Creating a soothing ambience for your wedding: music, lighting and menu

It’s possible to have a wedding that’s zen, magical and festive all at once. Creating a soothing atmosphere in which to savor the moment can even heighten the sensory experience and solidify memories.

Here’s how to create a unique atmosphere with three powerful levers: music, lighting and menu.

1. Music: the emotional mother lode of the day

Music plays a decisive role in the emotional experience of an event, especially a wedding. To create a calm, soothing and warm atmosphere, avoid abrupt transitions.

For the ceremony: opt for acoustic pieces or a string quartet. For a personalized touch other than classical, look for revisited songs in instrumental versions.
For cocktails: a voice-guitar duet or hushed jazz create a relaxed atmosphere where conversation flows smoothly. If you’re looking for originality, choose the enchanting harp.
For meals: a discreet but enveloping soundtrack is ideal. It accompanies conversations without dominating them. The musical style is up to you: lounge, blues, bluegrass, romantic oldies or other.

The DJ or songwriters you hire have a very varied repertoire at their disposal. The preparatory meetings will help you establish your expectations. Don’t be afraid to be specific and look together at what you like and what you don’t like.

2. Lighting: creating an effect combined with music

Lighting instantly influences the perception of a place. A room that’s too bright can appear cold or impersonal. Conversely, subdued, well-dosed lighting creates an intimate atmosphere.

Choose indirect light sources: electric candles, luminescent centerpieces, string lights, hanging lanterns…
Ask for adjustable mood lighting in key areas such as the entrance, head tables and dance floor.
Remember to vary the intensity of lighting at different times of the day: soft light for the meal, more festive effects in the evening.

At La Distinction, our onsite rooms, like our partner venues, can be customized to suit your needs. We’ll help you choose the right room for the right effect.

As you visit the different halls, and depending on the season of your wedding, also take into consideration natural light, which can be exploited differently.

Finally, if you’d like to take romance and light to a different level: dare to have your wedding under the stars!

3. The menu: comforting pleasure for the senses

Complete the calm, immersive ambience with your meal. Ask your caterer to advise you on subtle flavors, comforting textures and harmonious fragrances.

At La Distinction, several catering menus allow you to orchestrate this moment of togetherness with dishes featuring fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Here are a few faithful suggestions, all taken from menus available online:

For starters, Potage de panais, poires caramélisées et croustillant de carottes (parsnip soup, caramelized pears and crispy carrots), from the banquet menu, features a velvety texture balanced by a touch of sweetness.
For the main course, Atlantic salmon steak with shallot, ginger and lemongrass beurre blanc, also from the banquet menu, combines freshness and refinement.
During cocktails or at a self-service station, fine cheese platters with added fresh fruit, offered on the station menu and cold buffet, add a creamy touch.
As a sweet finale, it’s hard to resist St-Thomas maple mousse with fleur de sel crumble. It’s available on both the banquet and Goûtez Lanaudière menus. Pure local happiness, without excess.

Create the perfect Zen wedding

In addition to the combination of a subtle musical backdrop, appropriate lighting and warm gastronomy, you can further accentuate the soothing effect of your wedding.