Rhiannon Hendricks
Music is an integral part of weddings, with songs playing a role in setting the tone and creating a romantic atmosphere. From the prelude as guests arrive to the postlude as they exit, songs are woven into the very fabric of the ceremony and reception. Couples often opt for a mix of classic and modern songs, including romantic ballads, fun dance numbers, and even country or indie tunes. The right songs can make a wedding memorable, from the bridal party's entrance to the cake-cutting and the couple's grand exit.
Characteristics and Values of Additional Songs at a Wedding
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs | Between five and 10 prelude songs; one or two processional songs; one recessional song; one or three songs for signing the register; one postlude song; one song for the first dance; one song for the father/daughter dance; one song for the mother/son dance; one cake-cutting song; one bouquet and garter toss song; one exit song |
| Type of songs | Fun, upbeat, romantic, sentimental, mellow, instrumental, classical, indie, gospel, country, traditional folk, pop, dance, slow dance |
| Song choices | "Sucker" by The Jonas Brothers; "Shout" by The Isley Brothers; "Bye Bye Bye" by *NSYNC; "HOT TO GO!" by Chappell Roan; "CUFF IT" by Beyoncé; "Oh Happy Day" by Aretha Franklin & Mavis Staples; "Here Comes the Bride"; "Don't Stop Believing"; "Sweet Caroline"; "Amazed" by Lonestar; "Thinking Out Loud"; "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran; "Love On Top"; "Lover" by Taylor Swift; "Dancing Queen"; "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"; "Shake It Off"; "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)"; "I Gotta Feeling"; "I've Had the Time of My Life"; "American Boy" by Estelle ft. Kanye West; "Uptown Funk"; "Can't Stop the Feeling"; "Titanium"; "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" theme song; "Macarena"; "Singaara Siriye" from "Kaantara"; "Madarangiyalli" from "Milana"; "Seetha Kalyana Vaibhogame"; "Nodayya Kwate Lingave" from "Duniya"; "Raayaru Bandaru Maavana Manege"; "Neera Bittu Nelada Mele Dhoni Saagadu" from "Hombisilu" |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Prelude music: light, ambient music for guests being seated
- Processional: a song for the wedding party's entrance
- Bridal entrance: a unique, bold song for the bride's entrance
- Recessional: bright, lively music for the newlyweds' exit
- Reception entrance: a fun or romantic song for the newlyweds' reception entrance
Prelude music: light, ambient music for guests being seated
Prelude music is light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. Prelude songs can be instrumental, country, or indie, depending on the type of wedding. It usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes prior to but no later than 20 minutes before the beginning of the ceremony. Depending on how long your prelude will be, you'll need between five and ten songs for this pre-ceremony period.
If you decide to hire vocalists, it's a good idea to have the singing begin after everyone is seated for your ceremony. When a person steps up to a microphone to sing, guests may feel obliged to be quiet and pay attention, which creates awkwardness. It's also wise to make sure the vocalist is comfortable with your song selections. Ask which songs the soloist knows well, and work together to build a song list that satisfies you both. If there's a song you want to include that they're not familiar with, have a violin, piano, or flute play an instrumental version of it.
If you're having a religious ceremony, check with the musical director at your venue to find out if they have an approved song list. They can also tell you which elements are traditionally underscored. Many couples choose to add interludes or songs played during significant moments such as the unity candle lighting or the ketubah signing.
If you want romantic pre-ceremony wedding songs, then consider "The One" by Kodaline or "January Wedding" by The Avett Brothers. "Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat is another great option for couples looking for something non-traditional. For a rustic wedding, contemporary acoustic songs make a great choice, while a traditional ceremony calls for mostly classical, instrumental music.
Bouquet Toss: Grooms Take the Lead
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Processional: a song for the wedding party's entrance
The processional is the music that accompanies the wedding party's entrance, including family, attendants, and the bride. It is one of the most important and memorable parts of the wedding ceremony, and the music chosen should reflect this. The processional usually starts when the officiant, groom, and groomsmen enter from the side of the venue, or when the VIPs, including the officiant, grandparents, parents, and wedding party members, walk down the aisle.
The number of processional songs you need will depend on the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. Most couples choose two processional songs: one for the family and wedding party, and a second, more dramatic and emotional song for the bride's entrance. This second song signals a grand entrance and should be bold and unique. The music can continue playing quietly in the background for special parts of the ceremony, like during a candle-lighting or a reading.
The walking pace is an important consideration when selecting the processional song, as the wedding party will be attempting to walk in rhythm to the music. It is a good idea to practice walking to the music and, if possible, to arrange a rehearsal in the shoes that will be worn. The processional music should also match the mood of the ceremony and the couple's personal style. For example, a couple might prefer a romantic and elegant touch with a harpist, or a fun and goofy vibe with an upbeat tune.
The processional is a chance to be creative and make the wedding party's entrance memorable and enjoyable. It is a good opportunity to showcase the couple's musical taste and create a fun atmosphere for the guests. Whether it's a classic, traditional song or something more modern and unique, the processional music will set the tone for the entire event.
Cam and Arastoo's Wedding: What Happened?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Bridal entrance: a unique, bold song for the bride's entrance
The bridal entrance is one of the most important and magical moments of a wedding day. It is a moment of high drama and anticipation, and the right bridal entry song will set the tone for the rest of the day's celebrations. The song should capture the essence of the occasion, and the bride's personality and style.
If you are looking for a unique and bold song for the bridal entrance, you could consider choosing a movie soundtrack, or a modern classic. You could also opt for an indie love song, with intricate melodies, poetic lyrics, and soul-stirring harmonies. If you want to add a fun twist, you could choose an upbeat song, like "Happy" by Pharrell Williams, or "Marry You" by Bruno Mars. These songs will create a celebratory tone and get everyone in the mood for love and merriment.
For a bold and dramatic entrance, you could consider "When I Say I Do" by Clint Black featuring Lisa Hartman Black, or "Endless Love" by Luther Vandross featuring Mariah Carey. These songs are romantic and contemporary, perfect for a memorable entrance. If you want to add a touch of nostalgia to your entrance, consider "Dil Deewana" from the 90s movie "Maine Pyar Kiya", with Lata Mangeshkar's enchanting voice, or "Ghar More Pardesiya" from "Kalank", with Shreya Ghoshal's mesmerizing vocals.
Ultimately, the choice of song depends on your personal preference and wedding style. You could choose a fun and upbeat song, a romantic ballad, or something completely different. Rehearse your entrance with the chosen song to ensure a smooth and well-timed walk down the aisle. Remember, the bridal entrance is your moment to shine, so choose a song that truly represents you and makes you happy.
Harry-Meghan Wedding: Australian Viewing Time
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Recessional: bright, lively music for the newlyweds' exit
The wedding recessional is a crucial part of your special day as it is the first song you'll hear as a married couple and it sets the tone for the party to follow. It's usually bright, fast, and celebratory, fun, happy, and upbeat—a joyful song that embodies the excitement and happiness of love.
There are many options to choose from, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. You might opt for a classical piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit. You could even have a unique sound with a live acoustic duo or a string quartet, pianist, harpist, or guitarist playing an acoustic cover of a popular song.
If you're looking for a bright and lively song for your recessional, here are some suggestions:
- "Eine Kleine Nacht Musik" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is instantly recognisable, with a bright and exciting delivery, making it an ideal choice for happy, intimate weddings.
- "Hornpipe" by Handel is a fun and lighthearted choice that will add a sense of whimsy to your exit.
- "Marry You" by Bruno Mars is a catchy and sentimental choice that has been a popular wedding fixture since its release in 2011.
- "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)", by Marvin Gaye, or the popular cover by James Taylor, is another sentimental choice.
- "Best Day of My Life" is a modern tune that will bring an uplifting and infectious mood to your exit.
- "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole will have your guests grooving as you exit.
- "Don't Stop Believin'' by Journey is a popular and hopeful song about a young couple pressing on through life, making it a wonderful fit for your new life together.
Wedding Bells Ringing?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Reception entrance: a fun or romantic song for the newlyweds' reception entrance
The wedding reception is a time to celebrate and what better way to kickstart the festivities than with an upbeat and fun song for the newlyweds' grand entrance? This is the moment to get everyone on their feet, clapping and cheering as you make your married debut and set the mood for the party.
The song you choose should be around three minutes long to ensure a smooth entrance and can be a fun, romantic, or upbeat tune that reflects your unique love story and sets the tone for the evening.
- "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
- "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas
- "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- "You Make My Dreams" by Daryl Hall & John Oates
- "Sucker" by The Jonas Brothers
- "Shout" by The Isley Brothers
- "HOT TO GO!" by Chappell Roan
- "CUFF IT" by Beyoncé
- "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder
- "Let's Dance" by David Bowie
- "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen
Remember, the song you choose will be the first song played as a married couple, so pick a tune that you both love and that reflects your style!
Is "Us" by James Bay the Perfect Wedding Song?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Additional songs at a wedding are songs played outside of the traditional prelude, processional, and recessional. They are used to create a unique and personalised experience for the couple and their guests.
Additional songs can be played at any time during the wedding ceremony or reception. They are often used to accompany specific rituals or significant moments, such as lighting a unity candle, signing the register, or cutting the cake.
Music sets the tone, stirs up emotions, and shares a message with guests. Additional songs allow couples to personalise their wedding and create memorable moments that reflect their unique story and taste.
The couple chooses the additional songs, often selecting tunes that are meaningful to them. They may also work with musicians or DJs to create a playlist that includes a mix of their favourite songs and popular hits to keep the guests entertained.
