Music or no music

It's entirely up to your preference. We made a CD with our music on it, even for our tiny wedding (a dozen people). A guest offered to stop and start it, but at the last moment, a member of the synagogue staff said he could do it. But in your situation, any guest could do it.

I won't lie, I hadn't even thought about having music playing before the ceremony until I read this! Holy cow, now I've gotta go look for music, lol.

I feel like just walking down in silence may feel a bit awkward for you lol. I think the portable speakers would be fine honestly! But I would definitely check out the location before hand and test the portable speakers to see how they sound in that area to make sure it's loud enough and that there are no weird echoes or anything.

Alternately, do you have a musically talented friend or relative? One of my family friends who I've known since birth is currently in college studying to be a concert flutist (so he's like, ALMOST professional lol) and he's a guest at the wedding but as his gift to us we asked him if he would play the music for our processional and recessional, and he was honored to do so

I think its nice to at least have some quiet music, and agree with those who mentioned also having music during the downtime while your guests are waiting. A solo live musician (guitar, violin, etc) would be awesome, but if it's not in the budget just create a nice playlist and assign someone to music control. You can have a family member who is not part of your party hold onto the phone/ipod and start and stop when needed.

If it’s within your financial means I would hire a single musician just to have a little something playing in the background while your family/friends are waiting. If not, YouTube or Spotify will work!