Lyla Dejesus
Music is an integral part of weddings across the world. It is often played during the ceremony and at festivities before or after the event. The music can be performed live by instrumentalists or vocalists, or it may be pre-recorded. While some couples choose to personalise the music selection for their wedding, the order of service usually follows a similar pattern. A prelude, for example, often precedes the wedding, with calm and light music being played as guests arrive. The recessional, on the other hand, is typically bright, fast, and celebratory to mark the official start of the party. The style of music played at weddings varies widely, from classical pieces by Bach, Handel, and Mendelssohn to modern pop songs by artists like Coldplay, Bruno Mars, and Beyoncé.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Music played during | Wedding celebrations, including the ceremony and festivities before or after the event |
| Music performed by | Live instrumentalists, vocalists, wedding bands, or DJs |
| Music style | Calm and light music during the prelude when guests arrive, and joyful music during the wedding march |
| Prelude music examples | Air on the G string, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Johann Sebastian Bach |
| Processional music examples | The Bridal Chorus from Wagner's Lohengrin ("Here Comes The Bride"), Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel, Jeremiah Clarke's "Prince of Denmark's March" |
| Recessional music examples | Mendelssohn's Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Widor's Toccata from Symphony for Organ No. 5, "Spring", Beethoven's "Ode to Joy", Handel's "Hornpipe" |
| Popular first dance songs | "At Last" by Etta James, "This Has to Be the Most Requested First Dance Song of 2022" by Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill, "Pony" by Ms. Winehouse |
| Popular wedding songs | "Marry You" by Bruno Mars, "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" by Marvin Gaye or James Taylor, "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, "Crave" by Paramore, "Bye Bye Bye" by *NSYNC, "Cosmic Girl" by Jamiroquai, "Shake It" by Outcast, "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen |
| Cultural variations | In Jewish weddings, the groom's entrance is marked by the tune Baruch Haba; in traditional Burmese weddings, songs from the Mahagita corpus are played, including "Aura of Immeasurable Auspiciousness"; in Egyptian culture, the wedding march is a musical procession with bendir drums, bagpipes, horns, belly dancers, and men with flaming swords; in Zanzibar, Beni is performed as a wedding dance |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding music across different cultures
Music is an integral part of weddings across the world, with different cultures incorporating it in unique ways. For instance, in Western cultures, the wedding march is a popular form of musical procession, with the Bridal Chorus from Wagner's Lohengrin, commonly known as "Here Comes The Bride", being the most popular choice. In Jewish weddings, the groom's entrance is marked by the tune Baruch Haba, and music is a staple at wedding receptions, with songs like "Hava Nagila" played during the Hora.
In Egyptian culture, the zaffa, or wedding march, is an ancient tradition featuring bendir drums, bagpipes, horns, belly dancers, and men with flaming swords. Traditional Burmese weddings include songs from the Mahagita corpus, such as the bwe song "Aura of Immeasurable Auspiciousness". Celtic wedding music, on the other hand, ranges from lilting melodies to energetic jigs and reels, with popular tunes like "Mairi's Wedding" and "The Skye Boat Song".
Indian weddings, rooted in Hindu traditions, span multiple days and include various ceremonies, each with distinct music and songs. Contemporary Indian weddings often feature a DJ playing Bollywood hits like "Babul Ki Duaayein Leti Ja" and "Mehndi Lagi Ke Rakhna". Similarly, Italian weddings are known for their lively and passionate music, with songs like "Cella Luna" and "Sciuri Sciuri" being staples at receptions.
Interracial and multicultural weddings present unique opportunities for musical fusion. DJs and musicians can craft customised playlists and mashups that blend different cultural influences, creating an inclusive celebration that honours the couple's diverse backgrounds.
From classical favourites like Handel's "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" to modern hits by artists like Vance Joy and the Arctic Monkeys, wedding music spans a wide range of genres and styles, allowing couples to personalise their special day and create memorable moments for their guests.
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Prelude and processional music
Prelude music is played as guests arrive and take their seats. It's a great way to set the tone for your wedding and get everyone in the right mood. You'll want to choose calm and light music that adds to the ambiance without being too distracting. Soft rock, romantic songs, or classical music are all great options. Prelude music usually lasts around 30 minutes, so you'll need between five and ten songs.
For the processional, you'll want to choose a piece of music that reflects the emotion of the moment. Traditionally, this is when the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, followed by the bride making her grand entrance. In Western cultures, the Bridal Chorus from Wagner's Lohengrin, often called "Here Comes The Bride", is a popular choice, usually played on a pipe organ. However, many modern brides opt for more contemporary music, such as their favourite love songs or instrumental versions of their favourite tunes. In some cultures, specific songs are traditionally used for the processional. For example, in Jewish weddings, the groom's entrance is accompanied by the tune Baruch Haba, while traditional Burmese weddings often include songs from the Mahāgīta corpus.
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Recessional music
Music has been a part of weddings for centuries, with different cultures incorporating music in unique ways. Recessional music is played at the end of the wedding ceremony, as the newlyweds and their wedding party walk back up the aisle. This moment sets the tone for the festivities to follow, and the chosen song should capture the joyous and sentimental atmosphere.
In Western traditions, the recessional is often marked by lively music, with Felix Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" being a popular choice. This piece gained prominence after it was played at the wedding of Victoria, Princess Royal, to Prince Frederick William of Prussia in 1858. Another well-loved option is "Toccata" from Widor's Organ Symphony No. 5, which also works well for the earlier procession.
Couples may also opt for classical pieces like Bach's "Ave Maria" or more contemporary songs that reflect their personalities and music tastes. From Beyoncé to Harry Styles, modern recessional songs can showcase the couple's preferences. For instance, a unique exit song could be "You're the One That I Want" from Grease, performed as an acoustic cover by a live musician.
The choice of recessional music is highly personal, and there are no fixed rules. Couples can select from a range of options, including classical instrumental pieces, traditional cultural music, or current hits. The key is to choose music that resonates with the newlyweds and creates a memorable moment as they exit the ceremony.
Overall, recessional music is an important aspect of a wedding, providing a joyful and sentimental backdrop to the couple's first moments as a married couple and ushering in the celebratory mood for the reception.
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First dance songs
Music is a key part of weddings, and there are many opportunities to include it throughout the day, from the prelude to the ceremony and the first dance. The music played can be live or pre-recorded and is often chosen to reflect the couple's personality and tastes.
The first dance is a special moment for the newlyweds, and the song choice is a significant decision. Couples may opt for a slow ballad, an upbeat tune, or something more unique to them. The pace of the song, its danceability, and the lyrics are all important factors to consider.
Spotify's top five first-dance songs of 2024 were:
- "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley
- "At Last" by Etta James
- "Joy of My Life" by Chris Stapleton
- "Life With You" by Kelsey Hart
- "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
Other popular choices for first dance songs include "Wanna Grow Old with You" by Adam Sandler, "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac, "Your Song" by Elton John, and "Beyond" by The 1975.
Some couples choose to choreograph their first dance, while others stick to classic styles like the Waltz, the Foxtrot, or "The Sway".
Ultimately, the first dance song is a personal choice that reflects the couple's relationship and tastes. Whether it's a popular love song, a classical piece, or an alternative track, the music sets the tone for the celebration and creates lasting memories.
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Music during festivities
Music is an integral part of wedding festivities and has been for centuries. It is often used to accompany the couple's entrance and exit, as well as during the ceremony and at festivities before or after the event. The music can be performed live by instrumentalists or vocalists, or it may be pre-recorded, depending on the couple's preferences and traditions associated with their culture.
Prelude Music
Prelude music is played as guests arrive and take their seats, setting the mood for the ceremony. Popular choices include classical pieces such as "Air on the G String" and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Johann Sebastian Bach, or "Wachet Auf" by Bach if you're having a church ceremony.
Processional Music
The processional music announces the arrival of the wedding participants, often taking the form of a wedding march in Western cultures. The most popular choice for more than a century has been the "Bridal Chorus" from Wagner's "Lohengrin" (1850), often called "Here Comes the Bride," traditionally played on a pipe organ. Other traditional options include Jeremiah Clarke's "Prince of Denmark's March" and the "Wedding March" from Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (1842).
Recessional Music
The recessional music is played at the end of the service when the newly married couple exits the ceremony. Couples usually choose something bright, fast, and celebratory. Popular choices include "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven, "Hornpipe" by Handel, "Eine Kleine Nacht Musik" by Mozart, and "Toccata" from Widor's Organ Symphony No. 5.
Reception Music
After the ceremony, the focus shifts to the reception, where music continues to play a crucial role. Couples may opt for a wedding singer, live band, or DJ to entertain their guests and keep the party going. The choice of music varies widely, from classical pieces to modern pop and indie hits, depending on the couple's preferences and the vibe they want to create.
Cultural Variations
Wedding music also varies across different cultures. For instance, in Jewish weddings, the groom's entrance is accompanied by the tune "Baruch Haba", while traditional Burmese weddings incorporate songs from the Mahāgīta corpus. In Egyptian culture, the zaffa is a musical procession with bendir drums, bagpipes, horns, belly dancers, and men carrying flaming swords.
Unique and Personalized Choices
While traditional and popular wedding songs are common, some couples opt for unique and personalized choices that hold special meaning for them. This could be a song with meaningful lyrics or a modern twist on a classic. Couples may also choose songs that are not typically associated with weddings, such as "Crave" by Paramore or "Bye Bye Bye" by *NSYNC*, to make their big day feel one-of-a-kind.
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Frequently asked questions
Music played at weddings varies depending on the couple's preferences, culture, and traditions associated with their culture. Some popular choices include classical music, pop, rock, indie, and dance music.
Some popular classical pieces played at weddings include the Bridal Chorus from Wagner's Lohengrin, Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel, Jeremiah Clarke's "Prince of Denmark's March", and Felix Mendelssohn's Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Yes, cultural variations exist in wedding music. For example, traditional Jewish weddings feature the tune Baruch Haba during the groom's entrance, while Egyptian weddings include the zaffa, a musical procession with bendir drums, bagpipes, horns, belly dancers, and flaming swords.
Modern songs that are often played at weddings include "Marry You" by Bruno Mars, "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, "Crave" by Paramore, "Bye Bye Bye" by *NSYNC, "Pony" by Ginuwine, and "Cosmic Girl" by Jamiroquai.
Joyful songs that can create a celebratory atmosphere at weddings include "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven, "Eine Kleine Nacht Musik" by Mozart, "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole, and "You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates.
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