Music & Dancing
for a
Real Down-Home Wedding

Your choice of music for your western wedding ceremony should be tempered by what the music is supposed to accomplish at each stage of your wedding. Regardless of the style of music – classical, religious, or western – the tempo and the music itself should compliment what is happening at the time.

Most weddings begin with background music known as the “Prelude.”

For example, at most weddings the music begins approximately 20 to 30 minutes before the actual ceremony. This music is known as the “Prelude” and it should set the tone for the wedding but not be so overpowering that guests cannot have quiet, intimate conversations or be able to meditate or reflect privately. Something soft and ballad-like may be appropriate, perhaps something with few, if any lyrics. If your wedding is being held in a church it is advisable that you run your music past your clergy to confirm its appropriateness.

As the bride enters the music should swell to emphasize the joyousness of the occasion.

The next major piece of music at the ceremony itself is generally the “Procession.” This is the music that is played as the bridal party enters. If the bride is to be proceeded by ushers and bridesmaids and flower girls and the ring bearer then it is important that the music begin somewhat quietly and swell in volume as the Bride enters. Your choice of music may be traditional or something country or bluegrass but upbeat and joyous.

The “Recessional” should be something both upbeat and majestic to compliment the first joyous kiss of husband and wife.

The third major piece of music at most weddings is the “Recessional.” This is the music that is played as the bride and groom have their first married kiss and exit arm-in-arm. You’ll want music that is upbeat and somewhat majestic.

The “Postulate” should emphasize the joy that the newlyweds are feeling, but should not overpower the guests’ ability to hold intimate conversations.

The fourth and final music for most ceremonies is known as the “Postlude.” This music is played after the Recessional and continues while your guests are going through the receiving line. This should be joyous and triumphant music but again it shouldn’t be overpowering as guests are going to want to talk to the bride and groom and to talk amongst themselves.

It’s at the reception that you can truly let your hair down and have a good ‘ol time!

The reception is where you can really let your hair down, kick off your boots and have a foot-stompin’ good time.

Whether you have a live band or a DJ playing recorded music, let the professional take it from here.

The bride and groom’s first dance should set the tone for the rest of the evening.

At most reception there are a few special dances where you may want to have a say in the selection of music. For the bride and groom’s first dance, the selection should be entirely up to the happy couple. If they want something slow and ballad like, there are any number of soft, romantic country ballads to choose from. But if the bride and groom want to kick up their heels and really let loose there’s no reason why they shouldn’t – and the music can be just as wild as they are.

The Father/Daughter Dance

For the Father/Daughter or Father/Bride dance you may want something softer and more romantic and ballad-like. Possibly along the lines of the Mills Brothers Daddy’s Little Girl, or Reba McIntyre’s I’ll Be, or Natalie Cole’s Unforgettable, or Joe Cocker’s You Are So Beautiful.

The Mother/Groom Dance

For the Mother/Groom or Mother/Son dance you may want to consider Vickie Mereck’s A Song For My Son, or Topol’s Sunrise, Sunset, or Bette Midler’s Wind Beneath My Wings.

The Mother/Daughter Dance

For the Mother/Daughter dance you might find something like Celine Dion’s Because You Loved Me touching, or Stephanie Bentley’s The Hope Chest Song, or Kenny Roger’s Through the Years.

Keep things hoping with a good old-fashioned square dance and a foot loose line dance or two

If this is a real western reception you may want to have a fast and furious square dance with a professional square dance caller keeping things fast, fun and lively. And you’ll certainly want to have a few line dances. Mixed it up, and space out the dances so there are two or three square dances over the course of the evening and just as many line dances.

Don’t forget to invite a professional dance teacher who can teach your guests to square dance and show them some good-looking line dance moves.

Don’t forget what the night is all about – the celebration of love…so have fun, ya’ hear?

Above all – have fun. And make sure your guests are having fun. Never forget that the purpose of a wedding reception is to CELEBRATE a wondrous occasion. So let down your hair and we’ll have us a good ‘ol time tonight!