
Music is an integral part of weddings, from the bride's entrance to the first dance and after-party. The music played at a wedding is often chosen to be romantic, but it can also be upbeat and fun. The choice of music is usually informed by the couple's preferences and can include old classics and new hits. The most popular wedding songs are often those that are easily recognizable and get people on the dance floor. Some popular choices include I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston, CUFF IT by Beyoncé, Sucker by The Jonas Brothers, and All of Me by John Legend.
One of the most well-known wedding songs is Here Comes the Bride, also known as Wagner's Bridal Chorus. This song is typically played when the bride enters, followed by Mendelssohn's Wedding March as the recessional. However, some couples may choose to forgo these traditional songs due to their association with the controversial composer Wagner or their overused nature. Instead, they might opt for alternatives such as the Prince of Denmark's March.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional songs | Wagner's Bridal Chorus, Mendelssohn's Wedding March, Prince of Denmark's March |
| When to play traditional songs | Wagner or Prince of Denmark's March: when the bride walks in; Mendelssohn: after the couple is married and walking off |
| Other popular songs | "At Last" by Etta James, "All of Me" by John Legend, "CUFF IT" by Beyoncé, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston, "Sucker" by The Jonas Brothers, "Something To Dance To" by Willie Jones |
| Other instruments | Guitar, piano |
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What You'll Learn

Wagner's Bridal Chorus vs. Prince of Denmark's March
The "Bridal Chorus" by Richard Wagner, also known as "Here Comes the Bride", is a march often played for the bride's entrance at weddings in the Western world. The piece is in C and is from Wagner's 1850 opera "Lohengrin", which premiered in Weimar in August of that year. The opera features the "Bridal Chorus" as the prelude to a short-lived, doomed marriage between Elsa and Lohengrin. The "Bridal Chorus" was made popular when it was used as the processional at the wedding of Princess Victoria to Prince Frederick William of Prussia in 1858. However, some Christian churches disagree with its use at wedding ceremonies due to its association with pagan stories and themes.
Jeremiah Clarke's "Prince of Denmark's March", on the other hand, is said to have more "royal, dignified vibes", perhaps due to its use at the wedding of Princess Diana. This piece is also often played for the bride's entrance and is sometimes paired with Mendelssohn's "Wedding March", which is one of the most well-known wedding pieces, typically played on a church pipe organ.
Both the "Bridal Chorus" and the "Prince of Denmark's March" are popular choices for wedding music, with the former being more common and the latter having more regal associations. When choosing wedding music, it is important to consider the tone and atmosphere you wish to create, as well as any potential cultural or religious sensitivities.
While the "Bridal Chorus" and the "Prince of Denmark's March" are both well-known wedding songs, it is worth noting that there is a wide variety of music that can be chosen for a wedding ceremony and reception. Couples may opt for more modern or personalised choices that reflect their unique story and taste.
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Mendelssohn's Wedding March
The piece is often played as a recessional, and it has been described as dignified and full of happiness. It is a popular choice for organ and piano transcriptions. However, some people consider it inappropriate for Catholic weddings due to its association with a play that includes fantasy, murder, and sex. Nevertheless, it has been played at many weddings with the approval of the priest or pastor.
When considering how to play Mendelssohn's Wedding March, it is essential to think about the instrumentation and the setting. The piece can be played on the organ or piano, either as a solo instrument or with other instruments, such as a brass quintet, for a more regal sound. The skill level of the musicians should also be considered, as the piece can be transcribed into a virtuoso showpiece for advanced players.
In conclusion, Mendelssohn's Wedding March is a well-loved and popular choice for wedding ceremonies, with a long history dating back to the 19th century. When played at weddings, it usually signifies the end of the ceremony and the start of the celebration.
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Slow vs. upbeat songs
When it comes to choosing between slow and upbeat songs for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Upbeat songs are often the go-to choice for weddings as they are fun, energetic, and can get people onto the dance floor. They can also be used to set a jovial tone for the arrival and kickstart the festivities. Upbeat songs like "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham!, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper, and "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé ft. JAY-Z are sure to bring energy and excitement to your wedding.
On the other hand, slow songs can create a romantic and sentimental atmosphere. They are perfect for slow dancing and can be a nice break from the fast-paced dancing, giving your guests a chance to rest and catch their breath. Slow songs are also ideal for couples to have a moment together on the dance floor. Songs like "All of Me" by John Legend, "Stuck On You" by Lionel Richie, and "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys are popular choices for slow dancing at weddings.
Ultimately, the choice between slow and upbeat songs depends on the couple's preferences and the vibe they want to create for their wedding. A well-curated mix of both slow and upbeat songs can keep the energy flowing and ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy. It is also important to consider the guests' preferences and choose songs that will get them on the dance floor.
Additionally, you can incorporate inside jokes or personal stories into your song choices, adding a unique and memorable touch to your wedding. Whether you choose slow or upbeat songs, music plays a pivotal role in crafting lasting memories of your special day.
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First-dance songs
Choosing a first dance song for your wedding can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The song you choose should be a reflection of your relationship and a song that holds a special meaning for both of you.
When selecting a first dance song, consider the pace and tempo of the song, as well as the overall vibe you want to create. Do you want a slow and romantic ballad, or something more upbeat and lighthearted? Perhaps you want to showcase your dancing skills with a choreographed routine or stick to a classic style like the waltz or foxtrot.
If you're looking for song suggestions, here are some popular choices:
- "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley
- "At Last" by Etta James
- "Joy of My Life" by Chris Stapleton
- "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
- "You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson
- "Green Eyes" by Coldplay
- "I Got You" by Jack Johnson
- "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds
- "Forever Like That" by Ben Rector
- "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
- "I Will Follow You Into The Dark" by Death Cab For Cutie
Ultimately, the choice of first dance song is a personal one, and you should select a song that resonates with you and your partner. Whether it's a classic love song or something more unique, make sure it's a song that you'll cherish and remember fondly for years to come.
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Guitar songs
There are many options when it comes to choosing a wedding song to play on the guitar. You could opt for a classical piece, such as the 17th-century Baroque piece, The Theme from the Deer Hunter, or the 18th-century composition by Johann Sebastian Bach, Spanish Romance (Romance d'Amour or Romance de España). Alternatively, for a more modern take, you could choose a popular love song such as "Perfect" or "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran, "Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan (or the popular Adele cover), or "Marry Me" by Train.
If you are looking for a song to play during the ceremony, you might want to consider a romantic acoustic ballad, such as "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran, or a classical piece like "More Than Words". You could also add a piece of music to the middle of the ceremony or during the registry signing, often called the interlude.
For a fun, upbeat song, you could try "Here Comes the Sun" or "Come Together" by The Beatles, or "Thunderstruck". If you're looking for something more emotional, "Always with Me, Always with You" by Joe Satriani, "Starry Night" by Satch, or "Annie's Song" by John Denver are great choices.
For a note-for-note guide, you can learn to play "Wedding Song (There is Love)" by Paul Stookey, which includes a play-through video, tabs, chords, and lyrics.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular wedding songs include "At Last" by Etta James, "All of Me" by John Legend, "CUFF IT" by Beyoncé, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston, "Something To Dance To" by Willie Jones, and "Sucker" by The Jonas Brothers.
Some good songs for the bride's entrance include Wagner's Bridal Chorus in Bb, the Prince of Denmark's March in D major, and Mendelssohn's Wedding March in C.
Some good songs for the groom to play for the bride on the guitar include "Marry Me" by Train, "Annie's Song" by John Denver, "Perfect", and "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran.
Some good first dance songs include "All My Life" by KC and JoJo, "More Than Words" by Extreme, and "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow".











































