Franklin Dean
Choosing the music for your wedding day is an important task, as it can bring joy, tears, and transport you and your guests back in time. From the processional to the last dance of the reception, the right music will make your big day even more memorable. But how do you choose your wedding song?
Firstly, you'll want to consider the venue and type of ceremony you're having. A church or religious wedding may require music that's appropriate for the religious institution, whereas a civil ceremony in a garden or vineyard offers more flexibility. You'll also need to decide whether you want live or recorded music, and whether to hire a band or a DJ.
When it comes to the first dance, it's essential to pick a song that's meaningful to you and your partner. It should reflect your love and commitment and be appropriate for the occasion. You might choose a song with special significance, such as one that played during a concert or a memorable moment in your relationship. Or, you could opt for an upbeat and fun tune that represents your shared love for a movie or TV show.
Remember, it's your wedding, so feel free to break the rules and pick a song that speaks to you, regardless of whether it's a well-known tune or fits a particular style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs | 2-3 songs for the processional, 10 songs for the prelude, 2-3 songs for the recessional, 1 song for the cocktail hour, 1 song for the cake-cutting, 1 song for the bouquet and garter toss, 1 song for the last dance |
| Song choice | Songs that are meaningful to the couple, songs that are fun and upbeat, songs that are high energy, songs that are calm and subdued, songs with a similar tempo, songs from the same era, songs that are triumphant, songs that are bold and unique, songs that are slow |
| Considerations | The length of the aisle, the length of the song, the number of people walking down the aisle, the type of ceremony, the couple's music preferences, the comfort of the parents, the walking pace of the wedding party |
| Help | Musicians, music planning experts, the officiant, the musical director, the DJ, the wedding planner, the ceremony musician |
Explore related products
Prelude music
The music you choose should reflect your wedding style and your personality as a couple. If you're having a rustic wedding in nature, contemporary acoustic songs are a great choice. For a traditional ceremony, classical, instrumental music is a more popular option. You could also consider the season and setting of your wedding: a gentle piano arrangement might be perfect for an outdoor spring or summer wedding, while a dramatic '90s ballad could suit a glamorous ballroom venue.
You could also consider the pace of the music: do you want upbeat or calming songs? You could also add songs that align with your religious beliefs. If you want to include songs with lyrics, remember to consider your guests: you might want to avoid anything that will overpower conversation or offend older relatives. Instrumental tracks are a good option for prelude music, and you could include some soft acoustic songs or classical pieces.
You can choose between hiring live musicians, such as a wedding band, pianist, harpist, or string quartet, or simply playing music from a playlist. If you opt for live musicians, they may have a repertoire of songs to choose from, and they may be able to learn new songs for a fee.
Angelina's Wedding: Chaos and Confusion
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Processional songs
Choosing the right processional songs for your wedding can be tricky, but it can be a fun and creative process. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect processional songs:
Number of Songs
The number of processional songs you'll need depends on factors such as the size of your wedding party and the length of the aisle. For a simple wedding, one song is usually enough for the processional. However, if you have a larger wedding party, you may want to consider having two or more processional songs. This allows you to have a separate song for the entrance of the wedding party and a more dramatic and emotional song for the bride's entrance.
Type of Music
The type of music you choose for your processional can vary. You can go for something traditional and classical, such as "Here Comes the Bride/Bridal March," or choose songs that reflect your personality and theme of the wedding. If you have a rustic forest wedding, consider Americana or Irish folk songs. An upscale downtown hotel wedding might call for classical pieces or jazz. A culturally-themed wedding could include songs from that specific region or nationality.
Lyrics and Instruments
Pay attention to the lyrics of the songs you choose. Make sure they align with the message you want to convey and reflect the theme of love. Also, consider the instruments you want to be featured in your processional songs. Options include the piano, acoustic guitar, violins, string quartets, or even a harp, which can add a touch of elegance to your ceremony.
Personal Connection
Selecting songs that hold a special meaning for you and your partner can make your processional even more memorable. This could be a song that reminds you of a particular moment in your relationship or a song that reflects your journey together.
Tempo and Length
Choose songs with a suitable tempo for walking down the aisle. You want a pace that is comfortable and allows for a graceful entrance. Also, consider the length of the song to match the length of the aisle and the number of people walking down.
Examples
- "Wild World" by Eric Clapton
- "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles
- "Your Song" by Elton John
- "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol
- "Tale as Old as Time" from Beauty and the Beast
- "Married Life" from the movie Up
Canon in D Major: From Composition to Wedding Song
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Recessional songs
The recessional song is played at the end of the wedding ceremony, when the newlyweds and wedding party walk up the aisle. It marks the transition from the ceremony to the celebration that follows, so it should be a jubilant and
If you're looking for something traditional, you could consider "Canon in D" by Pachelbel, "The Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn, "Spring" by Felix Mendelssohn, "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven, or "Trumpet Voluntary" by Clarke. For a more contemporary choice, you could opt for "Love on Top" by Beyoncé, "Beautiful Day" by U2, "Better Together" by Jack Johnson, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder, or "At Last" by Etta James.
If you want to add a playful and personal touch, you could choose a popular song and ask your wedding musicians to perform an acoustic cover. You could also opt for a fun and upbeat song to get your guests ready to party, like "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole or "Accidentally in Love" by Counting Crows.
When choosing your recessional song, it's important to consider the tempo and the energy you want to convey. A faster beat adds excitement, while a slower tempo creates a more serene atmosphere. You should also ensure that the song is cued correctly, starting with the upbeat chorus to make a musical impression as you exit the ceremony.
Scarlett's Four Weddings Exit Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Venue restrictions
When choosing your wedding songs, it's important to consider any venue restrictions. These can include rules on the type of music, the volume, and the space available for musicians or equipment.
If you're getting married in a house of worship, it's essential to consult with your officiant about any restrictions. Some conservative venues may provide a specific list of traditional or religious songs, while others may only permit instrumental music without recorded words. More progressive venues may allow your choice of music with prior officiant approval. Catholic churches, for example, typically require sacred music, but some priests may allow contemporary Christian music with permission.
Secular venues may also have guidelines regarding noise restrictions, such as volume limits or curfews, and space limitations for bands. Some venues may restrict live music or impose limitations on band size, which can be a challenge for larger bands that require amplification.
Before booking your venue, it's crucial to discuss your musical plans and preferences to ensure they can be accommodated. If you have your heart set on a particular type of music or band, be sure to select a venue that can cater to your needs.
Additionally, consider the size of your venue when choosing your wedding songs. The music should be comfortable for listeners, with an appropriate volume and pace. You don't want the music to be too loud or overwhelming for the space.
Tana's Wedding: Chaos and Confusion
You may want to see also
Explore related products
First dance
Choosing the song for your first dance as a married couple is an important decision. It is a very personal choice that should be made by you and your partner. The song you choose should be meaningful and resonate with both of you.
A good first dance song is typically around three minutes long. You don't want it to be too long and bore your guests, but it should also not be too short, so your photographer has enough time to capture the moment. The song should be easy and enjoyable to dance to, and the lyrics should be appropriate for the occasion.
Consider what kind of moment you want to create. You can stick with tradition and opt for a slow, romantic first dance or surprise your guests with an upbeat tune. You could also pair two songs together and transition to an up-tempo song to get your guests energised and eager to join you on the dance floor.
Think about songs that remind you of a special memory or event. You could also choose a song that fits with your wedding theme or represents your favourite band or artist. If you want to be creative, consider an elegant, instrumental version of a song from a book or movie that is meaningful to you both.
If you are struggling for ideas, ask your parents or grandparents what their wedding song was, or get suggestions from family and friends. You can also seek inspiration from Spotify playlists, wedding blogs, and your DJ, who will know which songs are popular and which are overdone.
Hero's Wedding: A Magical Affair
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You'll need at least two songs for the processional: one for each partner's entrance. You may also want to choose different songs for the bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, flower girls, and ring bearers to enter to. You'll also need a recessional song, and two to three additional songs to be played as guests are filing out.
The songs you choose for your wedding should represent you as a couple. You might want to choose a theme to tie your processional songs together, such as songs in the same genre, with a similar tempo, or from the same era. Your recessional song should be up-tempo, happy, and primed to get the party started.
If you're having a wedding in a house of worship, there may be restrictions on the music you can use. Some venues will have a specific list of traditional songs for you to choose from, while others may allow any music as long as it's instrumental. You should also consider the length of your aisle and the walking pace of your wedding party when selecting songs for their entrances.
