Junior Rasmussen
Wedding programs are a great way to give guests an insight into the ceremony and can act as a fun keepsake. While there is no protocol for what to include, song titles are often featured, especially if they hold a special meaning to the couple. If you're wondering how to format song titles, it's customary to list the composer (if classical) or the performer (if modern). You can also include the name of the person performing the song live, such as a pianist or guitarist.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Include the composer and performer
Including the composer and performer when listing songs in your wedding program is a great way to give credit where it's due and provide your guests with all the information they need to appreciate the music. Here are some tips and suggestions for doing this:
Know the Basics
When it comes to wedding music, there are typically three types of songs: preludes, processionals, and recessionals. Preludes are played while guests are being seated, processionals accompany the entry of the wedding party, family, and bride, and recessionals are played during the exit. You may also include interludes or postludes, which are songs played during significant moments or as guests exit the ceremony.
Formatting
When listing the songs in your wedding program, you can simply include the song title, composer, and performer. For example: "Song Title" (Composer) Performed by [Performer]. If you have live musicians, you can also include their names in the program. For instance, "What a Wonderful World" (Louis Armstrong) Performed by [Musician's Name].
Classical vs Modern Songs
It is customary to include either the composer or the performer, depending on the type of song. For classical pieces, list the composer, and for modern songs, list the performer. This will help your guests find the songs later if they wish to look them up.
Placement in the Program
The song listings can be placed in different sections of the program, depending on your preference and the format of your program. You can list them in the order of the ceremony, matching the formatting for the prelude and processional. Alternatively, you can list all the songs together at the end of the program, especially if they are background music or processional songs.
Consider the Impact
Keep in mind that listing the songs in the program may create certain expectations among your guests. They might read the song choices and expect them during the wedding. This could potentially reduce the emotional impact of the songs as they are no longer a surprise.
Wedding Dove Release: What if They Don't Fly?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
List songs played during key moments
Music is an integral part of a wedding, and there are many key moments throughout the day where songs can be played to amplify the atmosphere and set the tone. Here is a list of songs played during these key moments:
Prelude/Pre-ceremony
Prelude music is one of the first things your guests will notice at your wedding. It is usually light background music played while guests are being seated. You can request specific songs or leave it to your DJ, ceremony musician, or wedding planner to choose from a list of songs that fit your wedding style.
Processional
The processional song is played while the wedding party, parents, and grandparents enter the ceremony. It is usually instrumental, but you can choose to switch things up with a processional style song. For instance, "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.
Ceremony
During the ceremony, you may want to play quiet background music during special moments such as a candle-lighting or a reading. Choose from romantic yet mellow songs like "pov" from Bridgerton Season Three, originally by Ariana Grande.
Recessional
After the ceremony, the newlyweds, wedding party, and guests exit the altar area. This is a great opportunity to play an upbeat wedding recessional song to celebrate and prepare guests for the reception.
Reception Entrance
As guests enter the reception area and wait for the couple and wedding party, you can continue with the soundtrack from the cocktail hour or give your band or DJ a specific wedding playlist of hand-picked music.
First Dance
Your first dance as a married couple will be unforgettable. Choose a meaningful song that resonates with you and your spouse.
Parent Dances
The father-daughter dance song should be sweet and sentimental, while mother-son dances can be soft and slow or fast and upbeat.
Cake Cutting
Some couples opt for the traditional "Bride Cuts the Cake" tune, while others choose a high-energy dance jam to get everyone on the dance floor.
Last Dance
The last song of the night will give everyone a final chance to show off their moves. It can be one of your favourite songs as a couple or a tune that holds a special meaning.
Remember, you can list the songs played during these key moments in your wedding program. You can include the song title, composer, and/or performer, depending on your preference and space constraints. However, be aware that listing the songs may set certain expectations among your guests, potentially reducing the emotional impact of the songs during the actual wedding.
Royals, Dukes and a Wedding
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Credit the original artist
If you want to credit the original artist when listing songs in your wedding program, there are a few ways to do so. Firstly, it is customary to include either the composer (if the music is classical) or the performer (if it is modern). For example, you could list the song title and the composer, like so: "What a Wonderful World" - Weiss/Thiele. The performer's name can then be shown on the right side of the program.
If you want to be even more detailed in your credits, you could list the original artist who first recorded the song, like this: "What a Wonderful World" - Louis Armstrong. You could also add the name of the person performing the song at your wedding, for example: "What a Wonderful World" - Louis Armstrong, performed by [performer's name].
If you are including prelude songs, you can list them with the name of the original artist and the composer, for example: "Ave Maria" - Bach/Gounod.
It is worth noting that including songs in your wedding program may lead to guests expecting to hear those songs, which might reduce their emotional impact during the ceremony. It is also important to consider the length of your program and whether you want to include this level of detail.
Harry and Meghan's Westminster Wedding
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![MAGIX Music Maker 2024 Premium — Music Made Easy | Audio Software | Music Production Software | Windows 10/11 [PC Online code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61h4Twlb6uL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Include song lyrics in the program
Including song lyrics in your wedding program can be a great way to personalise your ceremony and add a special touch. Here are some ideas and suggestions to consider:
Choosing the Right Lyrics
Select lyrics that hold a special meaning for you and your partner. Perhaps there is a particular line or verse that captures your feelings for each other or sums up your journey together. You might also want to consider lyrics that are uplifting, celebratory, or that simply reflect the joy and love of your wedding day.
Placement and Design
You can choose to incorporate lyrics in various ways throughout your program. For example, you could feature a meaningful line or two on the front cover, perhaps in italics or a decorative font, to set the tone for your ceremony. Alternatively, you could include lyrics within the program itself, alongside the corresponding song title and composer/performer credit. If you have a specific song for a particular moment, such as a processional or recessional, you might want to list the lyrics for that song near the relevant section.
Formatting and Length
When including lyrics, consider the length and formatting of the text. You don't want to overwhelm your guests with lengthy excerpts, so choose short, impactful lines or verses that will resonate. You might also want to play around with formatting, such as italics or different font sizes, to create a visually appealing layout.
Crediting the Song
Don't forget to credit the artists behind the songs! You can list the song title and composer or performer, depending on the style of the song. For example, you could format it as "Song Title" - Composer/Performer. This will help your guests identify the songs and look them up later if they wish.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to including song lyrics in your wedding program. Get creative, and don't be afraid to make it your own!
Stark Vengeance: Post-Red Wedding
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![SOUND FORGE Audio Studio 16 - The complete solution for recording, audio editing, restoration and mastering in one | Audio Software | Music Program | for Windows 10/11 [PC Online code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61J61sx-UcL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Add a sentimental song lyric
Including song lyrics in your wedding program is a great way to add a personal touch and make your big day even more memorable. Here are some ideas and suggestions to help you get started:
Choosing the Right Lyrics
Select lyrics that hold a special meaning for you and your partner. These could be from your favourite songs or tunes that have been part of your relationship journey. Consider the tone you want to set, whether it's sentimental, joyous, or celebratory, and choose lyrics that reflect your emotions. For instance, if you want to evoke deep emotions, go for slow and melodic lines, while uplifting and celebratory lyrics might be more rhythmic and upbeat.
Incorporating Lyrics in the Program
There are several ways to incorporate song lyrics into your wedding program. You can include a short and sweet line or verse at the bottom of the front page, after your names and the date. This is a subtle way to set the tone for your wedding. Alternatively, you can use lyrics as a way to define a theme for the wedding. For example, if you have a specific song as your "couple's song," you can incorporate different lyrics from it throughout the program.
Crediting the Song
When including song lyrics, it is essential to credit the original artist or composer. You can do this by listing the song title and the artist's name, such as "Tenerife Sea - Ed Sheeran." If you want to give more detailed credit, you can include the songwriter's name, especially if it's someone other than the performing artist. For example, "What a Wonderful World - Weiss/Thiele (Performed by Louis Armstrong)."
Considering the Impact
Keep in mind that including song lyrics in your wedding program may set certain expectations among your guests. They might read the lyrics and anticipate hearing the songs during your ceremony or reception. If you want to maintain an element of surprise, you can list the songs and artists at the end of the program or simply include a subtle reference or theme without giving away the entire lyric.
Connor and Oliver's Wedding: Chaos and Romance
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can list the song title, composer, and performer, but this is optional. You can also list songs played at different parts of the ceremony, such as the prelude or processional, separately.
The format for listing songs and performers should be consistent throughout the program. For example, "Water Music" (George F. Handel) Performed by Mary Smith.
No, listing the performers is optional. You can choose to list just the song title and composer, especially if the song is well-known and has been performed by multiple artists.
It is not necessary to list all the songs in your wedding program. Some couples choose to keep it simple, while others create a small booklet with detailed information, including lyrics for every song. Keep in mind that listing all the songs may reduce their emotional impact during the ceremony.
