Photo: Ira Lippke Studios
Every week, we give our readers a glimpse inside the mindset of a guy's brain on weddings with the help of the hilarious and smart editors at The Plunge. For their latest installment, they share their dream wedding playlist.
You wanted your groom to be involved so you (wisely) gave him the task of picking out the music. Of course, you only meant deciding between band or DJ. The following Perfect Playlist, as assembled by our Chief Groom-to-Be Correspondent, might be a little more involvement than you'd hoped for. Or it may pleasantly surprise you. Either way, here's what we'd hear in our perfect wedding day world, where the band truly is our own personal, mind reading, mash-up jukebox.
The Ceremony
Bridal Party Processional: "This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody)," Talking Heads
Not the first song you might think of but it should be. Also sounds beautiful done by a string quartet.
Bride's Walk Down the Aisle: "Sweet Child Of Mine," Instrumental Pop Players
An 'Office' wedding aisle song that hasn't been played out by thousands of awful YouTube parodies.
Recessional: "Fight For Your Right," Beastie Boys
That first riff is sure to get everyone on their feet as we triumphantly make our way up the aisle, but what we really love about it is it's so subtle.
The Reception: The Staged Moments
The Grand Entrance: "Seven Nation Army," The White Stripes
Chanted stadium style, led by a gang of rowdy, jumping, flag-waving hooligans (aka our groomsmen) as we charge into the room ready to destroy the dance floor.
Couple's First Dance: "Something," The Beatles
Frank Sinatra called George Harrison's tune, "the greatest love song of the past 50 years," and we're not about to argue with The Chairman.
Father & Daughter Dance: Whatever you and your dad decide
That's not a copout. That's always up to you, even in our Perfect Playlist scenario.
Mother & Son Dance: Whatever makes our mom happy
Again, seems like a copout, but unless we and our mom have a special song we've always shared, it seems like a great opportunity to let the mother of the groom have a say in something (since she probably hasn't had much input during the process).
Bouquet/Garter Toss: "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Beyoncè
Whatever, we don't get this tradition. Moving on.
Garter Removal: "Sneakin' Sally Through they Alley," Robert Palmer
Yes, we thought about this one a little more. No, we don't get this tradition either (and wouldn't include it or the above in our truly Perfect Playlist). Yes, we're still very proud of ourselves for this choice. (Giggles.)
Cutting the Cake: "Short Skirt/Long Jacket," Cake
All five senses consuming cake.
The Reception: The Actual Party
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours), Stevie Wonder / "My Girl," The Temptations
Heavy on the Motown and old school soul. Guaranteed to get everyone's hips swaying and perfect for serenading the bride.
"Billie Jean" / "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" / Any Song Ever, Michael Jackson
It's not a dance party until the King of Pop makes his first appearance.
"Juicy," The Notorious B.I.G / "Ride Wit Me," Nelly / "Intergalactic," Beastie Boys
To show off the rap skills we honed driving our mom's station wagon to high school.
"Call Me Maybe," Carly Rae Jepsen / "Get Lucky," Daft Punk / "Blurred Lines," Robin Thicke
Whatever the song of that summer is. Years from now you'll flip on the video and tell your grandkids, "There was a time when this music — and your grandpa — was cool."
"Shout (Parts 1 and 2)," The Isley Brothers
Classic, obligatory party time tune. (At least to the brothers from S.O.B house.)
"Rosalita," Bruce Springsteen
Showstopper. Good night, Cleveland! You've been great! Drive safe. We love you!
Listen to The Plunge's entire playlist, from start to finish, below.
Even if they don't seem super involved in the wedding-planning process, grooms are going through the same life-changing experience as their brides-to-be. Enter: The Plunge. The site helps the engaged guy navigate his wedding from a man's point of view.