I’ve never attended a wedding ceremony without music, except for mine, because my husband and I got married in a civil ceremony in a typical judge’s bureaucratic office. Not cool, or should I say, there was no warmth or romance at all. It wasn’t us. We love music. We did get married in a church a year later and we were surrounded by our loved ones and, of course, music. My brother’s band played at our reception.
Photo courtesy of theknot.com
No matter what kind of ceremony you’re having, you need a song for the intro, possibly a reflection or dedication song somewhere in the middle, and a recessional song. That determination is easy but choosing the songs is not that easy. Why? Because you have one chance to show the world which songs reflect the love you have for each other. However, when you choose the right songs, you’ll know it, because it will make you and your loved ones weep, or at least, make them sigh.
What’s your style? Classical, folk, religious, alternative, and in what language? It is a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Pick your top three favorite for each category and you narrow it down. This may take a week or months.
Photo courtesy of theknot.com
Who will sing? The church’s music director, your friends or family, or hired musicians are all available. Sometimes a DJ is used, a cd can be played on a boom box, or an iPod can be a big part despite almost being invisible. It needs to be a clear and moving, so if your Dad is an awesome guitar player, ask him to play because that is one memory that will never go away.
What is your favorite song? What songs inspire you or speak to you and remind you of the great love you are about to embark? What prayer song will seal your vows? The choice is endless from the ever classical Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” to the quirky Vince Guaraldi Trio’s “Linus and Lucy.” Sometimes an appropriate song to choose for the entrance song is a song of the family letting their daughter go and escorting her into her new life like “The Water is Wide” an English folk song. A reflective song “Only You Can Love Me This Way” by Keith Urban is great for those who like country music.
Whatever style of song you choose, I believe in my heart that it should never be offensive or dark or basically humorous leaning towards bad taste. But, why should you listen to me? This is your wedding ceremony, which is one of the most sacred, peaceful, and serious time of your lives. You’ll never hear the end of it from your mothers and grandmothers on why you chose “that awful song” if you pick a “unique” song. Yes, it’s their wedding too, so pick a song in honor of them or for any anybody near and dear to your hearts that have inspired you and taught you to love.
BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia
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