Thursday, April 12, 2012

How to select music for a rehearsal dinner

select music for a rehearsal dinner


It's interesting:
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Music can help set the mood for any gathering. The right music can put guests at ease, create romance or liven up a party. It is important to consider the desired atmosphere for a rehearsal dinner and select music appropriate for that style of dinner. Live musicians, a DJ or even a homemade CD with a stereo system can provide the dinner music you desire.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen and paper
  • Large music selection for choosing songs
  • Blank CDs (if using CDs and a stereo system)

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose music that is appropriate for the different segments of the rehearsal dinner (cocktail hour, dinner and after dinner). The music can change the mood and signal that it is time to move on to the next part of the evening.

    • 2

      Select music that is classic and upbeat for the cocktail hour or for when the hors d'oeuvres will be served. Classic swing or big band music is a good choice: try musicians like Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and Count Basie.

    • 3

      Choose music for the dinner portion of the evening that is mellow to create a relaxed atmosphere for dining and conversation. Traditional jazz or classical music might be appropriate. Good choices include Bach, Chopin, Miles Davis, Chet Baker and Louis Armstrong.

    • 4

      Pick songs that are upbeat and fun for post-dinner socializing--anything goes during the after-dinner celebration. Choose songs that are favorites of the bride and groom. Classic rock or modern dance music may liven up the party. Aside from current top-40 tunes, try old favorites from bands like Blondie, ABBA, and INXS. Include some golden oldies from the likes of The Beatles, Elvis, The Supremes and The Four Tops to get all generations out on the dance floor.

    • 5

      Make music lists for the different segments of the evening to share with a live musician or a DJ. If you hired musicians that only play a specific style of music, talk to them about how they can develop a set list to distinguish the different parts of the event.

    • 6

      Compile your music selections on three separate CDs for the different segments of the evening. This is only necessary if you plan to utilize a stereo system instead of a DJ or musician. Make sure you designate a responsible friend or family member as the "DJ" for the evening. This person will be responsible for changing the CD at the appropriate times.

Tips &- Warnings

  • Select songs that have wide appeal. While you may enjoy lesser known musicians, keep in mind that most of your guests will enjoy a more mainstream approach to the dinner music.

  • Avoid selecting songs that contain obscenities and could be offensive to your guests.

  • If you offer post-dinner music and cocktails, develop a way to signal the event is over or your guests will drink and dance the night away. Since the rehearsal dinner typically occurs the night before the wedding, you want to make it an early night for all wedding participants.


Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: rehearsal dinner, songs that, different segments, dinner music, stereo system, your guests