| One of the most exciting elements of the | | | | Marley, Beanie Man, Cocoa Tea, Nasio and |
| wedding ceremony is the reception. At | | | | King Jammy are well liked reggae |
| the reception, friends and family are | | | | artists. |
| bound to share positive sentiments and | | | | Some couples choose to take dancing |
| good cheer as they usher the new couple | | | | lessons so that they can perform a |
| into their marital union. | | | | certain dance for their first dance as |
| It is vital that the couple assess how | | | | husband and wife. If you have taken |
| well their musical preferences mesh with | | | | formal ballroom dancing lessons, you |
| the reception venue. Because wedding | | | | might like to play musical selections |
| party songs underscore the mood of the | | | | that enhance that romantic tone. |
| party, it is important to consider the | | | | Classical waltzes and fox trots are |
| type of music to be played. At the end | | | | highly reminiscent of bygone eras. |
| of your wedding celebrations, you want | | | | Artists such as Frank Sinatra will |
| to make sure that everyone has had a | | | | surely enhance the romantic atmosphere |
| good time. Music can greatly increase | | | | of the dance floor. |
| the potential for a joyful wedding | | | | Always remember to think about the words |
| party. | | | | of the music you select. Many people |
| It is possible that the theme and | | | | choose fun or popular songs without |
| location of your wedding may guide | | | | realizing that the words expressed are |
| musical selections. For example, | | | | not positive endearments. For example, |
| weddings with distinctly beach oriented | | | | Whitney Houston's breathtaking rendition |
| or Caribbean influences might dictate | | | | of "I Will Always Love You" is not a |
| that wedding party songs reflect those | | | | declaration of love, but a discussion of |
| thematic choices. It would be | | | | a breakup. Many couples select versions |
| appropriate then, to play soca, calypso, | | | | of this song while ignorant of its true |
| or reggae tunes. | | | | message. |
| Soca is a form of dance music native to | | | | Wedding party songs may also reflect the |
| Trinidad. Heavily influenced by Indian | | | | heritage of the couple. Couples may use |
| instruments and Caribbean drumming, it | | | | their musical selections to highlight |
| is a fusion of soul, calypso and | | | | cultural roots. This is not only |
| percussion melodies. Machal Montano, | | | | appropriate, but ideal because it will |
| Kevin Little, Alyson Hinds and Mama | | | | honor your heritage. |
| Verde are popular contemporary soca | | | | If you are Irish, Senegalese, Puerto |
| artists. | | | | Rican or from another nation, you may |
| Calypso music is similar to soca, except | | | | want to consider invoking those musical |
| it is more heavily influenced by its | | | | influences into the musical repertoire. |
| African and French roots. This form of | | | | Be sure to make your music inclusive. |
| music is common not only to Trinidad, | | | | This is particularly important when |
| but to many other British and Fresh | | | | representing diverse heritages. |
| Caribbean islands. The Mighty Sparrow is | | | | Choosing wedding party songs is a fun |
| a classic calypso artist. | | | | task. Simply remember to be true to the |
| Reggae music has varied throughout the | | | | location and style of your wedding. |
| years. Its influences are widespread | | | | Additionally, be sensitive to the |
| and the tone of this genre varies | | | | preferences of both the bride and groom. |
| greatly from artist to artist. Bob | | | | |