subject: How To Select Music For Your Montage [print this page] If you're creating a slide show photo or video montage (or a combination of both), here's a simple guide for choosing the best possible music. From weddings to birthdays to retirement parties, nothing says you care as much as a montage with thoughtfully selected images and music. Read on to learn more.
A slide show or video montage provides that perfect finishing touch to any milestone celebration. From a significant birthday to an anniversary or retirement party, to a wedding or bar/bat mitvah, a montage is something all your guests can enjoy, and it helps guests to learn a bit more about the guest of honor in a beautiful and sentimental way. Choosing appropriate music is an excellent way to tie together your montage for a truly cohesive overall effect.
Consider the Occasion
Your music should be appropriate for the occasion and the people involved. Tasteful selections are always preferred. For weddings and nuptial celebrations, you could search the internet for most popular choices, or you might prefer to select something that has personal and sentimental meaning (for example, the first song you danced to, or a song from your first concert together or first date).
Meaning vs. Popularity
If nothing quite sums up your relationship like "Always and Forever" then go for it. Don't worry about a song being dated or sappy - if it really conveys the meaning you wish to express, then use it. Popular songs come and go, and a song that you choose today may seem downright silly ten (or even five) years from now.
Fit the People
The songs should suit the guest of honor. This shows that you took the time to make the montage special and personalized, by choosing music that is appropriate for the guest(s) of honor. There's nothing to say that you have to use a radio song with lyrics - royalty-free music without vocals can be just as effective at creating a certain mood or ambiance, or to pay tribute.
Keep It Simple
Don't try to incorporate all the favorite songs of the guest of honor. A good slide show would be shorter than 10 minutes in length (ideally) and certainly no longer than about 12 minutes long. Any longer than that, and it becomes self-indulgent and can grow tiresome for other guests who are viewing. When it comes to creating a montage, less is more. Include no more than 5 song snippets for a 10-minute slide show presentation.
Naturally, you'll want to show off your creativity and hard work with a rental projector.
