Wedding Ceremony & Reception Music Discussions

Songs with or without words

So my FI and I got into a debate last night on whether it was appropriate to use a modern song (with words) during the ceremony. I would like to play Train's Marry Me (acoustic version) while my bridesmaids and myself walk down the aisle. My FI is  concerned that the DJ will have to blare the music so the lyrics can be heard (we're having an outside wedding). Processional music should be instrumental because it's supposed to serve as background music, while the focus will be on the bridesmaids, my dad and myself. He's also concerned that people who don't know the song, and therefore it's lyrics, won't understand why we would be playing that particular song. Which may cause confusion and ultimately, again, become distracting.

I truly do think he has valid points. With that said, I feel that since we're not having a "typical" church wedding we're able to stray from the wedding march or Pachelbel Canon and do something unique and modern.

Thoughts, opinions?

Re: Songs with or without words

  • edited December 2011
    We used Storybook Love without the lyrics.  It was beautiful.  I agree with your fiance that the lyrics may confuse some of the older guests.  You can select a modern song and give it a processional feel by omitting the lyrics.
  • naomikbnaomikb member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    I think it's perfectly fine.  We are having a song with words (a traditional one, Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring) for the processional and other more modern songs with words throughout the ceremony.  I don't think it's an issue at all.

    Just make sure you do a sound check with the DJ beforehand so that the music is set at a volume that you think is appropriate.

    And I love Train's Marry Me!  I've been trying to figure out a way to work it into our day at some point as well.
  • apple114apple114 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thanks so much everyone!! I think doing a sound check with the DJ is probably the best idea. And who knows, 8 months from now I might be sick of the song and I want to change it back to my original, just an instrumental song.

    I agress Magdala, confusing the older guests was definitely one of my reservations. I guess this will be one of those "wait and see" moments where I'll figure out come rehersal time!
  • edited December 2011
    We are using the same song for the whole processional with lyrics, it is in a hymn style but outside our group of friends I doubt people are super familiar with the lyrics, but it is beautiful and the important thing to us is its significance. I think we are going to be doing some music before the ceremony starts, including "Marry Me"- I love that song!

    So, in short, I think it will be fine!
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    look up "vitamin string quartet" on youtube or itunes.
    they have a LOT of modern day popular songs, and old classics that are done beautifully without lyrics, which makes about all of them wedding appropiate.
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards