Ok so this may sound odd but...

What about having the National Anthem being the song you both walk out of the ceremony to? Since it's something meaningful to both of you...what other song would you have playing at that time?

I think the DJ should play it as you walk in the reception site. "Ladies and Gentalment Mr & Mrs".... With the National Anthem playing. That way you already have everones attention and if you want the whole thing to play or someone will be singing it you can walk to the dance floor and just dance the song out. Good luck

Now... I'm just guessing... but you said you were very patriotic which might preclude playing the national anthem while walking or doing something else? I dunno... maybe I'm off... but it seems that the national anthem is played when people are standing... usually looking at a flag... sometimes singing along, but quietly. Um... if I were to do it... I think at the very beginning might be best after everyone is seated and the processional has taken place. "Please rise for the national anthem." There will be a flag there yes? (seems odd to have the national anthem without the flag). But at a point in the proceedings when that is all you would be doing... I kinda disagree with the recessional idea.

I agree with Kittie. To me, when the national anthem or pledge of allegiance is done, it needs to have full attention to a flag with your hand over your heart. I like the idea of saying "Please rise for the national anthem per the bride and groom's request."

I agree with previous posts, it might be considered disrespectful to use the National Anthem for a recessional or dance. How about at the reception after everyone has entered and before dinner has been served. Soon after your entry and first dance, the MC or DJ usually asks people to find their seats so that dinner orders can be taken. They could then ask everyone to stand for the anthem, explaining that it it per your request. If you are having a blessing before dinner, it could follow the anthem.

Best wishes,

Margaret Sneddon, Harpist

www.margaretsneddon.com

New York, NY and the Hudson River Valley

Margaret has the best solution, in my humble opinion. It would be very disrespectful to not only be walking, but playing it with the attention on the two of you. Any time during the ceremony is really not appropriate either. This is a spiritual moment that should focus on the two of you. Before dinner at the reception is probably the best moment, with a flag being the focus.

I agree we would not want to be doing anything durring the anthem and would not want to have attention on us either. I like the idea of doing it right before the blessing at dinner. I think that would flow really well we could put a flag next to the DJ table. Thanks alot for all your opinions, your always so helpful!