Rhiannon Hendricks
Music is an integral part of any wedding ceremony, and the number of songs you'll need depends on several factors, including the type of wedding, the size of the venue, and the length of the aisle. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, couples typically need songs for the processional (walking down the aisle), the signing of the register, and the recessional (exit). In addition, music can enhance other significant moments, such as the unity candle lighting or cocktail hour. Couples may opt for live musicians, DJs, or a combination of both to ensure a continuous flow of music throughout the ceremony and reception.
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What You'll Learn
Processional music
Music is an important part of a wedding, as it sets the tone, evokes emotions, and shares a message with your guests. The processional music is a crucial part of this, accompanying the grand entrance of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and the bride.
The number of processional songs you'll need depends on various factors, including the size of your wedding party, the length of the aisle, and the length of the ceremony. A good rule of thumb is to have at least two songs for the processional: one for each partner's entrance. This allows you to create a special moment for each entrance and ensure that the music is the right length for your specific needs.
You can also choose to have one song for the wedding party and a separate, more dramatic and emotional song for the bride's entrance, creating a standout moment. This can be especially effective if you want to highlight the bride's grand entrance and ensure that the music builds up to that moment.
If you have a large wedding party, you may want to consider having more than two processional songs to allow each group to have their own special entrance. For example, you can have one song for the parents, one for the wedding party, and then a separate song for the bride's entrance. This allows you to create a unique and personalized experience for each group.
When selecting processional music, it's important to consider the theme and style of your wedding. Balance traditional and contemporary music to cater to different tastes and create a cohesive experience. Pay attention to the lyrics and ensure they align with the message you want to convey. Also, consider the length of the songs and timing to avoid having someone walk down the aisle during a long guitar solo or a short, abrupt ending.
By carefully selecting the processional music and planning the number of songs accordingly, you can create a memorable and personalized experience for your wedding ceremony.
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Music during the signing of the register
The number of songs played at a wedding varies depending on the preferences of the couple and the number of people in the wedding party. However, one consistent element is the music played during the signing of the register, which usually includes one to three songs. This part of the ceremony is when the newly married couple and their witnesses go to a separate room to sign the register and have their photos taken. It is a joyous and celebratory moment, often accompanied by romantic or upbeat music.
When choosing music for the signing of the register, there are no rules, and couples can select anything from classical pieces to modern songs. Some couples may opt for a classic love song, such as "She" from "Notting Hill", or "Moon River", which is popular with the older generation. Others might prefer something more contemporary, like a Disney tune or a recent release by an artist like Olivia Dean.
The setting of the wedding can also influence the music choice. For example, indoor venues can accommodate a wider range of music styles due to better room acoustics. On the other hand, outdoor settings may require more musicians or microphones to ensure the music can be heard by all guests. Adding a flute to the musical arrangement can be beneficial when outdoors.
Couples can also consider whether they want live music or pre-recorded songs. Live music can be adapted to fit the timing of the ceremony, but pre-recorded songs may need to be faded out at an appropriate point. Couples can also provide lyrics sheets or display lyrics on a screen to encourage guests to join in the singing.
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Recessional music
The recessional song is played at the end of the wedding ceremony when the newlyweds and the wedding party walk 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. There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding recessional song, but it is traditionally bright, lively, and celebratory.
There is usually just one main recessional song, but some couples choose to add interludes or songs played during significant moments such as the unity candle lighting. You might also want to include a postlude, which is a selection played while guests exit the ceremony.
If you want to end your ceremony with a bang, choose a dramatic wedding recessional song like Arcade Fire's "Wake Up". For a fun song, you could choose a throwback like Outkast's "Hey Ya" or The Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling". For a classic, you can't go wrong with a timeless hit by The Beatles or Stevie Wonder.
For something more specific, you could choose a song by genre or instrument. For example, you could choose a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit.
- "You're the One That I Want" from Grease by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
- "Still Dre" by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg
- "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" by The Beatles
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Live music vs. DJ sets
The number of songs played at a wedding is highly dependent on personal preferences and the number of people in the wedding party. However, there are some common practices regarding the music played at different stages of a wedding.
Live music and DJ sets are both popular choices for weddings and offer distinct advantages. Live music can add a unique and personalised touch to your wedding, with musicians able to adapt songs to fit the moment and create a special atmosphere. Live musicians can also offer a greater level of flexibility, tailoring their performance to your specific requests and the vibe of the room. For instance, a singer and guitarist can provide a more intimate and romantic setting for the ceremony and cocktail hour, while a live band can bring energy and excitement to the reception.
On the other hand, DJ sets are often a more convenient and cost-effective option, as DJs can typically provide a full night's entertainment without breaks and can easily adapt to the crowd's energy and preferences. DJs also tend to require less space and setup time than live bands, which can be a significant consideration depending on your venue.
When choosing between live music and DJ sets, it's important to consider your wedding's theme, venue, and budget. Live music can be a wonderful way to make your wedding stand out, but it may require more planning and coordination, especially if you're working with multiple musicians. DJs, on the other hand, offer simplicity and a wide range of music options, ensuring that your guests can enjoy a variety of songs throughout the night.
Ultimately, the decision between live music and DJ sets is a personal one, and it's essential to choose the option that best reflects your style and vision for your wedding day.
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Religious vs. non-religious music
Music is an important part of a wedding, it sets the tone, stirs emotions, and shares a message with your guests. When choosing the music for your wedding, you should consider whether you want a religious or non-religious ceremony.
Religious Wedding Music
If you are having a religious wedding, the music will need to be approved by the church and may need to be liturgical or non-secular. Some churches have an approved list of songs that you can choose from, while others may allow you to choose your own songs as long as they are instrumental and have no recorded words. The most progressive churches may be open to any music as long as it is approved by the officiant first. If you are having a Catholic wedding, you will need to choose between 6 and 11 songs for the ceremony, including the bridal entrance, signing of the register, exit, hymns, communion, candle lighting, presentation of gifts, and offertory. You may also want to consider the prelude, which is the period of time leading up to the ceremony when guests are gathering and taking their seats, for which you should choose about 30 minutes worth of music or about 10 songs. For the processional, you will need at least one song, but two are more common, and if you have a large wedding party, you may need up to three songs. Finally, you will need a song for the recessional, and then two to three additional songs to be played as guests are filing out.
Non-Religious Wedding Music
For a non-religious wedding, the music must be non-religious, which means not connected with any religion. There is no overall list of permissible songs, but it is important to clear your music choices with the registrar well in advance to avoid any surprises on the day. Popular options for non-religious wedding music include string quartets, pianists, guitarists, acoustic duos, and harpists. You will typically need to choose music for three parts of a non-religious ceremony: the entrance of the bride, signing of the register, and recessional. As with religious weddings, you may also want to consider choosing music for the prelude, and you will need a song for the processional.
Religious vs. Non-Religious Wedding Music
When choosing between religious and non-religious wedding music, it is important to consider the type of ceremony you are having and the restrictions that may be in place. For religious weddings, the music is often liturgical or non-secular, and there may be an approved list of songs to choose from. For non-religious weddings, the music must be non-religious, but there is no overall list of permissible songs, and you can choose from a variety of popular options. In both cases, it is important to select music that fits the vibe of your service and mirrors your personal preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
A half-hour of music is standard for guests to be seated, which is about 3 songs.
This depends on how many songs you want to play during key moments, such as the processional, recessional, and signing of the register. Most couples choose 1 song for the processional and 1 for the recessional, and 2-3 songs for signing the register.
A good rule of thumb is 15 songs per hour. A typical wedding reception includes about 3 hours of dancing, which is 45 songs. Give your DJ a list of 15 must-play songs and 15-30 additional songs they can play at their discretion.
Live musicians often play a wide variety of tunes from their repertoire for 30-45 minutes while guests arrive. If you're hiring a bagpiper, they may play traditional and contemporary songs, including slow airs, hornpipes, and jigs.
Choose songs that reflect your personal style and taste. You can include contemporary, traditional, or a mix of both. It's a good idea to include songs for your older guests and songs that will get everyone dancing.
