Going to the Chapel

Tailored Wedding Song List Suggestions that Get Everyone on the Dance Floor

By Jackie Saunders

You've landed another wedding gig. The contract is signed, the deposit is in your bank account, and you've already met with the bride and groom several times to go over particulars like venue layout and where and when you can set up. With all the details covering staging, timing, and etiquette, you may not have pinpointed the songs the couple wants.

If you're lucky, the bride and groom has a list of songs that you: "must play," "should not play," or "it would be cool if you play." Or, they have chosen songs from your repertoire. But, there are some brides who just assume you know what to play. If you want to really make an impression, read the musical "pulse" of the event and surprise them with songs they'll like.

Observing the bride's personal style will signal what type of wedding reception she wants to throw, whether it's formal, casual, offbeat, or grandiose. If you want to get a better feel for what music will go with the overall theme of the wedding reception, ask some simple questions: What will bride and groom wear? How will they arrive? What will the food and décor be like? What time of day is the party? What do their invitations look like? This will give you clues about what type of tunes the future Mr. and Mrs. Smith want to boogie to. Then, check out the flowchart to determine what kind of bride you are working with.

Traditional Bride

Strapless gown, pearls, and an updo? You have yourself a bride who does weddings by the book. Go with standard classical music for the ceremony and classic pop tunes from the '50s, '60s, '70s, and beyond. Just because she's particular about napkins and table settings, doesn't mean she won't cut loose on the dance floor.

Ceremony Processional:
Pachelbel's Canon in D

Reception: "Runaround Sue," "Build Me Up Buttercup," "Sweet Caroline," "Do You Love Me," "Footloose," "I Can't Help Myself," "Rock Around the Clock," "La Bamba"

Hippie Bride

Bare feet, a no frills frock, eco-friendly e-mail invitations, an outdoor ceremony, and potted-plant centerpieces clue you in that the bride is dedicated to simplicity and green living. Stick to '60s and '70s tunes and throw in a little funk to shake things up a bit.

Ceremony Processional:
"In My Life"

Reception: "Twist and Shout," "Shakedown
Street," "Sunshine of Your Love," "I Got You (I
Feel Good)," "Sunshine Superman," "Ob-La-Di
Ob-La-Da," "Brick House," "Wonderful Tonight"

Rocker Bride

If the bride is more likely to wear combat boots than white, satin slippers, has full-sleeve tattoos, and rented a Harley to ride off in the sunset with her groom after the reception, rock songs are the key to a successful night.

Ceremony Processional: "Wild Horses"

Reception: "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," "You Shook Me All Night Long," "Pour Some Sugar On Me," "Ring of Fire," "Should I Stay or Should I Go," "I Want You to Want Me," "Sweet Home Alabama," "Walk this Way"

Vintage Glamour Bride

Vintage wedding dress, diamonds, old-fashioned bolero, a rented hot-rod, and a dapper groom suit point to some old souls with a flair for fashion. Think Lawrence Welk Show and big band favorites from the '40s and '50s.

Ceremony Processional:
"At Last"

Reception: "Jump, Jive, and Wail," "Come Fly
with Me," "Unforgettable," "Jump in the
Line," "The Way You Look Tonight," "What
a Wonderful World," "In the Mood," "L-O-V-E"