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What is the best wedding music? The best party music? It depends upon who you are and the scale of event you’re planning. Whether it’s jazz standards, classical masterpieces, or a mixture of pop favorites, the music ought to fit in and compliment all your other favorite elements.
All successful weddings and parties bring people together to celebrate special events. Whether they’re huge and elaborate, or simple and intimate, these events create memorable moments all the guests enjoy and cherish.
Providing everyone’s best wedding music or party music will help those moments happen. Plain as that!
We entertain at our share of over-the-top festivities. It’s always a thrill to participate with some of my finest colleagues among all that spectacular world-class style and glamour. There’s no limit to what these people can create for stunning decor, show-stopping entertainment, and dazzling presentations of gourmet delicacies. And we always welcome the challenge to be equally extravagant.
Nevertheless, I find that simple events can be among the best. In its own way, the simplest party can be no less satisfying and memorable than the most elaborate extravaganza. After all, how many people are needed to celebrate an anniversary well? Two thousand? Two hundred? Two?
In recent weeks, we’ve entertained at quite a few wonderful little parties. Each of them featured a few brief toasts or announcements, and the focus was on creating a marvelous “vibe” in the room. The band would locate in the center or in a corner, and our music would draw people together and created a comfortable, festive atmosphere. Sometimes there was dancing, but always lively conversations.
See us in a college reunion luncheon at Santa Clara University, in a wedding reception at Gamble Garden, Palo Alto, and in a company dinner party at the Capital Club, San Jose (thanks for your beautiful photos, Honda).
A friend of mine signs his emails with something like “Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. That’s where you’ll find the best fruit.” I’m thinking of that now in relation to planning a party and its music. In this case, the limb might point toward simplicity just as often as toward complexity. It’s up to your taste.
Nearly every day, I’m helping people plan music for their weddings and parties. If YOU would call me, I’d probably advise you to begin with this bold decision:
Here’s a tip: It’s all about the context, so select your best wedding music to suit both your own style and the scale of the occasion.
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Meanwhile, the Magnolia Jazz Band entertains at weddings and parties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are ever nearby, you’ll love catching us in action, seeing and hearing us create a great mood.
How can I help you? Call 408-245-9120 or use [email protected]. Planning a celebration? Ask about our availability.
Having managed a few catering halls, I clearly understand the value of good music- but, more often, the value of a good musician, who can make almost any music add to the flavor, energy, and satisfaction for an event. I’ve used live music for my business parties – but, since the music was NOT the primary reason for the gathering, it was put more off to the corner, so that it would promote the ambiance and exude comfort for those attending.
Thanks, Roy. I hear the voice of experience, and appreciate your vote of confidence. Next time you throw a party in the SF Bay Area, please keep me in mind. 🙂
Good music depends on so many things–the size of the venue, the people who are there, the energy of the musicians. I also thing the music has to fit the hall in terms of sound (too loud and it’s really hard to enjoy…too soft and you don’t get the full enjoyment). The best weddings I’ve been to have had music that created an atmosphere of fun and participation–good music makes people want to get on the dance floor, and that opens up such a wonderful spirit.
I really respect what musicians bring to an event. You are a very significant part of people’s very significant days–that must leave you very satisfied.
Thanks, Judy. Glad you like this post. Yes, we can describe so many ways music can be “good”, and you’ve listed several important ones. What the music is, what it does, and how it makes us feel. And you’re right — it’s a real privilege to provide the music for a special event.
The song remembers when the moment occurs for us. Isn’t that the truth! Selecting the right music for a very special moment can be the most fun. Listening to the words, remembering where you were when you first listen to that song. After all, the best feeling you had when you heard the song or songs are what you want to hear on a special occasion like a wedding. Thanks Robbie for writing this!
Thanks, Josie. Glad you enjoyed this post. Some of the mysterious magic of music lies in how it kindles our cherished memories. It’s one of the reasons why I find that playing for people brings ALL of us so much pleasure.
Loved seeing the images of you at work (play) I recently planned music for a big qigong celebration (not live, sorry) and loved seeing people get up and move their bodies and get funky!
Thanks, Vicki. Glad you like the photos I post. I’d love to see some of yours, especially of that big qigong celebration you described.