George Boyle
Music is an integral part of a wedding ceremony, creating a romantic atmosphere and setting the tone for the entire event. It is important to choose the right songs for the prelude, processional, and recessional to fit the vibe of the service and the couple's personal preferences. Prelude music is light and ambient, played as guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. The processional accompanies the entry of the wedding party, family, and bride, with couples often choosing different songs for each group. The recessional is played as the couple exits the ceremony, usually a joyous and celebratory song. Couples may also choose to include specific music for other special moments, such as religious readings or a unity ceremony. When selecting music professionals, factors such as the venue, number of guests, and whether the ceremony is indoors or outdoors should be considered. Live musicians can enhance the timing and drama of entrances, while DJs can provide a seamless transition between songs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To set the tone and create a romantic atmosphere |
| Moments to play music | Prelude, processional, recessional, postlude, first dance, last dance, cake-cutting, cocktail hour, unity ceremony, religious readings, etc. |
| Number of songs | Minimum of 3 types of songs: preludes, processionals, and recessionals. For a prelude, 5-10 songs are recommended. For the processional, 2 songs are required, but more may be needed depending on the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. There is usually 1 main recessional song. For the postlude, 2-3 songs are recommended. |
| Music type | Classical, instrumental, love ballads, hymns, etc. |
| Music provider | DJ, live musicians (solo guitarist, harpist, pianist, string quartet, etc.), wedding singers |
| Other considerations | Timing, venue (outdoors or indoors), budget, faith/traditions |
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What You'll Learn
Prelude music: light, ambient music for guests to be seated
Prelude music is an important part of your wedding ceremony. It sets the tone and creates a soundtrack for the entire event, providing a musical backdrop to the most special part of your day. Prelude music is usually light and ambient, creating the perfect atmosphere as your guests arrive and take their seats.
The prelude is the period of time leading up to the beginning of your wedding ceremony. It usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony begins, but no later than 20 minutes prior. Most guests will arrive 10-15 minutes early, and you'll want to provide music to fill the time and get people excited. You'll need around 5-10 songs for this period, depending on how long your prelude will be.
The music you choose for your prelude should be mellow and not too energetic. It should create a romantic and exciting vibe without being overpowering. You don't want the music to drown out your guests' conversations as they wait for the ceremony to begin. Soft acoustics, gentle beats, and instrumentals are all great options for prelude music.
- "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo
- "Everything" by Michael Bublé
- "Yellow" by Coldplay
- "Water Music Suite No.3, HWV 350" by George Frideric Handel
- "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven
- "Sheep May Safely Graze" by Bach
- "Tenerife Sea" by Ed Sheeran
- "Die a Happy Man" by Thomas Rhett
- "La Vie En Rose" by Louis Armstrong
- "Falling Like the Stars" by James Arthur
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Processional music: for the wedding party's entrance
Music is a crucial element of your wedding day, from the ceremony to the reception, and the right songs can create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
The processional music, or the wedding party's entrance song, is an important aspect of the ceremony. This is the music that will accompany the wedding party as they walk down the aisle, including the bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers. You can choose to have one song for the entire wedding party or switch it up with different songs for each group.
- Timing and Length: Ensure the song is long enough for everyone to walk down the aisle comfortably, without feeling rushed. At the same time, avoid songs that are too long, as they may lose their impact. Rehearse the entrance with the chosen song to ensure a smooth flow.
- Personalization: Select a song that reflects your taste and complements the overall vibe and theme of your wedding. It could be a song that holds special meaning, represents your friendship, or aligns with your chosen theme or genre.
- Uplifting and Upbeat: To create a lively and energetic atmosphere, opt for popular hits or catchy tunes that will excite your guests and set a celebratory tone. Songs like "Happy" by Pharrell Williams, "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and The Waves, or "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang" are perfect choices to get everyone in a joyous mood.
- Romantic and Sweet: If you envision a more sentimental entrance, choose a song that evokes feelings of love and joy. Ballads or emotional melodies like "Marry You" by Bruno Mars or "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston can create a romantic ambiance.
- Classic and Elegant: For a timeless and sophisticated feel, consider classical music or instrumental pieces. Pachelbel's "Canon in D" or Vivaldi's "Spring" are elegant choices that will add a touch of sophistication to your entrance.
- Funny and Quirky: If you want to lighten the mood and add a touch of humour to your entrance, choose a funny or quirky song. "You're the One That I Want" from Grease or "All I Do Is Win" by DJ Khaled ft. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and Rick Ross are fun options that will put a smile on your guests' faces.
- Country Music: Incorporate your love of country music with songs like Taylor Swift's "Down the Hall" or Tim McGraw's "We'll Have a House Party." These tunes will add a rustic and heartfelt touch to your wedding party's entrance.
- Choreography: Consider choreographing a simple dance routine or a fun walk that matches the beat of your chosen song. This will wow your guests and make for unforgettable memories and photos.
- Props and Special Effects: Enhance your entrance with visual elements like glow sticks or matching jerseys. Ensure your venue is okay with your ideas, and don't be afraid to add a creative twist to your wedding party's entrance.
- Personalized Introduction: Work with your DJ or emcee to introduce your wedding party in a unique way, highlighting their relationship to you. This adds a special touch and makes your wedding party feel extra special.
Remember, the processional music should be a reflection of your personal style and taste as a couple. Whether you choose a classic, romantic, or fun song, make sure it resonates with you and sets the right tone for your wedding ceremony.
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Recessional music: triumphant music for the married couple's exit
Wedding ceremony music is an important aspect of the wedding that sets the tone for the entire event. It creates a soundtrack for every important moment, from the walk down the aisle to the first kiss. The wedding recessional song, in particular, is played when the newlywed couple descend the aisle followed by their guests, and it should be a triumphant and joyful tune.
The recessional song is the first thing the couple will hear as they exit the ceremony as a married couple. It is traditionally bright, lively, and celebratory, reflecting the joy and happiness of the couple. The music should be uplifting and triumphant, with a relatively upbeat tempo. Classical music choices can work well, provided the tone is triumphant and the lyrics are appropriate for the occasion, talking about love or happiness.
When choosing the recessional music, it is important to consider the length of the aisle and the timing of the music with the couple's exit. Live musicians can ensure seamless timing for entrances and exits, adding to the drama of the moment. The number of musicians and types of instruments chosen may depend on the venue, with larger ensembles often preferred for outdoor weddings and smaller groups for indoor venues.
Some popular choices for wedding recessional songs include "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" by Handel, "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire, and "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" by Jackie Wilson. The classic "Wedding March" from A Midsummer Night's Dream by Mendelssohn is also a well-loved choice.
Overall, the wedding recessional song should be a memorable and thoughtful choice that reflects the excitement and happiness of the couple as they exit the ceremony as newlyweds.
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Postlude music: additional music for guests leaving
Wedding music is an important aspect of the big day. It sets the tone, stirs up emotions, and shares a message with your guests. The music played during the ceremony should reflect the couple's theme and vision.
Postlude music is played after the recessional song(s) and is used to transition guests from the ceremony to the reception. It is typically upbeat and celebratory and can be played at a higher volume. The postlude can last anywhere between five minutes and one hour, depending on the number of guests and whether there are any receiving lines or photographs taking place.
There are a few scenarios where postlude music is particularly useful:
- If the recessional is short and there are a large number of guests, an additional song or two may be needed as the last guests exit.
- If there is a receiving line, postlude music can be played to cover the time it takes for guests to pass through.
- If photographs are being taken at the ceremony site, some background music can add a nice touch.
When choosing postlude music, you can either select the songs yourself or give your DJ/musician an idea of the type of music you would like. If your ceremony has a theme, you may want to choose cheerful selections that match. You can also consider the type of instruments and musicians you would like to book. For example, a string quartet, a solo guitarist, a harpist, or a pianist.
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Live musicians vs. recorded music
Wedding music is an important aspect of the big day, as it sets the tone and creates a soundtrack for every important moment, from the walk down the aisle to the first kiss. When it comes to live musicians vs. recorded music, there are several factors to consider.
The first consideration is the ambiance you want to create. Live musicians can add a unique touch of elegance and class to your wedding, with the ability to customise songs and ensure seamless timing for entrances. They can also provide a full-bodied sound for outdoor weddings, without the need for amplification. However, if you prefer to know exactly how your songs will sound during the ceremony, recorded music may be a better option. With recorded music, you can also include unusual pieces and ensure that the music timing matches the length of your aisle and the pace of the bridal party's entrances.
Another factor to consider is your venue. If you have a small indoor venue, there may not be enough space for a live band or quartet to perform. In this case, recorded music or a solo musician might be more suitable. Outdoor weddings typically work well with larger ensembles, but it's important to note that weather conditions can affect certain instruments, such as harps.
Budget is also a key consideration when deciding between live musicians and recorded music. Hiring professional musicians can be more expensive, but it is possible to find talented friends or family members who can perform at your wedding for a more affordable option. Additionally, the number of musicians you hire will impact the cost, with larger ensembles typically costing more.
Ultimately, the decision between live musicians and recorded music depends on your personal preferences, venue, and budget. Both options can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
The prelude, processional and recessional are the three most important moments in a wedding ceremony that require special music. The prelude is the period of time leading up to the beginning of your wedding ceremony, when guests are gathering and taking their seats. The processional is the music that accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants and the bride. The recessional is the music that plays when you exit the ceremony as a married couple.
For a shorter prelude, five songs should suffice. For the processional, you'll need at least two songs: one for each partner's entrance. However, you may want to select music for each specific group entering the ceremony, including parents, the wedding party members, and each partner. For the recessional, you'll need one main song, but it's a good idea to have a few extra songs as guests are leaving.
Prelude music should be light and ambient, setting the mood as guests arrive and take their seats. The processional music should be dramatic and emotional, especially for the bridal entrance. The recessional music should be bright, lively and celebratory.
Live musicians can ensure that the music is timed perfectly to your entrances and exits. Recorded music cannot adapt to the pace of the wedding party in the same way. Live music also adds to the drama of the occasion. However, using recorded music will likely be more cost-effective.
It's recommended that you start your search for musicians at least eight months before your wedding. The best musicians get booked up quickly, so it's best to start looking for vendors as early as possible.
