You wouldn't be caught dead listening to Michael Bolton by a co-worker, yet suddenly your impending nuptials have you debating the pros and cons of Lionel Richie versus Kenny Rogers. Love songs for weddings are often ridiculed by guests if they seem inappropriate or cheesy, so tread lightly as you plan the music for your ceremony and reception.

Love Songs for Weddings: Ceremony Music

When in doubt, always read the lyrics to any song that you want to use during your ceremony. For example, the song "Forever Young" by Alphaville is a sentimental, touching number that is often played at high school graduations and other important life events. The problem? If you read the lyrics closely, you'll realize that it's a song about suicide. The solution? Find a version of the song that doesn't include the lyrics. You'll still get the powerful melody, but you'll skip the verses that suggest you're one step away from death's door.

After you've found a few songs that don't have potentially disruptive lyrics, put them all on a disc and listen to them one by one. Write down how you feel as you hear each song. Songs that make you feel sad or even slightly morose will only be amplified on your big day, when you'll experience your regular emotions times one thousand. Ask your bridal party or close friends to listen to the disc and share feedback on which songs feel the most appropriate and which should be relegated to the reception.

Finally, when choosing love songs for weddings that are hosted outdoors, make sure to select music that can actually be heard. Light instrumental numbers are pretty, but when played in an outdoor setting, can get lost in the wind or sounds of nearby traffic.

Love Songs for Weddings: Reception Music

Your first dance is a sweet moment that kicks off the party portion of your festivities. Choose a song that is sentimental, warm, and generally recognizable. Avoid painful dirges like "Nothing Compares 2 U" and "Love Hurts," as your guests are probably not interested in watching you cling to each other like the album cover of "Songs to Slit Your Wrists By." As mentioned above, always make sure to read the lyrics of any song that you plan to showcase during your reception. If you're unsure of whether or not a song is appropriate, solicit the advice of friends and family members.

When choosing songs for the rest of your reception, make sure that you choose tunes that actually have a danceable beat. Some songs that sound wonderful in your shower or car can cause your guests to do a nervous shuffle when played at your reception. Two examples? "Stairway to Heaven" and "Bohemian Rhapsody." Both of these songs are perfect for the stiff drinks you'll be having after five years of marriage, but they should never, ever be on your reception playlist. Also avoid songs that may be offensive and uncomfortable for older guests, including tunes like "Closer" by Nine Inch Nails and anything that involves a rapper born after 1988.

Speaking of older guests, make sure to include a few slow songs in your DJ rotation. Love songs for weddings are a favorite of senior guests, who often do not have other occasions to dance in a public setting. Ask your special guests for personal requests prior to the big day to ensure that you'll choose songs that strike a cord.

A Special Note about Bride and Groom Solos

Some brides and grooms find it touching to sing to one another during the reception. This can take love songs for weddings to a whole new level of awful and cheesy if not done correctly. Even if you were the lead vocalist in your high school choir, practice, practice, practice. Sing the song to a member of the bridal party prior to your big day and ask for honest feedback. If your singing voice is given a big thumbs down, swallow your pride and hire a talented vocalist to serenade you both instead.