Rhiannon Hendricks
Music is an important part of a wedding ceremony. It sets the tone, evokes emotions, and shares a message with your guests. The number of songs played at a wedding ceremony varies depending on the type of ceremony, length of the aisle, and size of the wedding party. Typically, there will be music during the prelude, processional, and recessional. The prelude is the period before the ceremony begins when guests are gathering and taking their seats. The processional is when the VIPs, including the officiant, grandparents, parents, wedding party members, and the couple walk down the aisle. The recessional is the exit of the married couple. Couples usually choose two processional songs: one for the family and wedding party, and a more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prelude/Guests being seated | 10 songs or 30 minutes of music |
| Processional/Walking down the aisle | 2 songs (at least) or 1 song |
| Recessional/Exit | 1 song |
| Postlude/Guests exiting | 2-3 songs |
| Unity candle lighting/Ketubah signing | 1 song |
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What You'll Learn
- Prelude: music for guests gathering and taking their seats
- Processional: songs for the officiant, wedding party, and couple walking down the aisle
- Signing of the register: music during the signing of the ketubah or unity candle lighting
- Recessional: the couple's exit song
- Postlude: upbeat music as guests leave
Prelude: music for guests gathering and taking their seats
Prelude music is played before the wedding ceremony begins, as guests are gathering and taking their seats. It's a good idea to have about 30 minutes' worth of prelude music, or about 10 songs that are each roughly three minutes long. This will cover the period when most attendees arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the start time listed on the invitation, and it can also accommodate early arrivals.
Prelude music can be played by a live musician or a DJ, or simply piped through the venue's sound system. If you opt for a live musician, they can be flexible with how long they play for, which is particularly useful if the wedding party is running late. Prelude music can be instrumental or vocal, and it's a great way to set the tone and mood for the ceremony.
Prelude music should be carefully curated to fit the vibe of the wedding and the couple's personal preferences. It's also important to consider the length of the songs, especially if you want each group entering the ceremony to have their own special song. For example, if you have a large wedding party and want everyone to walk down the aisle to the same song, you'll need a longer tune.
Some couples choose to have soft prelude music playing while guests are taking their seats, and then a separate song for the bridal party and the bride's entrance. This creates a special ""here comes the bride" moment. Prelude music can also be played during rituals such as lighting a unity candle or doing a sand ceremony.
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Processional: songs for the officiant, wedding party, and couple walking down the aisle
Music is a crucial part of a wedding ceremony, setting the tone, stirring up emotions, and sharing a message with your guests. The processional music should be playing when any VIPs, including the officiant, grandparents, parents, wedding party members, and the couple are walking down the aisle.
In some ceremonies, the officiant, groom, and groomsmen enter from the side of the venue rather than walking down the aisle. This should occur at the very beginning of the first processional song. You'll need at least two songs for the processional: one for each partner's entrance. However, most couples choose to select music for each specific group entering the ceremony space, including parents, the wedding party members, and each partner. If you have a large wedding party, you'll need a longer song that everyone can walk down the aisle to.
You'll also want to consider the length of your aisle, as this will determine how long your song needs to be. You may also want to include a song for the prelude, which is the period of time leading up to the beginning of your wedding ceremony when guests are gathering and taking their seats. Typically, you'll want about 30 minutes of music or about 10 songs that are each roughly three minutes long.
If you're having a civil ceremony, remember that it's a non-religious marriage, so your music must reflect that. Your song lyrics must have no religious content. Most registrars will ask you to submit your music choices to them a couple of months before the ceremony, so be sure to check the lyrics before sending them off.
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Signing of the register: music during the signing of the ketubah or unity candle lighting
The signing of the register is a special moment in a wedding ceremony when you and your partner officially become life partners. Music is an excellent way to underscore this moment. The number of songs played during the signing of the register can vary depending on the couple's preferences and the length of the signing process. Some couples choose to have one song, while others opt for three or more songs to create a meaningful and memorable atmosphere.
For the ketubah signing, a longstanding tradition in Jewish weddings, couples may choose to include musicians to end the signing in a celebratory song. The ketubah, or Jewish marriage contract, is signed before the wedding with the couple's officiant and witnesses, and sometimes, immediate family and the wedding party. This ritual validates the couple's marriage and contains stipulations about what they will provide for each other throughout their married life.
The unity candle lighting ceremony is another special moment in a wedding where music can enhance the atmosphere. Couples can choose to have a song played during this time, adding a unique touch to their ceremony. The song can be customised by musicians to fit the length of the candle-lighting, ensuring a seamless and elegant experience.
When selecting music for the signing of the register, it is essential to consider the mood and atmosphere you want to create. Opt for romantic and heartfelt tunes that resonate with your love story and reflect your musical preferences. Whether you choose live musicians or recorded music, careful planning and coordination are necessary to ensure the song's length matches the duration of the signing.
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Recessional: the couple's exit song
The recessional song is the final song of the wedding ceremony, accompanying the couple's exit and signalling the start of the celebration. It is traditionally bright, lively, and celebratory, reflecting the couple's joy.
There is usually only one main recessional song, but some couples choose to add interludes or songs played during significant moments, such as lighting a unity candle or signing the register. It is important to ensure that the music is an appropriate length for the recessional, as you don't want the song to end before you have exited.
When choosing your recessional song, it is essential to consider the lyrics and ensure they convey the right message to your guests. You may want to opt for a song that is meaningful to you as a couple, perhaps one that you both love to sing along to in the car or dance to at home.
If you are having a civil ceremony, remember that your music must not include any religious content. Most registrars will ask you to submit your music choices a few months before the wedding, so be sure to check the lyrics before making your final decision.
To ensure a seamless exit, consider the logistics of your recessional. The length of your aisle or exit route, as well as the size of your wedding party, will impact the duration of the song required. You may also want to discuss with your venue whether they can provide a live musician for your recessional or if you should bring your own.
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Postlude: upbeat music as guests leave
The postlude is a selection of upbeat music played as guests are leaving the ceremony. The postlude is meant to be celebratory and joyful, reflecting the happiness of the newly married couple. It is usually played after the recessional, which is the song played when the couple exits the ceremony.
There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a postlude, but it should be something that gets your guests in the mood to party. It can be a classical, modern, fun, acoustic, or upbeat number. You can even have a unique live arrangement played by a wedding ceremony musician.
- "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder: This upbeat number is guaranteed to get your guests in the mood to party with its iconic descending guitar line and funky melody.
- "This Will Be An Everlasting Love" by Natalie Cole: This popular request is perfect for couples wanting to confidently declare their undying love for each other as they walk back up the aisle.
- "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers: An unusual choice, but perfect for couples who want something a little different on their wedding day.
- "Hakuna Matata" by Chester See: A mellow cover of the iconic Disney song, perfect for chilled summer weddings with a boho vibe.
- "Better Together" by Jack Johnson: A funky 70s disco classic that will put your guests in the mood for dancing.
- "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves: A feel-good smash hit that will have you and your guests bopping your way out the exit.
- "Sunshine in my Pocket" by Crawley's Finest: An indie-pop offering that's ideal for a Friday wedding.
- "King of Clubs" by Scottish: A 2011 dance anthem that is guaranteed to release all that built-up wedding intensity.
- "I Want You Back" by Davy Jones: A catchy, nonsensical 1967 chart-topper that will have your guests grooving from their pews.
- "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" by Barry Eugene Carter: A 1974 disco favourite to shimmy past your guests with.
Remember, the postlude is meant to be a joyful celebration of your love, so choose songs that reflect your personal preferences and fit the vibe of your wedding!
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Frequently asked questions
The prelude is the period of time leading up to the beginning of your wedding ceremony, when guests are gathering and taking their seats. It is recommended to play 30 minutes of music or about 10 songs that are each roughly three minutes long.
You'll need at least two songs for the processional: one for each partner's entrance. However, most couples choose to select music for each specific group entering the ceremony space, including parents, the wedding party members, and each partner.
You should play one song during the signing of the register.
There is usually just one main recessional song, but plan for a few postludes as guests are leaving.
