Pre-Wedding Music: Choosing The Perfect Number Of Songs

Music is an integral part of any wedding, and the songs you choose can help define the most important parts of the day. The music you play before the ceremony will set the tone for your celebration. The number of songs you'll need depends on the length of your prelude, but you should aim for around five to ten tracks. These songs should be light and ambient, playing as guests take their seats and creating a romantic atmosphere. You'll also need to choose songs for the processional, recessional, and other key moments, like the first dance.

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Prelude music

The number of songs you select for your prelude music depends on when the doors open and how long you plan to play music before the ceremony. A safe number for this period, usually lasting around 30 minutes, is between five and 10 songs. You can play songs with lyrics or opt for instrumental music. A good rule of thumb is to choose songs that have a mellow presence and won't bring too much energy to the environment.

You can choose to play songs that are more traditional, modern, or tied to your religious backgrounds. 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 a Christian couple, you can choose from the many Christian wedding songs available.

You can also consider your musical format and whether you want to hire live musicians or play music from a playlist. Live musicians can add a special touch to your wedding, with instruments such as the violin, piano, guitar, flute, or harp, as well as various combinations such as a duo, trio, or string quartet. If you are playing music from a playlist, consider the acoustics of your venue and whether you will need additional equipment such as microphones or amplifiers.

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Processional songs

The processional songs set the tone for the entire event and begin before anyone sees the bride. It is the soft, unobtrusive soundtrack that plays as guests take their seats. Traditionally, the most basic wedding ceremony music program involves a minimum of three types of songs: preludes, processionals, and recessionals. The number of processional songs you'll need depends on factors including the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. Usually, people choose two processional songs—one for the family and wedding party, and then a more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional.

For a groom's entrance, a sentimental song by his favourite band could be a great choice. Groomsmen can enter to the same song as the groom, but if you have a larger wedding party or want the men to have a special moment, choosing an additional song is a good idea.

For the bridesmaids' first walk, a fun, upbeat track can kick things off. For example, Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love". For the bride's entrance, a classic instrumental option or a modern favourite can be chosen. A bold and unique song is usually chosen to highlight the grand entrance. For instance, a string quartet version of "Chasing Cars" or a slowed-down version of "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles.

If you're planning a formal affair, you may want to stick with traditional, classical wedding processional songs. These traditional songs are familiar to everyone, and many of these tunes have crescendos that are perfect for the bridal processional. For younger members of the wedding party, like the ring bearer or the flower girl, you can play a classic, sweet song like "Over the Rainbow".

Recessional songs

The recessional song is played at the end of the wedding ceremony as the newlyweds and 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 is usually just one main recessional song, but you should also plan for a few postludes as the guests are leaving.

There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a recessional song, and couples should opt for something that reflects their personality and taste in music. You can go for a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit. If you love the idea of having live music, you can ask your wedding musicians about doing an acoustic cover of a popular song. A string quartet, pianist, harpist, or guitarist will bring a unique sound to your wedding ceremony exit song.

• "You're the One That I Want" from Grease by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
• "Wedding March" from A Midsummer Night's Dream by Felix Mendelssohn
• "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen
• "All The Small Things" by Blink 182
• "We Found Love" by Rihanna
• "Great Escape" by Boys Like Girls
• "The Fire That Keeps You Warm" by Dolly Parton
• "It All Feels Right" by Washed Out
• "Wildest Dreams" by Taylor Swift
• "Light My Love" by Greta Van Fleet
• "Solsbury Hill" (live version) by Peter Gabriel

Cocktail hour

Music during the cocktail hour is an important part of your wedding. It can help guests transition from the ceremony to the reception and prevent awkward silences. The songs you choose should be a mix of happy and uplifting tracks that promote good conversation and get everyone in the mood to dance.

There are no hard and fast rules about what to play during the cocktail hour, but most couples opt for songs that are romantic or relaxing so that guests can mingle and chat. You might want to consider the formality of your wedding and the venue when selecting your music. For example, a glamorous ballroom wedding might suit classic songs like Frank Sinatra, while a barn wedding could be a great opportunity to play your favourite country songs. You could also opt for some instrumental versions of well-known songs, which can be great for creating a relaxed atmosphere without being too distracting.

If you're looking for some specific song recommendations, here are some popular choices:

• "At Last" by Etta James
• "Stubborn Love" by The Lumineers
• "Home" by Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros
• "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King
• "Dream a Little Dream of Me" by The Mamas and the Papas
• "Marry Me" by Train (instrumental version)
• "Higher Love" by Steve Winwood (Vitamin String Quartet cover)
• "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran

You could also consider creating a playlist of your favourite songs or hiring a DJ or band to perform during the cocktail hour. If you're hiring a DJ or band for the reception, they may be able to offer a discounted rate for playing during the cocktail hour as well. Just be sure to give them plenty of notice so they can work your song choices into their setlist.

First dance

Choosing the music for your wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to the first dance. This is one of the first big moments as a married couple, and it can be a very special and memorable part of the day.

There are a few ways to approach this. You could opt for a classic, romantic love song, such as "At Last" by Etta James, "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley, or "Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan, covered by Adele. These songs are timeless and are likely to be known by most of your guests, creating a warm and familiar atmosphere.

If you want to go for something more unique and unexpected, you could choose a song that holds a special meaning for you as a couple. This could be a song that was playing on your first date, or one that you both really connect with. For example, "I Will Follow You Into The Dark" by Death Cab For Cutie is a beautiful, romantic, and melancholy choice. Alternatively, if you want to add some rock 'n' roll to your wedding, you could choose an Aerosmith hit, or go for something more upbeat like Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love".

You could also consider the energy level and tempo of the song. A very slow number might make your guests feel a bit antsy, so finding a balance is key. You could opt for a song with a slow, romantic start and a rousing, crowd-pleasing finish, such as "Grow Old With Me". Or, if you want to choreograph a dance, an upbeat tempo might be better.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to your first dance song. You can make it whatever you want it to be, and it should reflect your personalities and love story.

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