Junior Rasmussen
Music is an integral part of a wedding ceremony, from setting the tone and creating a romantic atmosphere to highlighting important moments and getting the party started. The number of songs you'll need depends on various factors, including the length of your ceremony, the number of people in the wedding party, and your personal preferences. Here's a breakdown of the different types of wedding songs and when they are typically played to help you plan your special day's soundtrack.
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Pre-ceremony music
If you are having a religious ceremony, the music played during your wedding prelude will likely be influenced by the religion and how weddings in that particular religion are conducted. For example, if you are having a Christian wedding, there are many Christian wedding songs to choose from, whether you're getting married in a church or elsewhere.
You can also match your prelude music to the overall style of your wedding. For a rustic wedding in nature, contemporary acoustic songs are a great choice, while for a traditional ceremony, classical and instrumental music is a better fit. You can also consider adding an organ or piano to any of the trios or quartets, including a harp or jazzing things up with two trumpets. If you want to create a unique atmosphere, there are steel drum bands, violinists with loop pedals, or ukulele players.
When selecting your pre-ceremony music, it is important to consider the vibe of your wedding and whether you and your partner prefer music that is more traditional, modern, or tied to your religious background. You can also think about whether you want live musicians or a playlist. Live musicians such as a wedding band, pianist, harpist, violinist, or string quartet can create a classic and romantic atmosphere, while a playlist can be a fun and modern way to set the tone.
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Processional songs
The number of songs you'll need for your wedding ceremony can vary depending on the number of people walking down the aisle, the length of the aisle, and your personal preferences. Typically, you'll need at least one song for the processional, but you may want to consider more to add drama and highlight the entrance of the bride or other key members of the wedding party.
For the Wedding Party, Parents, or To-Be-Weds:
- "Thank You For Being a Friend" by Andrew Gold: This song is a great way to thank your wedding party and parents for their support and presence on your special day.
- "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing": A traditional hymn that tunes your heart to sing God's grace.
- "Here I Am, Lord": A heartfelt declaration of devotion and willingness to serve.
- "Be Thou My Vision": A prayer for guidance and a recognition that God is the light in one's life.
- "You're My Beloved": A romantic declaration of eternal love, stating that death shall not part the couple.
For the Groomsmen:
- "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé: A fun and upbeat track to kick things off and get the groomsmen energized and excited.
- "One Summer's Day" from Spirited Away: An instrumental piece that builds anticipation and sets the tone for the ceremony.
For the Bridesmaids:
- "September Song" by Agnes Obel: A beautiful song that blends well with the atmosphere and can hold special meaning for the couple.
- "Disney Adults" by Honeymoon: A playful and magical tune for a Disney-themed wedding, capturing the joy of growing old together.
- "Bella Notte" from Lady and the Tramp: A romantic and whimsical guitar cover to set the tone for the bridesmaids' entrance.
For the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer:
- "Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland: A classic and sweet song that's age-appropriate and brings a touch of nostalgia to the ceremony.
- "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" from Cinderella: This song adds a touch of fairy tale magic to the wedding, especially if the couple has a soft spot for Disney.
Remember, these are just suggestions, and you can choose any songs that resonate with you and your partner. The key is to select music that represents your wedding style, honors your family and friends, and tells your love story.
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Interludes
An interlude is defined as any time in the ceremony where there is no speaking and no activity for at least a minute. They can be used during moments of prayer or reflection, or to place special emphasis on the spoken word, such as after a reading, the celebrant's address, or the vows and/or exchange of rings. Interludes can also be used just before the vows or ring exchange to give the couple a chance to pause and catch their breath.
There is no set number of interludes to include in a wedding ceremony, but it is recommended to have no more than three non-background interlude songs. The number of interludes will depend on the different elements of the ceremony and how it will flow. For example, if the ceremony includes various rituals, then more interludes may be needed to transition between them. However, if the ceremony is short and sweet, fewer interludes may be needed.
When choosing interlude songs, it is important to consider the length of the songs and the overall flow of the ceremony. Interludes can be used to slow things down and give everyone a chance to relax and reflect on the proceedings. Choose songs that have special meaning or reflect your values and feelings about marriage. They can be instrumental or feature vocals, and can be performed by a DJ, wedding band, or a musically talented loved one.
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Recessional songs
The number of songs you'll need for your wedding ceremony depends on a few factors, including the number of people walking down the aisle, the length of the aisle, and the type of ceremony you're planning. Usually, couples choose one song for the bridal entrance, and another, more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional. There's typically just one main recessional song, played at the end of the ceremony when the newlyweds and wedding party walk up the aisle. This song should be bright, lively, and celebratory, reflecting the joy of the moment.
- "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole is an upbeat, high-energy celebration song that will get your guests grooving.
- "Wildest Dreams" by Taylor Swift covered by Duomo is uplifting and triumphant.
- "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell is a fun, upbeat choice.
- "Island Song" from Adventure Time is a cute and nerdy choice.
- "Since You Been Gone" by Rainbow, from the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 trailer, is a good option for fans of the film series.
- "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is a classic, romantic choice.
Remember, there are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a recessional song. You can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit. The most important thing is to choose a song that you and your partner love and that reflects your joy as you exit your ceremony.
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Cocktail hour
The cocktail hour is an important part of your wedding day. It's the midpoint of the day, where guests socialise over drinks and hors d'oeuvres while you and your new spouse are off taking photos. The music played during this time can make or break the entire night, so it's important to choose something that suits your taste and that of your guests.
When selecting your songs, consider the formality of your wedding. For example, a glamorous ballroom wedding might suit classic songs by the likes of Frank Sinatra, while a barn wedding could be a great opportunity to play your favourite country songs. If you're looking for something a little more unique, you could opt for some 60s Cambodian rock or bluegrass.
If you're looking for some specific song recommendations, try "At Last" by Etta James, "Stubborn Love" by The Lumineers, or "Home" by Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros. For something more upbeat, "Feel This Moment" by Pitbull and Christina Aguilera, "Drive" by Black Coffee, David Guetta, and Delilah Montagu, or "Coastin'" by Victoria Monet are sure to get your guests grooving. For a romantic vibe, you can't go wrong with some Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, or John Legend.
Remember, it's a good idea to have enough music to cover the duration of your cocktail hour, plus about 25% more, just in case. You can create your own playlist on Spotify or iTunes, or hire a DJ or band to take care of the music for you.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single right answer to this, as wedding ceremonies vary in length and structure. However, as a general rule, you'll need at least two songs for the processional: one for each partner's entrance. You'll also need a recessional song for your exit. You may also want to include songs for other moments, such as the signing of the register, unity candle lighting, or cocktail hour.
It's generally advised not to play music over someone speaking during the ceremony. However, you can play background music as guests enter and take their seats before the ceremony begins.
It's important to check if there are any rules or guidelines regarding music at your venue or with your officiant. For example, some secular locations may have restrictions on volume or curfew, and civil ceremonies may not allow religious music.
