Wedding/Reception song checklist
 Every decent wedding has some sort of music associated with it. Did you know that there are several parts and songs that go into the ceremony and reception? It's not just one song for the entire thing, as the wedding itself is made up of multiple parts. Assuming this is a formal wedding,let's see if you got them all!

[ ] Prelude
The prelude usually starts the hour before your ceremony takes place. The music should be light and easy to listen to. It doesn't have to be formal, as this music is to welcome the guests and 'delay' until the wedding party is ready to go.

[ ] Processional
   [] Wedding Party
   [] Bridal March
   [] Ceremony
The procession is basically made up of three parts. The first part is the wedding party(bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl(s), ect.). This music should be instrumental, as a singer(S) will distract from the ceremony. Bach, Faure, Beethoven, ect. should be what you are looking at here.

The second part is the bridal march. This is where the bride starts her walk down the isle. The traditional "Here comes the bride" tune should pop into your head right about now. While this may be the traditional way to do it, you may also have classical music here as well. The choice is soley up to you!

The last part of the processional is the actual ceremony itself. For the most part, people usually do not have any music playing during the actual ceremony. However, some light classic music may be played if the person performing the ceremony has a microphone handy, or if the space is large enough so he/she can be heard clearly.

[ ] Recessional
This is the last part of the ceremony when the entire wedding party exits the ceremony. Uplifting music should be played here as if a weight has been taken off everyone's shoulders! This music usually only lasts the period of one song, so choose wisely! Incidentally, Mendelssohn is the artist that performs the traditional wedding march.

[ ] Reception
   [] First Dance
   [] Father-Daughter Dance
   [] Mother-Son Dance(optional)
   [] RELAX!
The reception is intended for guests to mingle with and congratulate the recently married couple. If you're going for a more traditional feel, there are a few more songs that need to be picked out for this. Keep in mind that all these songs may be classical music or slow-dance type songs.

The first dance is for the recently married couple and should be a powerful and emotional song for both of them. Generally, couples tend to choose a song they both know and are familiar with. 

The father-daughter dance is for the father and daughter to dance to that symbolizes the woman is grown and has moved on from the comfort of her parents. Generally the father and daughter should choose this song together.

The mother-son dance symbolizes the mother's love for her son as she wishes him good luck with his new bride. This dance is usually optional and isn't recognized widely.

The last part of the reception should be fun and entertaining. Usually full of lots of talking, dance, eating, drinking, socializing, and a great relief off the couple. From this point on, the couple may decide to change into more relaxing clothes or stay in their wedding attire and mingle with their guests. This is it! The end of the ceremony and should be the most fun. Any genre music will apply here including group dances, line dances, activity dances(i.e. limbo, congo, ect.).