About wedding songs
It's interesting:"I remember the last wedding I went to. It was in the function room of the Tate Gallery. The groom got plastered and ended up with red wine, gravy ..."
One of the first steps in planning a wedding is the choice of the wedding song and music for the ceremony and reception. The bride and groom make these decisions together, but the guests and type of ceremony should also be considered.
Function
Music sets the tone for the entire wedding. Guests, as well as the bride and groom, will associate memories of the wedding with the songs and music played at the celebration.
Types
Classical music is a popular choice, played either by organists, musicians or disc jockeys. Religious music should include favorite hymns or inspirational songs that are special to the bride and groom and shares the couple's faith with their guests. Vocalists, especially when accompanied by harp or guitar, add more personal touch. Disc jockeys provide a variety of music in a wide range of styles for the reception. Instrumentals, such as organists, pianists or string quartets provide elegance to more classic weddings.
Ceremony Music
Interlude music highlights the ceremony. Prelude music is played at a low volume as background music as guests arrive and are seated, for 20 to 30 minutes. This continues as the mother-of-the-bride is ushered to her seat, followed by family members of the bride and groom. Consider tempo and flow when choosing this type of music.
More professional music begins as the wedding party walks to the front and should have a tempo that allows bridesmaids and groomsmen to proceed down the aisle at a pace that intensifies the expectancy of the approaching bride.
The bride's music starts her march down the aisle---this is the big moment, so the music is more dramatic.
Postlude music, played as the wedding ends and the guests leave the ceremony, lasts 10 to 30 minutes and is uplifting and festive.
Reception Music
Websites offer choices for reception pieces to suit personal styles (see Resources). Cake cutting music for the traditional bride and groom can include Frank Sinatra's "Love and Marriage" for example. A reception focusing on classic pop hits may choose "Sugar, Sugar" by The Archies.
A popular father-daughter dance song is "Daddy's Girl" by Red Sovine.
When the groom dances with his mom, "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler is often suggested for close mom-son relationships.
"Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" can be appropriate when the bride tosses her bouquet.
Considerations
Consult with the church music director or pastor to determine if any songs are not allowed. Secular songs may not be permitted in some churches.
Processionals and recessionals can be used as prelude music when the ceremony starts and guests are being seated, and can be played at the end of the ceremony (postlude music) as guests leave or wait for the bride and groom in the receiving line.
Music should be compatible with the theme of your wedding, such as a beach wedding or an ethnic wedding.
Warnings
Give definite instructions to the band or DJ, outlining the songs you want them to play during the reception activities.
Avoid choosing trendy songs for your first dance- instead, choose a more memorable and meaningful piece.
Source: www.ehow.com
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