Creating the Soundtrack to Your Wedding Day
Every wedding has a soundtrack — a collection of melodies and moments that weave together to tell your story. From the first notes of your ceremony to the relaxed hum of your drinks reception and the gentle background music during dinner, each part of your day deserves to sound as beautiful as it feels.
At JAM Duo, we’ve performed at hundreds of weddings across the UK, from historic castles and luxury hotels to rustic barns and garden marquees. With Anne-Marie on cello and Jules on piano, our live performances add warmth, emotion, and elegance to every stage of the celebration.
This three-part Wedding Music Guide Series has been created to help you plan your perfect wedding soundtrack — with expert advice, inspiration, and a glimpse into how JAM Duo can make each moment truly unforgettable.
Why Live Music Matters
Live music brings your wedding to life in a way that recorded playlists never can. Every note, every pause, every crescendo is tailored to the mood of the moment.
When you walk down the aisle, the timing is exact; when guests are laughing during your drinks reception, the rhythm subtly lifts; and during dinner, the music flows naturally with conversation and the clink of glasses.
Our cello and piano combination is ideal for this — romantic, adaptable, and full of character. The piano adds sparkle and rhythm, while the cello brings depth and soul. Together, they create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and personal.
Part One: How to Choose Your Wedding Ceremony Music
Your ceremony is the emotional heart of your wedding day — and the music you choose for it will stay with you forever.
In the first guide of our series, we explore how to select music for each key part of the ceremony:
- Pre-Ceremony Music: setting the tone as guests arrive.
- Processional: the moment you walk down the aisle.
- Signing of the Register: reflective, romantic pieces.
- Recessional: joyful and celebratory as you walk out as newlyweds.
We also share our top recommendations, from timeless classics like Canon in D to modern favourites such as Lover by Taylor Swift or A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.
Because we perform live, every piece is perfectly timed to your steps, ensuring your entrance and exit flow seamlessly. The article also discusses how we create custom arrangements and blends — making your ceremony soundtrack truly unique.
🎵 Read the full guide: How to Choose Your Wedding Ceremony Music ›
Part Two: Creating the Perfect Atmosphere: Music for Your Drinks Reception
Once the ceremony is complete and the confetti has flown, it’s time to celebrate! The drinks reception is where the energy begins to rise — laughter, photographs, and the first toasts of the day.
In this second post, we explain how music can subtly transform this part of the day. It’s not about volume or performance — it’s about atmosphere. A carefully chosen set of live songs adds flow and continuity, keeping your guests entertained while you enjoy photos and mingle.
We share ideas for every type of setting:
- Outdoor garden receptions with light acoustic pop and sunshine melodies.
- Indoor lounges and hotel bars filled with smooth jazz and romantic covers.
- Rustic barns and courtyards enhanced by modern classics and Bridgerton-style instrumentals.
Our cello and piano sound suits every environment — refined enough for elegance, yet relaxed enough for fun. The guide also covers how we handle logistics such as outdoor power, volume control, and smooth transitions between ceremony and drinks.
🥂 Read the full guide: Creating the Perfect Atmosphere: Music for Your Drinks Reception ›
Part Three: Setting the Mood: Music for Your Wedding Breakfast
As guests take their seats and glasses are raised, music becomes the quiet companion to your first meal as a married couple.
The third post in our series explores how to choose the right background music for your wedding breakfast — elegant, romantic, and never intrusive. We discuss pacing, flow, and how to shape the musical energy throughout the meal:
- Gentle, welcoming pieces as guests are seated.
- Mid-tempo favourites during the main course.
- Romantic melodies and subtle crescendos as desserts are served.
From Your Song and Perfect to cinematic pieces like Glasgow Love Theme, we show how live cello and piano music brings class and continuity to your day. We also share real examples from JAM Duo weddings at venues such as The Grand in Southport, Dunston Hall in Norwich, and Balbirnie House in Scotland.
🍽 Read the full guide: Setting the Mood: Music for Your Wedding Breakfast ›
One Duo, One Seamless Sound
Many couples book JAM Duo for all three parts of their day — ceremony, drinks, and meal. This creates a seamless flow of live music that ties the entire celebration together.
You don’t need to worry about managing multiple suppliers or setups. We handle everything — relocating discreetly between spaces, timing transitions perfectly, and keeping the music continuous throughout.
Our portable power system means we can perform anywhere (even outdoors), and our professional sound setup ensures the music always feels balanced and natural.
Whether your day takes place in a castle courtyard, a luxury hotel ballroom, or a countryside barn, JAM Duo adapt beautifully to the setting — in both sound and style.
Planning Your Wedding Music: A Few Final Tips
- Start early. Music planning is best done once your ceremony format and timeline are confirmed.
- Reflect your personality. Choose songs that mean something to you — not just what’s “expected.”
- Think about pacing. The energy of your day should gradually build from romantic to celebratory.
- Coordinate with your venue. Check sound and power options early; we’re happy to liaise with them directly.
- Keep it live. The flexibility of live performance ensures every moment feels personal and perfectly timed.
The Soundtrack to Your Love Story
Your wedding music isn’t just background — it’s part of the story you’ll remember forever. Each piece marks a moment: the anticipation before your vows, the laughter of friends over champagne, the quiet joy of your first meal together.
At JAM Duo, our passion is creating those memories through sound — elegant, timeless, and completely live. From the first note to the last, we’ll make sure your wedding day sounds every bit as magical as it feels.
✨ JAM Duo – Piano and Cello Wedding Musicians
Beautiful live music for ceremonies, drinks receptions and wedding breakfasts across the UK.
🎶 Always live – never backing tracks
💍 Soundtracking memories that last forever
📍 Covering England, Scotland and Wales
