Why jazz music is perfect for a wedding

There’s so much that goes into planning a wedding, and it’s understandable that you’d want everything to be just right – from the venue and menu, to the wedding attire and activities. But there’s one thing that can really tie a whole wedding together – the music. From the guests’ entry, to the ceremony, reception, and party afterwards, you’ll need music for it all. 

But what kind of music should you go for? Individual tastes will differ, of course, and it’s likely you’ll already have some ideas. But if you’re still undecided, and looking for inspiration, read on to find out why jazz music – above all else – is the perfect choice for a wedding.

It’s classy

There’s no denying that jazz music can enhance the sophistication of your big day. Soft, background jazz is the perfect first impression to greet your guests with, as they enter the venue and sip on a glass of champagne. And it will be the perfect accompaniment to other moments throughout the day too – such as when your guests are waiting around when you have your photos taken, or waiting for food to be served.

For spectacular moments, such as the bride walking down the aisle, this soft background jazz can progress into something more uptempo – but still sophisticated. “At Last” by Etta James, for example, is a popular choice for the bride’s entrance – and perfectly suited to a live rendition by your jazz band. 

It’s perfect for a party

When it’s time to party at the end of the evening, of course, you’ll want something even more uptempo. And jazz is more than versatile enough to accommodate this shift in tone – perfect for getting everyone out onto the dance floor. Consult with your jazz band in advance to ensure that they’re prepared to play the songs you love – you’d be surprised by how good jazz covers of popular hits can be! 

It’s unique

There’s nothing like seeing a live jazz band up close and personal. Your guests will be fascinated watching the saxophones and trumpets in action, and the fact that jazz music is partly improvised – making each performance unique – adds to the charm even further. With so many weddings using just a Spotify playlist nowadays, having a live jazz band shape the atmosphere of your day is sure to be a memorable experience for everyone. 

It can complement your wedding theme

Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, and Baz Luhrmann’s extravagant film adaptation of 2013, many weddings are going for a 1920s theme nowadays – and jazz music is simply a must for this. No other genre will suit this theme in quite the same way. Find a band that can dress up to the nines to fit into your day’s whole aesthetic, and have fun partying away!

This article was written in collaboration with Andy Hayes.