Inappropriate entrance song?

[indecisive]

Well I just read the heavy metal thread and I am now concerned. A little background first... My fiance and I met at Virginia Tech and spent the first 3 years of our relationship there. We LOVE the school and we have a lot of really special memories for us there. We wanted to incorporate some things from there in our wedding like my garter and maybe chocolate favors shaped like the Hokie Bird(mascot).

We were also thinking about using Enter Sandman by Metallica as an entrance song to the reception. At football games they play the song as the players run on to the field and the whole stadium jumps up and down. It is a big deal and it just makes everyone so excited... even now when we here the intro we get all excited. We went to a lot of football games in the beginning of our relationship and I know my fiance really would like it for an entrance song.

I guess I am just worried about how guests that aren''t familiar with the Hokie customs will react, especially older guests. We would only use the musical intro with no lyrics or anything but still... I am not making the decision now but I just wanted to get some opinions about what people would think/feel about going to a wedding with a heavy metal intro song. Also, fiance and I aren''t really heavy metal fans, it is just thins song because of the memories.

Wow this is rambling... what do you guys think?

 

[diamondfan]

I am not sure. I think it is so great you love your alma mater and want to incorporate those things, but think the song might be a bit much. but of course it is totally your day and your call. Maybe you could use it on your video somewhere instead...

 

[indecisive]

Date: 7/14/2007 11:16:44 AM
Author: diamondfan
I am not sure. I think it is so great you love your alma mater and want to incorporate those things, but think the song might be a bit much. but of course it is totally your day and your call. Maybe you could use it on your video somewhere instead...

What video? Thanks for your opinion!

 

[neatfreak]

Is it possible that you could explain the significance in the program or something like that? I think if it''s explained somewhere WHY you are doing it, the older folks will understand.

 

[Independent Gal]

I'm with Diamondfan on this one. You aren't getting your guests riled up for a football game! You are presenting yourselves as a couple to make solemn vows to each other. Of course the solemnity of pledging yourselves to each other for life doesn't make it less joyful, but I'd worry that using that song might make it less solemn. Know what I mean? Especially since even those who WOULD understand the association, would associate it with football players running out on to a field. Is that the association you would want them to have for the moment of your marriage to each other? If so, then cool! But some people might raise an eyebrow.

I also echo DF's claim that it IS your wedding and you should do what makes you happy! While if I were a guest, I would think it was...errr inappropriate, you should never live your life for what other people think is appropriate! Have the wedding YOU guys want.

 

[sumbride]

I think it might be ok for the reception... but definitely not the ceremony! People use all kinds of songs for the reception so it''s generally a little more accepted. How formal is your reception?

 

[surfgirl]

Well, I normally wouldn''t think playing one''s alma mater theme song would be inappropriate for a reception entrance if both parties had a history with that school, which you both do. But isn''t that the school where those recent shooting/killings took place? I thought it was. If so, in that respect I wouldn''t use it as it might bring up a very unpleasant and unfortunate memory for people at your wedding.

 

[ponderer]

Are some guests going to think its weird, definately. Are some going to think its inappropriate, probably. Should you care, no.

Its a great song with a great intro. The intro itself is 1 minute and 10 seconds, more than enough time for you to enter the reception before the lyrics start and announce it as a heavy metal song by Metallica. Most people won''t even know what song it is and if thay care enough to ask a simple explanation that it is the song used at your alma mater as the players enter the field, people will probably think its neat.

Don''t let people persuade you and FI from being yourselves on you wedding day. I think its great when couple incorporate themselves into a wedding and make it personal regardless of how formal or causual your day is.

My DH was a groomsman in an extravagant wedding that cost well over 100K that encompassed an entire 4 day weekend. Their first dance....Nothing Else Matters....by Metallica. Guests thought it was wonderful that the bride used his favorite song.

A little unconventional, yes. Inappropriate, no.

 

[laine]

I agree with Ponderer on this one. Its a little different, and there could be a few eyebrows raised, but if you have fun with it, people will see that and it''ll be great. I was at a wedding recently where they used unconventional songs for alot of things, including their entrance, which was more of a run in then the typical sedate announcement, and we all just laughed and though it was cute and so "them".

So yeah: unconventional, yes. Inappropriate, no.

 

[Independent Gal]

Can I make a confession? I thought you meant you were going to use this song for walking down the aisle. Now that I understand you are using it for the reception, I think that''s not so inappropriate!

Except is Surfgirl''s concern one you should consider?

 

[whatmeworry]

I've been to a few receptions where the couple and fellow alumni sang their alma mater. Pretty cool.

Enter Sandman, if you have fun with it, why not? But I would associate it with San Diego Padres baseball. Don't underestimate the hipness of older guests.

 

[ponderer]

I would not be overly worried about Surfgirl and Independent Girls concerns that unpleasant memories may be associated with your school''s traditions. I was married not long after 12 of my classmates were killed in the bonfire collapse at Texas A&M in 1999. Continuing the school traditions is a way that we remember and honor their memories. We sang the Aggie War Hymn at my wedding and at many others since. It was a little sad and very poignant, but important for us to do.

 

[indecisive]

It would totally be for the reception NOT the ceremony. I guess I didn''t make that clear. The way it works where we are getting married is the ceremony takes place in a walled rose garden and after we get married we go and stand in front of the manor house and do toasts, group picture of everyone, and possibly first dance. Then we go off and do pictures while the guests have cocktail hour. I would use the entrance song to signal the start of the reception when we are finished with the pictures and the party starts. Like I said, we aren''t making any decisions now but I appreciate the feedback.

In respect to what surfergirl said... I know how horrible things have been but I also know it has absolutely nothing to do with school spirit and the memories with my fiance and friends at games. No one I know has stopped being excited and proud of our school because of what happened. Also, it didn''t happen during football season so there are no unpleasant memories associated with it. I know that people who didn''t go there only think of the shooting but that is not how people that went there fee, even if we did lose friends.

ponderer and laine- I think you are right about the unconventional vs. inappropriate. I really do want to make things personal because I feel like as I plan this wedding it feels like I am going through a checklist of things to have. It is a good thing to remember to put us into everything, whether we have this as an entrance or not. Thanks!

 

[indecisive]

Date: 7/14/2007 4:28:21 PM
Author: ponderer
I would not be overly worried about Surfgirl and Independent Girls concerns that unpleasant memories may be associated with your school''s traditions. I was married not long after 12 of my classmates were killed in the bonfire collapse at Texas A&M in 1999. Continuing the school traditions is a way that we remember and honor their memories. We sang the Aggie War Hymn at my wedding and at many others since. It was a little sad and very poignant, but important for us to do.

I was writing my last response while you posted this. I really feel the same way as you. Part of me would like to have our fight song played at some point but I know I would lose it and cry for like an hour. My friend that was killed was in the band and was very into school spirit. The band went to his memorial service and played the song and it was the first time I was able to cry since I found out he was killed. It is still too hard but I agree about continuing traditions in a way to honor our classmates.We played you guys a couple times and I know how spirited your fans are too! It is so great to see.

 

[indecisive]

Date: 7/14/2007 3:50:16 PM
Author: whatmeworry
I''ve been to a few receptions where the couple and fellow alumni sang their alma mater. Pretty cool.

Enter Sandman, if you have fun with it, why not? But I would associate it with San Diego Padres baseball. Don''t underestimate the hipness of older guests.

LOL well I do have family coming from California...

 

[luckystar112]

I think it sounds like a great idea!

Hokie pride is huge...especially the football! When I get engaged I''ll be marrying into a family of Hokies, so I know how exciting the school is to people. haha.

 

[luckystar112]

Oh, and the two football entrance songs that pump me up are "back in black" by acdc, and "eye of the tiger" by survivor. LOL.

And I would TOTALLY use either of those songs at my reception. It just sets a mood, ya know?

I''m not going to play Wayne Newton just to make my folks happy. (Although I do love me some Wayne!)

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 7/14/2007 3:50:16 PM
Author: whatmeworry
I''ve been to a few receptions where the couple and fellow alumni sang their alma mater. Pretty cool.

Enter Sandman, if you have fun with it, why not? But I would associate it with San Diego Padres baseball. Don''t underestimate the hipness of older guests.

You and I thought the same thing, whatmeworry.

If it''s important to you, go for it. My dad walked me down the aisle to the ND fight song and I didn''t even attend school there, it''s just always been our special connection (we have been watching games together for years and still call each other multiple times on Saturdays during football season to discuss good and stupid plays/outcomes/etc). We had our guitarist play it and only one person recongized the song, everyone else thought it was some sweet little diddy.

 

[akw94]

I definitely think you should play if it it''s what you and your FI want.
Your wedding, your song choice 100%!

 

[indecisive]

Date: 7/14/2007 6:43:01 PM
Author: luckystar112
I think it sounds like a great idea!

Hokie pride is huge...especially the football! When I get engaged I''ll be marrying into a family of Hokies, so I know how exciting the school is to people. haha.

Very true! We joke that they put something in the water down there. FI and I really miss Blacksburg. Do you live in VA?

Kimberley- that is a sweet story about you and your dad. My dad and I watched football a lot together too.

We are still thinking about it and I appreciate everyone''s opinions. I keep thinking about how people thought that I meant processional and I def agree it would not fit as ceremony music! It makes me picture my dad and I running down the aisle and high fiving people to the altar

. Not quite what we will be going for! Maybe instead of Enter Sandman we will just do the Hokie Pokey at some point in the reception (haha when would the 3rd quarter of a reception be?). I know it is cheesy but my flower girl would love it. What do you think? Too cheesy or fun? Again, thanks for the opinions you guys.

 

[griffitk]

How about having the DJ use a line to cue the significance like, "Now let''s give a big Hokie welcome to the new Mr. and Mrs. ????" This would help guests place the song and where it comes from without having to explain it at length. If you are having the wedding party introduced, he could even say things like, "Starting as wide receiver and with his supporting center lineman, Roy (GM) and Susan (BM)" You could give each bridal party member a football position, and the Best Man could be the Quarterback, etc. It could be really cute.

 

[misysu2]

Maybe you could find a cool way to explain it in the wedding program so people won''t be so clueless when they hear the music all of a sudden?

 

[njc]

Hahaha... You know I think its a FABULOUS idea Indecisvie! I wish I had thought of it.

I know exactly what part you would want played and I doubt those that dont get it are freaked out by it. I''ve been to so many weddings where they do arena/pump you up kind of music. How sad, but I cant remember what was played for us, but i think it was that "Are you ready for this" song?!?!? I cant even remember what was played weekend before last at my brothers wedding (HA!) but again it was something, pump you up. Like PP said, perhaps the DJ can make some Tech reference for those not in the know as he starts up the music. Plus, all your families and friends should know, and when they get excited, everyone else will too, because they dont want to look like the old fougies.

And totally off topic, are you getting married up here in NoVa? I only ask because DH''s groom cake was a Hokie Bird and if you are interested I would share the guy who did it (hes a friend of a friend, does it as a hobby). He was awesome. All I wanted was a sheet cake cut in the shape and this is what we got! He''s playing video games (gran turismo to be exact) and is propped up on a stereo surrounded by DHs fav CDs. HUGE hit.

 

[luckystar112]

Date: 7/15/2007 11:19:52 AM
Author: indecisive

Date: 7/14/2007 6:43:01 PM
Author: luckystar112
I think it sounds like a great idea!

Hokie pride is huge...especially the football! When I get engaged I''ll be marrying into a family of Hokies, so I know how exciting the school is to people. haha.

Very true! We joke that they put something in the water down there. FI and I really miss Blacksburg. Do you live in VA?

Kimberley- that is a sweet story about you and your dad. My dad and I watched football a lot together too.

We are still thinking about it and I appreciate everyone''s opinions. I keep thinking about how people thought that I meant processional and I def agree it would not fit as ceremony music! It makes me picture my dad and I running down the aisle and high fiving people to the altar

. Not quite what we will be going for! Maybe instead of Enter Sandman we will just do the Hokie Pokey at some point in the reception (haha when would the 3rd quarter of a reception be?). I know it is cheesy but my flower girl would love it. What do you think? Too cheesy or fun? Again, thanks for the opinions you guys.

My boyfriend and I live in TX, but his family is from all over VA...Richmond, Fredericksburg, and his parents live in an extremely small town right next to Lake Anna. We are actually going to stay on the lake next month for a few days and I am SO excited.

 

[Erin]

NJC

I couldn''t until now figure out for the life of me WHY I kept imagining a Hokie Bird playing video games while reading through.

THAT''S IT!!!!

 

[njc]

Lucky - Small world... I grew up in Fredericksburg and probably know where his parents live (Louisa?). Yup, big Hokie area, most of the kids do end up at Tech.

Starset - Ahahaha... too funny! You werent crazy... just me.

 

[luckystar112]

Date: 7/16/2007 3:46:03 PM
Author: njc
Lucky - Small world... I grew up in Fredericksburg and probably know where his parents live (Louisa?). Yup, big Hokie area, most of the kids do end up at Tech.

Starset - Ahahaha... too funny! You werent crazy... just me.

YUP!!! Small world indeed!

And TOTALL hokie. My BF''s parents are obsessed with VT. They have a VT birdfeeder in their yard. lol. I always thought that was kind of funny. haha. They have lots of other crazy hokie stuff around their house too.

Hey, by any chance do you know of any barns in any of those areas that hold weddings?

 

[indecisive]

I didn''t get around to replying to this! I was in a car accident and I have been on muscle relaxants for my back so I have been kind of out of it.

griffitk- I like that idea. I think a Hokie welcome is appropriate

njc - haha I am glad you like it! The "pump you up" music is what we are going for. I LOVE that cake!! That is way too cute. We are in NOVA... that would be awesome for a rehearsal dinner cake. Maybe Hokie bird playing soccer or Hokie bird on the computer... so many options! Does the person still make cakes?

luckystar- We are so going to be the family with all the VT paraphernalia... although we will probably have it all in a media room. So fun! I am not sure about barns around there for weddings. The ones I know are working barns. My FSIL lives in F''burg though, so I''ll ask her.