Do you ever wonder why engaged couples have a hard time choosing the best wedding songs for their special day?

Here are some thoughts:

1. It’s because the wrong songs played at the wrong time can turn a solemn exchange of vows into something catastrophic.

2. There are just too many love songs that couples can choose from and they don’t have enough time to listen to each one of them.

3. They just don’t have any idea as to what songs are best for specific parts of the wedding.

I distinctly remember Adam Sandler’s movie, “The Wedding Singer” when I think of wedding songs gone wrong. Imagine if you were in the middle of a very romantic moment, then the strains of “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me” or “Love Stinks” fills the air? Wow! That would really turn everybody’s romantic spirits off. Kaput. Gone.

Surely you wouldn’t want your wedding to become the sequel of Sandler’s movie, right? That’s why you have to choose the best wedding songs to be played exactly when you want to hear them. That would really set the mood for your wedding.

There are wedding songs for the ceremony, pre-ceremony and the reception. This issue will talk about which songs are best suited for the wedding reception.

What’s with Wedding Songs?

The best wedding songs will capture the hearts of your guests and make them wish that they too, could have a wedding as romantic as yours. The melody is very important – after all, music has been scientifically proven to stimulate the brain. And if we are going to take science seriously, we’ll believe that the brain, more specifically the hypothalamus, is the seat of all emotions – and that includes love.

So you’ve got the loveliest melodies? What about the lyrics? Can you and your partner relate to it? Do the words express your feelings for each other? Below are some points to consider when you and your partner choose songs for your special day:

Tips in Choosing Wedding Songs

Choose live music

No synthesizers, amplifiers or disc jockeys can ever match the elegance and beautiful sound of a live band. So if you want something really unique and have enough budget, go for it.

Don’t go for popularity

Yes, popular songs are easy to sing and relate to. The problem is, these are the ones being played in almost all weddings. For example, I went to three different weddings in a span of two weeks and guess what? They all had “At Last” and “The Way You Look Tonight” in their wedding songs playlist. I have nothing against those songs, but really, where’s the uniqueness there? The weddings were just like replicas of each other, song-wise.

Choose the ones which are meaningful to you and your partner

You are the stars of the show –not the wedding planner, so let your songs be heard. Remember the song that was playing when you first met? Or the one you danced on to during your prom night? Put those in the list. How about the song that reminds you of your special someone each time you hear it? Include that in the list, too.

Dance to the tune

What kind of dance music do you prefer? Would you prefer traditional, modern or popular? Traditional music like “Moondance”, “Unforgettable” and “Stardance” are usually for couples who love elegance and classical music. Modern couples, on the other hand, prefer something like “Let’s Get It Started” or “Hero”. Most popular songs such as “My Girl” or “Wind Beneath My Wings” are chosen by couples who want something in between.

Match it with your wedding theme

Do you have a specific theme for your wedding? Then make sure to create a music playlist that will enhance it. It would be truly awkward to play “Girl from Ipanema” if you have a romantic theme, right? That song is best suited for a beach wedding. If you have a Medieval theme, for example, opt for classical or standard love songs. On the other hand, choose music by Asian bands if you have an Oriental motif.

Play the right song at the right time

Sure, the wedding planner, disc jockey or band leader can choose songs based on your preference. That would be easier on your part. The only downside is that the music they choose will probably be the same type of music they played in other weddings over and over again.

If you want something unique for your wedding reception, try choosing the songs on your own. Some couples say that they listen to the radio, watch videos in Youtube or DVD’s just to get that music selection that’s really worth remembering. And yes, timing is very important. You should have a song for each part of your wedding reception.

The parts of a wedding reception are as follows:

• The Entrance

For example, you can opt for the traditional “Here Comes the Bride” or something more modern like “Crazy In Love” as you and your guests enter the reception area.

• The Father-Daughter Dance

The Father-Daughter dance is probably the most sentimental portion of the wedding reception. Here’s when music like “Daddy’s Little Girl” or “My Girl” is suited best.

• The First Dance

The first dance, on the other hand, is the most romantic part of the reception. You can dance to your theme song or a very special song that has touched both of you the moment you heard it. Your guests would be thrilled to the bones upon seeing the two of you dancing as if you were the only persons existing in that room – eyes locked at each other, full of love and a promise of a happy ever after. Simply, truly, romantic!

At a loss for songs for your first dance? Here are some suggestions:

Unchained Melody. This is your chance to feel like Demi Moore as she dances with Patrick Swayze in the movie “Ghost”.

All I Ask of You. How would you love to be the lady love of “The Phantom of the Opera”?

Have I Told You Lately. A word of caution, though, as your bones might melt as your husband whispers this song in your ears!

I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing. Terribly romantic and beautiful.

The Bouquet Toss

And what wedding doesn’t have a bouquet toss? It’s actually the part that most ladies wait for. How to choose the best wedding songs for it? Go for those with upbeat tempo.Here are some examples:

Girls Just Want to Have Fun. This song by Cindi Lauper is upbeat and lively. It will put a lot of fun and excitement as your single female guests try to grab your bouquet.

Hey Ladies. Let the Beastie Boys release that funky bone in your lady guests as they strive to outdo each other for the title of “The Next Bride”.

Single Ladies. All the single ladies will most likely sing with Beyonce as she croons her famous song.

Play soft background music during the meal so that the guests won’t have to scream at each other while chatting.

Whether you want traditional, modern or popular wedding songs, rest assured that there are those which can make your special day a moment worth remembering.