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November 10, 2011
An upcoming bride asked me what song we could play while she and her groom cut their wedding cake? I prepared a small list of songs: sweet, romantic or fun to underscore their special moment .
| THEME DESSERT! |
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| How Sweet It Is |
Marvin Gaye |
| Sugar Pie Honey Bunch |
The Four Tops |
| Sweet Love |
Anita Baker |
| Ice Cream |
Sarah McLauchlin |
| Pour Some Sugar on Me |
Def Leppard |
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| JUST GOOD SONGS! |
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| You Are The Best Thing |
Ray LaMontagne |
| Nobody Does It Better |
Carly Simon |
| The Best Is Yet To Come |
Michael Buble |
| For Once In My Life |
Stevie Wonder |
| Happy Together |
The Turtles |
| (This Will Be) An Everlasting Love |
Natalie Cole |
| Lucky Man |
The Verve |
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| LIGHT AND CUTE! |
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| When I’m 64 |
The Beatles |
| Going To The The Chapel |
The Dixie Cups |
| Old Fashioned Wedding |
Steve & Edie |
| I Got You Babe |
UB40 & Chrissie Hynde |
| Thank You |
Natalie Merchant |
| I Wanna Hold Your Hand |
The Beatles |
What other special cake songs or love songs do you like? Please feel free to comment below!
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July 18, 2011
Looking for interesting wedding ceremony music? The bandleaders at Starlight Orchestras love to share the custom programs we create for our brides and grooms to walk down the aisle. Here are a few from this past weekend.
| WEDDING OF |
Melissa and AJ |
| PROCESSIONAL |
MUSIC |
| Grandparents |
My Hero (Foo Fighters) |
| Bridesmaids & Ushers |
With A Little Help From My Friends (Beatles) |
| Best Man |
Better Man (Pearl Jam) |
| Groom |
Maybe I’m Amazed (Paul McCartney) |
| Maid of Honor |
In My Life (Beatles) |
| Bride |
Canon (Pachelbel) |
| RECESSIONAL |
New York, NY (Sinatra) |
| Ensemble (3 pieces) – harp, violin, sax/clarinet |
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| WEDDING OF |
Jodie and Brian |
| PROCESSIONAL |
MUSIC |
| Grandparents |
Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Lion King) |
| Bridesmaids & Ushers |
Just For A Moment (St. Elmo’s Fire) |
| Groom |
For The Love of a Princess (Braveheart) |
| Maid of Honor |
Feather Theme (Forrest Gump) |
| Bride |
A Whole New World (Aladdin) |
| RECESSIONAL |
Theme from Castaway |
| Ensemble (5 pieces)- electric harp, piano, upright bass, 2 violins |
July 3, 2011
We love to share the interesting and unique programs we have customized for “music for weddings ceremonies.”
Here are the Starlight bandleader’s picks from our favorite June processional music selections.
| WEDDING OF |
BLAKE AND ROB |
| Processional |
Sous Les Domes, Danza Pastorale |
| Bride |
Dvorak Romantic Piece #1 |
| Recessional |
Wedding March by Mendelssohn |
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| WEDDING OF |
BRITTANY AND ADAM |
| Processional |
All You Need is Love, Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Kamakawewo) |
| Bride |
What a Wonderful World |
| Recessional |
Beautiful Day |
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| WEDDING OF |
RACHEL AND JEFFREY |
| Processional |
V’rushalayim Shel Zahav, Al Kol Eleh, L’Chi Lach |
| Bride |
Erev Shel Shoshashanim |
| Recessional |
Od Yishama into Dodi Li |
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| WEDDING OF |
AMANDA AND SAYLES |
| Processional |
Over the Hills and Far Away, Romeo and Juliette |
| Bride |
Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Kamakawewo) |
| Recessional |
True Romance |
| WEDDING OF |
ELISSA AND DAVID |
| Processional |
Maybe I’m Amazed, And I Love Her, Til There Was You |
| More Processional |
What a Wonderful World, In My Life |
| Bride |
Just The Way You Look Tonight |
| Recessional |
Viva La Vida |
What interesting ceremony selections can you think of?
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May 20, 2011
As the weather gets warmer, some couples want to tie the knot outdoors. In a garden, on a beach, on a terrace or a rooftop; outdoor ceremonies have a special kind of romance and magic. Whether you are using a playlist from your IPod, having a DJ, or engaging live musicians to perform, here are some suggestions for your wedding ceremony music.
1. Music for Processional
You can choose pieces with an “outdoor theme.” Some of our favorites are:
Classical:
Spring from The Four Seasons
Danza Pastorale from The Four Seasons
Berceuse from Dolly Suite by Faure
Flower Duet from Lakme
The Minuet from Le Tombeau de Couperin by Ravel
Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream: (AKA “Here Comes The Bride)
Film Score:
The Legend from Practical Magic
Storybook Love
A River Runs Through it from that film
Haunted by Waters from A River Runs Through
You’re So Cool from True Romance
Pop:
Harvest Moon by Neil Young
Moondance by Van Morrison
Here Comes The Sun by the Beatles
2. Instrumentation:
It is nice to add some “wind” instruments to the traditional string ensembles: flute, oboe, and clarinet. Harp is particularly lovely at this time of year. If the wind blows, it catches the harp strings and they can reverberate on their own. Vibes and percussion are unusual and interesting, and the simplicity of acoustic guitar can be a fresh color in the palette as well.
3. Equipment:
Any equipment that is not battery operated (amps, speakers, keyboards etc.) will need a source of power and extensions cords.
Also, in order to fully hear the officient, it is a good idea to have a sound system (microphone and speakers). Usually your DJ or band can provide this for you. Enhance the music by providing clip-on microphones for the musicians as well.
4. Pre-Ceremony and Arrivals:
Your guests will be arriving and seated for a period of time, in some cases up to 20 minutes before the processional actually begins. Here is an opportunity for a lovely program of music to set the mood. Enjoy choosing the music for your wedding ceremony, or rely upon your music-provider to create the repertoire based on your style and taste.
For a comprehensive list of wedding ceremony music, visit Starlight’s CEREMONY MUSIC suggestions.
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December 23, 2010
At year’s end, I like to make lists of some of the year’s best moments, best music, best events. Today I came upon a “Top 10 First Dance Picks” from the staff at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach. This beachside destination hotel is one our favorite places in the world to perform; with magnificent ballrooms, breathtaking outdoor venues, amazing food, and one of the greatest group of event professionals in the biz.
Check out the Breaker’s Wedding Blog article “At Last: Memorable Songs For Your First Dance,” complete with links to the music videos. And stay tuned to our blog for upcoming lists of all sorts of musical favorites from this year.
LINK TO ADDITIONAL FIRST DANCE LISTS
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October 11, 2010
We always sit down to talk with our clients a few months before their events. We discuss their visions for the night, the timing and flow of the evening, and of course everything about the music and entertainment. When these clients came in for their meeting, I was surprised when the bride’s parents handed me their handwritten playlist that was filled with top 40, club, rap and hip-hop hits. They enjoyed extremely current music, and said that they and all of their guests would pack the dance floor all night. The bride and groom weighed in and said that although their parents really loved hip-hop and current music, we should still mix it up and add some classic soul, some Michael Jackson and a little rock. These people sure knew their crowd, and boy, could they party!!! Their wedding, which was last night, was one of the most energetic and crazy parties we have ever performed at! I was excited by all the new music we played. We brought two rappers with us, 2 synthesizer players, 6 vocalists, 4 horns, bass, drums, and me rocking out on electric guitar!
Here are some of the songs we played!
| (hip hop) |
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| Gettin’ Over You |
David Guetta, Chris Willis, LMFAO & Fergie |
| Hotel Room Service (modified lyrics) |
Pitbull |
| Dynamite |
Taio Cruz |
| OMG remix |
Usher featuring Will.I.Am. |
| Tik Tok |
Ke$ha |
| California Gurls |
Katy Perry |
| Just Dance |
Lady Gaga |
| Evacuate The Dance Floor |
Rhianna |
| I Gotta Feeling |
Black Eyed Peas |
| Boom Boom Pow |
Black Eyed Peas |
| I Know You Want Me |
Pitbull |
| Bad Romance |
Lady gaga |
| Empire State of Mind |
Jay Zee & Alicia Keys |
| It’s Getting Hot In Here |
Nelly |
| Pokerface |
Lady Gaga |
| Hollaback |
Gwen Stefani |
| Let’s Get it Started |
Black Eyed Peas |
| Crazy in Love remix |
Beyonce |
| (soul) |
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| I Want You Back |
Jackson 5 |
| Don’t Stop Til you Get Enough |
Michael Jackson |
| September |
Earth, Wind & Fire |
| Good Times |
Chic |
| (rock) |
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| You Shook Me All Night Long |
AC/DC |
| Pour Some Sugar on Me |
Def Leppard |
| You Give Love A Bad Name |
Bon Jovi |
other special requests were:
First Dance- Always a Woman (Billy Joel)
Parent Dance- Just The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra)
Cake- You Are The Best Thing (Ray LaMontagne)
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August 23, 2010
Notes
This couple wanted a mix of many of their favorite tunes, and were willing to cross genres. The result, a blend of traditional and contemporary.
Pre-Ceremony Selections
As guests made their way into the ballroom for the ceremony, the string ensemble added to the romantic setting by performing pieces from famous films, such as:
- Pretty Woman
- Life is Beautiful
- West Side Story
Ceremony Music
| UNCHAINED MELODY |
Grandparents |
(The Righteous Brothers) |
| WONDERFUL TONIGHT |
Groom & Parents |
(Eric Clapton) |
| ALL I ASK OF YOU |
Bridesmaids & Ushers |
(From Phantom) Lloyd Weber |
| SWEET CHILD OF MINE |
Flower Girl |
(Guns & Roses) |
| CANON IN D |
Bride & Parents |
(Pachelbel) |
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| OH WHAT A NIGHT |
Recessional |
(Franki Valli & Four Seasons) |
Ensemble
6 Piece String Group- harp, bass, 3 violins, woodwind (sax/clarinet/flute)
August 8, 2010
People are often looking for some new ideas for Wedding Music. Here is a playlist from a recent wedding at the Hotel Pierre.
“Tradition” from Fiddler on The Roof for the Rabbi and 2 sets of grandparents;
“One Boy” from Bye Bye Birdie for the Best Man,
“Luck Be A Lady” from Guys and Dolls for the Groom and his parents;
“Seasons of Love” from Rent for the 8 sets of Bridesmaids and Ushers;
“Popular” for the Maid of Honor;
“Thank Heaven for Little Girls” for the 2 little Flower Girls
Finally, and dramatically, the bride and her parents walked down the aisle to “Memory” from Cats.
“You’re The One That I Want” from Grease for the recessional.
Instrumentation-
The instrumention was harp, 2 violins, cello and bass
July 14, 2010
“Starlight Brides and Grooms Picks”- First Dances, Spring 2010
In this season’s “first dance” roster is a mix of old and new, tried and true, slow and romantic to bouncy and fun . Every wedding couple is different, and their first dance selection can set the tone of the entire evening, as well as their new life together. Here is a variety of choices for your first dance as a married couple.
Stuck on You- Lionel Richie
Have A Little Faith- Joe Cocker
You’ve Got What It Takes- Michael Buble
Thank You For Loving Me- Bon Jovi
If I Ain’t Got You- Alicia Keys
In The Moment- Sister Hazel
Make A Memory- Bon Jovi
I’ve Had The Time Of My Life- Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Beauitful Day- U2
God Only Knows- The Beach Boys
In Your Eyes- Jeffrey Gaines
Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman- Bryan Adams
You Are The Best Thing- Ray La Montagne
Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now- Starship
Turn Me On- Norah Jones
What first dances have you liked? Please “leave a comment” below!
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October 22, 2009
“What are some good choices for our first dance?” Brides and grooms ask that question all the time, looking for guidance and suggestions. The first dance is a very special moment, and the song selection can be based on many different things.
Special song: some couples remember a particular song from either their first date, when they fell in love, or some other specific memory (first baseball game?). The song has become “theirs” and is symbolic of their relationship
Special dance- some couples want to do a particular kind of dance or choreography, so they will look for songs to fit a style or genre. (For example; one couple enjoyed ballroom dancing and were quite good, so they chose a romantic waltz. Another couple wanted to really make a splash, so they chose “More Than a Woman” from “Saturday Night fever” and did the Hustle!
Still Searching- I find that most couples do not have one special song, are not planning a special dance, and want to find something that they both like and feel comfortable with.
There are many genres of love songs to choose from. You can find love songs from movies or shows (i.e. “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” from Lion King), pop ballads on the radio (by Alicia Keys or Anita Baker), rock ballads (by Eric Clapton or Bryan Adams), jazz standards (by Frank Sinatra.) There are contemporary ballads (by Ben Harper), classic soul ballads (by Marvin Gaye or remakes by Boyz II To Men), and modern power ballads (by U-2.)
Some people like the tried and true. Other people want to find something completely unique. Some couples are traditional. Others want something trendy or edgy, and there are musical choices to suit everyone. Since we are often asked for song ideas, we have created several lists of suggestions for first dances, which you can find on the SONGLIST tab, at the top of this website.
We have so much fun researching and finding both new and old song ideas to share with our clients. We will be compiling and adding new lists frequently, and we will periodically post these as articles.
For now, you can view our most popular first dance song lists:
First Dances- Traditional
First Dances- Alternative Selections
VR Top 20 Love Songs
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