Between fun fads and tried-and-true traditions, there are more options than ever for wedding music. While personalized playlists curated by the couple and streamed into the rehearsal, ceremony or reception are both budget-friendly and potentially interactive (think pre-wedding guest requests), New Orleans is a music city filled with people who live for live music, DJs that deliver party vibes and professional musicians trained to create memorable musical moments. With that in mind, we’ve created a guide of the top 10 opportunities to incorporate music into your wedding with a taste of the talented pros here help you get (and stay) into the groove.
Welcome Party
Your guests have arrived and it’s time for a gathering before the more formal festivities kick off. Welcome parties can be anything from a barbecue or crawfish boil to a pool or garden party. It’s usually on the casual side, but you do you. Here are a few bands that can vibe with your theme or just bring a little flavor to the fête. Panorama Jazz Band brings party vibes with its mix of Balkan and Latin America folk music, Jewish klezmer and other brass band music of the world, including New Orleans jazz. (panoramalandnola.com) If you aren’t quite sure what type of band to go with or if you are considering a DJ for your welcome party, working with an agency like BE Collective, which works with a host of local musicians and DJs, can take out the guesswork. (becollective.live) Think outside the band with Trixie Minx Productions for a gathering that could include a burlesque or drag performer, belly dancers or aerial acts and, well, you name it. trixieminx.com
Rehearsal Dinner
Practice makes perfect and the night before your big day is a time not only for a quick run-through of the ceremony, but also a decadent meal with your nearest and dearest. Adding live music to the agenda will bring another layer of detail to the table and set the stage for tomorrow’s main event. A jazz or classical guitar soloist from Magnolia Entertainment is an elegant way to infuse live music without overshadowing dinner conversation. (magnolianola.com) Dinner is instantly elevated and imbued with soul when you book a singer like “New Orleans Songbird” Robin Barnes accompanied by a pianist or guitarist. robinbarnesmusic.com
Pre-Ceremony
Most of us consider music for the ceremony itself, but the pre-ceremony time can be another opportunity to dazzle your loved ones and friends. Imagine an opera singer or violinist roaming up and down the aisle as your guests find their seats. Opera singer, church cantor, teacher and musician, Lauren Gisclair can not only help you select the pre-ceremony and ceremony music for your wedding, but also perform, or book other soloists and musicians. Lauren’s Voice Studio is truly a one-stop shop to set the mood while your guests arrive, the walk down the aisle, musical moments during your I do and as you make your way away from the nuptials with your newly betrothed. laurensvoicestudio.com
Ceremony
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for and only the best, most elegant music will do for your I do. If operatic music isn’t your style, but you are still interested in a traditional take, Nola String Quartet could be the key. (nolaquartet.com) Two violinists, viola and cello meld to bring classical or popular music (think “Bridgerton” vibes) to your nuptials. Another option is to contact the krewe at New Orleans Classical and Jazz. Book jazz, bluegrass, classical string, Cajun and zydeco bands, as well as DJs. neworleansclassicalandjazz.com
Second Line
No New Orleans celebration is complete without a second line parade from the ceremony to the reception (or if both are in the same place, a march around the venue a few times). There is a lot more involved than just picking a brass band and hitting the streets. Enter Frenchmen Street Productions. Let the pros at Frenchmen book your band (as well as a grand marshal and Mardi Gras Indians, if you decide to go all out), work with the police on permitting, route planning and escorts, as well as coordinating on-site the day of the event. frenchmenstreetproductions.com
Cocktail Reception
We’ve got nothing but love for a jazz trio, pianist or any number of choices for entertainment during the cocktail reception, but why not electrify your guests with an electric violin performance? There are several electric violin performers around town, but T-Ray the Violinist always catches our eyes and ears. You’ve likely seen him at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival or one of many local festivals and other public or private events playing everything from classical to pop. His stylings will be unforgettable for you and your guests. traytheviolinist.com
Dining
You can’t go wrong with a big band, playing New Orleans jazz standards and swing music while you and your guests nosh. But have you thought about the impact of an orchestra? Harlequin Chamber Music is composed of full-time orchestral and chamber musicians, most of whom are members of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Classical, jazz standards, classic pop and rock and even show tunes are all on the menu. harlequinchambermusic.com
Dancing
It’s finally time to let your hair down and party. New Orleans has way too many party bands and DJs to fit in one article, so we’ll list just a few to get you started (and refer you again to entities like BE Collective, Magnolia Entertainment and Frenchmen Street Productions, to help you find and book). The Phunky Monkeys, New Orleans Players, Bag of Donuts and The Mixed Nuts are some of New Orleans’ favorites who will keep your friends and family on their feet. Whether you go with a DJ only or a band and a DJ, there are a ton to choose from in New Orleans. If you want someone to spin old-school style with nothing but vinyl however, look no further than DJ Ann Glaviano. Sample her work on the ones and twos before booking and get a date night out of it during Glaviano’s twice-monthly HEATWAVE Dance Party events around town. annglaviano.com
Afterparty
It’s getting late, but you and your friends were born to boogie. Do so until the wee hours without upsetting the neighbors by switching to a silent disco. New Orleans Silent Disco will handle it all for you. Headsets with three channels to pick from, depending on what you want to listen to, offer disco divas a choice of beats while everyone else gets the sweet sounds of silence. Bonus: Spectators will get a laugh out of seeing people dancing to, well, nothing. Or so it seems. neworleanssilentdisco.com
Farewell Brunch
We can’t think of a better sendoff to your guests than chicken and waffles, omelets and oyster or pain perdu and whatever other brunch foods delight accompanied by the sweet sounds of a Gospel choir. The Jamalar Agency can book renowned groups such as the Spirit of New Orleans Gospel Choir and others on their roster. With a Gospel brunch capping off your wedding weekend, your family and friends, you and your new husband or wife will be nourished in body and soul. thejamalaragency.com
