Your all-important I dos need an incredible soundtrack. The right music adds drama, enhances emotion, and keeps things moving. Typically, a wedding playlist will include a prelude (played as guests arrive), processional (for your grand entrance), interlude (to punctuate important moments), recessional (played as everyone files out), and the postlude (upbeat music that provides the transition to cocktails). These tips will help keep guests’ toes tapping in all the right places.

Nobody said ceremony tunes have to be stodgy instrumentals of songs you barely know. You’re not a “Here Comes the Bride” bride? Though a processional typically consists of dramatic pieces or a march, it can really be any song that suits you and your sweetie. Think movie theme songs, ethnic selections, jazz favorites…perhaps a ditty that drops the bride’s name. The more personal you make it, the more of an impact your trip down the aisle will have for you and your guests. At a loss? Take a cue from your site’s decor. If it’s a high-ceilinged chapel, organ music might be perfect, whereas a violin soloist or string quartet fits nicely with a garden wedding.

So you’ve dreamed of slinking down the aisle to the theme song to the Titanic ever since you can remember? Sounds just fab to us. But make sure you clear it with your officiant first. Why? Depending on where you’re saying your I dos -- or who’s officiating -- there might be some restrictions on the type of music that’s played. Some Catholic priests, for instance, don’t allow any secular songs at all. If there are issues that arise, explain your dilemma to the officiant -- he or she may be able to recommend an acceptable alternative.

There are few things as awkward as having guests arrive at your ceremony to dead air...it totally kills the mood. The music should start the moment the doors open (about 20 minutes before the ceremony is set to begin) and play as guests find their seats and check out the room. But keep in mind things like traffic, chronically late pals, and other potential delays -- even things on your end like an MIA glove or (gasp!) broken heel can hold things up. So it’s a good idea to plan for at least 45 minutes of music.

It’s time to face the music if you haven’t already -- the cost of professional musicians, especially in big cities, can be staggering. But if you’ve got your hearts set on a chamber ensemble to herald your entrance, find out if there’s a reputable music school nearby. Students often perform at a fraction of the cost. Also, some musicians offer a price break if you hire them to play during cocktails and band breaks too. If your budget’s already stretched to the max, and you just can’t afford the cost of live music at all, consider high-quality recordings of your chosen tunes. Check with your site and make sure there’s a sound system in place that you can use.

Meaning, get everything in writing. We can’t stress this enough -- for all of your wedding vendors. Some things to consider putting in the contract: the exact date and time the musicians need to be there, who’s supplying the props (chairs, music stands, etc.), attire instructions (if they need to be in tuxes, note it here), songs to be played (and a list of what to play when), songs never to be played, regular and overtime rates, cancellation policy, and the specifics of any verbal agreement you’ve made.

Outdoor wedding? Keep your ceremony musicians covered in case of even the slightest drizzle, which can damage the sound of violins, flutes, and harps, not to mention tick off your musicians big-time. If there’s a gazebo, stash them in there, or plan to pitch a tent or awning. Ceremony’s in a public park? Check with the site manager about possible noise restrictions -- and ask about available outlets if you’re going with anything electric, like guitars or mikes.