George Boyle
A wedding program is a guest's guide to the wedding, and it can be as simple or detailed as the couple wishes. Including songs and composers in the program helps guests understand the ceremony's flow and appreciate each moment's significance. Couples can list songs in various ways, such as mentioning the song title, composer, or performer. Prelude songs, for example, can be listed as Prelude: followed by the song name and composer/performer. For songs accompanying activities, the activity is listed first, followed by the song title and composer. Couples may also choose to list songs played during the processional, seating of the mothers, and recessional. It is essential to consider that listing songs may create guest expectations, potentially reducing the emotional impact of song surprises.
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Prelude songs
When listing prelude songs in your wedding program, start by putting the word "Preludes:" at the left side, then list the songs played during guest arrival. You can list the songs in one of two ways: include the song name and composer or the song name and performer. For example, you could list "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo, or "Water Music Suite No.3, HWV 350" by George Frideric Handel.
If you are having a religious ceremony, the music played during your wedding prelude will likely reflect the religion and how weddings in that religion are conducted. For a rustic wedding, contemporary acoustic songs are a great choice, while a traditional ceremony calls for mostly classical, instrumental music.
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Processional songs
For a formal and traditional wedding, classical music is a popular choice. "Canon in D Major" by Pachelbel is a well-known option, with its beautiful melody and emotional impact. "Ave Maria" by Bach/Gounod is another classic that adds a touch of elegance to the ceremony.
If you prefer a modern twist, there are plenty of contemporary options to choose from. "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri is an ultra-popular choice that will give your guests goosebumps. "Poetry" by Hailey and Justin Bieber is a unique and romantic pick, with lyrics that celebrate finding your soulmate. "Easy" from the "To All the Boys: Always and Forever" soundtrack captures the sentiment of finding your perfect match.
For a fun and upbeat entrance, Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" is a great choice, especially for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. "Over the Rainbow" is a classic and sweet song, perfect for younger members of the wedding party, like the flower girl or ring bearer.
When listing songs and composers in the wedding program, it is customary to include either the composer (for classical pieces) or the performer (for modern songs). This makes it easier for guests to look up the songs later. You can list them as you would a reading, with the name of the song on the left and the composer or performer on the right, as in "What a Wonderful World - Weiss/Thiele (performed by Louis Armstrong)." Keep in mind that listing the songs in the program may create certain expectations from your guests, so choose wisely!
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Interlude songs
Wedding interlude songs are played during the quieter moments of your ceremony, such as during rituals, candle lighting, or the signing of the register. They can be instrumental or come with vocals, and are a great way to personalise your wedding.
If you're looking for a romantic and memorable interlude, consider classical pieces such as Pachelbel's Canon in D or Debussy's Clair de Lune. These timeless songs create an elegant and enchanting atmosphere. Another option is to include a religious interlude song, such as a Christian worship song, to add a meaningful touch to your ceremony.
For a modern twist, you could opt for instrumental versions of popular songs, like the songs from the Bridgerton soundtrack. If you're a fan of The Princess Bride, you might want to consider a light and airy interlude song from the movie, which sounds beautiful with or without vocals.
- "I Believe in You and Me" by The Four Tops: a slow classic that belongs on your list of interlude songs.
- "If I Fall to Your Heart" by Derwent Hannon: a romantic song that works well with or without words.
- "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri: the words and tempo of this song from the Twilight movie make it a perfect choice for a wedding interlude.
- "The Prayer" by Andrea Bocelli & Celine Dion: an opera-type song that would work for both religious and non-religious ceremonies.
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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 first song the couple will hear as a married couple, so it should be a thoughtful, romantic, and sentimental choice.
There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a recessional song. You could opt for a classical piece, a traditional wedding song, an acoustic cover, or a current hit. If you want to stick to tradition, "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn is a common tune and a crowd-pleaser. For something more unique, you could try "You're the One That I Want" from Grease by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta.
If you want to include more modern music, you could choose a contemporary hit that reflects your personality and taste in music. Recent recessional songs have included "Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves, "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen, and "All The Small Things" by Blink 182. You could also include indie music, such as "It All Feels Right" by Washed Out, or pop-punk like "Great Escape" by Boys Like Girls.
When listing the songs in your wedding program, there are a few different formats you can use. One option is to list the name of the song in quotes on the left, followed by a line of periods and the name of the composer justified on the right, for example:
> "Song Title"…………………………………..Composer
You can also include the performer's name(s) on the right side of the program, especially if the song is modern.
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Postlude songs
When choosing postlude songs, you may want to select songs that reflect the vows you've just made or the joy of saying "I do". Upbeat songs are a good choice for postludes as they encourage guests to connect with each other and get them in the mood to celebrate.
- "I Really Wanna Dance the Night Away" by Whitney Houston
- "Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake
- "We Found Love" by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
- "Today is Where Your Book Begins" by Buble
- "I Will Never Let You Down" by Unknown
- "People in the Place" by Will.i.am
When listing songs and composers in your wedding program, it is customary to include either the composer (if classical) or the performer (if modern). This makes it easier for guests to find the songs later if they want to look them up. For example, "What a Wonderful World" - Weiss/Thiele (famously performed by Louis Armstrong).
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Frequently asked questions
You can list the songs in your wedding program in different ways. For each activity, you can simply mention the name of the song. For example, "Processional: Canon in D". For a more informative listing, you can mention the name of the composer: "Processional: Canon in D, Pachelbel". If you want to mention the name of the background song for a reading, you can list the activity, followed by the name of the song in quotes and the name of the composer. For example, "Reading: John Doe, The Strength to Love, Martin Luther King Jr, Background Music: Fragrant Fields, George Winston".
Traditionally, the most basic wedding ceremony music program involves a minimum of three types of songs: preludes, processionals, and recessionals. Prelude songs are played as guests arrive at the ceremony site and are usually romantic and mellow selections. The processional accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and the bride. The recessional is played at the conclusion of the ceremony and is typically bright, lively, and celebratory.
Including the songs and composers in your wedding program is optional. However, listing them can help guests understand the flow of the ceremony and appreciate the significance of each moment. It also allows guests to connect more deeply with your choices, fostering a stronger emotional engagement. On the other hand, listing the songs may set certain expectations, and they might not have the same emotional impact as a surprise.
