advocate for the moments you want to savor. By implementing one of these two strategies, you can ensure that the beautiful live music you’ve chosen becomes a cherished part of your wedding day memories, not just a missed opportunity.