I’m biased, of course, but my answer: live jazz music! There’s nothing cooler than listening to the sharp sounds of a jazz trio as you sip on a glass of champagne. Jazz is perfect for an elegant, sophisticated wedding. It’s brilliant for a grand hotel or country house wedding reception, bringing an element of tradition yet without feeling too formal.

Here are all the brilliant ways you can use jazz music for a truly sophisticated wedding:

Live jazz music for your wedding ceremony

There are plenty of timeless, romantic jazz songs which are ideal for a wedding ceremony.

Love is Here to Stay by George Gershwin is a brilliant example. It featured in the classic rom-com When Harry Met Sally. You won’t find many lyrics more fitting for a wedding ceremony than these:

It’s very clear, our love is here to stay
Not for a year, but, ever and a day

A jazz duo of guitar and singer is a great jazz line-up for a wedding ceremony. It creates an intimate feel, which is just what you want as you say your vows. Live music will draw your guests in, connecting them to the moment.

I love this track recorded by one of my jazz duos: I Can’t Give You Anything but Love. It’s quirky and upbeat, but its lyrics are heartfelt.

Jazz trio for your drinks reception

The drinks reception is the moment you want people to start relaxing into the day. It can be a busy time for you as the newly-married couple. You’ll need to make sure your guests are entertained!

If you want an atmosphere that is classy and elegant but not too formal, choose a jazz ensemble for background music. The layout of your venue and the number of guests you’re having will determine how big the ensemble should be. If you have plenty of space, you have the opportunity to create a big impact with four or five musicians. Typically though, a jazz trio is the ideal size for a drinks reception with around 80-100 guests.

A jazz trio consists of either piano, keyboard or guitar, plus double bass and one other instrument. If you want a rhythmic, lively sound, the third instrument can be drums. You might include a vocalist if you enjoy hearing the lyrics of your favourite jazz standards. It could also be a melody instrument, like saxophone, trumpet or trombone. Each has its strengths and will suit different venues.

I love this line up of keyboard, saxophone and double bass. A keyboard brings versatility as the volume is easy to adjust. It’s an excellent option for a venue that doesn’t have its own piano.

Jazz piano background music during your wedding breakfast

If your venue does have a piano, this is a must! You can use the piano for other parts of the day too, but it works brilliantly as a gentle, stylish backdrop to your wedding breakfast. My jazz pianists are also incredibly versatile. Whatever atmosphere you want to create, they can do it, whether that’s dark and moody, soft and calming, or bright and energetic.

Here are two examples from the same pianist. You can hear the difference in tone, from the melancholic Bésame Mucho (translation: Kiss Me Lots! It sounds more romantic in Spanish, doesn’t it?!) to a showy performance of Sing, Sing, Sing. Just tell your pianist what mood you want to evoke; they’ll make it happen through fantastic live music.

Classy jazz band for the evening entertainment

If you want your guests to dance and party all night long, then you might choose a jazz or swing function band. This isn’t something on offer through Tailor Made Music Agency, but I can help point you in the right direction if you’re a client.

I can offer something for those of you who want a more laid-back affair for their evening reception. Perhaps dancing’s not your thing? You might prefer for all your guests to chat, drink cocktails, or play a few games? Create the vibe of a lounge or jazz bar like Ronnie Scott’s, for the ultimate sophisticated evening. That's where my jazz artists come into their own!

As with the background music options I’ve given above, you can go big or small. It will depend on your venue’s size, the number of guests, and the vibe you want to create. You could stick to a solo or duo act for an intimate feel. Or you could even have a full big band! Here’s something in the middle: a fun, lively jazz quartet featuring solo trombone and guitar.

Whichever part of the day you choose to have live jazz music, it’s sure to be sophisticated and stylish!

Check out my Jazz page for more detail about booking jazz musicians for your wedding!