It’s a moment we are all familiar with – the bride and groom have made their grand entry, toasts and speeches are all made, food is served, and it’s time to open the dance floor. It is customary for the bride and groom to get it all started with the floor all to themselves. Hereafter, the bride may dance with her father, the groom with his mother, and the bridal party with one another before guests join in. While some couples find it easy to choose a wedding song, others can’t seem to make up their minds. Here are some tips to help you find just what you’re looking for:

Sentimental

Take a moment to think about your relationship. Can you think of a song that played when you were on your first date or when you first said that you loved one another? Perhaps there was a certain song that you would always enjoy in the car together. Just take the time to think about all the big and small milestones of your relationship.

History

Think about songs that are meaningful to your family and heritage. If you are unsure, ask your parents and grandparents about their traditions. If there are traditional differences between the groom and wife, you might be happy to choose or incorporate both traditions in a medley.

Popular choices

If you are still unsure, you can run a search for popular wedding songs online to get some ideas. There are some wonderful ideas out there that will work for just about every couple. Whether you have been together for several years or less, there’s sure to be a great song for you to show off your dance skills.

Write them down

Take a moment to write down all the song titles and the artists. You can even create a spreadsheet on your computer if you prefer. Also, remember that sometimes songs are covered by other artists, which is why you need to include the artist name on your list.

Play, listen, and compare

Play each song and listen to the words before comparing them to the rest of the finalists on your list. So many times, songs start out sounding romantic, but they have completely different meaning. Don’t be too quick to choose or you could end up with a song about heartbreak instead of true love! It’s kind of like playing a song like “Congratulations” by the Traveling Wilburys to “congratulate” the happy couple. If you look beyond the song title and read the lyrics, you will most likely be surprised by a few inappropriate sentiments. Similarly, you need to advise your DJ or band not to play these kinds of songs. Even if they think “White Wedding” by Billy Idol is a great fit, it’s actually about rushing to get married and was inspired by his sister’s rushed union because she fell pregnant! Do your research when it comes to your wedding music or you could end up with a less than desirable outcome!

Wedding theme

Consider the theme of your wedding and choose music that fits this theme. A country style wedding could do with a traditional or modern country song, for example. If your wedding theme suits a particular time period, find a song from that time period.

Timing and guest consideration

Time your song and make sure that it’s not too long or too short. A song that continues for too long will make your guests bored of watching the same thing. You should also think about what the majority of your guests will enjoy. Choose a song that they might know and love to make the experience that much better.

Type of dance

Think of the type of dance style you will choose. If you are partial to a waltz, then you need the right song. Another option is to choose a music medley that includes several styles and allows the bride, groom, and even other members of the bridal party to put on a fun show for the guests. This mash-up style can include music from all genres, and there is usually strict choreography to go with it.

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