Selecting and Compiling Songs for your Wedding

Weddings are never complete without music. Imagine going to the ceremony and the only voice you can hear is that of the priest. Then walking to the reception where the chatter of the people is the only sound you’ll hear. Then the couple cuts the cake, and no one speaks. And how about the first dance? Up to the last part of the wedding, where the wedding favors are being handed out, music should be heard at the background. Appropriate music for every part of the wedding is crucial in making the wedding more special and dramatic. Here is the basic need-to-know information in selecting and compiling songs for your wedding.

Select traditional songs for the wedding ceremony. During the processional, the recessional and interlude, most churches require that only traditional Catholic wedding songs be played. The list of these songs should be pretty easy as churches have copies of the songs already. What you can also choose is whether you would want the church choir to sing them for you or if you can assign your own singer to sing them for you.

Select appropriate music for each part of the reception. Loud party music isn’t the only type of song that is being played during receptions. There are certain parts of the reception where soft or romantic music should be played as well.
- While the guests arrive, play upbeat music, but keep the volume to a minimum. This is the chance where guests get to mingle with each other, so you do not want them struggling to talk or hear each other.
- During the cutting of the cake, play upbeat music as well, but you can increase the volume to a higher level to get the guests focused on this activity.
- For the first dance, a song that has a special meaning in the relationship of the couple should be played. It can be their theme song, their favorite music, or something that someone (relative, friend, bride or groom) has specially written for them.
- During the reception party, have the DJ play the latest party music so everyone can indeed have a great time.

It is important that you relay all information to the person in-charge of the sound system so that there will be no mishaps where music is not being played especially when people are expecting it, such as during the reception where people are eating (the sound produced by chinaware and utensils is never appealing). Never leave the choice of music to them as well. In one major wedding music mishap, people are shocked to hear an instrumental version of ‘Separate Lives’ being played in the background. The bride’s mother rushed to the sound booth to correct it. Apparently, even the sound system person wasn’t aware of the songs he has in his playlist. To be sure, you can give them your songs in advance, or check the song list that they have.

Weddings indeed create wonderful memories for everyone, and with the right songs, you can make this event even more memorable.