Wedded in perfect harmony
Music is a big part of every wedding, from the bride’s processional down the aisle to the newlyweds’ first dance. So why not make it the focus of your big day with a music-themed event?
“There are so many different genres of music, spanning different decades, that certain songs and musical vibes can really inspire a wedding theme!” says Jaime Kostechko, owner and creative director of Wild Heart Events in Santa Barbara, Calif.
So, whether you both play instruments or share a passion for a genre, music presents endless opportunities when it comes to decorating a wedding.
Here are just a few ideas for how to incorporate the theme into your nuptials:
1. Narrow your focus
To ensure your wedding is visually and thematically coherent, Kostechko recommends focusing on a single era of music, rather than music as a whole. Then, you can draw inspiration for colors, patterns and textures that are specific to that decade.
“For instance, we have many requests for soul and funk, which evokes color palettes of mustard and terra cotta mixed with funky greens,” she says. “[Also,] plenty of disco balls as well as ‘60s Woodstock and music festival inspired events with brighter color palettes, tons of florals and a little hippie thrown in there.”
2. Create music poster invites
Let your guests know they’ll be in for a rocking good time with an invitation that draws from iconic concert poster designs. You can even blow them up to true poster size for extra décor the day of.
3. Say ‘I do’ in a concert venue
Bring your theme to life by getting hitched in an actual concert hall, suggests Kostechko. These types of venues are ideal for weddings with built-in stages, seating and breathtaking architecture. Plus, you can put your names up in lights on the marquee for the perfect wedding photo background!
4. Decorate with music tech
How we listen to music has changed significantly over the last century. Create a vintage vibe by using some of that old technology as décor. For example, you can swap out the traditional guestbook for framed records guests can sign or make escort cards that look like cassettes tapes.
5. Get creative with sheet music
Another great alternative décor material: sheet music. Recycle old sheet music into everything from cake toppers to flowers for boutonnieres or bouquets. Extra points if you use music from a song with special significance to you as a couple.
6. Give out musical favors
Help your guests take a bit of music home with them by passing out musical favors like small tambourines or mini harmonicas (which also double as noisemakers during your grand exit). Or, you can go the extra mile like one of Kostechko’s couples and produce custom vinyl records with some of the songs from the night.
7. Hire live musicians
Of course, it wouldn’t be a music-themed wedding without live music. Instead of hiring just a traditional band, though, consider going outside the box with a jazz band, acapella group or even a marching band to surprise – and delight – your guests.