Friday, July 1, 2011

DIY Friday: Your Playlist

We know that choosing songs for your wedding can be difficult,
so we have provided this article from Martha Stewart Weddings
pointing out some great choices for music on your big day.
We hope it helps in your decisions!





Nothing can induce goose bumps, elicit happy tears,
and get the party started like the perfect song.
Every wedding needs a powerful sound track,
and these expert suggestions-a mix of classics
and surprises-will help you fine-tune your own.

FOR THE CEREMONY

Guide guests through an arc of emotion that starts
with anticipation, builds into delight, and ends with a
bang when (congrats!) you're pronounced husband and wife.
Here, songs for every moment.

PRELUDE
Welcome loved ones with about 30 minutes of music.
Try working in these romantic, mellow choices.

The Classics
Arioso (Cantata No. 156), Bach
"God Only Knows," The Beach Boys
"One hand, One Heart" (West Side Story), Leonard Bernstein
"How Sweet It Is," James Taylor
Hallelujah," Jeff Buckley

A Few Surprises
"La Femme d'Argent," Air
"I'm in Love with a Girl," Big Star
"In Space," Royksopp
"Don't be Shy," Cat Stevens
"Northern Sky," Nick Drake

PROCESSIONAL
Pick one song-at least four minutes long-with
a light but sincere tone to accompany your bridal party.

The Classics
"Harvest Moon," Neil Young
"Unforgettable," Nat King Cole
"Into the Mystic," Van Morrison
"Winter" Concerto, Vivaldi
"Make You Feel My Love," Bob Dylan

A Few Surprises
"The Three of Us," Ben Harper
"Sunrise," Norah Jones
"Here Comes Your Man," Pixies
"Waiting on a Friend," Rolling Stones
"Pure Imagination," Gene Wilder

BRIDE'S ENTRANCE
Find a tune that resonates, takes its time,
and has apt lyrics if any at all.

The Classics
"Arrival of the Queen of Sheba," Handel
Canon in D, Pachelbel
"When a Man Loves a Woman," Percy Sledge
"Bridal Chorus," Wagner
"Over the Rainbow," Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

A Few Surprises
"Heavenly Day," Patty Griffin
"Lullaby," Dixie Chicks
"Here Comes the Sun," The Beatles
"I Love You," The Bees
"Ride into the Sun" (instumental version), The Velvet Underground

RECESSIONAL
Finish with a buoyant, gleeful piece that
gears guests up for the festivities.

The Classics
"Baby, I Love You," Aretha Franklin
"Wedding March," Mendelssohn
"Ode to Joy," Beethoven
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours," Stevie Wonder
"Daydream Believer," The Monkees

A Few Surprises
"What a Wonderful World," Joey Ramone
"Beautiful Day," U2
"Don't Stop Believin," Journey
"Could You Be Loved," Bob Marley
"Modern Love," David Bowie

AT THE RECEPTION
This is the time to celebrate your newlywed status,
pay homage to your parents, and then coax your guests-
from grandparents to college pals-out onto the dance floor.
These suggestions will help you accomplish all of that and more.

FIRST DANCE
Strike a cord with a heartfelt song, capped at three minutes.

The Classics
"You Are the Best Thing," Ray LaMontagne
"Wonderful Tonight," Eric Clapton
"Can't Help Falling in Love," Elvis Presley
"These Arms of Mine," Otis Redding
"Wouldn't It Be Nice," The Beach Boys

A Few Surprises
"All I Need," Radiohead
"You're my Best Friend," Queen
"Speechless," Lady Gaga
"Earth Angel," Death Cab for Cutie
"I'm Yours," Jason Mraz

SPECIAL DANCES
Take a spin with Dad, then let your husband and his mom have the stage.

The Classics
"You are the Sunshine of my Life," Stevie Wonder
"In My Life," The Beatles
"At Last," Etta James
"The Way You Look Tonight," Frank Sinatra
"I'll Be There," The Jackson 5

A Few Surprises
"Father and Daughter," Paul Simon
"A Song for Mama," Boyz II Men
"Sweet Pea," Amos Lee
"Daughter," Loudon Wainwright III
"Beautiful Boy," John Lennon

DANCE MUSIC
Keep beats fast and songs short (in case of an accidental dud).

The Classics
"Superstition," Stevie Wonder
"Like a Prayer," Madonna
"Sweet Caroline," Neil Diamond
"American Girl," Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
"Come on Eileen," Dexy's Midnight Runners

A Few Surprises
"Ready or Not," The Fugees
"Empire State of Mind," Jay-Z
"One More Time," Daft Punk
"Footloose," Kenny Loggins
"I Want You to Want Me," Cheap Trick

LAST SONG OF THE NIGHT
Go for hot and heavy or slow and sweet, depending on the vibe.

The Classics
"Somebody to Love," Queen
"Let's Get it On," Marvin Gaye
"Always and Forever," Heatwave
"Summer Wind," Frank Sinatra
"Born to Run," Bruce Springsteen

A Few Surprises
"This Must be the Place," Talking Heads
"Homecoming," Kanye West
"Livin' on a Prayer," Bon Jovi
"Freedom," George Michael
"Pour Some Sugar on Me," Def Leppard


Have you picked out your first dance song?
Which one is it and what does it mean to you?

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team




Photo by Jared Wilson Photography

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