This week I want you to decompress Bridey. I am sure you are a little over talking about how Great Aunt Mary is going to get down the cliff face for your secluded beach nuptials, discussing the ombre tones of your wedding cake and pouring through pinterest only to find to place cards you confirmed with your designer and went to print last week would have been sooo much cuter with that extra detail… So let’s take a step back. It’s time to relax Bridey. Relax whilst planning like an absolute Pro and ticking off items from your list in a super fun way.

Music is the way to start those layers of ‘feeling’ at your wedding. Did you know that listening to Music is the only activity that actively engages all parts of your brain? It affects mood, state and general ‘feeling’ so you want to make sure you are getting your guests in the right zone for those special moments on your day, right? Especially during your ceremony.

So you may have a song for your first dance… But did you know you need 10+ songs for your ceremony? And no, I’m not talking about the DJ set at your reception. Bridey’s often leave this to the last minute, the eleventh hour, and end up just picking ‘anything’ or going with the classics. Stressing about it all year long rather than just taking a few moments in time to pull together some incredible, emotive and familiar songs is just plain amateur. And you my Bridey, are not an amateur.

If you have this element totally sorted, you have 10-20 songs (pending the type of ceremony  you are having), you are convinced your tunes you have chosen represent you as a couple, set the mood perfectly for your guests and you are ready to move on to the next element.

For all of the lovers who are still to select these special moments through musical notes, let’s start with what you need to consider.

TUNE INJECTION MOMENTS

Here are some examples of where you may have music for a traditional Christian Ceremony, so based on your wedding – map out what You require first.

Ceremony Music | Bridey Speak – preludes, processionals, interludes and recessionals – but i’ll break this down for you to speak a language we can all understand. The classics are easy to find – google ‘Classic Wedding processional, recessional and interlude songs’ and a million people will tell you all about that. I want to give you some more personalised takes on these moments to really create feeling, love and excitement. (all the pink bits are clickable links for you)

1. Waiting Music | aka prelude. Whilst guests are waiting for your big entrance – you will need a few songs here – 20 – 45mins worth. Think of some more relaxed ones to start, then a bit of a build up as you go. Create the anticipation! I like the idea of having pop songs covered acoustically as the words can be actually quite beautiful – recognise this one? José Gonsalez – Put Your Hand On Your Heart And can you tell me who sang the original version?  Maybe lead into something like this for a cheeky more upbeat build up  Lykke Li – Little bit (HD)

2. Your Bridey BFF’s and Mini’s Entry | aka processional. For the flower girls, page boys and Bridesmaids walking down the Aisle. Can’t Help Falling In Love or maybe a little 06 That’s Where It’s At or maybe an accoustic version of this pretty popular tune Train – Marry Me

3. What the Crowds have been Waiting For | aka still processional. YOUR walk down the aisle! EEEEEKKKK!! Many opt for the classic – like Mendelssohns Wedding March, and this is one you can keep a surprise from your love. I really love this one as a cute option Israel Kamakawiwo’ole – Over the Rainbow What a Wonderful World (Medley)

(insert Hymns here if a church wedding)

4. The Signing | aka interlude Music while you sign your wedding certificate. Like this beauty – it’s a bit hipster, a bit cute with beautiful lyrics – without being traditional. a guitar, harmonica and a beautiful singer, this one would be so beautiful live. It brings big fat tears to my eyes whenever I hear it.   Angus & Julia Stone – The Wedding Song (Great quality) 

5. Oh Heyyy Husband and Wifey!! | aka recessional. Walking back down the aisle post ceremony. A bit of fun with Stevie Stevie Wonder ★ Signed, Sealed, Delivered @ 720p HD or maybe this fun number The Drums – Forever & Ever Amen

6. Dancing Down the Aisle | Guests Exit – You can just keep playing your song if it’s uplifting and fun and it’s your fave. Or you can throw a few more in that you also love. maybe something a little more upbeat Phosphorescent – Song for Zula (Official Audio) something acoustic but mod with lovely lyrics Sneaky Sound System – Big acoustic. Or why not a classic goodtimes song Lionel Richie – Dancing On The Ceiling

So there are some examples… but how the hell do you decide on your songs?

Firstly | Jot down a few words musically that describe you as a couple, or even indiviudally, to se if anything crosses over. Gangsta rap, indie pop, metal, my little pony theme song… See what you come up with and what crosses over. Then really try to think of songs that may have reminded you of each other during the early days in your relationship, maybe a song you both loved that came on when you were on a date or on a drive.

Secondly | Have some friends that always have great playlists? Love their music? Ask them for some help. But do the leg work first – tell them what style you like by doing the step above, and try to find at least one or two songs you love so they know what style you are going for.

Thirdly | Ask people. What weddings have they been to where amazing songs were being played, or have they attended weddings recently where the music made them feel amazing? Do some research.

Also consider…

Getting Ready | what vibe do you want going on whilst you are getting ready with your Bridesmaids? Maybe you want your Bridey BFF’s favourite songs together? One’s that bring back memories? Maybe you want to psych up with party beats? Or you might just want to chill out with some soft tunes. How do YOU want to feel in the lead up to that step down the aisle? Maybe you also want to make a playlist for your soon-to-be Groomey? A nice gift to him to get him all ready for the swoon when you walk towards him.

Video | Are you going to have a video? Keep in mind you may want to use one of your songs for the background of your video. I am into this one at the moment – super cute Alexander – A Million Years. The lyrics – too much!

So make your decisions thoughtful, and it will be felt throughout your day, and for years to come in yours and your guests memory reels.

And finally – pop the songs you use for your wedding on to your phone so you can listen to them on your honeymoon and re-live the moments wherever you go.

Got a great song you are considering using? Please tell me all about it below! I would love to hear from you!