Your choise of music for your ceremony and reception says a lot about you, the bridal couple. Spend some time listening to different types of music to find the pieces that suit your style.

Ceremony music

The choice of music for the wedding will be determined by the kind of ceremony you have and its level of formality.

And there are some standard traditions you may want to observe in a church or religious ceremony, such as Here Comes the Bride.

For a church ceremony you will need to work closely with your priest or minister to choose hymns or music which reflect the cultural traditions of your families.

Some orders of service may dictate the choice of music, for example a choir or a soloist and an organist who plays while the register is being signed.

In a formal wedding ceremony there are four musical parts for which you need to choose music.

Firstly, there is the Prelude which is played while your guests are being seated. Then there is the Processional which plays as the wedding party enters the church and walks down the aisle.

Next is the Interlude during which the bridal couple sign the register. Finally comes the Recessional, which is played as the bride and groom walk down the aisle together and out of the church.

There is far more flexibility with the music in a civil ceremony. Create a romantic atmosphere with a solo harpist, or classical duo, or go more modern with a flamenco guitarist.

Remember though, the limitations of location. It may be difficult, for example to persuade a chamber orchestra to traipse onto a beach with their precious instruments.

If you use live musicians, ensure the parking at the venue will allow them to enter and leave easily with heavy equipment.

Some companies will compose and or perform music especially for your wedding and reception so you can decide how passionate, how romantic or how personal the music will be.

Reception music

At the reception, you need a selection of music to suit all ages, to be played during dinner and of course for dancing after dinner.

If you are employing a live band, always listen to their demo tape and ask to see their repertoire. If you want some of your favourite songs, make sure the band has time to rehearse them properly.  Check what special requirements the musicians may have of the venue, such as chairs, power points, a stage area and lighting. Find out how long the band will play and whether you will pay a flat rate or an hourly charge. Ask how many breaks the musicians will take and for how long.

There is also the option of a professional, mobile disco, which perhaps gives you more control over the play list. Work out a list of your favourite songs with the DJ beforehand.

Master of Ceremonies

Your choice of MC is also important. A professional MC will help set the atmosphere, introduce the musicians, make the toasts and ensure things run to time.

The MC should liaise with the venue and musicians or DJ on timings, toasting champagne, the cake knife and music for the bridal waltz.  He or she will introduce all the speakers and announce the first dance, the cutting of the cake and the throwing of the bouquet and garter.

Choose someone experienced who is able to take control of large functions but who won't dominate the proceedings.

Your first dance

Your first dance as husband and wife will be a special moment during your reception. Choose a song that has meaning for both of you, and is easy to dance to.

If you are a little nervous about dancing in the ?spotlight? then take some dancing lessons. A dance coach will be able to choreograph a dance uniquely for you, giving you the confidence to relax and be swept away by the romance of the music.

• Find music professionals
• Listen to popular classical ceremony pieces