Should You Hire A Wedding Planner?
August 8, 2020
Many brides-to-be can be caught humming the Wedding March or practicing for their first dance in the kitchen. But what about all the rest? What is the soundtrack to your bridal life? This article will help you pick your wedding music from Engagement to Honeymoon.
Before the wedding playlists
You’re already trying to decide on your day-of wedding songs, but what about the music for your pre-wedding events? There are several occasions that deserve an awesome playlist as well. The perfect playlist will make all the difference.
For your engagement party, get those romantic vibes going with a variety of love songs and classic crowd-pleasing hits. Examples are: "Best of My Love" by The Emotions, “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green, "I Do" by Colbie Caillat, and "For Once In My Life" by Stevie Wonder.
You may not be doing the planning for your bridal shower, but you can hint at a playlist of fun melodies for background music. Some suggestions are “At Last” by Etta James, “Chapel of Love” by The Dixie Cups, “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole, “My Girl” by The Temptations and “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” by James Taylor.
Here comes the bride...
The ceremony is the main event for you as a bride. This is what you (and all your guests) have been waiting for. There are few major moments during the ceremony when your wedding songs are absolutely essential.
During the ‘Prelude’ you will want to match the vibe of your wedding to entertain guests as they're entering the ceremony venue and taking their seats. For a softer, more traditional sound with an edge, choose instrumental versions of your favorite love songs by artists like The Vitamin String Quartet. Have you thought about using tracks from a romantic movie soundtrack like The Notebook or Pride and Prejudice.
Before the bride’s entrance, the family and wedding party enter during the ‘Processional.’ As they make their way up the aisle towards the front, choose music that will blend well with the Prelude and transition seamlessly into the Bride’s Processional song.
All rise. Here comes the bride! The bride’s entrance is the big moment. If you're walking down the aisle, "Canon in D" isn't your only option. Here are a few ideas to think over: “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, “Marry Me” by Train or “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.
If there's a break during your ceremony when no one will be speaking, perhaps during a candle lighting, communion or prayer, you can enhance the moment with a brief interlude song. Instrumental music is advised as it will be less awkward to fade out if the interlude is short.
“I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride!” You're finally married! What better than a high-energy song to celebrate this momentous occasion as you walk past your loved ones, but it's also a great way to get everyone excited for the party to follow. Try "Marry You" by Bruno Mars, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder, "You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates and "Love Will Keep Us Together" by Captain & Tennille.
After you and your wedding party have recessed out of the ceremony, a postlude song (or two) will keep the energy going as guests are standing up and leaving. Some options are “Ain't No Mountain High Enough” by Tammi Terrell & Marvin Gaye, “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake and “Love on Top” by Beyonce.
Get the party started
From hitting the dance floor to cutting the cake, the right wedding songs will help you turn your reception into the best party ever. A great DJ or live band will help with what to put between each stand out moment, but make sure that your wedding vibe and yours (and your new husband’s) preferences are being played.
The first dance is one of the most symbolic moments of your day. The wedding song that you choose for your first dance should be one that you both love, whether it's a song by your favorite artist, a song that was on the radio when you first started dating, or a song that showcases your interests.
Show your dad (and his mom) some love by taking their music preference into consideration. If you have a daddy that two-steps, don’t try to waltz for the first time in front of hundreds of guests. Tear-jerkers or feel good tunes, either way the daddy-daughter/mother-son dances are always crowd pleasers. Some of our favorites: “One Call Away” by Charlie Puth, “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder, “My Girl” by The Temptations, "You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins, and "A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men.
Your last dance is like an exclamation point on your whole wedding. All good things come to an end, but that doesn't mean you can't go out with a bang. If your goal is to get everyone on the dance floor one last time, these songs will do the trick. “Take Me Home Tonight” by Eddie Money, “Last Dance” by Donna Summer, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey and “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton.
Music is the fruit of love. So put some time into your wedding playlists and you won’t regret it.
Are you near Montgomery, Texas? We’d love to host your wedding ceremony and reception at Jennings Trace. Contact us to learn more or arrange an on-site tour.
