The Best Bridal Party Mix Tape Evah!!!

May 20, 2005 7:18 AM

What wedding-day songs would you recommend?

My baby sister is getting married next week and she has asked me to make some mixes of songs for her and her bridesmaids to listen to while they get the bride all made up for the wedding. Specifically, I'm looking for recommendations of songs that will make them giggle and songs that will make them tear-up and say "Awww..." every now and then. She is 22, a recent bible college graduate, and she likes all kinds of music (even secular!).

posted by mds35 to Grab Bag (48 answers total)

I hate to say this, but how about It's Only Just Begun? The cheese factor should elicit some giggles. Thank You for Being a Friend, too.
posted by MrMoonPie at 7:20 AM on May 20, 2005

The Magnetic Fields last album contains what many believe to be among the best "Awww..." songs in history; it's called "It's Only Time."
posted by idontlikewords at 7:25 AM on May 20, 2005

What a great idea! And fun.

Man, It's So Loud in Here (TMBG)
The Chapel of Love (The Dixie Cups)
The Men in My Little Girl's Life (Mike Douglas...teehee) Warning - this song will have every woman crying actual tears, so if you use it play it early before they put on their makeup. Extreme hokiness alert - I cannot stress this enough.
posted by iconomy at 7:33 AM on May 20, 2005

If you're doing several, you really ought to do one with Evil Songs. You could start with a few like this and then go on to some really schmoopy ones.

"Young Girl," by someone Puckett -- has lines like "My love for you is way out of line" and "Young girl -- you'd better run, girl!"

"Every Breath You Take"

"Baby, Now That I've Found You" by Alison Krauss (w/ Union Station?) -- just imagine someone singing it while sharpening her knives.

"Hey, Joe" by Jimi.

"My Guy," which goes on at great length about how unspectacular her guy is.

"Take A Chance On Me," or as I like to call it, "Chicka Chainsaw Me." A great no-self-esteem, use-me-and-throw-me-away song.

"Ring of Fire"

I'm sure others will have better suggestions than most of these.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 7:35 AM on May 20, 2005

"Feeling Good" by Nina Simone. It's the song that I'll be dancing with my Mom to at my wedding in, *gulp* two weeks.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 7:36 AM on May 20, 2005

A better idea than asking us lot:

Ask every guest to choose a song - or more if you have lots of time to play music or a small wedding party - beforehand. (Don't forget to get the artist name too!) Then at least you'll know that everyone will like at least one song & they can all have fun listening out for their song rather than drunkenly hassling the DJ to 'play Abba for the kids!' or somesuch nonsense.

I've just been asked this today for my friends' wedding in a few weeks time. I went for 'White Riot' by The Clash ;-)

robobocop: You're marrying your Mom? How are the Carolinas these days..?
posted by i_cola at 7:49 AM on May 20, 2005

i_cola writes "robobocop: You're marrying your Mom? How are the Carolinas these days..?"

I wouldn't know. I've been on the lamb since murdering my dad.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 8:24 AM on May 20, 2005

My wife and I are artists so we walked down the aisle to Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition." It was [sniff] beautiful.
posted by Taken Outtacontext at 8:29 AM on May 20, 2005

cheese factor

"Baby I'm-a Want You" by Bread.


"Young Girl," by someone Puckett -- has lines like "My love for you is way out of line" and "Young girl -- you'd better run, girl!"

It's Gary Puckett and the Union Gap.

I'll be committing suicide now. Hold my calls.
posted by scratch at 8:31 AM on May 20, 2005

For laughs/inappropriateness: "Give Us Your Blessings" by The Shangri-Las... and "Stop the Wedding" Etta James.... and the Clem Snide cover of "I'll Be Your Mirror" is sweet.
posted by dinah at 8:35 AM on May 20, 2005

"What a Difference a Day Made" by Dinah Washington
"Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra
"Deed I Do" by Lena Horne
"You're the Best Thing" by The Style Council
"Love is Here to Stay" by Ella Fitzgerald or Louis Armstrong
"La La Love You" by the Pixies

Irreverent choices:
"We Float" by PJ Harvey
"She's No Lady" by Lyle Lovett
"Sunday You Need Love" by Trio
posted by whatnot at 8:37 AM on May 20, 2005

oh, for cheese factor, I would include
"Muskrat Love" or "Love Will Keep Us Together" by Captain and Tenille
"D-I-V-O-R-C-E" by Tammy Wynette
posted by whatnot at 8:40 AM on May 20, 2005

Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me by Bull Moose Jackson.
Or, anything but Unchained Melody; can we just tell all wedding DJs to retire that one?
posted by planetkyoto at 8:50 AM on May 20, 2005

I Only Have Eyes For You, by the Flamingos

(Shh Boom, shh boom)
posted by Pressed Rat at 8:53 AM on May 20, 2005

(Don't You Mess Around With) My Little Sister by Michelle Shocked (off of the Captain Swing album). Will elicit lots of laughs and the song rocks too.

Going To the Chapel, some of the selections from My Best Friend's Wedding or Runaway Bride are fun too.
posted by jeanmari at 8:56 AM on May 20, 2005

White Horse by Laid Back.
posted by crapulent at 9:00 AM on May 20, 2005

This is so out of my league (I'm notoriously bad at music), but Billy Idol's "White Wedding" seems like a obvious choice
posted by KirTakat at 9:01 AM on May 20, 2005

maybe a little obvious, but Girl Just Wanna Have Fun, by Cindi Lauper
posted by geeky at 9:04 AM on May 20, 2005

Storybook Love from the Princess Bride.

We exited to Vivaldi, used Rachmaninoff (I can't spell) for the wedding party's entrance, and my friend sang "When You Say Nothing At All" during the ceremony.

Live singin' can't be beat. Everyone we've seen since the wedding can't shut up about the live singing.

Also, make a mix cd of cool stuff you like for the bits where your ushers are walking people in.
posted by Medieval Maven at 9:09 AM on May 20, 2005

He's not looking for songs for the wedding ceremony or reception, he's looking for a soundtrack for the girly party prior to the actual day's events.

*is listening carfeully as my best buddy is gettin hitched in 3 weeks*
posted by raedyn at 9:25 AM on May 20, 2005

"Come and Get Your Love" by Redbone (NOT by The Real McCoy)
"God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys
posted by willpie at 9:38 AM on May 20, 2005

Please don't play "Every Breath You Take." It's a song about stalking!

A hearty second for "You're the Best Thing" by the Style Council. (Also TSC's "Headstart for Happiness" or "Solid Bond in Your Heart.")

I think "Tonight We Fly" by The Divine Comedy is one of the most gorgeous, romantic songs ever. The lyrics aren't necessarily "wedding-y," but it's just such a sweeping, orchestral ode to the ineffable that I've always thought it would be neat to play it at a wedding (or wedding-related get-together).
posted by scody at 9:40 AM on May 20, 2005

"The Luckiest" by Ben Folds
posted by jennyjenny at 9:41 AM on May 20, 2005

Crap, jennyjenny beat me to it. I heartily second "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds.

And the Magnetic Fields song mentioned earlier ("It's Only Time"). "The Book of Love" from 69 Love Songs might also be appropriate. Oh, and "Yeah, Oh Yeah," also from 69 Love Songs. ;-)
posted by arco at 9:44 AM on May 20, 2005

Mrs. You & Me, the smoking popes. or Lucky Day, the same band.

I'll Dance at your Wedding (I like the Peggy Lee version)
posted by crush-onastick at 9:53 AM on May 20, 2005

The Jam, "The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had To Swallow)":

In your white lace and your wedding bells
You look the picture of contented new wealth
But from the on-looking fool who believed your lies
I wish this grave would open up and swallow me alive

Lyle Lovett, "L.A. County":

And they kissed each other
And they turned around
And they saw me standing in the aisle
Well I did not say much
I just stood there watching
As that .45 told them goodbye

posted by kirkaracha at 10:11 AM on May 20, 2005

"Prettiest Eyes" - Beautiful South
- very romantic song except for the fact that the singer admits he's writing it to remember his love "just in case you should die". Honestly not as bad as it sounds - my wife and I actually used this for our first dance and no one even noticed this line. We also did something a bit different by asking all married couples to join us for our first song then, after every verse, our MC asked "everyone married six months or less", "five years or less", etc. to leave the dance floor in sequence and as planned, we had one couple from her side and one from mine, both married 40+ years left at the end of the song who we re-joined on the dance floor for the final verse.

"In Spite of Ourselves" - John Prine & Iris Dement
- very funny song but the lyrics might be a bit risque so check first. This was my wife's and my "final" song of the night after a lot of laughs, a lot of fun moments and maybe even a few drinks at our wedding reception.

"Jackson" - Johnny & June Carter Cash
- a great, upbeat country song but again, the lyrics might not be appropriate if you listen closely.
posted by Jaybo at 10:17 AM on May 20, 2005

"If God Made You" by Five for Fighting
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 10:17 AM on May 20, 2005

On the CD we made from my friend when she got married included the song "someone is getting married" by the Muppets. If your sis and friends were a fan of the Ms Piggy and Kermit that would probably get a good response.

Would "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-a-lot be appropriate? I'm not a girl but it seems to me the pre-ceremony thing needs to be a little less serious and sappy. It supposed to be a fun day for her and her friends so keep the tracklist fun.
posted by birdherder at 10:19 AM on May 20, 2005

scody beat one of my recommendations - Divine Comedy's "Tonight We Fly" is gorgeous.

Also, I would suggest "Itty Bitty Pretty One" (Frankie Lymon) because it's fun to sing and hum along to and "These Are The Days" (10,000 Maniacs), just because.

I agree with birdherder, less serious and sappy sounds a lot more fun. On that note, throw in some of her favorite songs (even if they're techno/trance/dance stuff, it'd really lighten the mood). Or anything from the Bend It Like Beckham soundtrack is enlightening and fun background music.
posted by itchie at 10:30 AM on May 20, 2005

Heaven, Joan Armatrading. Aretha Franklin's Respect. Classic Rock and Motown gets people up and dancing. The Big Chill I and II have good examples.

Wouldn't It Be Nice - The Beach Boys
When a Man Loves a Woman - Percy Sledge
Dancing in the Street - Martha & the Vandellas
Quicksilver Girl - Steve Miller
Too Many Fish in the Sea - The Marvelettes
My Girl - The Tempations
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - Aretha Franklin
Tell Him - Exciters

Great thread. I seriously desire a copy of the mix.
posted by theora55 at 10:34 AM on May 20, 2005

Sarah McLachlan - Ice Cream
(especially if you get a live version, or the one from... Mirrorball or Freedom Sessions, can't remember which)

Bonnie Raitt - You Got It
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 10:42 AM on May 20, 2005

I MUST 3rd vote for "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds. This was played at my sister's wedding and it was on a CD given to all the guests of another wedding I attended. Great song.
posted by internal at 10:45 AM on May 20, 2005

"Don't Renege on Our Love" by Richard & Linda Thompson.
posted by kenko at 11:33 AM on May 20, 2005

The Book of Love by The Magnetic Fields is a beautiful song.
posted by ludwig_van at 11:45 AM on May 20, 2005

I fourth "The Luckiest", but add the bittersweet
I Do, by Jude.

excellent!
posted by pmbuko at 11:46 AM on May 20, 2005

forgot an obvious one for this mix: "I Say a Little Prayer" ...I love Aretha Franklin's version.
posted by dinah at 1:09 PM on May 20, 2005

Response by poster: Holy crap! You guys rock. I return to AskMe after several gruelling hours of work and find more helpful comments than I could have hoped for. I guess AskMe is like the Showtime Rotisserie Oven: Set it...and forget it! Much thanks to you all. And congrats to robocop!
posted by mds35 at 1:58 PM on May 20, 2005

The Magnetic Fields last album contains what many believe to be among the best "Awww..." songs in history

I have not heard the Magnetic Fields song, but this description would similarly fit the beautiful "Open Window (The Wedding Song)," by Sarah Harmer, written for the occasion of a friend's wedding. Lyrics | Audio sample at Amazon

Although, in way of recommendation, I would suggests that the bridesmaids would be happiest with songs they recognize and could sing along to, so it might be best to stick with familiar hits.
posted by rafter at 2:07 PM on May 20, 2005

"I knew the bride when she used to rock n' roll" -- Dave Edmunds
Used to be played all the time at wedding events, but not so much anymore.
posted by evilelf at 2:27 PM on May 20, 2005

"Every Breath You Take"

Especially if you want the creepiest wedding ever.
posted by justgary at 2:35 PM on May 20, 2005

I do love these musical AskMe threads. Off the top of my head...

"Love Rollercoaster", Ohio Players
"For Once In My Life," Stevie Wonder
"Absolute Beginners," David Bowie
"Melt With You," Modern English
"There Must Be An Angel," Eurythmics
"Steppin' Out," Joe Jackson
"The Sunshine of Love," Louie Armstrong
"I'll Come Running," Brian Eno
"Earn Enough For Us," XTC
"If You Love Someone, Set Them On Fire," Dead Milkmen

(And 69 Love Songs kicks twelve kinds of ass, but who could pick just one track? I personally like "Queen of the Savages," "The Way You Say Goodnight," and "Let's Pretend We're Bunny Rabbits"...)
posted by Vervain at 4:01 PM on May 20, 2005

Okay, I've a few more (sorry 'bout the consecutive posts, but my memory is messing with me today)...

"Together," Parliament
"Close to You," Isaac Hayes (it is 9 minutes long, though)
"Love to Keep You In My Mind," Curtis Mayfield
"Something Changed," Pulp
"I Got You (I Feel Good)" or "Sex Machine," James Brown
"Just Can't Get Enough," Depeche Mode
"Love and Happiness," Al Green
"Prairie Rose," Roxy Music
"Half a Life," Hefner
posted by Vervain at 4:43 PM on May 20, 2005

I went to one wedding where the groom's crowd wouldn't dance until Nine Inch Nail's "Closer (A Warm Place)" was played. Probably good for the day in advance as well.

(That's the "I want to fuck you like an animal" one)
posted by Aknaton at 8:51 AM on May 21, 2005

"Holding Up The Sky" by Buddy and Julie Miller. The most romantic song I've ever heard.

When the night has stayed too long
And tears won't keep
When the sun beats down too strong
Our love runs deep

And our love will hold up the sky
When the rain comes down too hard
It's a cord that will not untie
It's a promise the angels guard
It will always be your name
Written on my heart
You are inside my heart

Baby our love was meant to be
It's from God's hands
Even when dreams turn to memories
Our love will dance

And our love will hold up the sky
When the rain comes down too hard
It's a cord that will not untie
It's a promise the angels guard
It will always be your name
Written on my heart
You are inside my heart
posted by essexjan at 5:24 PM on May 21, 2005

"Northern Sky" by Nick Drake

"More" by Bobby Darren

"The More I See You" by Nat King Cole

"God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys

"My Baby Just Cares for Me" By Nina Simone

"At Last" by Etta James
posted by dagnyduquette at 7:11 AM on May 22, 2005

"Everything I do, I do it for you" by Bryan Adams, from the Kevin Costner "Robin Hood" movie.

"Because you loved me" by Celine Dion, from the "Up Close and Personal" movie soundtrack.

The former was the first dance for me and my hub at our wedding; and the second song was when I danced with my dad. Perhaps some people would think they are cheesy, but oh well. I also like "Wind beneath my Wings."
posted by cass at 12:37 PM on May 23, 2005

Response by poster: Whew! You guys rock! The mix never got made because I was depending on my folks' computer to burn the final mix and there were problems of the usual XP-sucks-eggs nature.

The mix was not to be for general consumption, anyway, just for the bride and her party (bridesmaids, makeup girl, etc.) to listen to while my sister got gussied up. There was such a cackle in that room that no one would have heard the cd anyway.
posted by mds35 at 7:30 AM on November 30, 2005