When you think of wedding music, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the traditional wedding march which is actually entitled “The Bridal Chorus” by composer Richard Wagner.  Another popular piece frequently heard at weddings is the lovely Pachabel’s Canon in D.   You’ve probably enjoyed hearing those familiar classics at other weddings, but may want to choose something special and memorable for your own wedding day.  Many modern brides are opting to place personal choice over tradition when choosing their wedding music.

In recent years, many brides and grooms have chosen to take a more casual approach toward their nuptials, up to and including their choice of wedding music.  Some couples choose songs from popular radio playlists that have a particular meaning to the both of them, perhaps commemorating a special occasion or activity they shared, or music that has cultural significance.  Still others make choices that leave guests scratching their heads.  A popular national radio station recently polled listeners about the oddest songs they had heard at weddings.  One couple reportedly even chose the ABBA hit "The Winner Takes It All", which is a song about divorce!

Some brides and grooms choose songs from Broadway shows or theme music from a favorite film.  Another option for unique wedding music is to hire a songwriter or musician to write a special song just for the couple.  Couples planning a destination wedding will often make unusual music choices depending on where the ceremony is being held, for instance, steel drums for a wedding in the Caribbean, or a mariachi band in Mexico.  

Of course, you can bring an international flair to your wedding even if you are getting married in your local church.  Hire a band that can play any kind of interesting music and give your guests a musical treat that will make your wedding stand out from the rest!

You can even form an entire wedding theme around your musical tastes.  Hire a steel drum band, and serve a buffet of traditional Jamaican treats to spice up your day.  Or opt for Celtic harps and bagpipes and ask that male members of the wedding party wear kilts.

No doubt you’ll take your wedding vows seriously, but there’s no reason you can’t have a little fun with a choice of music that suits the style and personality of the most important people at the wedding: the bride and groom.