4 Contemporary Wedding Music Choices and a Few Songs to Avoid

"body">one plays "Send in the Clowns" when your future
There's no rule that says you need to walk downmother-in-law makes her way down the aisle. Or
the aisle to the strains of Pachelbel's Canon. Manymaybe you don't.
brides are setting aside the traditional tunes ofYou might have a favorite song in mind for your
their parents' or older siblings' ceremonies andwedding ceremony, but before you start printing
looking for more contemporary tunes that arethe programs, you'll want to give it a little more
decidedly their own.thought. Just because a tune features a sweeping
The trend these days is to choose music thatmelody or a chance for your soloist to really let
speaks to you, no matter if it's not exactly whatloose, the lyrics might not be exactly appropriate
your guests are expecting. If you'd like tofor your big day. Here are a few songs to avoid:
incorporate new or lesser-known older songs intoMy Heart Will Go On (Love Theme from Titanic) -
your ceremony or reception, go right ahead.Celine Dion
Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your wayThis song is beautiful, but it's about living on after
to music that's as individual and unique as you are:someone you love died, not starting a life
1. Don't be overly concerned about tradition ortogether. Also, the boat sank - that's just bad
choosing "appropriate" music. Have funkarma.
representing yourselves and your love in aI Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
memorable way.Perfect song, right? Wrong. Here are a few
2. To give your wedding a one-of-a-kind feel, besample lyrics that explain why it might not be the
on the lookout for original songs by musicians ormost appropriate sentiment for a ceremony: "If I
songwriters many people might not have heardshould stay, I would only be in your way. So I'll
of.go." "Bittersweet. Memories. That is all I'm taking
3. Instead of using Top 40 hits, consider songswith me. So good-bye..." "We both know I'm not
from Broadway musicals or movies.what you need..."
4. Love a certain musician, but wince at theEvery Breath You Take - The Police
thought of having his or her most famous tune inThis tune is more like a creepy stalker's anthem
your wedding? Choose one of their more obscurethan a love song.
songs instead.Beauty and the Beast - Celine Dion/Peabo Bryson
Here are a few nontraditional songs to consider:This is also a beautiful love song, but it wouldn't
The Feather Theme (Main Theme) - Forrestbe polite to compare the groom to a "beast"
Gump Soundtrackduring the ceremony.
Canon in F - The ONeill BrothersSend in the Clowns - From the Broadway show
You Are My Home - Scarlet Pimpernel Soundtrack"A Little Night Music"
Born to Give My Love to You - Martina McBrideThis would be a big "no-no" during ANY portion of
The Road That Never Ends - Jamie Lawrencethe prelude or processional. As beautiful as it is,
Inappropriate Wedding Ceremony Songsyou wouldn't want it to be playing while your
You'll want to confirm the list of ceremonymother or future mother-in-law were being
prelude songs ahead of time to make sure noseated.