How to Choose the Perfect Music for Your Event (Without Losing Your Mind)— A Guide from The Bossard Quartet
Choosing music for your event can feel like picking the right outfit for a first date: it needs to impress, but not overshadow; to set the mood, but not scream “look at me!” It’s a balancing act, but don’t worry—here at The Bossard Quartet, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate shindig, or a posh birthday party, we’ve seen it all (and heard it all). So let’s dive into how you can choose the right music without tearing your hair out. (Trust us, no one wants stressed-out selfies on their big day.)
1. Match the Music to the Event (No, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' Isn't Ideal for a Business Meeting)
Every event has its own personality, so your music needs to match that vibe. You wouldn’t play ‘The Macarena’ at a funeral, and while we all love a good Queen anthem, your quarterly business review might not be the best place to belt out ‘We Will Rock You’ (though, to be fair, it could boost productivity).
Weddings: This is where emotions run high, and so should the music. Classical pieces like Canon in D are always safe bets for walking down the aisle. If you're feeling adventurous, mix it up—some of our favourite wedding moments have been walking down the aisle to film soundtracks or even acoustic versions of pop songs. (Pro tip: the Harry Potter theme tune will make everyone cry… in a good way.)
Corporate Events: Keep it classy and professional. Classical music or light jazz can set a sophisticated mood. You want people to network, not get caught up in a karaoke competition. (Although, let’s be honest, we’d win that too.)
Private Parties: Here’s your chance to be a bit more creative. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just an excuse to throw a great party, the music can range from nostalgic classics to modern hits. We’ve done everything from The Beatles to Ed Sheeran to the odd surprise Beyoncé number (yes, on strings—it works, trust us).
2. Read the Room (Your Nan Might Not Be Into Metallica)
You might love heavy metal, but if you’ve got Aunt Mildred and Grandma Jean in the audience, they might not appreciate headbanging to Enter Sandman. Think about who’s attending. For a mixed crowd, a balanced playlist is key.
At The Bossard Quartet, we love tailoring our performances to suit all ages. We’ve played Mozart and we’ve played Coldplay—it’s all about reading the room. Don’t be afraid to mix up classical favourites with modern tunes. After all, it’s not every day you hear Sweet Child O’ Mine played on a string quartet (but wow, does it sound good).
3. Consider the Venue (Not All Spaces Are Created Equal)
Ah, the venue. Is it a grand cathedral with acoustics that make you sound like you’re performing at the Royal Albert Hall, or a quirky barn that comes with its very own resident owl (yes, we’ve had this happen)? The space can dictate a lot about your music choice.
Large venues can handle big, resonant pieces, while more intimate settings might benefit from lighter, more personal selections. If you’re outdoors, consider how the music will carry—there’s nothing worse than planning a perfect piece, only for it to be drowned out by a passing tractor (yes, we’ve had that happen too).
For an outdoor wedding, for instance, we might suggest bright and lively pieces that will carry across the breeze. For a formal indoor ceremony, rich classical pieces are the way to go—no need to drown out the venue’s natural beauty with anything too overpowering.
4. Pick Tunes That Tug on the Heartstrings
Music is a direct line to the emotions—whether you want your guests teary-eyed with nostalgia or dancing with joy. You can set the mood for different moments of your event. (Side note: We don’t recommend a full-on sobfest for the entire reception; let’s save some tears for the speeches.)
For example, if you’re planning your wedding, think about key moments—ceremony, first dance, reception. We once had a couple request Can’t Help Falling in Love for their first dance, and honestly, we nearly cried too. (Nearly. We’re professionals.)
5. Make It Personal (Because Who Says You Can't Walk Down the Aisle to The Avengers Theme?)
This is your event, so make it personal! Have a favourite song? A piece that reminds you of a special moment? Incorporate it. Some of the most magical events we’ve played have involved songs that mean something deeply personal to our clients.
One couple asked us to play a custom arrangement of their favourite video game soundtrack. Another had us perform Disney classics to match their fairytale-themed wedding. (There may or may not have been a spontaneous singalong to Let It Go). Personal touches like this make your event uniquely you.
6. Choose Musicians Who Can Handle Anything (Yes, Even That Last-Minute Request)
Finally, you need musicians who are flexible, experienced, and ready to adapt to whatever comes their way—whether that’s a sudden rainstorm or a last-minute request for The Final Countdown.
At The Bossard Quartet, we pride ourselves on being able to roll with the punches. Need us to switch from classical to contemporary? No problem. Want to throw in an unexpected song to surprise your guests? We’ve got you. We’re pros at seamlessly adjusting our playlist to suit the flow of the event—and making it look effortless in the process.
In Conclusion (Or, as We Like to Call It, The Grand Finale)
Choosing the right music for your event doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you're planning an elegant wedding, a stylish corporate event, or a casual family gathering, keep in mind the mood you want to set, the people you're entertaining, and, most importantly, your own personal style.
And if all else fails, just remember: a well-timed string version of Wonderwall never disappoints.
Need help creating the perfect musical backdrop? Contact The Bossard Quartet today, and let’s make your event one to remember! (Owls and tractors not guaranteed.)