Everyone dances at weddings, not just the social, outgoing types or the crazy uncles. It's one of the most special parts of a wedding, and the experience just can't be recreated at any other social event. Because of this unique opportunity to create community and memories, couples spend a lot of time choosing whether to have a band or a DJ, what music to have for stand-out moments throughout the day and what music to play on the dance floor. It's time to get rolling and put together your memorable wedding soundtrack.

The biggest decision is whether to select a live band or a DJ for the reception. Not only will this drastically affect your bottom line but it will also dictate the feel of the day. A live band will, of course, cost more. Valerie Berrios, writer for the Bridal Guides website, researched wedding music costs, and on average, a DJ costs $100-plus per hour, while live bands often cost $2,000 to $6,000-plus for a four-hour gig. You can always opt for, say, a quartet or a small brass group instead of a full band. But for a wedding of 100 or more attendees, the standard is a six- or seven-piece band, with two lead singers and five instrumentalists.

WeddingWire contributor Alice Prendergast lays out pros and cons for DJs versus live bands. DJs will be able to play the exact versions of those songs you, your spouse and your guests all love, but sometimes the energy can be a bit lacking on the dance floor unless the DJ really works it. Live bands really fill the space, create an exciting atmosphere and hype up the crowds -- but can only play their representations of famous, memorable songs. Additionally, they might be tethered to a certain genre. Prendergast cites that many couples choose a hybrid, with a DJ for the ceremony and a live band for the reception (or vice versa). Whatever you choose, make sure someone else is controlling your playlists. This way you don't have to devote any headspace to what songs will be playing and when.

If you want to go the DJ route, hire a DJ who works with vinyl. Not only will it increase the DJ's performance factor but it will also give the wedding a cool, retro vibe. Plus ... you can't beat the sound of properly spun vinyl.

If you choose a band, work with it ahead of time to select interesting interpretations of popular songs, lay groundwork for crowd interaction, and even include any friends and family members who play an instrument or want to sing. It's your party -- make it just how you want!

Once you've chosen who will be playing music and how , it's time to focus on more micro details: What songs will you pick? In Wedding Ideas Magazine online, Lauren Fraser stresses that special attention should be paid to your playlist so it works in accordance with wedding style, religious preferences, overall theme and mood, but nothing is off-limits as long as it's what you want. Don't be afraid to mix it up, stray from traditional songs or mix genres and moods.

As long as you've spent ample time considering options, rehearsed songs and made sure everything fits, go for it. That being said, here are a few tips for success:

-- Consider volume: Many songs and genres have different ambient noise levels. It's often a good idea to select softer music for the ceremony, avoiding stark volume and tempo changes. Additionally, no matter how much you love certain tracks, if guests can't hear each other during the dinner, no one will have a good time.

-- Select the walk-in song carefully: Fraser recommends picking a song that has meant something to you and your spouse for a long time. Current radio songs can seem hip in the moment but might not have the same staying power. Make sure to select a song that matches the pace you will be walking down the aisle. Lastly, read the lyrics beforehand. Many popular songs feel like they'd make a good choice, but a closer look at the lyrics reveals themes of jealousy, betrayal, sadness or innuendos.

-- Pick a song to walk out to: After a lovely ceremony, the walk-out song can be similarly impactful. Select something that is sweet and reverent but also uplifting to help guests transition into dancing mode.

From the first walk down the aisle to the dance floor to cutting the cake, there are many wedding highlights. Explore what musical talents will hit all the right notes and send you straight into wedding bliss.