by Bryan Belrad

Created on: June 20, 2008   Last Updated: October 18, 2010

What are people walking down the aisle to these days?

One of my favorite careers, among the many I've had, was as a D.J. The reason being that D.J.s have a fantastic job they get to go to other people's weddings, and actually get paid to be at the party. What's more, there is no job more critical to the fun' of a reception than the D.J. A good D.J. can greatly enhance the most special day in a new couple's life; a great one can build memories that will last a lifetime for everyone present.

As more and more people move their marriage ceremonies out of the church and into the scenic settings where they will hold their receptions, the role of the D.J. becomes ever more important, and offers the new couple even more options. No longer restricted to organ music, and no longer constrained by many of the traditional rules, many a bride-to-be is also giving thought to changing the music she'll walk down the aisle to.

The most popular song, by far, is still the traditional "Bridal March from a Midsummer Night's Dream", but, if you're more of a mind to do something a bit less 17th Century', here's the Top 20 songs many other couples are going with:

#20 I Could Not Ask for More, Edwin McCain
#19 With Arms Wide Open, Creed
#18 You're the Inspiration, Chicago
#17 Hero, Enrique Iglesias
#16 I Swear, John Michael Montgomery
#15 Can't Help Falling in Love, Elvis Presley
#14 Just the Way You Are, Billy Joel
#13 From This Moment On, Shania Twain & Bryan White
#12 I Don't Want to Miss a Thing, Aerosmith
#11 At Last, Etta James
#10 How Do I Live, Trisha Yearwood
#9 Breathe, Faith Hill
#8 The Way You Look Tonight, Frank Sinatra
#7 Because You Loved Me, Celine Dion
#6 I Do It For You, Bryan Adams
#5 What a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong
#4 Amazed, Lonestar
#3 Wonderful Tonight, Eric Clapton
#2 It's Your Love, Tim McGraw

And the #1 alternative song for the Bridal March:

Hanging By a Moment, by Lifehouse

There's a trick to that last one. The song changes dramatically in the middle, so a D.J. has to be on the ball to nail it just right. But, if you can pull it off, you can use the 2nd half of the song for an unforgettable retreat from the Altar.

Now, many of these songs are also some of the most popular for the legendary first dance'. In fact, many couples choose to use the same song for both the wedding and the first dance, something like a theme song for the whole wedding.

As a D.J., though, might I suggest, to make your wedding truly memorable, as the culmination of your entire relationship so far, that you make your first song Your Song, the first song that you danced to together as a couple? It doesn't matter if it's corny. Can you think of a better way to bring that first romantic moment back to the present than by dancing your first dance as husband and wife to the same song that made you a couple? Remember, your wedding is about celebrating your love for one another, not just impressing your new in-laws. It's all about you. Do what's right for you, and enjoy!

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