Although many brides think that music for weddings  boils down to a  choice between  a band  and  a DJ, this couldn’t be further from the truth! We’ve spotted some great,  quirky  music  ideas  in  our real weddings – here are a few to get you thinking! 

Pick a piper 

If either you or your h2b have Scottish heritage, then why not consider a traditional bagpiper to serenade you on your big day? This is a particularly great option for your recessional music, or to signal your arrival at the ceremony venue. If either of you have Irish blood, then bagpipes or even traditional Uilleann pipes would also be a fantastic choice – they’re guaranteed to get your guests feeling the Celtic spirit! 

Drums of steel 

On the other side of the globe, you’ve got amazing steel drum bands – this type of music will instantly give your reception a tropical feel, so it’s a great choice for brides marrying on the beachfront, either in the  UK  or  abroad.  Why not  go  the  whole  hog  and  have  a  limbo  at  your reception?  After  a  few  drinks, your guests will relish the silliness of the challenge, and it’s sure to provide some excellent photo opportunities! 

Set the record 

This  is  one  idea  we  love  for  vintage-inspired weddings – you  can  now  hire  vintage  record players  and gramophones  for  a  genuine  vintage  experience  at  your  reception!  This  old-school music  option  suits weddings from many decades, including 1920s Gatsby-inspired themes and retro 1940s and 50s themes. It’s  a  little  touch  that  will  make  a  huge  difference  to  the  sound  of  your  music,  and  it  looks  a  lot  more authentic than wartime classics blaring from an iPod dock! 

A romantic Renaissance 

Going even further back in time, there are loads of options if you and your h2b are planning a Medieval or Renaissance-themed wedding day. Lutes (like the one pictured above) are  a brilliant alternative to  a classic  guitar,  especially  if  the  player  arrives  in  costume!  Harps  and  flutes  will also  sound  excellent,  so don’t be afraid to make some requests. Why not take a look at our Game of Thrones wedding theme for inspiration? 

The cutest choir 

Live choirs are guaranteed to get the hairs on the back of your neck standing up, particularly at a church wedding.  Instead  of  an  adult  choir  though,  why  not  ask  your  local  school  choir  to step  in?  This  is an extra-sweet choice if you and your new husband met at school as children, or if you’re marrying near or at your old school. Plus it’ll make for adorable photographs! 

Not convinced? Take a look at the end of Tom Fletcher’s famous wedding speech/song to his new wife Giovanna. She’s serenaded by the Sylvia Young Theatre School choir, which is particularly apt as that’s where Tom and Giovanna met aged 13 – so cute! 

Do it yourself 

A lot of brides would shy away from the idea of performing at their own wedding, but all you need is a reasonable voice and a lot of confidence! If your groom has always loved the sound of your singing, then imagine how much it would mean to him to have you serenade him with a love song on your special day. 

If the thought of going it alone scares you, then why not consider having karaoke at the reception and getting the whole family to join in? It’s a fun and unique idea that’s sure to get your guests giggling. 

A musical speech 

This is one for the men! If your groom, best man or dad is dreading giving his speech, why doesn’t he think  about  making  a  hilarious  music  video  instead?  This  real  groom  made  a  Westlife-style parody proclaiming his love for his bride that had everyone in tears of laughter. 

If you want to create  a wedding video with  a twist,  why  not get  all your guests involved  and create  a music  video?  We  love Marryokes for  a  brilliant  take  on  the  traditional  wedding  film – you  and  all your guests mime along to a track of your choice throughout the day, leaving you with your very own music video after the day is over!  

Source :Wedding Ideas Magazine, 15th April 2014