Choosing the Music for Different Events

Rick Perdian
7 min readSep 29, 2022

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Choosing the right kind of music will liven up any event and change a boring party into a fun-filled event.

It may significantly influence your guest’s moods and, more importantly, make them feel comfortable.

There are many different kinds of events, and when planning a special event like a wedding, funeral, corporate event, award event, or even a sports event, choosing the right music is crucial.

However, finding the right kind of music can be challenging because many party planners do not know what will suit their party or any other events.

Read on to learn different aspects of choosing the right music for various events.

Choosing Best Types of Music for Different Events

Music has the power to change human behavior; even science has proven that by showing the link between music and the brain.

It is an effective tool for events when people gather to rejoice, mourn, network, or do business.

There are many different types of events that we hold in our lifetime. Some events are pleasant, and some are very sad; hence, ensure to get the music right.

Here are a few choices of music for different events.

1. Weddings

The music plays an integral part in the wedding, from the beginning of the ceremony through the end.

When selecting wedding music, you should include music representing their relationship and define the couple’s major moments.

Usually, wedding ceremony music comprises three main categories: prelude, processional and recessional.

Weddings

· During the prelude to the ceremony, the background music should set the atmosphere. Some light and airy classical music without lyrics are perfect, or some chilled piano or guitar.

· Secondly, things of pre-processional music should have the same characteristics as prelude music. The music shift needs to signal the guest to settle for their seats and need to be quietly waiting for the bridal entrance.

· The processional ceremony is the moment when the bridesmaids, bride, flower girls, and her father make their way down the aisle.
Select anything from a traditional, formal piece of music to something merry, upbeat, and even modern.

· The interlude music can be played immediately following the exchange of vows and rings to allow you and your guests to think on the words and, even more profoundly, grasp the depth of what has been uttered.

· The recessional should be joyful and upbeat as the end of the ceremony. It will be when the bride and groom go back down the aisle as a happily married couple.
The music should mirror the euphoric moment uplifting as the symbol of new life in a union, the love and relationship the couple will be sharing along the journey.

Similarly, preparing a list of great music plays will set the tone by making everyone at the venue feel happy and satisfied.

2. Funerals

Music has always been associated with funerals to reflect and commemorate a person’s life, especially during the gathering.

Choosing the right music for your loved one’s funeral will personalize the service and pay tribute to their life in a lasting way.

Traditionally, funeral music was chosen from a limited number of conventional alternatives, typically hymns arranged for the organ.

Today, funeral and memorial rituals have become more personal, and so have the musical selections.

Funerals

You can be much free with your choices, opening up options to include contemporary songs and personal favorites from any genre.

With so many options, deciding on the perfect pieces to reflect your loved one might be difficult.

· Music selection must be meaningful because it has a significant connection to the deceased.

· Emotional, passionate, and timeless are the top classical pieces to choose from as funeral music.

· Pop and contemporary genres are also increasingly popular at funerals, as they provide a way of personalizing the service. Choose tracks that are in good taste and would be appreciated by the mourners.

· With the rise in alternative musical genres at the funeral, hymns still remain a popular choice, and they are not just for devoted church-goers. Certain hymns have remained the most appropriate funeral song choices over the years and can be a source of comfort for many, regardless of religious beliefs.

3. Corporate Events

A corporate meet and greet require calm and light music, which can be played quietly in the background without distracting the event or interrupting conversations.

This could involve light jazz, string quartet, duos such as singer and piano, classical music, or simply a solo cocktail pianist to add an air of sophistication to a room.

Guests who are comfortable will socialize more efficiently and enjoy the vening better.

Corporate Events

However, every corporate event is different, and depending on the purpose of your event, you will probably want to set a specific mood.

· If you are throwing an internal team-building event, choose a playlist with upbeat, friendly songs that set a positive and productive mood.

· If you are holding an event to introduce your product to new clients or customers, create an atmosphere representing your brand’s aesthetic and vibe.

· If your event is an evening gala, choose a classy playlist filled with retro party tunes.

· For an afternoon lunchtime event, opt for peppy, sunny pop music.

Use these kinds of music at meetings, conferences, business dinners, or trade shows to enhance the relaxing and comfortable atmosphere for the guests.

4. Award Events

The music choice is crucial if you are organizing an award ceremony.

Even if you might have watched award shows like the Oscars or the Grammys, the music they play is not just for fun.

It is also something that contributes to the smooth operation of the event. Music prompts people to walk up on stage and deliver their speeches at award ceremonies.

Additionally, music can also create tension and excitement when announcing the nominees and winners.

Award Events

You should pick the music that matches the kind of awards that you are passing out when organizing an award event.

Here are some music ideas for awards ceremonies.

· Whatever the theme of your events, a Symphony Orchestra can provide the appropriate soundtrack. It has a full, rich, diversified, and well-balanced sound.

· A string quartet is a way to go if you are looking for something cultured and sophisticated as a backdrop to your awards event. Its compact version may be incredibly high impact and can be amplified if necessary.

· Bring your awards evening music to life through the incredible arrangements and voices of a Gospel Choir. They are straightforward logistical alternatives as they are easy to set up and do not require any physical devices.

· With the combination of DJ + Saxophone, you get the benefits of a roaming band in the freely moving and interactive saxophone player that will keep everybody excited and engaged with your event.

· Using the natural sound of the brass instruments can be a great alternative to draw the audience in and get everyone in the mood for a celebration.

These wonderfully unique ideas will take your awards ceremony to the next level.

5. Sports Events

Playing music in sporting events has been popular for thousands of years.

With the rise of digital downloads and international collaborations between musicians from many nations, the popularity of music at sporting events has skyrocketed.

According to research, music has been demonstrated to help athletes minimize fatigue, increase their tolerance to pain, and improve mood and motivation.

Sports Events

Music is played at the opening ceremony, during breaks, while the sports events are occurring, and during the ending program.

· Playing the national anthem at the start of any sporting event is a tradition religiously followed everywhere. Prior to sports activities, doing this also boosts morale and conjures national pride for players.

· During breaks, playing loud music like rock and top hits is perfect. You can play together with special team chants and songs.

· Playing high-powered music can be the best after any spot game when the game is over, and the winner is determined. Songs like The Victory is Yours, On the Top of the World, Celebration by Kool & the Gang, and We are the Champions are some songs that can be played.

Sports and music have the power to bring out irrational minds, stirring emotions, passions, and energies whether players are on the field or audience who are desperately rooting for them.

Conclusion

Whether from a formal band or a well-thought-out playlist, music can create a sensory experience that is often not easily forgotten.

It can help fill the silence and prevent boredom while helping with activating the memory of the guests. Therefore, your music choices must suit your event.

With the above guidelines, get all your music sorted out easily for any events while staying in touch with your sound folks.

If you have any doubts about preparing your event’s music, get in touch with Rick Perdian, the event and music management consultant in the USA

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Rick Perdian

RickPerdian.com is your ultimate travel and music companion. We offer everything to know about music and traveling, traveling to musical events.