Lyla Dejesus
Music is an important part of a wedding as it sets the tone, evokes emotions, and shares a message with your guests. The songs you choose should fit the vibe of your wedding and represent you and your partner as a couple. While there is no set number of songs you should pick, there are several key moments throughout your wedding that will require a special song.
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What You'll Learn
Prelude/pre-ceremony music
Prelude music is light and ambient, setting the mood as your guests arrive, mingle, and take their seats. It's a good idea to choose songs that are roughly three minutes long for this part of the day. You might opt for classical pieces or instrumental love ballads, or perhaps some mellow music. Remember that the prelude music should fit the vibe of your wedding and represent you as a couple.
If you're having an outdoor wedding, you may not be able to use a traditional piano, but if electricity is available, an electric piano could work. You could also add a string instrument like a violin or cello to create a romantic atmosphere.
Some ceremony sites and officiants may have strict guidelines about the music that can be played, so be sure to do your research before finalising your song choices. For example, if you're having a civil ceremony, you may not be allowed to have religious music.
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Processional songs
The number of songs you pick for your wedding is entirely up to you and the vibe you want to create. However, there are a few key moments during the ceremony and reception that you may want to consider choosing specific songs for.
The processional song is the music that plays as you and your wedding party walk down the aisle. This is one of the most memorable parts of the wedding day, so choosing a tune to match is key. You may want to stick with traditional, classical wedding songs, such as "Here Comes the Bride" or Pachelbel's Canon, or go with a modern favorite. For the 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". For the bridesmaids and groomsmen, a fun, upbeat track like Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" will properly kick things off. If you're a fun-loving couple, you may want to choose an upbeat song to match your personality. For a groom's entrance, a sentimental song by his favorite band could be a great choice.
- "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol
- "Wild World" by Eric Clapton
- "Ashitaka and San"
- "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles
- "Your Song" by Elton John
- "I Choose You" by Sara Bareilles
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Recessional songs
The number of songs you should pick for your wedding is entirely up to you and the vibe you want to create. However, there are a few key moments during the ceremony and reception that you may want to consider choosing specific songs for.
The recessional song is played at the end of the ceremony when the newlyweds and wedding party walk up the aisle. This is the first song you'll hear as a married couple, so it should be a thoughtful and romantic choice. It can be a sentimental tune that holds a special meaning for you and your partner, or an upbeat, high-energy song that reflects the joyous mood of the occasion.
- "Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves
- "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole
- "The Fire That Keeps You Warm" by Dolly Parton
- "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen
- "All The Small Things" by Blink-182
- "Great Escape" by Boys Like Girls
- "Wedding March" from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Felix Mendelssohn
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Cocktail hour/reception music
Music is an integral part of a wedding, and while the focus may be on creating a playlist for the reception and ceremony, don't forget about the cocktail hour music, which marks the midpoint of the big day. The cocktail hour is the perfect time for guests to socialise over drinks and hors d'oeuvres, so a feel-good playlist is needed to match the euphoric vibes.
The songs played during the cocktail hour can be determined by the couple's personality and the guests they invite. It's a good idea to select tracks that can be enjoyed by all age ranges and the different types of family and friends in attendance. For example, a glamorous ballroom wedding might call for a soundtrack of classics, like Frank Sinatra, while a barn wedding may be more suited to country songs.
There are no hard and fast rules about the songs you choose, but most couples opt for songs that exude romance or have relaxing vibes so that guests can focus on mingling rather than dancing. However, if you want to get your guests excited for the reception, you could add some upbeat, ultra-funky songs to your cocktail hour playlist.
When it comes to how many songs to pick, it's a good idea to give your DJ or band a list of "must-play" songs and a separate list of "play-if-possible" songs. This will give them the flexibility to adapt to the situation and mood of the reception and leave room for guest requests. While there's no limit to the number of songs you can put on your "play-if-possible" list, it's recommended that your "must-play" list is kept to a maximum of 2 hours' worth of songs.
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First dance
The first dance is one of the most important and emphasised aspects of your wedding day. The song you choose is a very personal decision and it's common for couples to spend months weighing up their options.
If you don't already have a song that's special to you as a couple, there are a few ways to go about choosing one. You could opt for a classic love song or something traditional, or you could go for a song by an artist you both like, such as Maggie Rogers or The Arctic Monkeys. You could also ask friends and family for suggestions, especially those who have been married for a while and will have learned from the experience.
You might want to choose a song that holds a specific memory, such as the first song you ever slow-danced to, or one that has meaningful lyrics. If you're planning to choreograph a dance, you'll want to pick something with an upbeat tempo. You could also consider mashing up a slow song with a more upbeat tune to get the party started.
It's worth noting that you don't have to use the entire song for your first dance. You could trim it down to a minute or two to capture your favourite parts, or wait until after the first verse and chorus before taking to the floor.
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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. You'll need between five and 10 songs for this pre-ceremony period.
The processional accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party—family, attendants and bride. The same song can be used for each, but you can also switch it up and choose a different song for the bride's entrance. Usually, people choose two processional songs.
Your recessional song should be up-tempo, happy, and primed to get the party started. Pick a song that will make you want to dance down the aisle, and will have your guests singing along.
There are a lot more songs to choose than just the first dance. You'll need songs for the prelude, processional, and recessional, as well as the cocktail hour, dinner, and reception. The number of songs you pick will depend on the length of your wedding and the type of atmosphere you want to create.
