From tropical Caribbean nuptials to crisp Michigan weddings, the music sets the tone for the event. Don’t leave your song choices up to a DJ or band. Consider the following moments of a classic wedding and select a song that matches each one.

• The ceremony music list is likely the most important one. Jazz up your vows by selecting modern tunes or keep to traditionally beautiful mainstays like Ave Maria and Canon in D.

• The bride and groom’s entrance into the reception hall is a moment when you can exert your unique personality as a couple. Select your college fight song and show your commitment to the alma mater, or go out on a limb and have heavy metal blasting through the speakers. Enter with the song to your dance already playing, or surprise everyone by choosing a song like "You Sexy Thing."

• Introduce your bridal party (if you have one) with a catchy tune or two. Depending on the size of the party, you may have enough time for two abbreviated songs. If not, go ahead and have a DJ just play the chorus.

• Your first dance does not have to be narrated by a song that everyone has heard before. Look to today’s artists for something different. The most important factor to remember is that people will listen to the music AND the lyrics. Choosing a song that you and your beloved like just because the melody is ‘catchy’ will not make sense if the lyrics involve heartache and loss. Many people selectively ignore the lyrics if they like how a song sounds; don’t do that in this situation.

• Mother and father dances should also be chosen based on lyrics as well as music. Search the Internet to read the words to a few songs you have in mind.

• Time for dancing! Remember the different demographic makeup of your wedding. If you like rap, that’s great, but Great Aunt Millie likely won’t. Ask your band or DJ to go ahead and make up a multifaceted playlist for you to approve.

• If you would like music during the cake cutting, go ahead. Not all couples opt for this, whether the event is typical of Michigan weddings or not.

• The last dance song is a perfect opportunity for you to thank your guests for coming.