Non-traditional BEST OF 2009 Weddings-Music

One of our goals at Blissful Beginnings is to help our clients to create completely personalized events, and sometimes that means incorporating non-traditional elements or ideas into the event. While driving back from last Saturday's wedding, I had the idea to "shout out" some of these fabulous "out of the ordinary" ideas that we saw and loved this season.

I thought I'd start with Music because I listen to music of all genres and I think it's a great way to personalize your wedding. Not to say that Pachelbel's "Cannon in D" or Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" is passe, but many Brides fear thinking outside of the box in this area. If you'd like a traditional classical or spiritual soundtrack at your wedding, go with it! But, also take some cues from your Ipod or the tunes you rock out to in the car when planning your wedding day music...

Some of our "greatest hits" from 2009 Weddings

1. Ceremony processional selections from Michelle and Tony's wedding in Etna, NH in September. Tony and Michelle used songs from Eddie Vedder's "Into the Wild" movie soundtrack, including "Photographs" and "Tuolumne"
As a BIG Pearl Jam fan, I loved these choices. They are so emotional and lovely. Also, if you haven't seen the movie, Check it out. The sountrack makes the movie!!!

2. Best Recessional: Shiny Happy People by REM from Tamara and Will's summer wedding at Rye Harbor State Park. Fun, upbeat and definitely got guests ready for an afternoon of fun and games by the ocean. You'll see them mentioned again when we get to Non-tradtional food!

3. Cocktail hour Soundtrack- sorry, I have to take this one from my own wedding in April. Henry and I had casino themed cocktail hour at our wedding- a little tongue in cheek take on having met eachother on on the "luckiest day of the century" 7/7/07...
We celebrated by setting up a casino for our guests and awarded "high roller" prizes for the lucky winners. I asked our good friend and DJ, Noah Phillips to take his musical direction from Las Vegas based casino movies from the 70's and 80's- Rolling Stones, Louis Prima, etc. It was festive and fun...like listening to a classic rock station. It went great with turning cards and spinning roulette wheels.
photo Melinda Butler

4. Wedding Party Into- The FOX NFL fanfare from Karen and Mike's September Wedding- need I say more? This couple LOVES their sports!

5. Bride and Groom's first dance- Jess and Scott's custom written first dance song by friend, maid of honor and musician, Mary Delay. What better gift than a song about your love? It was beautiful.Photo, Alice Garrik

6. Best Wedding Closer- this is BY FAR my favorite music moment of the season- Sarah and Hugh's wedding at Crane Estete in June. After a lovely evening of Swing/Jazz standards by The Tom Snow Band these tuxedo-buttoned-up gentlemen RIPPED into a personal request of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" for the bride and groom. The room erupted, it was like a concert- hands in the air, jaws fell open! "WAyyyyyyyy down inSIDE, WOMAN, you NEEEEEEED Me! AHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhHHHHHHHhh! Really, it was the best.

Rock On. Photo Melinda Butler