Giving Your Daughter Away

My Girl The Temptations

 I have been extremely fortunate to have been involved in the Wedding Industry for the last quarter century.  I have been involved in the planning and successful execution of more ceremonies and receptions than most anyone would be willing to admit to because of the sheer numbers.  I have been blessed to see so many fathers in tears (of joy) as they give the hand of their little princesses away to what they hope and pray will be a happy, loving and long lasting relationship.

I have also seen my own family members get married; daughters, sons, sisters, cousins etc. I am very good at recommending the special music for the special moments.  There is no right or wrong song, because every event is unique and special. And on top of that everyone is different.  Someone once asked me; if I hire the same venue and the same music service, can I duplicate the success of my own wedding for my sister?  My answer was very cautiously explained; you would have to invite the same people that attended your wedding.  The outcome of the event must start with quality professional services, and the venue and decorations, cake, food and drinks must also be of quality service level. 

The one thing that will determine the success of the event is the atmosphere that is generated by the people in attendance.  The friends and relatives will spark the chemistry that will turn the event into something memorable or a ruined event by a couple of people that can’t hold their liquor and will manage to ruin the wedding for the happy couple.  I always recommend that a person of authority be assigned to maintain order throughout the event.  That person man or woman (most usually a relative, but can be hired security) will have the position to decide if someone should be banished from the event for behavior unbecoming.

Going on to a better subject; the song selection for the Father and Bride Dance is as important as the married couple’s first dance. I have many, many favorites, but there are two that come to mind without much thought; The Way You Look Tonight by Steve Tyrrel (from the movie Father of the Bride), and My Girl by the Temptations. I will write a short list of popular selections, but keep in mind that what works for you, doesn’t have to be explained to anyone.  I once recommended Butterfly Kisses to a bride, and her response was very surprising; her response was, “No thank you, my father is a leader in the community and a great example to many, but I’ve never seen that man bring his hands together in prayer.”

The Way You Look Tonight by Steve Tyrrel

Ten favorites for Father and Bride Dance:

·       Sweet Pea by Amos Lee

·       You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder

·       Daughter by Loudon Wainwright III

·       Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses

·       My Girl by The Temptations

·       I Loved Her First by Heartland

·       The Way You Look Tonight by Steve Tyrrel

·       Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) by Billy Joel

·       My Little Girl by Time McGraw

·       Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder

If you have any questions about music for an upcoming wedding please feel free to make a comment.  The best is yet to come…