Music on Your Wedding Day

As couples go through their wedding planning process, there is always that hard decision on what to do about the music - in all aspects of the day. From the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception music, to the types of musicians to hire. Some find it hard to pick between having a DJ or a band (I say.. why not have both?!) and then have an even harder time deciding on what songs to use. The great thing about music/songs is that there are no wrong choices. Use this day as a platform to express not only your favorite artists/songs, but as a way to express thoughts and feelings through lyrics. Songs do such an impressive job of expressing the words you want to say but can't seem to find the right way to say them.

I always tell my couples never to compromise on songs that are meaningful to them (even if they feel it wouldn't fit). There is always a way to incorporate a song. If you have a band playing at your ceremony or reception, send them your favorite song ahead of time to see if they can come up with a slow, more romantic version. They would love the challenge and it makes for a great twist at your wedding. Also, you'll see on the list below that some songs lyrically might not fit - but the instrumental version goes perfectly! For your ceremony,  don't think you have to stick with the traditional religious songs. Feel free to bring in current top 40 songs, or even ones that no one as even heard of before.

Here are some different examples of songs you could use!

Ceremony:

Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter (processional) 

Explosions in the Sky - Your Hand in Mine (processional)

Jimmy Eat World - Hear You Me (Piano or instrumental - because the lyrics don't fit the occasion but the melody is just too pretty and romantic to leave off the list) 

The Middle East - Blood (Piano/Instrumental only)

Coldplay - Lovers in Japan (recessional) 

Hall and Oats - You Make My Dreams (recessional)
OneRepublic - Good Life (recessional)
Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way (recessional)
Tempter Trap - Sweet Disposition (recessional)

First Dance Song:

The Afters - Beautiful Love (Acoustic) 

Lifehouse - Everything 

Blake Shelton - God Gave Me You

Colbie Caillat - Magic 

Gavin DeGraw - Follow Through (Stripped)

Keith Urban - Making Memories of Us

David Gray - This Years Love 

Lady Antebellum - Just a Kiss 
Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars (I like the piano version better - also could be a good processional song)


And remember - you don't have to play "Last Dance" as your Last Dance (in fact guest usually prefer you don't have it as your last) - Use the last song to go out with a bang! Pick your favorite party song to end the night with! 


-xoxo-
Erin