Creating a Mood…with Music and Lighting

The man of your dreams has finally popped the question and you are over the moon with the thought of spending the rest of your life with him. But how can you create the perfect mood at your wedding day? The one day that is the beginning of the rest of your lives together.

There are many elements involved on your wedding day, but there are two very important elements that need to be well thought through and implemented. These are: Music and lighting. Music and lights are some of the less expensive elements in planning your wedding, but can either make or break a reception or ceremony. Lights can be anything from fairy lights, parcans, chandeliers, colour enhancing lights, sky lanterns and more. Not knowing which one to choose in order to create that perfect mood and atmosphere at YOUR wedding ceremony and reception is the real problem. The same goes for music – do you get a DJ, live entertainment, a jazz player or natural acoustic sounds? The choices are endless. What about a PA system for background music and speeches – these are all very important.

Having sifted through all of the possible choices out there to create that perfect atmosphere, I came up with a few. Some of the service providers on SA Weddings were kind enough to share with me their expertise – I hope this makes YOUR choice a little easier!

The DJ – Saint Michael
"Music, lights and aroma are the key to unlocking calmness within so think Autumn colours, combined with 20's, 30's and Ambient Chill-out music and my recommendation to all... Nag Champa incense, the velvet cherry on top"

Live Entertainment – Shout Music Company more information
Music is crucial for your wedding day and one thing is for sure, I've never been to a wedding without music! There are so many different options from which to choose, that music can go from simply enhancing your wedding day... to uniting all your thoughts and ideas into one unforgettable event! At Shout Music Company, we believe that the best music for your wedding day is a balance between the bridal couples' tastes and those of the guests. Of course, it's impossible to please everyone all the time, so the emphasis should certainly be on the bride and groom's favourites without forgetting that you're going to need music that'll keep your guests having a great time! We recommend meeting with the client to discuss the program of the day and ensure every aspect from the processional, to cutting of the cake has just the right piece of music.

We also recommend listing your favourite hits/bands/songs and songs that you definitely DO NOT want to hear on your wedding day! Of course, there are so many fantastic ideas to enhance the various stages of your wedding day that we'd be very happy to discuss with you! Some popular options are African Marimba Ensembles for the pre-drinks (this works brilliantly if you have overseas guests), perhaps a string or Jazz quartet for a touch of funky sophistication, Lounge or House groups, pop/rock function bands, Big Bands of all different sizes and shapes, right through to the more adventurous clients who may enjoy Traditional Indian or Gypsy music!At Shout Music Company we believe that every wedding is unique which is why we place such emphasis on tailor-making the musical line up to your exact tastes! Feel free to drop by our website at www.shoutmc.com to browse through some ideas that make you tick!

A Jazz Player – Mike Laatz more information
What is jazz? Should you use a jazz band for your wedding? Let's face it. Jazz isn't everybody's cup of tea. But then again, it depends on how you define jazz. Sometimes, it sounds like a discordant noise. But if you move away from the wildly progressive stuff, and return to the jazz classics, you'll find that there's nothing better than some of the songs that were written decades ago, especially if you're trying to create a relaxing mood. And for a wedding, your guests need to be in the right mood if they're going to have a memorable experience.

For the early part of your wedding, unless you're going to follow the crowd and have the usual string quartet, why not consider a gentle jazz band? First choice would be a mellow saxophone, either with a guitarist or keyboard player. But if your budget is limited, a sax with decent backtracks works nicely, too.

If you are interested in something to sooth your soul, please visit www.mikelaatz.com and listen to some of his music.

Natural acoustic sounds – Cavatina more information
There’s no better way to create the right mood for an elegant wedding than with the natural acoustic sounds of Cavatina.

With flute, strings, guitar, piano & voice, Cavatina offers flexible options perfect for your occasion, your space and your budget.

These professional musicians are known for their versatility, superb attention to detail and outstanding personal service. As music to enhance the wedding ceremony, as the soothing background at receptions.

PA Systems – Upstage more information
The first and most important technical requirement is the Sound. All weddings require a form of PA system for the speeches and background music. If a DJ is hired, you can usually run this through his system. It is imperative though to have a good quality sound system from a professional company as there is nothing worse than poor sound with microphone feedbacks, crackling or your mic not working. The size of the sound system for the amount of guests or type of venue is also important, as you don’t want huge speakers blasting the people at the table next to them, and guests at the back not hearing everything, or a system that is too small for the venue and capacity. Choosing the right DJ is also vital, as you rely on him completely to entertain your guests and set the mood and get the party happening. He can make or break a memorable wedding. Other nice extras are to have a live band or sax or piano player – they generally also require good quality sound system and specific microphones.

Lighting is also relatively inexpensive, yet can truly transform any venue. It keeps it simple and elegant, yet adds to the ambience by creating different colors and moods to the décor and room as a whole throughout the evening. By changing the entire room color at different stages of the event, the atmosphere changes, and this works especially well in marquees. A wonderful new feature we have is called the 'Bliss light' which when projected onto the ceiling of a marquee, gives a moving star gaze effect. Chandeliers are also very elegant and change the feel of any venue. We then also have the 'wedding standard' fairy lights which always give a pretty effect.

Parcans - Daring Promotions more information
As experience has taught us, the correct combination of music and lighting, forms an integral part of your special occasion.

Awaiting entrance to your reception area as newlyweds, you catch a glimpse of flickering candles and anticipating guests. You are then ushered into the venue by the sounds of a pre requested song (by the bridal couple) and numerous rounds of applause.

Parcans (soft colour lights) wash the venue walls to create a feel of warmth and celebration while guests are treated to soft music in between formalities. As dinner draws to a close the scanners are switched on. This sweeps across the room at a slow pace pattern form and subconsciously gets guests up and about and ready to party. As the "first dance" opens the floor for the guests to dance, a music selection from the present to way back in the 60's can be chosen from to keep guest entertained. The scanner lights which were used earlier are sped up to add flavour to the celebratory occasion.

As the evening draws to a close the scanners are slowed down and the couple is escorted out through the traditional arch. This normally takes place to a "well wishes" song or two. Remaining guests are then treated to appropriate music until the evening has ended. Music would differ at each wedding depending on requests by the bridal couple, age of the guests and their preferences.

Colour Enhancing Lights - Shattered Glass more information
Why limit your vision to tangible pieces. This can all be enhanced with such powerful and dramatic effect through both mood lighting and music and is something that has not been used to full effect until recently. We at Shattered Glass would like to introduce you to the synergy that your décor and music company can have on your function.

By combining your colours and theme with mood lighting and bringing the tones and elements of coloured light through the venue, onto the tables, up pillars and feature areas, even showcasing the main table, you are able to highlight the nuances of the event and create an atmosphere within the environment that brings your venue to life. This also allows you to create colours unique to your function, enhancing tones in the fabrics you have selected, ever-changing through the evening due to the settings allowed through the use of LED lighting. This can be pre programmed in accordance with your particular taste and style of function.

So too does the music change accordingly – with a professional DJ, he will subliminally begin with background music suited to the style and pace of event and slowly pick up this pace throughout the evening so that by the time the guests are ready to party, the music has already reached that tempo and the guests were not even aware of it. This will happen together with the lighting, the hues of colour and levels of changes also increase subtly and so subconsciously the mood has been set - and with incredible effect.

This is a very affordable option for your function and we look forward to "Creating your Mood through Music and Lighting".

Lanterns: Light a Lantern more information
Sky lanterns are more unique, longer lasting and safer than fireworks. They can rise to heights of 300 meters and travel for kilometers, the result, one of the most magical and breathtaking sights you, your friends and family will ever see.

Round paper lanterns can be used to decorate your venue by hanging them from the ceiling with LED tea lights creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere or even outside from the trees for your pre-drinks with your table seating plans attached.

-------------------

I really hope this feature has given you more specified options to choose from and that it makes the choosing a bit easier. The planning of your weddings is such a pleasurable experience – enjoy it! Remember to create your mood at your wedding with music and lighting – it’s really an affordable way to make your wedding day…yours! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at jana@saweddings.co.za.

Creating a Mood…with Music and Lighting | Wedding Articles