One of the many steps that go into planning a wedding is selecting the music. The right music will set the tone for a more enjoyable, relaxing atmosphere, whereas the wrong music will have the opposite effect. But with a countless number of songs and music styles available, how do you know which music to choose for your big day?
Bridal Chorus
Written in 1850 by German composer Richard Wagner, the Bridal Chorus has become a popular choice of music for when the bride walks down the aisle during the ceremony. It’s a “march tempo” piece with roughly 120 beats per minute (BPM) that’s become synonymous with weddings, and rightfully so. Brides have been walking down the aisle to it for well over a century. The Bridal Chorus is classy, uplifting and fun, making it the ideal choice for the bride’s procession.
Father-Daughter Dance
Traditionally, the bride and her father dance to a single song during the reception. TheKnot.com has an excellent list of songs that are suitable for this occasion, some of which include “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John, “Daddy” by Beyonce, “God Gave me You” by Blake Shelton, “Daughters” by John Mayer, “My Girl” by The Temptations, and “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty. These are just a few options from which to choose, however, so don’t limit yourself to only using one of these songs for your father-daughter dance.
Mother-Son Dance
After the bride and her father have danced, the DJ will usually announce the mother-son dance with the groom. Much like the father-daughter dance, the song for this dance should be meaningful and heartwarming. “93 Million Miles” by the blues/pop singer Jason Mraz is a great choice, as it tells the story of a mother asking her only son to return home. Oh yeah, and the song title is a reference to the sun’s distance from Earth (93 million miles).
Reception Music
While the father-daughter and mother-son dance songs are traditionally softer and slower, the music for the rest of the reception should feature a faster tempo. Ultimately, the choice of music for a wedding reception is up to the bride and groom’s discretion. Some couples prefer country music, whereas others prefer classic, rock or blues. Sit down with your fiance to decide which genre of music you want to be performed during the reception.
Who’s Going to Play the Music at Your Wedding?
Of course, you’ll also need to decide who exactly is going to play or perform the music at your wedding. Designating “Uncle Joe” to work the turntables is just asking for trouble, which is why it’s recommended that couples hire a professional DJ and/or band to perform. You can check out all of the wedding music services offered by SGM Events by clicking here.