Tip of the Day: "Think of your wedding celebration as a kind of story or journey, and create a dynamic 'soundtrack' of music to accompany the festivities. I recommend combining elements of live and recorded music," says Karen Bussen, author of the Simple Stunning Weddings series and exclusive wedding designer for Palladium Hotels and Resorts.
"Start simple at the ceremony with a trio of guitars, a classical organ, or a single violin. Cocktail hour is the best time to feature any unusual or alternative sounds you want to hear on your big day. (It's also a great time to layer in local music if you're hosting a destination wedding.) For the rest of the celebration, focus on tracks, beats and melodies that will get the whole crowd up on the dance floor with you!"
Plus, check out The Complete Guide to Wedding Music.