Tag: key song choices for my wedding

  • Some Wedding Ceremony Etiquette Tips

    Some Wedding Ceremony Etiquette Tips

    We found Some Wedding Ceremony Etiquette Tips from our friends at Brides.com that seemed very helpful. These tips will take the stress out of your ceremony, take a look.

    Taking A Break

    • Taking a pre-reception break between the wedding ceremony and reception is a good idea so you can take your formal pictures and still mingle I your cocktail hour. But keep in mind your guests may be sitting around twiddling their thumbs if a “short” break means hours. Try to keep the break to under an hour & possibly invite guests to a hospitality suite either at the hotel or the venue, where they can grab a light refreshment. If everything is happening at the same location, considering extending cocktail hour so that guests can mix and mingle while you take a breather. With a little longer event, you’ll get to enjoy it too.

    Avoiding Drama

    • Couples are avoiding drama by having a small wedding party. Even though it’s a great way to honor your friends and family, it’s not the only way. The wedding party has morphed into the VIPs of the day who are also helping the to-be-weds. But that brings a lot of drama, commitment, & expenses to those you ask and sometimes it’s easier not to pick and choose among your best buds. Just keep in mind that you will need two witnesses for your marriage license, usually the maid of honor & best man—so be sure to give two guests a heads up that they have an important job to do after the ceremony recessional.

    Include Your Pets

    • Many couples are choosing to include their dog or pets in the wedding ceremony.  Besides dogs, couples have included cats, llamas, and even turtles to help their owners say “I do”. But, you should check a few items before doing so. If the ceremony takes place in a religious institution, consult the officiant to make sure it’s ok to have a pup/pet present. You need to be honest with yourself about how your dog/pet will react to large crowds. Will your pet sit quietly during the ceremony or start barking, run off to find the appetizers or possibly have an accident on your train. If you think they will react reasonably include them and designate a dog/pet attendant to escort them down the aisle and hold the leash during the ceremony. Keep a treat on hand to keep them calm.

    Wedding Ceremony Etiquette Tips

    • As we suggest some wedding ceremony etiquette tips here is another idea. Many brides have best/close friends that are guys and/or gay and are including them in their bridal party. You can include them as a man of honor or a “bridesman” and have him participate in all the same activities as the ladies. The same goes for grooms who want to include their close lady friends as “best woman” or “groomslady.” Definitely include them and have a good time with it.

    Not So Traditional

    • Some brides don’t ever normally wear dresses and sort of feel pressured to wear a gown on their wedding day. In this day and age, brides are following the not so traditional current trends so they can let go of the expectation of having to wear the traditional wedding dress. Designers are taking into consideration that it’s not just all about strapless lace ball gowns and are designing elegant pantsuits and jumpsuits for sale at local bridal salons and online. Brides are even custom designing their own bride in pants wedding dress. Search and you’ll find the perfect pair of wedding gown dress pants.

    Personalize Songs

    • Brides are shying away from walking down the aisle to a classical song such as Pachelbel’s ‘Canon in D’. They are picking their favorite pop songs instead. Outside of religious institutions who have a list of specific, approved songs you must choose from, it’s fair game. Whether it be your favorite song or artist, brides are choosing to personalize songs for their wedding processional & recessional songs. The only etiquette requirement is to make sure the lyrics are appropriate for all ages. You may want to consider the instrumental versions which avoids any questionable words or have a string quartet play arrangements of popular music.
  • First Dance Naninas

    KEY SONG CHOICES FOR MY WEDDING RECEPTION

    As the wedding approaches, couples frequently ask “I need help with selecting key song choices for my wedding reception”. These special moments and formalities need to have the right music choice for sure.  This is an opportunity for couples to personalize their reception with their favorite artists, songs, genres, etc. A professional DJ will have an extensive library to help couples choose the right songs. From your first dance, to parent/special dances, to the song used to introduce them into the ballroom. All these song selections can make your reception a memorable event.  

    CEREMONY MUSIC

    Many song choices are available for onsite ceremonies. From the bridal party processional, to the bride’s processional and finally to the couple’s recessional.  You can use traditional/classical processional and recessional songs to instrumental string or piano covers of your favorite songs. This is a great way to have a unique and personalized ceremony.  Again, a professional DJ will make suggestions and can create custom music edits for your ceremony.

    COCKTAIL MUSIC

    To create the right atmosphere a custom mix of music can be made to be played during cocktail hour. This can be based on the couples personal tastes and preferences on songs and/or artists. Another idea is to match the surroundings of the venue. If it’s a beach wedding, maybe a steel drum music set would be a great idea. Or if it is more rustic either some classic rock or country would be a great fit.

    INTRODUCTION SONGS

    Personalizing your introductions with favorite songs or genres of music, not only for themselves, but for your parents and bridal party as well.  Be it EDM, dance, rock, hip hop, movie soundtracks, etc, a Professional DJ can make suggestions and create custom edits to make your introductions personal, fun, and exciting! The introductions set the tone for the entire reception.

    FIRST DANCE

    Selecting and sharing that special first dance with your now spouse in front of all your family and friends is a memory that will last a lifetime. Be it the first slow song you danced to when dating, to a song from a mutual favorite artist, take time to make it a meaningful selection. Choosing a meaningful song unique to both of you will add a personal touch to your first dance.  

    PARENT DANCES/SPECIAL DANCES

    In addition to sharing a loving first dance with your new spouse, most couples will be sharing other special dances with their parents.  Depending on the situation and relationship, possibly with siblings or other family members.  You have the opportunity to pick many meaningful and classic songs to dance with that special person. You can also surprise them with a song they love or always envisioned sharing with you.

    CAKE CUTTING SONG

    Other key song choices for my wedding reception would be making this part FUN! Choose an upbeat or meaningful song to be played in the background while you cut your wedding cake. Something that your guests will sway and even sing along to. This will add a great atmosphere for that photo opportunity and big kiss by your wedding cake.   

    BACKGROUND MUSIC DURING COURSES/BUFFET

    Eating time does not have to be boring. A Professional DJ can create a custom mix of music to be played during the courses or buffet based on your personal tastes. This is also a great spot to satisfy your older guests with sacrificing any dance time.

  • Dash of Class PLATINUM Ceremony Music Ideas

    Choosing the right music for your Wedding Ceremony

    After all, you want to begin your marriage in the best setting. 
Whether your ceremony is taking place at your venue or on the beach,
the right music will help create your wedding’s atmosphere and style.
    Select ceremony music that suits you and your style! 
Ask yourself, “Do I want my wedding to be formal and traditional or more casual and modern?” Before you start choosing specific wedding ceremony songs, think about both the type of ceremony you are hosting. Also think of the venue and where it will take place. If you are hosting a traditional ceremony in a house of worship, you may only be able to play certain songs or religious music. But if your wedding is held in another location, you have a lot more flexibility. 

Also, think about who will be performing your wedding ceremony music. Are you having live musicians or a DJ? Your music pros can be very helpful when it comes to selecting the specific songs during parts of the ceremony. To help make this process easier, think about other weddings you’ve attended where you’ve liked the music. Try asking the couple about where they found their song selections. We found a great place to listen to different ideas for ceremony music on Wedding Wire. From the prelude to the recessional, you’ll need the right music to make it your own.

    Prelude Songs 


    The prelude music will play while guests are entering and taking their seats. This music aims to welcome the guests to your wedding ceremony, and sets your personal tone for the rest of it. We recommend choosing tunes by your favorite artists and find acoustic or string versions. Groups like Vitamin String Quartet or The Piano Guys have covered these songs with a romantic and upbeat feel. We suggest a medley of these songs to last about 20 to 30 minutes as your guests arrive and settle in.

    Wedding Party Processional Songs 


    This is the music that is played while the wedding party walks down the aisle. Our suggestion is a song that has a rhythm that matches a natural walking pace. Two of our favorites: “Canon in D” by Piano Guys or “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Vitamin String Quartet.

    Bride’s Processional Songs 

    After the wedding party has taken their places, there is a brief pause before the bride’s entrance. Traditionally, all of the guests stand up and a new song is played. You can go in a variety of directions with the bridal processional, from something grand and traditional to a song that’s sweet and lively. We have recently played “Perfect” by Vitamin String Quartet (covering Ed Sheeran’s hit) or “A Thousand Years” by The Piano Guys (a beautiful rendition of Christina Perri’s song).

    Interlude Songs

    While you don’t have to have interlude music during your ceremony, it adds a unique touch to a Candle Lighting or Sand Ceremony. Interludes can also be a great way to include a friend or relative with musical talent who can perform during your ceremony.

    
Recessional Songs

    You are married, and it’s time to kiss! The recessional song should be very upbeat and joyful to help lead into the celebration to follow. You can even be a little cheeky and humorous at this point. Some recessional songs we have suggested to our couples include: “Beautiful Day” by U2, “Story Of My Life” by Piano Guys (a cover of One Directions song) or “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles.

    Microphone For Your Officiant

    Preparing your vows is a beautiful touch, but if your guests can’t hear them it puts a damper on the ceremony. It is important that there is a microphone present for your officiant as he or she performs your ceremony. It makes such a difference that your guests can hear all the beautiful words that make your ceremony personal and special.