Let’s talk music

Even if you’re not a music obsessive like we are, you undoubtedly have found yourself toiling over that truly and all-important decision:  the first dance song.  Music is something not to be overlooked as it has the ability to enhance the moment, setting a certain mood or emotional state with ease (we’ve all found ourselves teary eyed at that cheesy moment during that contrived and predictable romantic comedy largely the result of the song playing.)

Music choices can be broken into four categories or associations (please excuse any overlap) :

• Identity
• Nostalgia
• Recreating a particular moment
• Emotions

Identity

This one will probably not apply to everyone, but for those in which music is an embodiment of your personality and strongly associated with your persona, the first dance song is a great way to project a piece of you.  Injecting some personality into your wedding is always a great way to make the experience more memorable and unique.  Are you largely a product of a particular music movement?  Maybe you met each other during the peak of garage rock or indiepop or dancehall.  Perhaps you both share an affinity for Piano Man-era Billy Joel?  Don’t be afraid to try a less recognizable song.  It’s your special moment  - make it about you.

Adventureland is a great example.  While the main focus is on this budding summer romance, the great music embodies them and the culture they’re falling in love in.  And considering this was pre-Napster days, music proliferation was significantly lower, making the Lou Reed, The Cure, Big Star, and The Replacments songs that much more special.

Nostalgia

I couldn’t help but notice this while watching the Academy Awards.  That warm, comforting feeling of a simple time (a more romantic time?) where chivalrous gestures and great attire prevailed.  These are all sentiments that can be projected by picking a classic jazz, soul, or R&B song that practically floats around the room.  Try:  Billy Holiday, Etta James, Bill Withers,  Al Green, Solomon Burke, and Marvin Gaye.

Recreating a particular moment

This could refer to a multitude of things.  For our purposes, let’s call it “your” song. Every couple has one.  A song, maybe even a random one or not a great song, that is significant to them.  Maybe it was playing at the bar the first time you met or when you shared a ipod earbuds on a plane ride (I know, but it could happen.)  This is a situation where the song itself is less important, the emphasis being on its significance to you, your past, and your future.

Emotions

This one is the layup of all the scenarios.  Pick a song based solely on reenforcing a mood or emotional undertone.  Your DJ or band will surely be able to help give you some suggestions out of their stock arsenal of songs practiced and mastered exactly for these moments.  You’ll definitely see some throwback songs, but they’ll likely be more popular and lively selections.