Wedding Music Ideas

Wedding music is so personal to each bride and groom. The music you select can create a mood or theme to every part of your event. Choosing the right music for the right mood or to reflect special meaning to your event is an important part of your planning.

The most important thing that you can do is to work with anyone who is handling your music throughout your day. Most of these people have done lots of weddings and they will have some ideas for you.

Church Organist- Many churches or other religious facilities have an organist associated to them. Make sure that that if you are using one, he/she has access to the music that you want. Create a playlist for your ceremony and make sure that that person has that information. (There is usually a fee that goes t the organist-check with the person at the church who is responsible for making wedding arrangements)

Soloists- Make sure to communicate to any musical or vocal soloists the exact music you want played or sung

Sound Person- You may not want to use the church organist and may opt for a sound person to play selected tapes or CDs. Make sure that this person receives your music ahead of time. Also make sure that someone you trust has a copy in their possession as well. Just in case the sound person forgot it or mislaid it.

DJ- In some cases a DJ can do the music for your ceremony, especially if it is a non religious venue. Meet with the DJ ahead of time when you book him/her to find out if he is able to add that to your other services. Make sure it is in the contract and understand the extra fee , if any for the service.

Bands-If you are having any other bands or groups do music during your reception, have a specific playlist that you want done. Make sure that they can accommodate your requests.

Most brides prefer more formal or sentimental music for their ceremony. The kind of music that you decide on may be governed by the location of your ceremony. Ceremonies held in a religious facility might have a more formal tone. Generally speaking, an organist would be available. You may also have to find out if an person is available to coordinate your tapes or music if an organist is not available. For other venues, speak to your DJ or band members to see if they can assist.

Think of the four parts of your ceremony:

Pre-Ceremony Music : This can either be popular music or traditional pieces

• Prelude song playlist

Bridal Party Entrance: Special music that you choose either traditional or popular

Brides's Entrance : The traditional Bridal March is the most popular choice, but you can choose any number of songs. At my second wedding we choose The Prayer ( Dion/Bocelli) There wasn't a dry eye in the house.

Canon in D – Pachelbel

Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy

La Vie en RoseCristin Milioti

Recessional-Pick a joyful song as you and your new partner leave the ceremony !

• Recessional song playlist
• Allegro MaestosoGeorge F. Handel
• Fugue in E-Flat MajorJohann S. Bach
• Ode to JoyLudwig van Beethoven
• Wedding MarchFelix Mendelssohn

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I have heard everything from "The Theme To Rocky" to the "Chariots Of Fire" played at the beginning of the reception. It's up to you...romantic or uplifting. Pick something that will get your reception off on the right foot.

Here are some ideas for entrance music:

• "It Takes Two"-Marvin Gaye/Kim Watson
• (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher"-Jackie Wilson
• "Can't Stop The Feeling"-Justin Timberlake
• "Love On The Top" -Beyonce
• "Hold My Hand"-Jess Glynn
• " God Only Knows"-The Beach Boys
• Walking on SunshineKatrina and The Waves

Your first dance is so special that you should really take time to consider what that dance will mean to you. Do you want to select a song that reflects your theme? Something that has a special meaning to both of you?

Make sure to include your partner when selecting your song. It should have meaning to both of you. It may take you a bit of time to go through all of the songs that are availabl. But the significance of that moment will be an important memory to all once the day is gone.

Romantic wedding song are the most popular selection for most couples. They make your special day be what it is all about-love and togetherness. But those songs can be country, contemporary, or classic

Carry Your CD

You expect that after you speak to your DJ or band director they would have the music that you requested for your first dance. But why take the chance. Carry a little insurance and have some special music that you wanted on a CD just in case the vendor forgets. It's always a good idea to cover your bases

1. Keep it simple. Do something that both of you feel comfortable with. If its just a slow shuffle around so be it.
2. Keep it short. Most CD songs are about 4 minutes. Too long! A minute is more than enough. Get someone to cut it for you.
3. If you come from a family of perfectionists go to a professional dance studio and let them choreograph a dance for you and then teach it to you until its smooth. Sign up for their wedding package, most studios have them.
4. Relax! The people watching are on your side even if they kid you
5. Dance before you've had a lot to drink. After drinking while you may be relaxed your body will not cooperate and your dance will not be smooth.
6. Remember that the most important thing is that you are with the love of your life and this is the day you celebrate that love.

Oh what a special moment is the father-daughter dance at every reception. Many brides will select a special song that has a special meaning to both.

Also A Generations Dance

When I got married in May of 2011, my Dad was then 86 years old with some health problems. I knew I wanted to have a father daughter dance, but I needed to keep just for a few minutes. So My idea was to have a traditions or generation dance. I started with my 7 year old grandson, then went ot my 39 year old son and ended with my Dad. It was a very treasured moment for everyone. You can't imagine how treasured those pictures really are to our family. I hope other Brides adopt this idea.

One of the sweetest and most bittersweet moments of a wedding is the mother-son dance. I remember when my son got married he played the Bette Midler song," Did You Know You Were My Hero". I have never forgotten that moment even after twenty something years.

• "My Wish" -Rascal Flatts
• "In My Life"-Beatles
• "What A Wonderful World"-Louis Armstrong
• "Simple Man"-Lynard Synrd

No matter how good a dancer you are, learning how to dance for your special day, does not have to be overly stressful. Learning your wedding dance on DVD makes it a much easier process and it's a lot less costly than private dance lessons.You can make your own schedule to learn.That is essentiasl to couples during the wedding planning process.

There is nothing worse than an empty dance floor at an otherwise very successful reception. Planning ahead will make your event fun and memorable.

Think about your guests and try to make everyone comfortable with your choice in music. If you have a few older folks, add a little something like some big band music that they might enjoy too.

Keep it light and soft while dinner or food is being served. It's nice to have a little soft music, but people will also be talking so keep it low.

Have a good mix of slow and fast music, so everyone gets a chance to do their thing.

Have a few novelty dances...something that everyone will enjoy

Musical CD Favors

You might want to consider gathering some music onto a cd and then burning them as your favors. They are easy to make up and your guests will really appreciate your thoughtfulness. Your favor CD's are very budget friendly and will be a unique remembrance of your special day We had some stickers made up with our names for the front and the playlist. We gave out one per couple or individual. They were big hits at our wedding

If you are still stuck after all these suggestions, here are some more iodeas for you to try