Is It Weird to Invite Friends We Haven’t Seen in Years to Our Wedding?

Wedding Invitation Etiquette For Old Friends

Q:Hi APW!

I’m twenty-nine, about to marry in this coming year, and have a question. I have traveled and moved around a lot my whole life. I’ve lived in several cities, lived abroad, and have visited over twenty-five countries. Needless to say, it’s been hard to see friends on a regular basis. My fiancé and I have now been back in our hometown for a couple of years and are slowly rebuilding our social circle.

For our wedding I wonder, is it odd to invite friends I once was very close to (yet still fondly care about) even though we may not have seen each other in a few years? They are people that have brought great joy in my life and frankly, I’d just love to party with on the big day.

But will it come off as weird? Any reassurance is greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

SO, HIVE-MIND, What’s your approach to wedding Guest List etiquette? How do you decide who makes the cut? How long is too long before they aren’t on the list anymore? 

If you want the APW community’s two cents, send it to QUESTIONS AT APRACTICALWEDDING DOT COM, and we’ll do our best to crowdsource you some answers!

25 Unexpected Wedding Processional Songs That Will Delight You

I love wedding processional songs. I always think they’re such a fun part of the ceremony, especially when the music is on point. The processional song is the introduction: it sets the tone for your ceremony. I’ve even known couples who have spent months deliberating what sixty second portion of a song is going to be played. That said, I don’t want you to have to spend long searching (unless you really want to).

With this in mind, we’ve collected a whole bunch of wedding processional songs that covers a spectrum of styles and tastes that you can walk, run, or dance down the aisle to.

I think a lot of modern music works excellently for a processional (especially when the song has a beautiful and/or super fun intro or chorus, as the ones listed below do), but I know plenty of people are looking for a classical song that hasn’t been played out (enter the Planets series by Gustav Holst).

A wedding couple walking away from the camera towards the trees with the text "wedding processional songs that are not here comes the bride"

25 wedding processional songs for your ceremony

Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles

Ave Maria virgo serena” by Josquin des Prez

I Was Married” by Tegan and Sara

(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Carole King

Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen” by Johannes Brahms

Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Do You Realize?” by The Flaming Lips

Everlasting Love” by Carl Carlton

Feel Flows” by The Beach Boys

Venus” by Gustav Holst

 “The Wind” by Cat Stevens

Symphony #3” by Saint-Saens

I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness

I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles

Concerto in E Major” by Bach

Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves

Kissing You” by Des’ree

Largo Opera (from ‘Xerxes’)” by Handel

Dog Days Are Over” by Florence and the Machine

The Light” by The Album Leaf

Kiss Me” by Ed Sheeran

Yellow” by The Vitamin String Quartet

Hoppípolla” by Sigur Rós

Everyday” by Buddy Holly

Minuets in G major” by Bach