George Boyle
Music is an integral part of a wedding, and choosing the right songs can be tricky. The music played at your wedding will set the tone for the entire event, from the prelude to the postlude, and everything in between. The songs you choose should tell the story of your relationship and create an atmosphere that reflects who you are as a couple. Whether you opt for a live band or a DJ, it's important to select a mix of songs that will resonate with you and your guests, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs | 2-3 songs for the processional, 1 for the recessional, 2-3 additional songs for guests filing out, 1 prelude song, 1 postlude song, 1 for the first dance, 1 for the cake-cutting moment, 1 last song |
| Song choice | Choose songs that are meaningful to the couple, or that fit the theme of the wedding. For example, a rustic farm wedding might call for Americana or Irish folk songs, while an upscale downtown hotel might call for classical pieces or jazz. |
| Lyrics | Ensure the lyrics of the songs are appropriate and convey the right message. |
| Tempo | Choose songs with a similar tempo to create a cohesive playlist. |
| Special moments | Pick specific songs for important moments such as the first kiss, the first dance, and the cake-cutting moment. |
| DJ/Band involvement | Allow the DJ or band to choose some songs, especially for the dinner hour, but also provide them with a "must-play" list to ensure your favourites are included. |
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What You'll Learn
Prelude and postlude music
Prelude music is played as your guests arrive and take their seats, setting the mood and tone for your wedding. It's often background music, and usually mellow, soft, and acoustic, to allow for conversation. You can choose to have instrumental music, or songs with lyrics. If you're having a religious ceremony, the music played during your wedding prelude will likely be influenced by the religion and how weddings in that faith are conducted.
For a rustic wedding, you might choose contemporary acoustic songs, while a traditional ceremony might feature classical, instrumental music. A wedding in a house of worship might feature religious music, while a culturally-themed wedding could include songs from the relevant nationality or region.
If you're having live musicians, you might want to consider songs that will work well for a wedding band, pianist, harpist, violinist, or string quartet.
Some suggestions for prelude songs include:
- "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo
- "Everything" by Michael Bublé
- "Yellow" by Coldplay
- "Water Music Suite No.3, HWV 350" by George Frideric Handel
- "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven
- "Sheep May Safely Graze" by Bach
- "Real Love" by The Beatles
Postlude music is played as guests are filing out after the ceremony. You might choose to have two to three songs in the queue for this part of the wedding.
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Processional songs
Choosing the music for your wedding ceremony is an important task, and you'll need at least two songs for the processional: one for each partner's entrance. If you have a large wedding party, you'll need a longer song or multiple songs to accommodate each group entering the ceremony space, including parents, the wedding party members, and each partner.
If you're having a wedding in a house of worship, it's a good idea to talk to your officiant about any restrictions. Some conservative venues will have a list of traditional, often religious, songs to choose from, while others might only allow instrumental music with no recorded words.
The processional is one of the most memorable parts of the wedding day, so choosing entrance songs that set the tone for the event is important. You could opt for a classic, sweet song like "Over the Rainbow" for younger members of the wedding party like the ring bearer or flower girl, and a fun, upbeat track like Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" for the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
If you're planning a formal or traditional wedding, you may want to stick with classical wedding processional songs, such as Bach's pieces, or songs that are synonymous with weddings, like "Here Comes the Bride/Bridal March".
For a rustic farm wedding, Americana or Irish folk songs may be more appropriate, while an upscale downtown hotel wedding might call for classical pieces or jazz. A culturally-themed wedding could include songs from the relevant region of the world, such as old-world folk songs with a modern twist for a Chinese wedding, or Eastern keys for an Indian wedding.
You could also choose songs that are meaningful to you and your partner, such as a song that reminds you of each other, or one that you love to dance or sing along to.
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Recessional songs
The recessional song is played at the end of the wedding ceremony when the newlyweds and wedding party walk up the aisle. It is the bridge between the ceremony and the party, so it should be an upbeat, celebratory tune, full of joy and happiness. The right song can make your exit truly unforgettable.
There are no steadfast rules when it comes to 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. The song you choose should be sentimental and hold a special meaning for you and your partner.
If you're looking for a fun and playful vibe, you could choose "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder, "Better Together" by Jack Johnson, or "Marry You" by Bruno Mars. For a more romantic feel, consider "At Last" by Etta James, "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, or "It's a Beautiful Life" by Ace of Base.
If you're after a classic, you could go for "Beautiful Day" by U2, "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole, "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra, or "The Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn. For a modern hit, consider "Love on Top" by Beyoncé, "Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves, or "Paper Rings" by Taylor Swift.
Ultimately, the choice is yours—pick what you want!
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Venue-appropriate music
When it comes to venue-appropriate music, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the type of venue and wedding theme will influence the music selection. For example, a rustic farm wedding might call for Americana or Irish folk songs, while an upscale hotel wedding might be better suited to classical pieces or jazz. A traditional church wedding often includes classical music and religious songs, and a culturally-themed wedding may feature music from the relevant region.
The size of the venue and the number of guests will also impact the music. For instance, a small, intimate indoor space may be better suited to a solo instrument like a violin or cello, while a larger space with more guests could accommodate a string quartet or a band. Outdoor weddings often work well with larger ensembles that provide a full-bodied sound without needing amplification, such as string quartets or guitars.
Additionally, consider the acoustics of the venue. Indoor venues can usually accommodate amplified music and provide more flexibility. However, certain instruments, such as guitars and string instruments, tend to resonate better in any setting.
It's also important to be mindful of any venue or officiant restrictions. Some venues, especially religious ones, may have specific lists of traditional or approved songs that are permitted. Others may have guidelines regarding volume, curfew, or space limitations for musicians. Always check with your venue and officiant to ensure your music choices align with their requirements.
Lastly, don't forget to do a soundcheck and trial setup at the venue beforehand. This will help you ensure the music sounds just right and that you've accounted for any technical considerations.
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Lyrics and meaning
When choosing songs for your wedding, it's important to pay attention to the lyrics and select songs that align with the message you want to convey. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Firstly, take the time to read the lyrics of the songs you're considering. While a song may have a catchy melody or hold a special memory, the lyrics themselves might not be suitable for a wedding celebration. For example, "Every Breath You Take" by The Police is often chosen as a wedding song, but Sting himself has said that it's about jealousy, obsession, and a lost lover—not the most appropriate theme for a couple starting their married life together! By carefully considering the lyrics, you can avoid any potential embarrassment and ensure that the songs reflect your values and sentiments.
Secondly, think about the overall theme or vibe you want to create for your wedding. Do you want the music to be calm and subdued, or would you prefer something more upbeat and fun? Perhaps you want to surprise your guests with an unexpected choice, like an instrumental version of a rap song that holds a special place in your hearts. By choosing songs with similar themes, tempos, or genres, you can create a cohesive soundtrack for your wedding that builds a specific atmosphere.
Additionally, consider the personal significance of the lyrics to you and your partner. Is there a song that holds a special memory for both of you? Maybe there's a particular artist or genre that you both connect with deeply. These personal touches will make your wedding even more meaningful and will create lasting memories. Think about songs that you love to sing along to in the car or dance to in the kitchen—these might be the perfect choices for your wedding day.
When it comes to specific moments during the wedding, such as the processional or recessional, you can get creative. For the processional, you might want to choose a song that builds to a climactic moment as the bride makes their entrance. For the recessional, an upbeat and happy song is often a popular choice to celebrate the newlywed couple's exit. If you're having a religious ceremony, you can incorporate hymns or traditional songs that hold a special meaning for you and your family.
Lastly, don't be afraid to get input from your wedding musicians or DJ. They have likely worked on numerous weddings and can offer valuable suggestions and insights. They can help you create a cohesive playlist that flows well and captures the right mood for each part of the ceremony. Remember, the music you choose will set the tone for your wedding, so take the time to select songs with lyrics and meanings that truly resonate with you and your partner.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few big moments to pick music for: the prelude, the processional, and the recessional. You'll need at least two songs for the processional: one for each partner's entrance. You can also choose to have different processional songs for your parents, wedding party, and grandparents. For the prelude, plan to choose about 30 minutes worth of music or about 10 songs that are each roughly three minutes long.
The music played at your wedding will set the tone for the entire event. You can choose to have a theme or genre for your wedding songs, such as classical pieces, instrumental love ballads, or upbeat pop songs. You can also choose songs that are special to you as a couple. Remember to read the lyrics before choosing a song to make sure it tells the story you want your guests to hear.
Apart from the prelude, processional, and recessional, you can choose songs for other important moments such as your first dance, cake-cutting moment, and the last song of the night. You can also choose to have specific songs for the entrance of the mother of the bride, mother and father of the groom, and grandparents.
