Ceremony Music: Finalize your selections based on the accompaniment you plan to have. If your musicians do not have a tape for you to listen to, go to your public library and borrow copies of the pieces appropriate for your wedding day. Reception Music: Your first dance number is typically an easy decision. But unless you make your band or DJ aware of any other songs you like to hear, the choices will be left to them.
Sometimes it's hard to remember what songs were important to you and your fiance two or three years ago. And radio is such a fickle medium. Many stations play only the music of the moment. But songs from the past can not only bring happy memories to you, but to many of your wedding guests, as well.
You know those sometimes silly television ads for multi-record or CD collections — the ones that bring back the 50s, 60s, and 70s ... love songs, rock songs, and disco? Well, I think we can all confess to remembering a song or two from those ads that reminds us of some good time, and we smile. So, why not have a pad of paper and pen by the TV? Whenever one of those ads comes on, jot down any titles that strike you. Don't forget to*list the band or vocalist's name whenever possible. Then contact your bandleader or DJ and ask if they can play these numbers. DJs usually have a vast inventory of songs. And if bands have been around awhile, they have dabbled in the top 40s through the years. Having the artists' names will help when the song title alone isn't enough to refresh their memory. Now, if the band doesn't know the song, and it's important for you to hear it, do your best to locate the sheet music and/or the original recording, in ample time for the band to learn it.
While we're on the subject of music — are there any special guests attending your wedding who will be celebrating their wedding anniversary on, or very near, your special day? Then why not present them with a thoughtful gift? Ask your band or DJ to call them to the floor with a rendition of their first dance number! It's easy enough to find out their special song. If they're good friends and didn't get married all that long ago, give them a call. Express some sense of difficulty in choosing your own first dance selection and ask how they came to choose theirs. They'll most likely tell you the title without your even asking!
For older guests and relatives, your undercover work may require some assistance. Contact a friend or family member who may know, or can easily find out for you without causing too much suspicion. And even if your own parents' wedding anniversary is months away, you may wish to honor them with some appropriate song. The same applies to your future in-laws.
Any special birthdays? Have the band sing "Happy Birthday." Will your work friends or college buddies be there? Is there any song that conjures up great memories of the past? You get the idea.
Celebrate your day with song!
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