Junior Rasmussen
Music is an integral part of a wedding ceremony, from the prelude to the postlude, and the processional to the recessional. It can be used to set the vibe for the whole day and create a romantic stage. The music you select for your wedding ceremony can be religious, classical, or contemporary, and it's important to consider the size of your venue and any guidelines or restrictions. You'll also need to decide whether to hire musicians or use a sound system with a DJ, and plan the specific songs and when they will be played.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to start playing music | When the doors open or as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony but no later than 20 minutes before the start |
| Number of songs | 5-10 songs for the pre-ceremony period, including the prelude, processional, and recessional |
| Song choice | Mellow songs with lyrics or instrumental music for the prelude; upbeat, celebratory music for the recessional |
| Music during the ceremony | Softly played instrumental music for the preparation of the altar; music for the seating of VIPs; music for the appearance of the groom/groomsmen and celebrant at the front of the ceremony site; music for the bridal party entrance and the bride's entrance; music during readings; music for rituals |
| Post-ceremony music | Music for the exit of the bridal party and guests (recessional); full-length songs for the postlude |
| Music players | DJ, solo violinist, guitar band, string quartet, or live musicians |
| Music costs | Average of $800 for wedding musicians; additional costs for transport of large instruments and rehearsal attendance |
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What You'll Learn
- Prelude music: 30 minutes of music, 5-10 songs, played before the ceremony as guests arrive and take their seats
- Processional music: 2-3 songs for the wedding party's entrance, including parents and the couple
- Recessional music: 1 song for the couple's exit, plus 2-3 additional songs as guests file out
- Music during the ceremony: soft instrumentals for rituals, readings, and altar preparation
- Music for the reception: entrance music, first dance, and last dance
Prelude music: 30 minutes of music, 5-10 songs, played before the ceremony as guests arrive and take their seats
Prelude music is played before the wedding ceremony as guests arrive and take their seats. It usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony begins, but no later than 20 minutes prior. This gives you a window of 20 to 45 minutes for your prelude music, with 30 minutes being a good amount of time to aim for.
The prelude is a great opportunity to set the mood and get your guests excited for the ceremony. You'll want to choose songs that are mellow and won't bring too much energy to the environment. Think about the overall style of your wedding: for a rustic wedding, contemporary acoustic songs are a great choice, while a traditional ceremony calls for classical, instrumental music.
You'll need between five and 10 songs for the prelude, depending on the length of each song and how much time you want to fill. If you're unsure about how long your prelude will be, aim for around 30 minutes of music. This will give you enough time to create a romantic atmosphere as your guests arrive and take their seats.
When choosing your prelude music, consider any songs that have a special meaning to you and your partner. Think about songs that you both connect with and love to listen to. Just be sure to read the lyrics before making your final decision, as you'll want to avoid any songs with themes that might ruffle feathers on your big day.
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Processional music: 2-3 songs for the wedding party's entrance, including parents and the couple
Music is an integral part of a wedding ceremony, and the songs chosen for the processional can help set the tone for the entire event. The processional usually includes the entrance of the wedding party, parents, and the couple, and it is often marked by 2-3 songs. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the perfect processional music:
Number of Songs
The number of processional songs you'll need depends on factors such as the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. Most couples choose at least two songs: one for each partner's entrance. However, you may want to select music for each specific group entering, including parents, wedding party members, and each partner. If you have a large wedding party, consider choosing a longer song or adding an extra song to accommodate everyone's entrance.
Music Style and Genre
The style and genre of the music can vary based on personal preference. Traditional, classical wedding processional songs are often chosen for formal affairs, while modern or unique songs can add a personal touch. You may also want to consider the lyrics of the songs and choose ones that resonate with you and your partner, reflecting your love story.
Prelude and Recessional
In addition to the processional, you'll also need music for the prelude and recessional. The prelude is played as guests arrive and are seated, setting the tone for the ceremony. The recessional, on the other hand, is played as the newly married couple and the wedding party exit the ceremony, and it is often more upbeat and celebratory.
Song Suggestions
- "Over the Rainbow" for younger participants like the flower girl or ring bearer.
- "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé for the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
- "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King for the couple.
- "What a Beautiful Day" by Brett Every feat. Belinda Crawford for the couple.
- "Chapel of Love" by The Dixie Cups for the couple.
- "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri for the couple.
- "Marry You" by Bruno Mars for the couple.
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Recessional music: 1 song for the couple's exit, plus 2-3 additional songs as guests file out
Planning the music for your wedding ceremony is an important task, as it can help set the mood and create lasting memories of your special day. The recessional music, in particular, is a key part of the wedding soundtrack, signalling the conclusion of the ceremony and the start of the celebrations.
The recessional music begins as the couple makes their exit, usually after sharing their first kiss as newlyweds. This song should be upbeat and celebratory, reflecting the joy of the occasion. It should play for the duration of the couple's exit, continuing until the bride and groom are comfortably standing together and ready to proceed out of the ceremony area.
Following the couple's exit, it is customary to have two to three additional songs in the queue as the guests file out. These songs should maintain the joyful and festive atmosphere, serving as a fitting conclusion to the ceremony. The length of these songs can be adjusted as needed to accommodate the number of guests and the pace at which they exit.
When selecting the recessional songs, it is important to consider the overall style and theme of your wedding. You may opt for classic, instrumental pieces or choose contemporary songs that hold special meaning for you as a couple. It is also crucial to read through the lyrics of the songs to ensure they convey the right message and won't ruffle any feathers!
Additionally, it is worth noting that some ceremony sites and officiants may have guidelines regarding the music that can be played. Be sure to familiarise yourself with any such restrictions and plan your song choices accordingly.
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Music during the ceremony: soft instrumentals for rituals, readings, and altar preparation
Music is a crucial element in creating an unforgettable atmosphere for a wedding. Soft instrumentals during the ceremony can underscore the emotional nuances of rituals, readings, and altar preparation, intensifying the sentiment without distracting from the spoken word.
The prelude is the period of time leading up to the ceremony when guests are gathering and taking their seats. It usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes before, but no later than 20 minutes before the ceremony begins. You'll need between five and 10 songs for this period.
The processional is the official start to the ceremony when members of the immediate family and wedding party head down the aisle. It typically begins with the bride's mother and follows with the groom, best man, wedding party, flower girl, and ring bearer, and ends with the bride's entrance. You'll need at least two songs for the processional: one for each partner's entrance. However, you may decide to choose music for each specific group entering, including parents, wedding party members, and each partner. If you have a large wedding party, you'll need a longer tune that everyone can walk down the aisle to.
Soft instrumentals for the processional might include Bach's 'Ave Maria', 'Unchained Melody', or 'Wonderful Tonight' by Eric Clapton. 'Gabriel's Oboe' by Morricone, also known as 'Nella Fantasia', is another popular choice.
During any pauses or interludes in the ceremony, soft instrumentals can maintain a serene atmosphere. Classical and timeless pieces add an element of sophistication and elegance to the wedding. An instrumental version of the couple's chosen song can add a personalised touch to the first dance.
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Music for the reception: entrance music, first dance, and last dance
Music is an important part of setting the mood for your wedding reception, and you'll want to choose songs that hold a special memory or meaning for you and your partner. The entrance music should be upbeat and exciting to kick off the celebrations. You can continue with the same song that the bridal party used or switch to a new tune to mark the moment. The first dance is a symbolic gesture as newlyweds, and while it's often a slow and traditional choice, it's also an opportunity to involve your parents in the planning. You might want to consider a song that holds a special meaning for the bride's father or groom's mother. The last dance is the final celebration before transitioning into your new marriage, so choose a song that reflects your personalities and leaves a lasting impression.
The length of the entrance song can be tricky to determine, as it depends on factors like the length of the aisle and how fast your wedding party walks. You can edit the song or adjust the spacing between couples to ensure it times correctly. Rehearsing the walk can help you get a better idea of the timing. For the first dance, wedding experts recommend keeping it short and sweet, with 60 to 90 seconds being the sweet spot. You can always extend it to two or three minutes if you're feeling confident, but remember that time passes slowly when you're the centre of attention.
When selecting music for your reception, keep in mind that you'll have guests from different generations with varying musical preferences. You can work with your DJ or band to choose songs that cater to a diverse crowd while still reflecting your unique tastes. Don't forget to create a "do-not-play" list to avoid any songs that don't match your individual style. Additionally, consider the size and acoustics of your venue when choosing the type of music and instrumentation. For example, a large brass quintet might overwhelm a small chapel, while an outdoor setting may require an electric piano.
Your wedding reception is a chance to celebrate and honour the newlyweds, so choose songs that make you happy and don't be afraid to add your personal touch.
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Frequently asked questions
Music can be played from when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes prior to the ceremony, but no later than 20 minutes before the start.
You'll need between five and 10 songs for the pre-ceremony period, also known as the prelude. These songs can be played from start to finish at full length.
The processional songs should be played for as long as it takes for the respective group to walk down the aisle and take their places. If you have a large wedding party, you'll need a longer song or multiple songs.
The music can be religious, classical, or contemporary. You can use both instrumental music and songs with lyrics, but make sure to choose mellow songs that won't bring too much energy.
You can use a solo musician, such as a violinist or guitarist, a band, or most commonly, a DJ. The average couple spends $800 on wedding musicians, but you can save costs by using what's available at your venue, such as a grand piano.
