Top 3 Totally Timeless, Non- Cliche Song Suggestions For Your Wedding
By Steven Gary
June 10, 2020
Having performed hundreds of weddings in many settings, from church to forest to the open sea, I’ve had many different requests for different types of music and have played many different songs as the Bride has walked down the aisle.
By far the most popular requests are still what you’d call the “Standard” selections – The Bridal March (“Here Comes the Bride” ) and Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”.
However, many of the weddings I do are slightly less traditional and as such I’ve been asked for quite a variety of selections. Some want a current popular love song. Some are more “unique” such as Guns & Roses “Sweet Child of Mine” (Do not expect me to sing like Axl Rose!)
But there are still “Modern Classics” that get requested most often and are always a good choice. In this post, I'm going to be sharing the Top 3 totally Timeless and non cliche song suggestions to give you some fresh inspiration for your wedding planning, do enjoy!
1. Can't Help Falling in Love With You - Elvis Presely
Steven Gary Performs
Can't Help Falling in Love With you
“I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” – This was recorded by Elvis Presley and featured in the 1961 film “Blue Hawaii”. Like a number of Elvis songs, the melody was based on a classical piece; “Plaisir D’Amor” (The Pleasure of Love) by French composer Jean-Paul-Égide Martini. This may be why it seems to lend itself so well to a bridal processional.
2. Here Comes the Sun- The Beatles
Steven Gary Performs
Here Comes The Sun
“Here Comes The Sun” this Beatles song, written by George Harrison, is probably the most popular recessional I play. It’s joyous, uplifting, speaks to the promise of a bright future. And it’s fun!
2. Somewhere Over The Rainbow- Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Steven Gary Performs
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Written by Yip Harburg and Harold Arlen for the Broadway musical and 1939 film “Wizard of Oz” starring Judy Garland. This was Ms. Garland’s signature song. So much so that her daughter Liza Minelli refuses to sing it (“It’s been done” she says). However the 1993 recording by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (Iz) has overshadowed the original in more recent times. This reggae-tinged ukulele-accompanied version is perfect in its light-hearted optimism, bringing a new perspective to one of the greatest compositions of all time.