Category Archives: Music

Song Choices for Ceremonies

Wedding Songs

Ever been to an event where music is being played and wonder what the motivation was behind the song choices?  In most situations the selected songs are very appropriate to the event, but sometimes they just don’t seem to be right…

While I encourage people to express themselves in their ceremony, and know that their ceremony truly is a reflection of the love the couple is celebrating together, I am fascinated by the song choices that are included in their ceremonies.

Just because a song has the word ‘love’ in its title does not necessarily mean that it is a song that is suitable for a ‘love ceremony’.  There is also a large variety of romantic sounding songs, which on closer examination are not romantic at all.

There are some very obvious examples of these songs: The Police ‘Every Breath You Take’ (stalking); Hunters & Collectors ‘Throw Your Arms Around Me’ (a one night stand); James Blunt ‘You’re Beautiful’ (a guy catches a glimpse of a beautiful girl that he won’t ever see again); and REM ‘The One I Love’ (about using people).

Then there are songs that people choose because of the music itself rather than the lyrics.  Examples of this would be ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ by The Verve, ‘Breathe Me’ by Sia or ‘Somersault’ by Decoder Ring.

Whatever music or songs you have for your ceremony, think about why you want that piece and the meaning it has for you.  If you are happy with your song preference, and it adds to the specialness of your day, then that is what you should choose.

 

 

 

Song Choices for your Ceremony

Wedding Songs

Music preference is a very personal choice. We all have different tastes, be it classical, pop, country or rock. The music you choose for your ceremony should reflect the type of ceremony you are planning – is it formal, fun, romantic, or a combination of styles? Don’t forget that you also have music selections to make for your reception, including your first official dance.

Classical pieces might include Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (your choice of Season), Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, The Prayer performed by Andrea Bocelli or Richard Wagner’s Traditional Wedding March.

Do you prefer the big band era? Popular crooners you might consider are Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr, or Michael Bublé.

Theatre might be important to you. Consider options such as All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera, Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof, or One Hand, One Heart from West Side Story.

If you are a movie buff, do you have a favourite movie that has an appropriate song? Some examples might be Dirty Dancing, The Princess Bride, Juno, The Bridges of Madison County or even The Wedding Singer.

What about your favourite artist? Whether your preferred music era is the 1950s or today, there are so many artists to choose from: Elvis, The Beatles, Sade, Barry White, Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, Shania Twain, Nick Cave, Regina Spektor, Florence + The Machine, The Flaming Lips … the list is endless.

Or maybe it is the song itself. Classics include At Last by Etta James, Unforgettable or When I Fall in Love by Nat King Cole, Have I Told You Lately by Van Morrison, Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers.

Any of these options should be able to be used with either recordings or live music at your Ceremony. Remember: Your ceremony is all about celebrating your love, and the music you choose is a reflection of that love you have for each other.

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  • For us, the ceremony was the most important aspect of our day and Rosemary helped us to find the right words to express our love and commitment to each other. Many people commented on how moving they found the ceremony and how well it reflected us as both individuals and as a couple. We would highly recommend Rosemary to anyone seeking a celebrant sensitive to and able to respond to the clients requirements.

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