All soon-to-be brides understand just how much planning goes into making your day a special one. You want it to be memorable, not just for you, but for your guests as well. One definite way to keep your guests smiling is by creating the perfect \"soundtrack\" for your wedding day.

Wedding ceremony music can be broken down into four main components: the prelude, the processional, the bridal entrance, and the recessional. However, in many cases, it\'s the music played at the wedding reception that can be the hardest to pick, as well as the music guests will remember the most.

Where to Begin

Take a look at your guest list. Like many brides before you, your guest list probably consists of a variety of people, both younger and older. It\'s important to remember that keeping your wedding soundtrack eclectic will appeal to your entire audience.

That doesn\'t mean you have to stick with the standards all evening long. It just means you should mix it up a bit, to make everyone feel included.

A good place to start is with the dinner music. If you know the older guests will be leaving sooner than the younger crowd will, lean toward classics during the meal.

For example, a great dinner music mix might include artists like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Louis Armstrong, Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Chicago, Elton John, Il Divo, Michael Buble, The Beatles, Bette Midler, Bryan Adams and Andrea Bocelli.

Your possibilities are endless. Don\'t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it.

The Reception

Now that the dinner music has been selected, the rest of the reception needs to be planned out. If you find yourself stuck on selections for specific parts of the evening (i.e. cake cutting and garter/bouquet toss), there are plenty of websites out there that have a long list of songs that are appropriate. Or, if you have one, ask your DJ for suggestions.

For cake cutting, \"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)\", by James Taylor is a nice choice. When it comes to garter and bouquet tossing, you can add some humor and fun by choosing songs like \"Another One Bites the Dust\" by Queen, or Beyonce\'s, \"Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)\".

For the dancing part of the evening, your choices usually depend on your audience. Often times, a DJ will ask you if there are certain types of songs that would not be acceptable at your wedding. Here is where you can set a parameter for your DJ or band to work with.

As a newly married couple, the first dance is an important one. With that said, you don\'t have to stick with the traditional songs you hear at most weddings.

Don\'t be scared to be different. Pick something that fits both of your personalities.

When it comes to dancing with parents, \"You Raise Me Up\" by Josh Groban is a wonderful song for a mother-son dance, and \"What a Wonderful World\" is always a hit for the bride and her father.

Keep in mind that from taking pictures, to making the rounds, you won\'t have as much time to enjoy the music as your guests will.

This is why taking ample time before your wedding to create your music list is so important. Doing so, will make your wedding (and its soundtrack) a memorable day for everyone.