Time honored traditional songs are wonderful, but if you want a special song for your anniversary or wedding, here are a few choices. You can pre-listen to them at most record stores where there are the standard selection headphones, some you can download and listen to together.
Or, you can discuss this with the DJ you are hiring for the wedding. If you have a wedding planner, they should have sent you a list of available DJ’s right away, as they book up pretty fast. Call and arrange to meet with the DJ, they can make or break the reception so find one you really click with.
Go over the song list and ask questions. There should be a good mix of fast and slow dance music, and any reputable DJ knows this and has some ideas as to the best ones to use. You don’t want your reception to be like everyone else’s but chances are that it won’t, so relax and enjoy the appointment.
You want the music to set the mood for your wedding and reception. Depending on whom you are, you may want all modern, or popular music, or you may insist on all the “traditional” music that the DJ can drum up. Pick the ones that both of you like, and be open to the probability that he might want something special to him that you’re not particularly fond of-it goes both ways-now you get to learn all about compromise. Get used to it; you’ll be doing it for the rest of your lives together.
If you have a friend or friends that are musically inclined, consider asking them to perform as your present. You could save a lot of money on the DJ, and it makes the reception so much more personal. Sometimes the choir will sing, too. My friend belonged to a Southern Baptist Church; the choir was awesome and sang three up beat gospels. It was beautiful.
Another option, especially given today’s technology toys, is to program the reception music together. A trusted family member or friend can run the music as part of their wedding gift to you. That’s what we did at our wedding. My friend kept his eyes on the time, and qued the music to start electronically at specific intervals. Modern technology is supposed to make our lives easier-let it work for you!
Your wedding is your special day, and the guests should understand that, but if grandma is going to be there, you might want to consider the harm decibel levels can do to the ears. Take into consideration family and friends who are very young or elderly, they love you and want to celebrate your special day with you, don’t make them regret it by playing music that only your clubbing friends will like.
Finally, choose the song that you want to remember the most and play it as the first song the two of you dance to and as the last song of the night. People remember the first and last thing they hear the best, this way you will share your selection will everyone you are closest to.