Jazz Wedding Music on a Budget

‘If music be the food of love, play on’ – Shakespeare. Create wonderful memories without sacrificing style and inspiration at your wedding. Here are some ideas for including jazz music at your wedding when you’re on a budget.

Play custom CDs
Compile and download your list of favorite jazz songs from a music platform such as iTunes, categorize your songs by wedding category (cocktails at reception, first dances, dinner, etctera) and burn each set to disc. Ask your wedding planner, best man or maid of honor, or other bridal/groom party attendant to play the corresponding CD to the appropriate time. Make sure you have great speakers, and review this with your “DJ”. This person can also be your emcee for the evening.

Singing to Jazz karaoke
iTunes has great karaoke compilations, recorded in professional studios to sound like the real thing. Search and download your favorite jazz songs (type in a keyword(s) with “karaoke” or “instrumental”. Ask a friend or several friends to perform different sets or songs. This is fun! Ask them to audition! You’ll find at least one friend or family member who missed their calling. 

Hire a VJ
A VJ creates video art for large displays or screens for events such as concerts, music festivals or private events often at events such as concerts, nightclubs and music festivals One performer, duet or a small group performs to the video presentation. I’ve seen this done with 1 male lead, 2 female backup singers, performing at club events and private parties. Very entertaining and inexpensive!

Solo musician
A solo musician may be all you need for a beautiful jazz wedding. Someone who performs on keyboard and sings, performs in lounges or clubs usually is a very entertaining emcee, as well. Such performers are very talented with the keyboard, often utilizing other musical instruments at once, creating a full, live sound.

Most played jazz songs at weddings
At Last – Etta James
Fallen – Lauren Wood
Cheek to Cheek – Tierney Sutton
Unforgettable – Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
The Way You Look Tonight – Tony Bennett
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
The Best is Yet to Come – Tony Bennett & Diana Krall
Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
It Had to Be You – Harry Connick, Jr.