Junior Rasmussen
Wedding recessional songs are played as the newly married couple walks back down the aisle, followed by their guests. It's the first song you'll hear as a married couple, so it should be memorable and set the tone for the party that's about to begin. The right song can make the moment truly magical and unforgettable. There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding recessional song, but it should be upbeat and exciting. From classical instrumental pieces to modern hits, there are plenty of options to choose from.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Played at the end of the wedding ceremony when the newlyweds and wedding party walk up the aisle |
| Mood | Upbeat, joyous, celebratory, romantic, thoughtful, fun, playful, exciting, dramatic |
| Genre | Classical, modern, pop, acoustic, instrumental, traditional cultural, movie soundtrack |
| Examples | "Better Together" by Jack Johnson, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder, "At Last" by Etta James, "Love on Top" by Beyoncé, "Beautiful Day" by U2, "Canon in D" by Pachelbel, "The Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn, "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole, "You're the One That I Want" by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, "Wake Up" by Arcade Fire, "Hey Ya" by Outkast, "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a wedding recessional song
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding recessional song, and couples can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit. The right song choice will make your exit truly unforgettable. It's a good idea to choose a song that resonates with you as a couple. Are you fun-loving? Opt for something playful. Are you romantics? Choose something more classic and elegant. The tempo of your recessional song should match the energy you want to convey—a faster beat adds excitement, while a slower tempo creates a more serene atmosphere.
If you're planning a light-hearted or free-spirited wedding, you might want to choose a fun and playful song that matches that energy. Some examples of fun recessional songs include "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers, "You're the One That I Want" by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, and "Sunday" by Ben Rector featuring Snoop Dogg. If you want to stick to tradition, you might consider "Canon in D" by Pachelbel, "The Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn, or "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven.
You can also take inspiration from movies, such as "The Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing, or "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" from 10 Things I Hate About You. For a dramatic wedding ceremony exit, you might want to choose a recognisable, movie-ending closer, like Arcade Fire's "Wake Up". If you want to add a fun and personal touch, you could choose a modern hit like "Love on Top" by Beyoncé.
A professional wedding DJ can help you choose the right recessional song and ensure the timing is perfect. They can suggest songs that fit your personality and wedding style.
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Classical, modern, fun, acoustic, and upbeat options
The wedding recessional song is the first thing you'll hear as a married couple, so it should be a thoughtful and romantic choice. There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding recessional song, but here are some ideas for classical, modern, fun, acoustic, and upbeat options.
Classical
You can opt for a classical instrumental piece, such as the traditional "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn or "Spring" by Mendelssohn.
Modern
There are plenty of contemporary songs that will show off your personality and your taste in music. These recent hits are unusual choices but are ideal for couples who want to personalize their ceremony. You can choose from Beyoncé to Harry Styles.
Fun
Country wedding recessional songs with heartfelt lyrics and foot-stomping melodies set a fun and romantic mood. You can also opt for an acoustic cover of a popular song, such as "You're the One That I Want" from Grease by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta.
Acoustic
Acoustic guitars are a great choice for a fun, romantic mood. You can also ask your wedding musicians about doing an acoustic cover of a popular song. A string quartet, pianist, harpist, or guitarist will bring a unique sound to your wedding ceremony exit song.
Upbeat
If you want to skip, dance, or run up the aisle with your new spouse, queue one of these high-energy celebration songs, such as "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole.
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The role of a wedding DJ
A wedding DJ's role is to ensure the couple is happy and that the guests have a good time. They are responsible for creating a magical and fun atmosphere, choreographing the reception, and ensuring the wedding flows smoothly. They should play music that suits the mood and tone of the wedding, and they may also act as an emcee, making announcements and keeping guests informed.
Wedding DJs need to be able to read the crowd and play the right songs at the right times. They should also be able to take requests from the couple and guests, as these can create lasting memories. Before the wedding, they should meet with the couple to discuss their favourite and least favourite songs and any special requests or surprise dances. They may also use an online planning system to ensure they have all the details they need.
On the day of the wedding, the DJ is usually the first to arrive and the last to leave. They are responsible for setting up and testing their equipment, including microphones for the officiant and, later, any toasts. They play music as guests arrive and during the processional and recessional—the songs played when the wedding party walks down the aisle before and after the ceremony.
The recessional song is the first song the newly married couple hears as they walk back up the aisle, so it should be carefully chosen to fit the joyous mood. It can be an upbeat, high-energy song, a classical instrumental piece, a sacred song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit.
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Live music and musicians
Live music can elevate your wedding day, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for you and your guests. While traditional wedding bands are a popular choice, you might want to explore alternative options to add a touch of uniqueness and personal flair to your special day.
If you're looking for something unexpected or want to pay homage to your cultural heritage, there are several creative possibilities to explore. For instance, mariachi bands are a fun and festive option, especially for Mexican-themed or destination weddings. They feature trumpets, violins, and guitars, playing a mix of traditional Mexican songs and contemporary hits. Similarly, a Chinese erhu ensemble, an Indian sitar group, or a Scottish bagpipe band can provide a laid-back and acoustic atmosphere, playing a variety of original and cover songs.
If you're looking for a more intimate sound, a talented guitarist or acoustic duo can create a warm and romantic vibe for your ceremony or cocktail hour. For high-energy live music, consider a premium, customizable 3 to 14-piece band like The Royal Dukes, The Silver Arrows, or The Bluewater Kings. These bands are known for their lively performances and ability to pack dance floors.
Remember, the right wedding music sets the tone for your day, so consider the events you'll need the musicians for, your preferred songs, and try to hear the band or musicians live before making a decision.
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The processional vs the recessional
The wedding processional refers to the wedding entrance procession, while the recessional is the exit procession after the ceremony. The processional traditionally involves the couple and their wedding party walking down the aisle before the ceremony begins. The bride is always the last to enter, after the guests, her mother, officiant, witnesses, and groom have taken their seats. She is usually accompanied by her father or a companion and is preceded by page boys and flower girls.
The music played during the processional is often sentimental and emotional, reflecting the mood of the ceremony. For religious ceremonies, classical music is preferred, although it does not have to be sacred. For civil or symbolic ceremonies, there are no set rules, and music choices are left to the couple's personal preference.
On the other hand, the recessional is a formal ceremony exit that involves the couple, their wedding party, and their families. The couple is usually the first to exit, followed by their families and the wedding party. The music chosen for the recessional is typically joyful, vibrant, and celebratory, setting the tone for the party that follows. Couples may opt for classical, instrumental, acoustic, traditional, or modern songs to accompany their exit.
While the processional often follows a more structured and traditional order of entrance, the recessional offers more flexibility and can be customised to the couple's preferences. The music choices for both parts of the wedding are essential in creating the desired atmosphere and making the ceremony memorable.
Whether you choose to follow traditional guidelines or create your own unique processional and recessional, the key is to ensure that your wedding reflects your personality and tastes, making it a memorable and special occasion for you and your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding recessional song is played as the newly married couple walk back down the aisle, followed by their wedding party and guests. It should be an upbeat, celebratory song that matches the excitement and joy of the moment.
There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding recessional song. You can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a romantic ballad, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a modern hit. Some popular choices include "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder, "Beautiful Day" by U2, "Love on Top" by Beyoncé, "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk, and "Better Together" by Jack Johnson.
The right wedding recessional song should reflect your unique style and the energy you want to convey. Choose a song that resonates with you as a couple. If you're fun-loving, go for something playful. If you're romantic, consider a slower, more serene song. You can also work with a professional wedding DJ who can suggest songs that fit your personality and wedding style.
