Deborah Chan
A wedding is a highly emotional and sentimental occasion, and music is key to its success. The right songs will capture the couple's emotions and energy, and set the tone for the entire event. The process of composing a wedding song is similar to writing any other song, but there are some key differences. The song should be a heartfelt love song with a beautiful, memorable melody and fresh, original lyrics that convey the love and devotion of the newlyweds. It should also be performed at the right time during the wedding ceremony to have the desired impact.
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What You'll Learn
- Prelude music: light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated
- Processional music: plays as the wedding party walks down the aisle
- Recessional music: bright and celebratory, this music plays as the couple exits
- First dance songs: these are often considered the wedding songs
- Chord choice: major chords are bright and happy, while minor chords are dark and sad
Prelude music: light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated
Prelude music is an important part of the wedding ceremony. It is the first music your guests will hear, and it sets the tone for the entire event. Prelude music usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony begins, but no later than 20 minutes before the start. You'll need between five and 10 songs for this period, depending on how long your prelude will be.
The music played during the prelude will depend on the overall style of your wedding. For a rustic wedding, contemporary acoustic songs are a great choice, while a traditional ceremony calls for mostly classical, instrumental music. If you're having a religious ceremony, the music will likely be influenced by the religion and how weddings are conducted in that faith. For example, there are many Christian wedding songs that could work for a Christian couple, whether they're getting married in a church or elsewhere.
When selecting your prelude music, it's important to consider the volume of the songs and the size of your venue. You don't want music that will overpower your guests' conversations, so choose songs that have a mellow presence and won't bring too much energy to the environment. Both instrumental music and songs with lyrics can work well.
- "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
- "All of My Days" by Louis Armstrong
- "Sometimes We're Oil and Water" by Paramore
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Processional music: plays as the wedding party walks down the aisle
When composing a song for a wedding, it's important to consider the bigger picture. The music you choose will set the tone for the entire event. Traditionally, a basic wedding ceremony music program includes prelude, processional, and recessional songs.
The processional song, in particular, is a very important part of the wedding ceremony. It accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and the bride. The same song can be used for each person or group, but some couples choose to switch to another song when the bride enters to add drama and highlight their entrance. The number of processional songs you'll need depends on the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. Usually, couples choose two processional songs—one for the family and wedding party, and a more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional.
If you're writing a custom processional song, it's important to take a structured approach, giving yourself time to brainstorm, refine lyrics, and rehearse. A good wedding song captures the couple's emotions and energy, and is a ballad about their love. It should have a catchy melody, a powerful hook, and a moving chorus. You can make it personal by highlighting the couple's positive qualities, looks, habits, and ideals, or their attributes that brought them together.
When it comes to the musical aspect, you'll need to decide on the right vibration or energy for the song. Major chords tend to sound bright and happy, while minor chords sound dark and sad. While you may think you should stick to major chords for a joyous occasion, there may be a place for minor chords in a wedding song, depending on the angle you're going for. Regardless of the decision, the song's lyrics and chords should be in sync.
Finally, keep in mind any guidelines or restrictions on the music that can be played during the ceremony. Some ceremony sites and officiants may have strict rules, and secular locations may have limits on noise (volume and curfew) or space. For example, a huge brass quintet may not be suitable for a small chapel, and an outdoor wedding may require an electric piano if electricity is available.
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Recessional music: bright and celebratory, this music plays as the couple exits
The recessional song is played at the end of the wedding ceremony, as the couple exits and walks up the aisle. It should be bright, lively, and celebratory, reflecting the couple's joy. It is usually one main song, followed by a few postludes as guests leave.
When composing a recessional song, it is important to consider the couple's unique style and personality. The song should be thoughtful and romantic, setting the right tone for the couple's exit and the transition to the celebration that follows.
There are no steadfast rules when choosing a recessional song. It can be a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit. For example, "Love on Top" by Beyoncé, "Beautiful Day" by U2, or "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder are upbeat choices.
If you want to write a custom recessional song, consider the couple's qualities, attributes, and the story of their relationship. The song can be personal or universal, but it should capture their emotions and energy. It should have a catchy melody, a powerful hook, and a moving, memorable chorus.
Remember to also consider any guidelines or restrictions imposed by the ceremony site and officiants, as well as the size of the venue and the type of instruments that can be accommodated.
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First dance songs: these are often considered the wedding songs
First dance songs are often considered the wedding songs and are usually the song that becomes "your song" as a couple. It is a song that you'll cherish forever. The first dance song is one of the most important wedding song selections and will set the tone for the rest of the wedding music.
When choosing a first dance song, it is important to consider the couple's qualities and the emotions and energy of their relationship. The song can be about anything from their looks to their habits and ideals. It can be personal or impersonal and still evoke the same sentiments. It is also important to consider the technical side of the song, such as having a catchy melody, a powerful hook, and a moving chorus.
There are many popular first dance songs to choose from, such as "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, which has been the most popular first dance song for over six years. Other popular choices include "All of Me" by John Legend, "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, and "Amazed" by Lonestar.
If you want to write your own first dance song, it is important to take a structured approach and give yourself time to brainstorm, refine lyrics, and rehearse. The song should capture the couple's emotions and energy and be a heartfelt love song with a beautiful, memorable melody and fresh, original lyrics that convey the love and devotion of the couple. It is also important to consider the vibration or energy of the song, using major chords for a bright and happy sound or minor chords for a darker and sadder sound.
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Chord choice: major chords are bright and happy, while minor chords are dark and sad
When composing a wedding song, it is important to consider the chord choice. Major chords, with their bright and happy sound, are often seen as the obvious choice for a wedding song due to the joyous and celebratory nature of the occasion. However, minor chords, with their darker and sadder tone, can also be used effectively in wedding songs.
While it is important to consider the overall tone of the song, it is also crucial to remember that a wedding is a highly emotional and sentimental event. As such, there may be moments in the song where minor chords can add depth and power to the music. For example, if the song is about the couple's journey and includes references to difficult times they have endured together, minor chords can help to convey these emotions effectively.
Ultimately, the choice between major and minor chords should be guided by the angle and direction of the song. It is essential to ensure synchronicity between the lyrics and the chords. This means that the chords should enhance and support the emotions conveyed in the lyrics. For example, if the lyrics describe a happy and light-hearted moment, major chords would be the obvious choice. However, if the lyrics take a more nostalgic turn, minor chords could be used to add depth and emotion.
Additionally, the choice of chords should also consider the overall energy and vibe of the wedding. If the couple is looking for a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, minor chords can add a touch of elegance and sophistication. On the other hand, if the wedding is a large and vibrant celebration, major chords can help to enhance the joyful and festive mood.
In conclusion, when composing a wedding song, it is important to carefully consider the choice between major and minor chords. While major chords are typically associated with happiness and brightness, minor chords can also add depth and emotion to a wedding song. By considering the lyrics, the overall tone of the wedding, and the specific moments the song aims to capture, composers can make an informed decision about chord choice to create a memorable and meaningful wedding song.
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Frequently asked questions
A good wedding song captures the couple’s emotions and energy. It should have a catchy melody, a powerful hook, and a moving chorus. It is also important to set the right vibration or energy. This can be done through the use of major chords, which sound bright and happy, or minor chords, which sound dark and sad.
A wedding song should be a heartfelt love song with original lyrics that convey the love and devotion of the newly married couple. It should capture the couple's qualities and the emotions of the day. It can be personal or impersonal, but it's important to avoid simply describing what guests will be seeing.
A basic wedding music program involves preludes, processionals, and recessionals. Preludes are played while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. Processionals accompany the entry of the wedding party, and the recessional is played as the couple exits. You may also want to choose songs for the first dance, last dance, parent dances, and the reception.
It's important to consider the practical aspects of the wedding venue and ceremony. Some ceremony sites may have guidelines about the music that can be played, and you should also think about the space and volume of the music. If you're writing a song for a specific part of the ceremony, it's worth noting that some venues or officiants may have rules about noise and curfew.
