Choosing Your Wedding Dinner Music

There are a number of opinions when it comes to wedding dinner music. Some people believe that background dinner music should be instrumental and laid back, others believe vocals are fine, and that it should be lively.

Choose the background wedding music that best complements the formality of your wedding reception. If it is a black tie event then go for instrumental music or jazz. If your wedding reception is more informal then perhaps some folk or pop music, or a combination of various contemporary ballads, would be fine.

You also have the option of gradually changing your wedding dinner music as the night progresses. Start off with laid back jazzy dinner music and build up to foot tapping (but not dance floor filling) contemporary hits to get your guests in the mood for dancing. Using contemporary songs ranging from the 60's to popular chart topping songs will create a nostalgic mood amoung your guests.

Keep in mind that whatever wedding reception dinner music you decide to use, the volume should be carefully monitored. It should be soft enough so your guests can hear each other's conversations, but it should be loud enough to create an atmosphere.

Try to stay away from songs with high pitched vocals or trumpets as this can disturb conversation.

You could of course also suit your wedding dinner music to the theme of your wedding. If you are having a tuscan style wedding, then play some Italian music, for a beach wedding perhaps some steel drums or Jack Johnson, and for a Winter Christmas wedding, some of your favourite Christmas Carols would be perfect.

Below are a few samples of artists and compilations suitable for dinner background music:

Beegie Adair & David Huntsinger - Wedding Dinner Music Series- Light Jazz Elegant light jazz recordings of jazz standards from yesteryear, selected specifically with dining and entertaining in mind.

Discovery Channel: Great Chefs Dinner Music A great selection of unobtrusive music for dinnertime.

Dinner In Italy - Various Artists A great lively accompaniment to an italian themed wedding.

Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams Mellow drifting chords and a soft voice makes this a great choice for informal and outdoor weddings.

Donavon Frankenreiter Again a collection of light and mellow music perfect for a summer outdoor affair.

Katie Melua - Call off the Search Easy listening blues/jazz with an incredible voice.

Norah Jones - Come Away with Me Another great voice combining easy listening blues/jazz with pop, soul, folk, and country.

Steve Tyrell - A New Standard Smooth easy listening jazz standards.

Michael Bublé - Call Me Irresponsible A beautiful and unique blend of traditional jazz crooning and contemporary pop.

The De-Lovely Soundtrack - Various Artists Contemporary pop stars cover classics by Cole Porter.

The Very Best of Frank Sinatra Old Blue Eyes adds class to any event, and this is a great, comprehensive collection of his most popular Reprise tracks.

Bryan Ferry - As Time Goes By Cover versions of songs from the 1930s and '40s, that conjures that era's aura of fine cigars, sateen gowns, and gentlemanly romance.

Rod Stewart - It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook Rod Stewart covers hits from the mid 20th century with ease.

Robbie Williams - Swing When You're Winning A cover album of old-time-crooner classics.

Big Night: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack A great selection of dinner music with an Italian flair.

Tony Bennett Sings for Lovers A great selection of love songs from this classic crooner.

Once you have chosen the music for your dinner background, choose the perfect Cake Cutting song.