From the chuppah processional to the hora — how to plan your Jewish wedding music and find the right band.
Music is the heartbeat of a Jewish wedding. From the emotional processional under the chuppah to the wild dancing of the hora, music sets the tone for every moment of your celebration. Here is how to plan it right.
Music during the ceremony should be beautiful and meaningful without overpowering the ceremony itself. Popular choices include:
Light background music that allows guests to mingle and converse. A string quartet, acoustic guitar or light jazz trio works beautifully here. This is also a great time for Yiddish or Israeli folk songs played softly in the background.
The hora is the centerpiece of Jewish wedding dancing. Traditionally danced to Hava Nagila, the hora involves guests holding hands and dancing in a circle while the couple is lifted on chairs. It is joyful, energetic and non-negotiable at most Jewish weddings.
At Orthodox weddings, men and women dance separately. Your band or DJ should be experienced with mechitza setups and know how to keep both sides energized simultaneously.
A live band brings energy, improvisation and a special atmosphere that recordings cannot replicate. Jewish wedding bands typically include a vocalist, keyboard, drums, bass and sometimes horns. They can play everything from traditional Chassidic niggunim to current pop hits.
A good DJ can offer a wider range of music, is generally less expensive than a live band and takes up less space. Make sure your DJ has experience with Jewish weddings and understands the flow of the event.
Tip: Ask your band or DJ for a reference list from Jewish weddings they have played. An experienced Jewish wedding musician makes all the difference.
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