So last week I wrote about the band vs. DJ debate many brides deal with. It’s an important decision and there are many things to consider when deciding whether to have a band or a DJ provide the music at a wedding reception. It seemed fitting that this week I’d give you some thoughts on my favorite (and of course, less than favorite) wedding songs.

Photo Credit: ecolequartierlatin.com

While we know that picking a song is almost entirely dependent upon one’s musical tastes, there are certain guiding principles one should follow: 1) the song should be meaningful (perhaps it’s the song your parents danced to, or a song you and your future spouse heard during a special occasion, 2) the song should be at least-semi recognizable (it’s fun to have other couples at your reception look at each other lovingly and say, “oh, I love this song!” and 3) it should be easy to dance to (really, this one’s important, as everyone who’s chosen Etta James’ “At Last” knows – yes, it’s a great song, but the beat is very slow and has tons of variation).

So with that in mind, here are my five favorite wedding songs of the moment, along with my not-so-favorite wedding songs:

Top Songs:

1. The Way You Look Tonight – Tony Bennett (a classic – plain and simple)
2. Amazed – Lonestar (outside of the classics, country singers do the best love songs)
3. It Had to Be You – Harry Connick, Jr. (another classic – a great one for dancing)
4. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong (just a happy, beautiful song – all your guests will be smiling)
5. You Are the Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder (for a little added groove in your first dance)

Not So Top Songs:

1. Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion (In my opinion, there’s something just a bit too cheesy about Celine Dion – amazing voice or not)
2. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton (I’m pretty sure this was my prom song – enough said)
3. When I See You Smile – Bad English (though my husband migh...