If you're like most brides and grooms, the wedding music that will be used during your marriage ceremony is very important to you but you may not have a clue how to go about selecting your wedding songs! Here are some helpful guidelines.

Before you begin your search ask your friends if they have anyone they'd recommend. If you've been to any weddings yourself recently and enjoyed the music you can try contacting the band or dj that played. A large percentage of their business comes from referrals.

Basic guidelines for making decision wedding music.

• Type of music: Classical music can often liven up a cocktail hour while a live band can strike the energized chords necessary for the reception.

• Amount of music: Designing a detailed wedding program helps give an accurate idea how much music is needed.

• Finding ensembles: Try calling universities, orchestras and music studios. Magazines like La Scena Musicale will have these arts organizations listed, as well as ads for ensembles that specialize in wedding music.

• Good musicians: Hearing the ensemble perform is the best way to make a final decision. Many ensembles have demo CDs, or arrange for an audition.

• Music selection: Experienced wedding musicians can help you select your music. For the ceremony, there is a standard classical repertoire.

• Hall: If the hall you booked is unionized, you must hire unionized musicians. The Quebec Musicians' Guild can provide you with a list of agents representing unionized musicians.

• Space: Is there sufficient space for the musicians ? Are there music stands and chairs available ? Where are the electrical outlets located ?
  

• Instruments: Can you provide your own portable piano if the hall is not equipped with one ?

• Travel time: Know the travel time if your wedding is changing locations.

• Contract: Provide a contract in which cost, date, transportation, and location are discussed.

• Costs: Often, the greater number of musicians, the higher the cost. Be aware of the time and cost associated with arranging music you might have selected for the ensemble.

• Reception: Often, couples who want a dance will choose a DJ for the reception. Consider the live experience. A string quartet will often have in its repertoire music appropriate for ballroom dancing. A jazz ensemble can provide a lounge-style ambiance for non-dancers. And if your guests are the kind to get down and boogie, then a live band can give you a full range of popular hits to suit your style.
  

If you can't decide whether you'd like a dj or a band to provide your wedding music, here are some things to consider:

• No matter how good the dj is he won't be able to create the same excitement level as a live band would.
• Bands will require breaks while djs can have the music going non-stop.
• If you want to play different types of music at your wedding a band may have trouble transitioning. Many are only able to play certain genres well. They may perform your favorite song poorly.
• A dj will have literally thousands of songs at his disposal and they will be performed by the original artist rather than an imitation.
• Bands typically cost several times more than djs. The larger the band, the higher the price. Don't forget you'll usually have to pay for their meal at the reception too. 
• A great specialty band can really make a wedding fun, especially if you are looking for ethnic or themed music. A Scottish wedding just wouldn't be the same without live bagpipes.
  

Whether you decide on live band or a dj, you'll have to pick out your favorite songs for them to play at specific times. Here is a list of those special songs and a few suggestions for each:

• The Bride and Groom's First Dance - All My Life by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville, Forever & For Always by Shania Twain, At Last by Etta James.
• Father & Daughter Dance - Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle, Unforgettable by Natalie Cole, My Girl by The Temptations, Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder.
• Mother & Son Dance - What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong, A Song for Mama by Boyz II Men, Through the Years by Kenny Rogers.
• Cutting the Cake - You're My Best Friend by Queen, Sixty-Four by The Beatles, I Got You Babe by Sonny and Cher.
• Bouquet Toss - Man! I Feel Like a Woman by Shania Twain, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper, get the Party Started by Pink.