Welcome!
A new term and the start of a new blog for Suffolk Soul Singers!
As well as keeping you up-to-date with events that the choir is planning, it is hoped that various members will contribute to the blog throughout the year, to give you an insight into the group and the things that are important to us.
The start of this term has been busy for Suffolk Soul Singers as we have been working on three great new songs to add to our repertoire - The Staple Singers, “I’ll Take You There,” a version of the Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends,” as sung by Jo Cocker and, just last week, we started on Stevie Wonder’s “As.” (Some very tricky lyrics in that last one!)
But in addition to all that, we’ve been going over some of our old favourites, particularly those that are often requested at weddings, as we have several coming up over the next few months. So that got me thinking ………….........
How do people choose the songs they want at their wedding?
Some couples might choose music that helps to create the right atmosphere for their ceremony or to go with the theme of their wedding.
Some might select songs that bring back a shared memory
Some might like to choose a song that relates to the story of their courtship ..........
....... and, of course, couples may want to create contrasting moods at different stages of the ceremony.
At the start of the ceremony
For me, perhaps a gentle, romantic song, like ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love You’ or ‘My Love is Your Love’ early on would be ideal
Signing the register
Follow the gentle start with something more upbeat to entertain guests whilst the register is being signed – a soul classic like “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” or “Higher and Higher, maybe.
At the end of the ceremony
When the mood is a little more relaxed, I’d perhaps choose a song like the power ballad, “Rule the World,” or Aretha’s “You’re All I Need to Get By’ ...... or maybe even the catchy “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz.
I think that one of the great things about choosing a soul classic is that the song has probably been around for years already and is, therefore, likely to continue to be played for years to come, so helping to keep alive the memory of your special day. It might be interesting to speculate which, if any of the songs in the charts today will be played at weddings 10 or 20 years from now!
What's your favourite?
I’ve hinted, above, at some of my favourite ‘wedding’ songs, but, if asked to choose just one, I would find it very difficult. I love singing ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love With You’ as part of the choir. I think Andi’s arrangement of the song is brilliant and it always gives me a warm glow when we perform it. I know it’s a favourite with many other members of the choir, too. On the other hand, I love the lyrics of ‘You’re All I Need to Get By” as well as the slow, powerful build-up of the chorus – it’s another great one to sing. Too difficult to choose between them!
Which song(s) would you choose for a wedding? We would love to hear about your perfect songs and why they are right for you. Click here to let us know your ideas. We will feed back about the most popular - and most surprising - choices in future blogs.
Keep following!