Selecting music for what could arguably be the single most important event of your lifetime is never easy. Whether it is a DJ playing popular radio tunes or an organist accompanying the entrance of the bride, most wedding coordinators agree that music can define the entire atmosphere, intimacy and mood for your wedding.

Of course, living in a metropolitan city lends itself well to a large number of Boston area wedding music possibilities. There are so many local bands and DJ services in the Boston area—too many to list here—from which to choose. Read on for some Boston wedding music tips and band/DJ suggestions to help you answer the question: Whom should we hire for music?

Right off the bat, you can narrow your choices by selecting a band or DJ. Then you must factor in your music preferences and how they reflect you as a couple. There are many options. You might consider a symphony at the ceremony, along with a DJ, or a rock, jazz, swing band, and maybe bag pipes, or a combo of each at the reception. What do you like best?

Here is a short list of local Boston wedding bands and DJ’s you may want to consider:

- World Premier Band – One of Boston’s favorites, but pricey, incorporates musicians with endless imaginations seeding music from the 90s and today with funk, dance originals and R & B songs. Check out their schedule at www.worldpremierband.com or call band management at 877-897-2263 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              877-897-2263      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Other Boston musicians and Boston area wedding bands listed include:

- Guilty Pleasures: Motown and soul music.

- Find the Sugarfoot and the Brass Kickin Horns: A funk rock band.

- Airtight: Songs from 40s to today.

- Brandy: Has played at more than 3,000 weddings. Mostly plays cover songs.

- Celebrations: Consists of Boston musicians that have played with such greats as Bruce Springstein and Diana Ross.

- Chicken Slacks: Pure soul music.

The above bands are all listed under Boston Event Works online. For ease of selecting a Boston wedding band or Boston-based DJ, Boston Event Works is a great local resource. Boston Event Works at www.bostoneventworks.com lists an extensive database of wedding entertainment, traveling acts, and college performers in Boston. You can even hear songs played from the band, view their song list, and find their contact information. Boston Event Works will also provide you with a customized list of acts that fit you best. For more information, call Boston Event Works 781-395-1732 or visit them online.

Similarly to Boston Event Works, there is also The Hank Agency, 617-628-0400, www.hankagency.com worth checking out.

Another outstanding New England resource for selecting Boston wedding music is VOWbids out of Worcester, MA. Once you’ve chosen several area musicians, DJ’s or bands, go to www.vowsbids.com where each vendor will compete with a price bid for your business. VOWbids actually saves you a few bucks.

Boston wedding music DJ’s include:

-A Sound Choice DJ Services, 617 909-4700, 5starevents.com.

-5 Star Events DJ, 508 747-4407, abettersound.com.

-DJ Raffi Professional Music Productions, 617-923-9116, draffi.com.

-Anthony Pic Entertainment, 617-913-0707, anthonypic.com

Lastly, whomever you hire, make sure they assist you in creating a song list, and choosing your first dance song and songs for the Mother/Father dances. A few simple personal questions for your Boston band or DJ may help you find the perfect Boston wedding music at a budget price.

See Also:

Fenway Park weddings
Boston weddings

Thinking about a Boston Wedding? Fenway Park offers an incredible atmosphere for the true Red Sox fan.

Typically brides think church, facility room, beach, or backyard as ideal locations for their wedding reception. But if you and your fiancé are die-hard Red Sox’s fans, why not host your uniquely-Boston wedding at Fenway Park?

Sounds fun right? This legendary ballpark, which has essentially remained the same since it’s opening on April 20, 1912, is well suited for much more than baseball, including a Fenway Park Wedding. Fenway Park provides exceptional spaces and services to make your Big Day an unforgettable memory.

From its variety of function spaces within the ball field (9 in total) to its 5-star cuisine, Fenway Park is equipped to deliver a first-class Fenway Park Wedding reception for up to 5,000 guests.

Some Fenway Park Wedding venues to consider include:

The EMC Club – Offers luxurious seating, an open kitchen, and a sweeping view of the field high above home plate.

The State Street Pavilion – Casual atmosphere surrounded by Red Sox history.

Budweiser Right Field Roof Deck – A spectacular view of the city’s skyline, overlooking the retired numbers of Red Sox Greats in right field.

Luxury Suites – Private luxury accommodations with full vista of playing field.

The ball field offers plenty of fixed package rates to make planning your Fenway Park Wedding an once-in-a-lifetime event.

From your engagement party, Jack & Jill bridal shower, bachelor/bachelorette party to your rehearsal dinner, Fenway Park’s wedding professionals are extremely welcoming and can assist you in planning the perfect Fenway Park Wedding.

Fenway Park Wedding services include:

• Customized 5-star menus
• Reserved and valet parking
• Wireless Internet access
• Professional audio/visual capabilities
• Dance floors and music equipment
• Floral services
• Coat check

Additional Fenway Park Wedding services include:

• Private Tour of Ballpark
• Greeting on Center Field Video Board
• Visit from Wally, the Green Monster
• Red Sox souvenirs

Another idea for your rehearsal dinner or Fenway Park Wedding is to offer quests a Fenway Park Tour. Treat everyone in town to the Fenway Park experience. The standard tour route includes stops at the Budweiser Right Field Roof Deck, The State Street Pavilion, The Green Monster Seats and The Left Field Grandstand seats. The tour lasts one hour and includes the rich history of the ballpark and team. Sometimes tour allows warning track access.

So, why not host your reception at Fenway Park? It’s distinctive, entertaining and trouble-free with tons of both luxury and midscale hotels close by.

Experience a venue where sports and bridal beauty collide with a Fenway Park Wedding.

By Camille Heidebrecht

Saying “I Do” at Your Boston Wedding

Now I, myself, did not get married in Beantown; however, after living here for more than ten years and working at Boston Weddings some time ago, I have gained an incredible amount of knowledge about the bridal industry in Boston. I’m certainly not an expert, but if prompted, I can dole out an extensive list of vendors that I think are top notch.

Discerning Metro brides are lucky to have an abundance of exclusive wedding vendors right in their backyard. Here are a few of Boston’s best, that I personally recommend, to create the Boston wedding of your dreams.

The Dress

I don’t know about you, but for me, shopping for the dress was the single most exciting experience to kick off my planning. And as a savvy bargain shopper, had I gotten married in Boston, I would have headed straight to VOWS Bridal Outlet in Newton.

Voted Best of Boston® year after year for Affordable Wedding Gowns, this legendary Boston bridal salon carries the crème de le crème in designer gowns—for less. Because they purchase designer overstocks and samples, Boston brides who dream of walking down the aisle wearing Amsale, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, or Melissa Sweet can find a scene-stealing designer gown at an absurdly low price (up to 50-80% off retail).

Plus, VOWS Bridal Outlet’s has a reputation for excellent customer service. VOWS allows Boston brides to browse their inventory, take photos of gowns considering, and even has a Gown Locator Service to find the exact dress you want.

334 Watertown Street, Newton, ?617-332-7870 or 1-866-THE-GOWN

Website: www.bridepower.com

The Venue

There are plenty of gem locations to host your Boston wedding, but maybe none that can top the view and urban feel of The State Room. Located atop Sixty State Street, The State Room offers Boston Brides and their guest’s breathtaking views of the harbor and city in an upscale modern setting. Plus, it is the only independently owned special event venue that can accommodate more than 850 guests in downtown Boston.

60 State Street, Boston 617-723-1668

Website: www.longwoodevents.com

The Food

When in need of catering for your Boston Wedding, look no further than The Catered Affair. From elegant wedding suppers to extravagant wedding weekends, The Catered Affair delivers an extraordinary event that could only be yours. Imagination meets perfection when it comes to the food, the setting, the decorations, the linens and china, and of course the service. Everything has to be flawless: from the highest quality, locally grown, organic ingredients to the innovative event design. They are Boston’s premier caterers and event designers.

70 Reservoir Park Drive, Hingham 781-982-9333

Website: http://www.thecateredaffair

Photography

With his upscale taste and knack for shooting every aspect of your gown, shoes, ceremony and all, Brian Phillips Photography is known to capture the details that matter most. If you’re looking for a Boston wedding photographer, Brian Phillips Photography should be on your short list. Once you visit his site, you will hire him.

Boston, 617-821-1084

Website: www.BrianPhillipsPhoto.com

The Flowers

With sixty years in floral design and seven Greater Boston locations, Winston Flowers is THE BEST. Each Boston bride enjoys close personal attention when selecting contemporary, fresh arrangements that are truly one-of-a-kind for their Big Day.

160 Southampton Street Boston 617-541-1100

Website: www.winstonflowers.com

The Cake

If you want to be sure your guests pay attention to the cake, splurge on Party Favors. With 10 types of batters and plenty of delicious, moist filling options, there is a reason they win Best of Boston® year after year. Their cakes are as presentable as irresistible.

356 Beacon St, Brookline 617-566-3330

Website: www.partyfavorsbrookline.com

The Music

Band or DJ? I vote for LIVE music with World Premier Band. Based in Malden, this legendary Boston band frequents Foxwoods and Vegas, but adds plenty of Boston Weddings to their performance plate. With excellent musicality and stage presence, they will definitely get some boodies on the dance floor. 1-800-540-8157

Website: www.worldpremierband.com

Let the party begin with these expert Boston wedding vendors. Happy planning.

Give a Nod to Beantown, the City You Love!

There are so many good reasons to host your wedding celebration in Boston, Massachusetts. Maybe you or your fiancé grew up in the Greater Boston area. Perhaps it was college or a job that brought you to town. Or it could be that Boston is the city where you fell in love. Whatever your reason for choosing to celebrate your nuptials in Boston, there are countless ways to give your special day a unique Bostonian flavor. Here are a few local favorites:

“Save the Date” Postcard:

For the recently engaged, “When is the wedding?” and “Where are you getting married?” are perhaps the two most-asked questions. Answer both with one retro-styled Boston “Save the Date” postcard. Most wedding planners recommend that you mail your “Save the Date” cards approximately 6 to 8 months before the wedding date. Out-of-towners and locals alike will love these touristy cards, which can be custom printed with all of your wedding details. A quantity of 150 will run you about $200. The cards are available from Quantity Papers, online at www.qpfans.com

Local Designer Wedding Dress Mecca

Sure, the fabled “Running of the Brides” is a funny Boston tradition, but if you’re serious about finding a designer wedding gown at a significant discount, there’s a much saner, more dignified place to shop year-round: VOWS in Newton, MA.This gem of a local bridal boutique boasts an ever-changing selection of vows-bridal-outlet high-end designer bridal gowns at 50% to 75% off retail prices. The well-informed and accommodating staff will work one-on-one with you to find the perfect gown. Weekday visits are by appointment only, ensuring each bride a calm, unpressured personal shopping experience. Though locally based, VOWS has garnered an international reputation for beautiful designer gowns at exceptionally low prices through its website www.bridepower.com

Catering to New England Flavor

There are countless ways to add a Boston or New England flavor to your wedding day menu. One of the best ways is to use locally grown produce and fresh, seasonal ingredients says Ariadne Clifton, owner of a lobsterself-named catering business based in Cambridge, Massachusetts www.ariadneclifton.com Ariadne is a staunch proponent of cooking healthy seasonal foods for herself and for her clients. For her, Boston food clichés like baked beans or cream pie are not an option. “I am not a native New Englander,” explains Clifton, “so I tend not to think in terms of lobster and clam chowder.”

Lobster did come to mind when I approached Andrew Stefanick, a professionally-trained chef who attended school in New England. His first thought for a Boston-themed appetizer was “a bibb salad or a mound of scallop mousse, topped with lobster.” Other gourmets suggested incorporating characteristically New England ingredients such as cranberries, apples or maple syrup into a special wedding meal, in order to give the menu a unique regional flavor.

Boston Takes the Cake!

Many couples choose whimsical cake toppers to make a statement about their relationship, and Bostonians are no exception. Lovers of Beantown have used toppers paid homage to everything from sports teams to alma maters to Boston city landmarks. Local cake companies are often called on to design an entire cake around a Boston theme. The Red Sox themed cake pictured here was a grand-slam hit at the wedding celebration of a couple of Sox fans.

This Swan Boat cake was designed for a couple wishing to celebrate the springtime splendor of The Public Gardens. Both this cake and the Red Sox cake were created by Ellen Bartlett, designer and chef owner of Cakes to Remember in Brookline, MA. Ellen established her business in 1988 with the goal of creating sumptuous cakes that capture the unique personality of each of her clients. For more information about Cakes to Remember, visit the website www.cakestoremember.biz.

Wedding Photos in Boston

The popular local website www.boston.com recently asked readers to submit their favorite venues for wedding pictures in the city. The Public Garden received the most nominations, especially for spring and summer seasons. History buffs recommended taking photos by the Massachusetts State House, the Old City Hall on School Street, and Dorchester Heights in South Boston. The site of the Fortification of Dorchester Heights boasts stunning skyline views in addition to its historic architecture. Fan Pier also showcases the city skyline, along with beautiful harbor views. Afficionados of a water view can’t go wrong on any of the city’s harborfront esplanades or piers, including Long Wharf on Boston Harbor and Piers Park in East Boston.

Songs about Boston

An informal poll of friends who hail from Boston made one thing clear about the party music of Beantown: no Red Sox fan’s celebration playlist is complete without a couple of Fenway Park standards: “Dirty Water,” by the Standells and “Tessie,” by the Dropkick Murphys. If you’re looking for more sentimental selections, consider “Please Come to Boston” by Dave Loggins or the Bee Gees’ “Massachusetts.” Movie buffs might add “Yours Forever,” by John Mellencamp (theme from the movie “The Perfect Storm”) and fans of classic TV will definitely “think Boston” when they hear Gary Portnoy’s “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” (theme song of the hit sitcom “Cheers”). For a more complete list, go to Wikipedia.org and type in “List of Songs about Boston.”

Boston Party Favors

Favors at showers, rehearsal dinners and weddings are a popular way to recognize guests and thank them for participating in your special event. Many couples also place gift bags in hotel rooms to welcome out-of-town guests. There are many ways to send your guests home with a souvenir from the city you love. At the Massachusetts Bay Trading Co., you can put together your own “sweet tooth” gift bag filled with gummi lobsters, Boston Baked Beans candy, Boston Harbour Tea, or other Boston-themed confections. For the out-of-towners, a useful keepsake might be a Boston area map or a book about the Boston Freedom Trail. You can find these items and dozens more at www.massbaytrading.com. Many items on the site are labeled “Made in Massachusetts” – a great way to support the local economy as well.

The challenge for any wedding photographer is to not only capture the scripted moments, but to even more importantly capture the unscripted moments—the candids that tell your bridal story from start to finish. You want each image in your album to be timeless and artistic, as well as showcase your wedding emotions in every picture. To get the photographs you dream of, be sure to employ a photographer or team of professionals that seem easy to work with at first meeting. Of course for brides in and around Boston, there are a plethora of excellent photographers who can definitely preserve your Big Day.

Brian Phillips Photography

Awarded Boston Magazine’s Best of Boston® 2008

Awarded Boston’s Best, Improper Bostonian 2009

Not only a prominent photographer in Boston, Brian Phillips is deemed one of the best photographers in the country. A romantic himself, Brian Phillips loves to shoot weddings. He proclaims that he is drawn to seeing beauty over and over again, and embraces each moment in time—weddings after all are happy occasions. He strongly encourages couple’s to shoot an engagement session with him to get a better idea of his style before booking the wedding. Brian Phillips likes to take a lot of close-ups of the small pretty details like the flowers, dress, shoes, table setting, champagne glasses, hairdo, and even the bride’s makeup ensemble. Brian Phillips has traveled as far as Venezuela with his brides to film destination weddings, too. Another plus, Brian Phillips readily keeps up with the bridal trends. Each spring and fall, he’s invited to shoot many of New York’s couture designers on the runway or in their personal showrooms, which he then features on his site. You can visit Brian Phillips Photography in Boston, online at www.brianphillipsphoto.com or by calling 617-821-1084.

Genevieve de Manio

Since starting her own photography business in 1997, Genevieve de Manio has quickly become one of Boston’s preeminent wedding photographers. With a unique photojournalistic style in which she shoots more candids than controlled, posed shots, Genevieve de Manio has appeared in such publications as Boston Wedding’s, Modern Bride, Grace Ormonde’s Wedding Style, and in the book Vera Wang on Wedding Style. Genevieve de Manio’s studio is located at 44 Canterbury Court in Carlisle. For appointments call 617-524-1988 or go to www.demaniophotography.com.

Glenn Livermore Photography

Glenn Livermore has been photographing weddings for 10 years with more than 600 weddings under his belt. Unique, creative, and professional, Glenn Livermore is known to create images that tell your complete wedding day story, encapsulating each memorable moment as it occurs. Glenn Livermore always brings an accompanying photographer to capture two points of view in both black and white and color. His approach to photography is to work in a comfortable, relaxed manner, so you can enjoy your wedding. To give you an idea of pricing, Glenn Livermore Photography charges approximately $3,000 for 5 hours with a team of accomplished photographers. Glenn Livermore Photography is located in Newburyport. Call 978-462-1686 or visit his site at www.glennlivermore.com.

Porter Gifford Photography

Porter Gifford Photography has studios in both New York and Boston. With an extremely rich portfolio of both commercial and wedding photography, Porter Gifford has taken pictures across the country, and across the world for that matter. His resume includes photography sessions in tons of states, cities, and countries from Detroit to Dallas; Paris to Madrid; and Africa to Russia, to name a few. Porter Gifford Photography is more than qualified to celebrate your wedding with a series of candid images of you and your groom, as well as the “typicals” . . . wedding attendants, cutting of the cake, family and friends, ceremony, and reception. You can find Porter Gifford Photography at 15 Coolidge Hill Road in Cambridge. Call 617-488-9999 or view his style at www.portergifford.com.

William Tangorra Photography

William Tangorra is another top Boston wedding photographer. Capturing the important details of his own life led William Tangorra to a career in photography to capture other people’s special moments. He actually holds a B.A in graphic design, which contributes to the aesthetic and technical expertise essential to today’s world of professional photography. William Tangorra’s goal is to help couples showcase their Big Day in an artful way through gorgeous, captivating photos. 2009 wedding coverage begins at $2,500. Please contact William Tangorra for a personal consultation by calling 617-251-9507 or booking online at www.williamtangorra.com.

Whether you hire Brian Phillips Photography, Genevieve de Manio Photography, Glenn Livermore Photography, Porter Gifford Photography or William Tangorra Photography, you can’t go wrong. Each of these first-rate photographers will make you smile every time you open your album.

If you want expert advice or simply don’t have time to plan your wedding, look to these reputable wedding planners in and around Boston. After all, you will only be a bride once—and the event must be memorable.

Rafenelli Events

Rafanelli Events works with each bride to make her wedding day vision, a true reality. Founded 12 years ago, this forward-thinking event company is definitely one of Boston’s best. Rafanelli Events is known to perfect every little detail for its brides. Their dedicated professional team continually reminds brides that they are the “ultimate theme”—and should always “be in the moment” on the day of their nuptials. Their event execution is so flawless, the bride and groom’s only job is to “enjoy,” while Rafanelli takes care of all of the rest. Rafanelli Events has one goal in mind: To create a magical reception that is so spectacular that your guest will never want to leave. Rafanelli Events is located at 142 Berkeley Street in Boston. For more information call 617-357-1818 or visit www.rafanellievents.com.

The Boston Wedding Group

Another local great is the Boston Wedding Group. What sets them apart? The Boston Wedding Group employs more than 60 wedding professionals that strive to make wedding planning simple, easy and enjoyable for its brides. The Boston Wedding Group only works with an elite list of vendors, who have not only passed a rigorous application process, but have also consented to the Boston Wedding Group’s Code of Ethics. In addition, they schedule frequent meetings with their vendors to keep up to date on trends in the industry. To plan your Boston wedding with the Boston Wedding Group, call 978-210-2136 or visit www.bostonweddinggroup.com.

Gracious Events

From a winter wedding at a stunning waterfront hotel in Boston, to a summer affair at the Vineyard, Gracious Events incorporates warmth and elegance into every detail of your wedding, to make it a once in a lifetime celebration. All of Gracious Events’ weddings convey a certain amount of high-end sophistication partnered with modern flair. In addition, Gracious Events reminds each bride that her reception doesn’t have to cost a small fortune, especially in today’s economy. Right now, weddings are all about paying attention to the “pretty extras” that make your day truly unique. Gracious Events uses details that are timeless and elegant, but also effortless and affordable. You can find Gracious Events at 22 Hale Street in Newburyport. Call 617-312-3721 or go online to www.graciousevents.com to book a consultation.

If you want the best experts in town, don’t wait to consult about your wedding with Rafanelli Events, the Boston Wedding Group, or Gracious Events.

If you are a contemporary bride-to-be that exudes chic downtown city style, there are plenty of exclusive bridal boutiques, which carry the crème de la crème of designer wedding gowns right here in Boston.

Just stroll down Newbury Street, touted as one of the most expensive streets in the world, and peruse the couture gowns at L’élite. a high-end bridal boutique located at 276 Newbury. Known for featuring racks and racks of elegant dresses from famed fashion darlings such as Elie Saab, Reem Acra, Ann Barge, Manuel Mota, and Carolina Herrera, L’élite remains a true front-runner on the Boston wedding scene. In addition to exquisite gowns, L’élite offers on-site tailoring and gown preservation services along with modern- day wedding shoes, jewelry, headpieces, and tiaras. L’éite is definitely worth a stop.

L’élite resides at 276 Newbury Street in Boston. Visit L’élite online at www.lelite.com or call, 617-424-1010.

If you reside just north of the city, Cristina’s Bridal in Andover is also known for its amazing repertoire of high-end designer gowns. From the minute you walk through the door at Chritina’s, you’ll want “to have and to hold” a breathtaking dress from bridal greats like Lazaro, Amsale, Jim Hjelm, and Jenny Lee. Christina’s also carries beautiful dresses for attendants and Mothers’ of the bride and groom, as well as features an extensive collection of veils, headpieces, and shoes to complete your fresh from the runway look. While there, don’t forget to check out Cristina’s sale section first, to score an even better buy for your “Big Day.”

Cristina’s Bridal is located at10-12 Main Street in Andover. For more information, go to www.cristinasbridal.com or call 978-470-3956.

For a completely customized gown that truly represents your personality and style, make an appointment at Sabella Couture by Maria Spyridopoulos. With unprecedented attention to detail, every gown made by Maria is custom cut, custom fitted, and sometimes custom-reworked to suit each bride’s vision. For the more traditional dress shopping experience, Sabella Couture also offers an original line of gowns that can be ordered in any size.

Sabella Couture is located at 51 Tremont Street, Suite 3A in Boston. For an appointment call 617-426-8686 or visit www.sabellacouture.com.

If you want to get your hands on a designer dress at a not-so-designer price, head to VOWS Bridal Outlet in Newton. Voted “Best of Boston®” year after year, brides from around the world enjoy enormous savings (50-80% off) on samples and overstocks from New York’s top designers including, Vera Wang, Melissa Sweet, and Monique Lhuillier to name a few. This legendary bridal salon also has a legendary web site, Bridepower.com. Named “Best Wedding Site For Wedding Gowns” by InStyle Weddings in 2007, view VOWS’ entire inventory, especially its Mega Markdowns section for your dream designer dress. Plus, peruse VOWS’ exclusive line of couture gowns, Liv Harris Designs—or use the site’s Gown Locator Service to help you find a specific designer sample Bridepower does not carry.

VOWS Bridal Outlet is located at 130 Galen Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Call 1.866.THEGOWN or www.Bridepower.com for appointments.