Rhiannon Hendricks
Music is an integral part of a wedding reception, from the moment guests arrive to the last dance of the night. The music played can set the tone for the entire event, and there are several key moments throughout the reception that require their own backing track. The number of songs played at a wedding reception can vary depending on the couple's preferences and the length of the reception. Some couples choose to have a DJ or band play music throughout the reception, while others may select specific songs for key moments. In addition to the first dance, there are several other traditional wedding songs, such as Here Comes the Bride, which is often played during the bridal entrance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs played | 3-6 |
| Prelude | 1-3 songs |
| Processional | 1-2 songs |
| Recessional | 1 song |
| Interludes | 1 or more songs |
| Postludes | 1 or more songs |
| Signing | 1-3 songs |
| Cocktail hour | 1 or more songs |
| Dinner music | 1 or more songs |
| First dance | 1 song |
| Last dance | 1 song |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Prelude/pre-ceremony music
Prelude music, or pre-ceremony music, is an important part of your wedding as it sets the tone for the rest of the day. It is the first music your guests will hear, and it will be playing as they arrive and take their seats. The music played before the ceremony will create the atmosphere and mood for the celebration, so it's important to choose something that reflects your personal style as a couple.
The number of songs you choose for your prelude music is up to you, but it's recommended to have around 5-10 songs for a 30-minute pre-ceremony period. You don't want the music to be too overpowering, so soft acoustic songs, indie music, and instrumentals are popular choices. You could also choose to have a mix of live musicians and a playlist. For example, you might have a pianist, guitarist, harpist, violinist, or string quartet perform some songs live, and then play a playlist of your favourite soft, mellow music in the background.
If you're having a rustic wedding in nature, contemporary acoustic songs might be a good choice. For a traditional ceremony, classical music and instrumentals are a popular option. You could also choose to have some fun with your prelude music and opt for popular modern-day love songs, or even movie and TV soundtracks. If you want to add some humour, you could choose 'Concerning Hobbits' from The Lord of the Rings as your prelude music, as one couple did.
When choosing your prelude music, it's a good idea to think about the vibe you want to create and whether you want the music to be more traditional, modern, or religious. You could also consider whether there are any songs that have a special meaning to you as a couple, or that you feel represent your relationship.
Potluck Wedding Receptions: Tacky or Tasteful?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Processional/entrance songs
The processional/entrance songs set the tone for the wedding and are an important part of the ceremony. These songs are played as the wedding party walks down the aisle, with the couple making their grand entrance at the end.
There are many traditional songs to choose from, such as "Here Comes the Bride" or Pachelbel's Canon, which are classic and well-known. These traditional songs often have crescendos that are perfect for building anticipation and emotion as the bride makes her entrance.
However, many couples are now opting for unique and unexpected processional songs that reflect their personalities and musical tastes. For instance, you could choose a fun, upbeat track like Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" for the bridesmaids and groomsmen's entrance, or a sentimental song by the groom's favourite band.
If you want to include younger members of the wedding party, such as a flower girl or ring bearer, consider a classic, sweet song like "Over the Rainbow." This song is age-appropriate and will create a heartwarming moment for your guests.
You can also choose to have different songs for the entrance of the mother of the bride, father of the groom, and grandparents. These songs can be more personalised and meaningful to each individual, making their entrance special.
Remember, the processional/entrance songs are all about celebrating your love and the people who have supported you tirelessly on your journey. So, whether you choose traditional or modern tunes, make sure they are special to you and your wedding party!
South Carolina Wedding Venues: Open for Business
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$89.99
Interludes/songs for significant moments
Wedding interlude songs are played during the quieter moments of your ceremony, such as during rituals, transitions, or when the couple is signing their marriage license. They can also be used to set the mood, add drama, or infuse the moment with special meaning.
Entrance of the Mother of the Bride, Father and Mother of the Groom, and Grandparents
You can choose to continue playing the processional music as your wedding party walks down the aisle, or you can opt for a separate song for the entrance of the mother of the bride, the mother and father of the groom, and the grandparents.
Signing of the Register
You can play three songs during this moment, such as instrumental versions of your favourite songs, film and series soundtracks, or classic wedding interlude songs. Some examples include:
- "Eidelweiss" by The New London Orchestra
- "I Believe in You and Me" by The Four Tops
- "If I Fall to Your Heart" by Derwent Hannon
Recessional
This is the song played as the couple walks back out after the ceremony.
First Dance
This song will be played during the reception as the couple shares their first dance.
Last Dance
End the celebration with a fun dance song that everyone can enjoy. The only rule for choosing the final reception tune is that it should be a song you love!
Wedding Venue Clean-Up: What's the Cost?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Recessional/exit songs
Wedding recessional songs, also known as exit songs, are played as the couple walks back down the aisle as newlyweds, with guests clapping wildly. The song should be happy, celebratory, and bursting with love, reflecting the excitement you're feeling inside. It's a moment of true celebration, and pairing it with the perfect song will make it even more joyful and memorable for you and your guests.
There are no steadfast rules when 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. It should be a thoughtful, romantic, and sentimental choice that you and your partner love. If you want to stick with tradition, "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn, from "A Midsummer Night's Dream," is a classic choice.
For a modern twist, consider "Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves, "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen, "All The Small Things" by Blink 182, or "Great Escape" by Boys Like Girls. If you're looking for something fun and upbeat, try "Accidentally in Love" by Counting Crows or "You're the One That I Want" from "Grease." For a unique sound, you can hire a wedding ceremony musician, such as a string quartet, pianist, harpist, or guitarist, to perform an acoustic cover of a popular song.
Remember, the only rule is to choose a song that you love! This song will forever remind you of the special moment you shared on your wedding day.
Writing Your Wedding Vows: Tips for Perfection
You may want to see also
First dance and other special dances
The first dance is a special moment for the newlyweds as they take their first steps together as a married couple. The couple can choose when and how they want to do their first dance. It can be held immediately after the guests settle and before dinner, during dinner, or after dinner. The tempo and style of the first dance are also at the couple's discretion. They can choose to take dance lessons and craft a custom-choreographed routine or keep it simple.
After the first dance, the parent dances, such as the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance, may take place. The bride can also dance with her stepfather, and the groom with his stepmother. LGBTQIA+ couples can choose how they would like to handle parent dances. The order of these dances is flexible and can be held at several points during the wedding reception. For instance, they can occur right after the first dance, towards the end of dinner after the toasts, or once the cake has been cut. The father-daughter dance is one of the most special and anticipated events at a wedding.
If the parent dances are taking place after dinner, the couple may opt to skip the wedding party dance and invite all guests to the dance floor. The wedding party dance usually begins with the best man and maid of honour dancing together, followed by the rest of the crew. If the parent dances are held immediately after the first dance, the wedding party dance can be used to kick things off and encourage guests to start dancing.
For Jewish couples, the hora, a lively circle dance, may directly follow the first dance or start after dinner to kick off the main dancing portion of the event. The couple and their parents are lifted up on chairs and paraded around the dance floor while the guests dance in a circular line.
Another dance that many couples include in their wedding reception timeline is the anniversary dance, also known as the bouquet dance. All married couples in the room are invited to slow dance, and as the song plays, the DJ or emcee will occasionally interrupt and ask couples who have been married for a shorter period to take a seat. This continues until the couple who has been married the longest is the only one left on the dance floor. If there is no bouquet toss, they receive the bouquet, otherwise, they get a round of applause.
Candle Conundrum: Wedding Venue Rules Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There is no set number of songs to be played at a wedding reception, but there are several key moments throughout the day that require their own backing track.
Some key moments include: guests entering and taking their seats, the bridal entrance, signing the register, and the exit.
It depends on the couple's preferences and the length of the ceremony. Typically, couples choose around 30 minutes of music for guests entering and taking their seats, one song for the bridal entrance, two to three songs for signing the register, and one song for the exit.
Yes, music can be played throughout the entire wedding reception, from the moment guests arrive to the last dance of the night. It is common to have background music during the cocktail hour, dinner, and while guests are waiting for the couple to enter.
Absolutely! Many couples choose specific songs that are meaningful to them for different parts of the reception. The only rule is to choose songs that you love and that represent you as a couple.
