Franklin Dean
Music is an essential element of a wedding, with the power to enhance each moment and make it unforgettable. The number of songs you'll need depends on the style and vibe you want to create, but there are a few key moments that traditionally require their own backing track. From the prelude and ceremony arrivals to the grand exit, music is the heartbeat of your celebration. Prelude music is light and ambient, setting the mood while guests are being seated. The processional, or entrance song, is often a single song but can be split into two: one for the family and wedding party, and another for the bride's entrance. You'll also need a recessional song as you take your first steps as a married couple, and a final song to close the night.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs for guests' arrival | Between 5 and 15 minutes' worth of music |
| Number of songs for the bridal entrance | 1 |
| Number of songs for signing the register | 2 |
| Number of songs for the exit | 1 |
| Number of songs for the prelude | Between 5 and 10 |
| Number of songs for the cocktail hour | 15 |
| Number of songs for dinner | 20-30 |
| Last song of the night | 1 |
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What You'll Learn
Prelude/pre-ceremony music
Prelude music is the music played before the ceremony begins, as guests arrive and take their seats. It is the first element that sets the mood and tone for the wedding, so it should reflect your personal style as a couple. You can choose to play around five to ten songs for this part, lasting around 30 minutes.
Prelude music can be played by a wedding band, pianist, harpist, violinist, string quartet, or DJ, or from your own playlist. The songs you select should be a reflection of your wedding style—whether you choose to go the classic, modern, or religious route. For a rustic wedding in nature, contemporary acoustic songs make a great choice; for a traditional ceremony, pick mostly classical, instrumental music.
If you're having an outdoor ceremony in the spring or summer, you might want to play a classical arrangement of a famous instrumental wedding song, such as "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo, or a dramatic '90s ballad, such as "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith, which was featured in The Notebook. If you're looking for something more modern, "The One" by an indie Irish band is a romantic prelude song with lyrics that go, "'Cause you make my heart feel like it’s summer/When the rain is pouring down/You make my whole world feel so right when it’s wrong/That’s why I know you are the one."
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Processional/entrance music
The processional/entrance music is an important part of your wedding reception. It is the first song your guests will hear and will set the tone for the rest of the day. There are a few key moments during the processional that you may want to consider choosing specific songs for.
First, you may want to choose a song for the wedding party's entrance. This song should be fun and upbeat and will help to get your guests excited for the ceremony. For example, Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" is a great choice to kick things off.
Next, you may want to choose a separate song for the bride's entrance. This is a highly anticipated moment that everyone looks forward to, so choosing a meaningful song is key. Whether you go with a classic like Pachelbel's Canon, a modern favourite like Ed Sheeran's "The Joker and The Queen", or something more unique like "La Vie En Rose", the song should capture your style and reflect who you are as a couple.
You may also want to consider choosing a song for the groom's entrance. While any favourite will do, a sentimental song by his favourite band could be a great choice.
Finally, don't forget about the younger members of the wedding party, like the flower girl and ring bearer. A classic, sweet song like "Over the Rainbow" is a perfect choice for their entrance.
Remember, you can get creative and choose songs that represent your wedding style, family, and friends. These songs will become forever associated with your special day, so choose something that you love and that will make it a memorable entrance!
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Interludes/signing songs
The number of songs you should have at your wedding reception depends on your style and the vibe you want to create. Music is typically used to mark three parts of the service: the entrance, signing of the register, and the exit. You'll need one song for the entrance, one song for the exit, and up to three songs for the signing of the register.
Wedding interludes are used to fill the quiet moments during the ceremony, such as when lighting a unity candle, and to prevent any awkward silences. Interludes can be instrumental, modern tracks, or religious songs depending on your preference. Classical guitar, for example, is a cost-effective way of adding elegance to your wedding.
- Pachelbel's Canon in D
- Debussy's Clair de Lune
- Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
- A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
- A Moment Like This – Kelly Clarkson
- Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley
- Happy – Pharrell Williams
- Celebration – Kool & The Gang
- I'm Too Sexy – Right Said Fred
- Tiptoe Through the Tulips – Tiny Tim
- Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
- Wannabe – Spice Girls
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Recessional/exit music
The number of songs you should have at your wedding reception depends on your style and the vibe you want to create. You'll want music from the moment your guests arrive to the last dance at the end of the night. Here are some ideas for the recessional/exit music:
The recessional song is played at the end of the ceremony when the newlyweds and wedding party walk up the aisle. It is not the same as the wedding processional, which occurs when the couple and their wedding party walk down the aisle before the ceremony begins. You can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit. The only rule for choosing your final reception tune is that it should be one you love.
If you want to have an upbeat and exciting recessional song, consider "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole. You can also choose a few notes from a traditional tune and then transition to a modern jam. For example, play a few notes from Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" before switching to a more contemporary song. This is a unique way to grab your guests' attention and exit your ceremony with a touch of fun!
If you're planning a light-hearted or free-spirited wedding, you might want to choose a fun and playful recessional song that matches the energy of your celebration. You can even play the same song for both the ceremony exit and the final exit at the end of the night to tie the entire celebration together. For example, you could have a surprise rendition of "All You Need Is Love" like in the movie Love, Actually.
If you love the idea of having live music, ask your wedding ceremony 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 can also continue with the soundtrack from your cocktail hour for your reception entrance or give your band or DJ a specific wedding playlist of hand-picked music.
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Cocktail hour/dinner music
Music during the cocktail hour and dinner is meant to be more relaxed and in the background, saving the dance music for later on in the evening. It's a good idea to choose songs that are upbeat, happy, and uplifting, but not too intense. You want to create a good atmosphere and get your guests in the mood to dance later, without stealing focus.
You could opt for some laid-back house music, or classic rock, or oldies. If you're having a band, you could ask them to play some 70s R&B, or some country music. If you're going for a more classic wedding, you might want to consider some Frank Sinatra, or some classical music. If you're having a barn wedding, country music might be a good fit.
If you're creating a playlist, some songs to consider are:
- "At Last" by Etta James
- "Stubborn Love" by The Lumineers
- "Home" by Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros
- "Feel This Moment" by Pitbull featuring Christina Aguilera
- "Drive" by Black Coffee and David Guetta featuring Delilah Montagu
- "Coastin'" by Victoria Monet
- "Cruisin' to the Parque" by Durand Jones & The Indications
You could also include some instrumental versions of pop songs, or some romantic ballads. If you want to get your guests in the mood for dancing later, you could add some 90s hip-hop to the playlist.
The number of songs you'll need will depend on how long your cocktail hour and dinner are, but you'll want to make sure you have enough to cover that time period.
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Frequently asked questions
You'll need between five and 10 songs for the prelude, which is the period before the ceremony starts, while guests are being seated.
You'll need at least one song for the processional, which accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, family, attendants, and bride. However, you may choose to have two songs: one for the family and wedding party, and a more dramatic song for the bride's entrance.
You'll need around 20-30 songs for dinner music, and one grand entrance song for your debut as a married couple. You'll also need a final reception tune, which is usually a fun dance song that everyone can enjoy.
