So you’ve decided to have your wedding on the big holiday weekend…  you might feel uneasy about whether to tie in the “theme” for your celebration or how far should you go with incorporating the idea of America’s independence.  I am sure that some of our other aces will explore the idea of using colors, flowers, attire, etc.  I’d like to talk about how the music can be an effective way to incorporate the theme.

With Independence Day falling on a Saturday this year and a Sunday next year, surely many brides will decide the holiday weekend is a perfect chance to get everyone together for their celebration.  I realize the idea of a holiday wedding is debatable, so let’s discuss that in the future… for now, it is what it is… a 4th of July wedding!   Should you have your band or DJ play nothing but American-themed music, or should only a select few “American” songs be played at specific times?  Maybe it makes more sense to have a set of music played that goes along with the theme of the day (or weekend… realizing that having your wedding on the 3rd doesn’t negate the truth of the matter).  As always, this is your day.  If Fireworks can be seen from your reception site, this can be another good time to play patriotic songs to give your guests some of what they might be missing with their other family and friends.  You can do whatever you’d like!  However, keeping in mind the opinions of your guests is never a bad idea.

My advice is to either go all-out-american or decide on a point when the entertainment should do a set of American themed music.  The first idea, to me, is somewhat of a bold and challenging move, but I think that it will be something that people talk about for many years.  If pulled off right, it will ad a unique musical element that your guests will likely get into.  This choice will require lots of research and guidance/cooperation from your entertainment so keep this in mind when interviewing.   The later idea, doing a set of patriotic songs, is a sure fire way to incorporate the theme while not overloading the idea of America’s Independence on your wedding day.  Songs such as Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” or Don McLean’s “American Pie” are classic examples of tunes people know, love, and will sing and dance to. The timing of this set should be after dinner… make ‘em wait for it… until everyone is good and ready to accept and get involved with it.