The scene is set, we are midway through a simply beautiful ceremony, and I announce to the guests that my bride and groom would love it if they could all join in, channel their inner Jackie Wilson, Al Green, the Beatles, Beyoncé, or whoever they channel while singing in the shower. They are invited to sing along to a very special part of the ceremony, which I personally like to call "Marry-oke."
Marry-oke is without a doubt one of my absolute favorite things to include in a ceremony, and I am not in
the least bit ashamed to admit that I really do try to convince my couples to do it. Yes! All of them! It is not for everyone. It is a bit like Marmite; some people just hate the idea of a group song mid-ceremony, while others embrace it with open arms.
Singing in Ceremonies: A Nostalgic Touch
To put it quite simply, I don't remember ever going to a wedding when I was a child where there weren’t several hymns included in the ceremony. Everyone would drone out the words or mime (my speciality), and sometimes, on the very rare occasion, it would be quite a fun hymn, slightly uplifting, breaking up the monotony of a rather boring ceremony.
Anyway, I digress. My point is, WHY NOT? Why not include some singing during your wedding ceremony? Why not ditch those boring songs of old and opt for something lovely and uplifting to get everyone to join in? I promise you, it will make your ceremony memorable and will remind you of your special day every time you hear that song thereafter.
I am a big fan of Marry-oke songs from the Beatles. I mean, who doesn't know all the words to "All You Need Is Love" or "Love Me Do," right? However, one of my all-time favorite Marry-oke group song to date was at my last wedding of the 2018 wedding season.
A Memorable Marry-oke in Spain
Beautifully Designed Venue: Despite a rainy day requiring a last-minute venue change to a beautiful hotel overlooking Lake Iznajar in Andalucía, Spain, the ceremony turned out fabulous.
Wonderful Guests and Electric Atmosphere: The guests were wonderful, and the atmosphere was electric.
Unique and Engaging Group Song: After the vows and ring exchange, I declared that my couple would be simply thrilled if EVERYONE would join in for a very special Marry-oke group song, with words found on their seats. The song of choice? Jackie Wilson's "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher."
Unforgettable Participation: The entire room gave it 100% and sang their hearts out. It was AMAZING!
Oh my! There are no words to describe how the entire room gave it 100% and sang their hearts out to this fantastic, uplifting tune. It was AMAZING! What a way to end a ceremony. What a way to start married life together. The atmosphere following the singing was electric, and I just knew they were all off to make the reception just as fantastic as the ceremony.
My only regret was that I was so busy with the ceremony and singing my little socks off too that I didn't get even just a snippet on video. (I am truly rubbish at remembering to take photos and videos of anything).
So when you are planning your ceremony, please, please, please give it some thought. You may still decide that it is not your cup of tea, but I don't know one couple who, having done this, hasn't said it was a fabulous element to include in their ceremony. I will even promise to join in myself, although I feel I must pre-warn you: I do sound like a cat being strangled when I sing. I apologize profusely in advance.
Yours plugging Marry-oke mid-ceremony group songs forever,
Gayle x
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