Lyla Dejesus
Planning the music for a wedding ceremony can be a daunting task. Prelude music is light and ambient, starting when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony begins. The processional song, which accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, usually lasts 2 to 3 minutes, but the length varies depending on the number of people and the length of the aisle. The bride's entrance song should be long enough to cover her walk down the aisle and end when she is comfortably standing next to the groom. For most venues, a song length of 1.5 to 2 minutes is ideal. Couples may choose to have one song for the bridal party and another for the bride or use multiple songs to divide sections during the processional.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs | Couples often choose one song for the bridal party and another for the bride. |
| Song length | The ideal song length varies depending on the length of the aisle and the number of people walking down it. For most venues, a song length of 1.5 to 3 minutes is ideal. |
| Overlapping entrances | Overlapping entrances can help save time and keep the music flowing. |
| Staggered entrances | Staggered entrances can be used to place emphasis on specific moments, such as the bride's grand entrance. |
| Prelude music | Prelude music starts when the doors open or as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony but no later than 20 minutes before. |
| Postlude music | Postludes are played while guests are leaving. |
| Interludes | Interludes are played during significant moments such as the unity candle lighting or the ketubah signing. |
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Prelude music
If you are having a religious ceremony, the music played during your prelude will likely be influenced by the religion and how weddings in that faith are conducted. For example, if you are having a Christian wedding, there are many Christian songs that could work for your prelude, whether you are getting married in a church or elsewhere.
You can also play songs with lyrics during your prelude, but it is a good idea to keep the energy mellow. Tracks like "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo, "Everything" by Michael Bublé, and "Yellow" by Coldplay can set the mood for a romantic wedding.
If you are worried about your prelude music lasting the full duration of the pre-ceremony period, you can ask your DJ to queue up a second playing of a song and mix it in so that it sounds like a long version of the song. You could also pick a second prelude song just in case!
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Processional songs
The processional songs set the tone for the wedding ceremony as the wedding party, family, and attendants walk down the aisle. The length of the processional song depends on several factors, including the length of the aisle, the number of people walking down the aisle, and their walking pace. Usually, couples choose two processional songs: one for the family and wedding party, and a more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional.
For a unique and unexpected wedding processional song, you can opt for something other than the traditional wedding march. For instance, an instrumental version of "Go the Distance" from Hercules, or a ukulele cover of "So This Is Love" from Cinderella. You can also choose a song that holds a special meaning for you, such as "September Song" by Agnes Obel, or a song that blends well with the ceremony, like "As The World Falls Down" by David Bowie.
If you're planning a Catholic wedding ceremony, you may want to include some contemporary Christian wedding processional songs, such as "Ave Maria, maiden mild" or "Here I Am, Lord". Similarly, if you want to keep God at the center of your ceremony, you can choose Christian wedding music for your processional songs, such as "Be Thou My Vision, O Lord of My Heart".
For the younger members of the wedding party, like the ring bearer or flower girl, you can opt for a classic, sweet song like "Over the Rainbow". Meanwhile, for the bridesmaids and groomsmen, a fun, upbeat track like Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" will kick things off on a lively note.
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Recessional songs
The recessional song is played at the end of the wedding ceremony when the newlyweds and their wedding party walk back up the aisle. It is the first song the couple will hear as a married couple, so it should be a thoughtful and romantic choice. It should also be bright, lively, and celebratory, reflecting the couple's joy.
There is usually just one main recessional song, but you can also plan for a few postludes as guests are leaving. You might also want to include a postlude, which is a selection played while guests exit the ceremony. Some couples even ask the musician to lead guests out of the ceremony space in a parade.
There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing wedding recessional songs. You can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit. If you want a dramatic wedding ceremony exit, you may want to choose a recognizable, movie-ending closer, like Arcade Fire's "Wake Up." Fun songs like Outkast's "Hey Ya" or The Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling" are also great options.
- "You're the One That I Want" from Grease by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
- "Wedding March" from A Midsummer Night's Dream by Felix Mendelssohn
- "Spring"
- "Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves
- "Paper Rings" by Taylor Swift
- "Everybody Loves Somebody" by Dean Martin
- "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen
- "All The Small Things" by Blink 182
- "We Found Love" by Rihanna
- "Great Escape" by Boys Like Girls
- "Brand New" by Ben Rector
- "The Fire That Keeps You Warm" by Dolly Parton
- "It All Feels Right" by Washed Out
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Postludes
The length of wedding entry songs varies depending on the length of the aisle, the number of people walking down it, and the speed at which they walk. Some sources suggest that it takes around 30-45 seconds for a bride to walk down the aisle, while others state that it can take up to 1.5 minutes. Therefore, the ideal length for a wedding entry song would be around 1.5 to 2 minutes. However, if you have a longer aisle or more people walking down, you may need a longer song or multiple songs.
Now, onto the postludes! Postlude songs are played after the recessional, as guests are leaving the ceremony and transitioning to the reception. They are optional but can be a great way to continue the celebratory mood and keep the exit interesting and fast-paced. The number of postlude songs you choose will depend on the timing of your cocktail hour and whether you will have live music during that time. If there is a gap between the ceremony and cocktail hour or if you will be moving to a different location, it is recommended to select three songs.
Postlude songs are typically bright, lively, and celebratory, reflecting the joy of the newlyweds. They can be instrumental or vocal, with options ranging from soft and soulful to danceable and upbeat. Some couples may choose songs that hold religious significance, such as Christian beliefs about God's role in marriage. Others may opt for popular hits that speak to the vows, such as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Tammi and Marvin, which symbolizes overcoming any challenges together.
When selecting postlude songs, consider the overall theme and mood you want to create as guests depart the ceremony. You can choose songs that are fun and energetic or go for something more romantic and sentimental. Additionally, think about any significant moments during the exit, such as lighting a unity candle or signing a document, and choose songs that enhance those moments. For a unique touch, you might even consider having a musician lead the guests out in a parade-like fashion!
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Interlude songs
Wedding ceremony interlude songs are played during the quiet moments in your ceremony to prevent any lulls or awkward silences. They can also be used strategically to set the mood, add drama, or infuse the moment with special meaning. The number of interlude songs you'll need depends on your wedding ceremony and how it will flow. For instance, if your ceremony includes various rituals, you may need a few wedding interlude songs as you transition from one to the next.
When choosing the length of your wedding interlude songs, consider the length of your aisle and the number of people walking down it. A DJ suggests that unless you have instructed your bridal party to walk very slowly, they will likely all be at the front within 1.5 minutes. Therefore, if your song is longer than this, you could have the DJ replay the song from the beginning once the bridal party reaches the front, so that it doesn't cut off awkwardly. Alternatively, you could choose a second processional song to follow the first.
If you are concerned that your song is too short, you could use a free audio editor to repeat the chorus, or have the sound tech rewind the song to a dramatic spot once you enter.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of your wedding entry song depends on the length of your aisle, the number of people walking down the aisle, and the speed at which they walk. For most venues, a song length of 1.5 to 2 minutes is ideal.
Prelude music usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes prior to the ceremony but no later than 20 minutes before the beginning. Depending on how long your prelude will be, you'll need between five and 10 songs for this period.
The processional song for the bridal party usually lasts 2 to 3 minutes. If the bridal party is big, you can allow for overlapping entrances or use a longer song.
The recessional song is usually just one song that is bright, lively, and celebratory. It should last as long as it takes for your bridal party and guests to leave the ceremony area.
Interlude songs are usually 2 to 3 minutes long. If your guests will be singing along, it's best to keep the song shorter, as enthusiasm may fade after the third verse.
