Deborah Chan
Music is an integral part of any wedding ceremony and reception. It sets the tone, provides a timeline for guests, and gives them clues about what's happening and what to expect next. When it comes to choosing the right songs, couples often turn to the lyrics, but instrumental songs can also evoke a sense of love and romanticism. Couples should feel free to skip between genres, decades, and styles that reflect their tastes. They can also take inspiration from TV shows and movies, like Parks and Recreation, Bridgerton, and Stranger Things. When it comes to party music, a DJ or band will have a failsafe playlist, but couples can also make suggestions or send out song request cards with their invitations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs | 80-100 for a DJ, 50-60 for a live band |
| Music for | Prelude, processional, recessional, first dance, dinner, after-party |
| Music style | Nostalgic, romantic, dance, current hits, instrumental, classic |
| Music volume | Not too loud |
| Music sources | Spotify, TikTok |
| Music examples | "Higher Love" by Whitney Houston, "Pony" by Ms. Winehouse, "I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor" by Arctic Monkeys, "All Shook Up" by Elvis Presley, "Canon in D", "Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles |
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What You'll Learn
- Prelude music: Something light and pretty to signal the ceremony is about to start
- Processional music: Played as the wedding party, the groom, and the bride walk down the aisle
- Recessional music: The cue for guests to get up and take a more active role in the festivities
- First dance: Instrumental covers can be a great option, like the song Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles
- Late-night dance music: Pony is a great turning-point track to pivot to late-night dance music
Prelude music: Something light and pretty to signal the ceremony is about to start
Prelude music is an important part of your wedding as it sets the tone for the ceremony and evokes emotions in your guests. Prelude music is played as guests arrive at your wedding ceremony and while they are being seated. It is the signal to your guests that the ceremony will soon be starting. Prelude music should be light and pretty, and it should reflect the overall style of your wedding.
For a rustic wedding in nature, contemporary acoustic songs are a great choice. For a traditional ceremony, pick mostly classical, instrumental music. You can also opt for beautiful instrumental versions of popular modern-day love songs or the originals with lyrics.
If you are having a band or live musicians, you will need to select songs that work well for them. For example, a wedding band, pianist, harpist, violinist, or string quartet. If you are having a DJ, you can be more flexible and choose from a wider range of songs.
A good rule of thumb is to choose songs that are mellow and won't bring too much energy to the environment. You can expect to play between five and ten songs during the prelude, which usually lasts around 30 minutes.
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Processional music: Played as the wedding party, the groom, and the bride walk down the aisle
The processional music is played as the wedding party, the groom, and the bride walk down the aisle. This part of the ceremony is one of the most memorable, with the bridal march being the most famous piece of processional music. While there is no requirement to use this, it is worth putting some thought into what type of music best represents your wedding style, your family members and friends entering the ceremony, and your overall love story.
For the younger members of the wedding party, such as the ring bearer or flower girl, a classic, sweet song like "Over the Rainbow" is a good choice. For the bridesmaids and groomsmen, you could opt for a fun, upbeat track like Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love".
If you have a larger wedding party or want the men to have a special moment, choosing an additional song for the groomsmen can be a good idea. For the groom's entrance, a meaningful or sentimental song by his favourite band could be a great choice. Lyrics such as "I don't want you to leave, will you hold my hand?" or "I want to know what love is, I want you to show me" can be a fitting way to mark the groom's entrance.
Finally, for the bride's entrance, you could opt for a classic instrumental or a modern favourite. This is a moment everyone looks forward to, so choosing a tune to match is key.
If you are opting for a DJ to play the processional music, it is worth noting that they usually only play for the reception. In this case, you could consider a string quartet, live band, or a Bluetooth speaker playing songs from your phone or a flash drive.
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Recessional music: The cue for guests to get up and take a more active role in the festivities
The recessional music is the cue for guests to get up and join the festivities. It is played at the end of the ceremony when the newlyweds and wedding party walk back up the aisle. This is the first song the newly married couple will hear as a married couple, so it should be memorable and set the tone for the party to come.
The most famous recessional song is Mendelssohn's "Wedding March", but there are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a recessional song. You can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit. The song should be triumphant, with an upbeat and joyous tone.
Tim Sentance, Director of Boujee Music, says:
> "This is a moment of true celebration, when all your guests will be clapping, whooping and cheering, and pairing it with the perfect song will make it even more joyful and memorable for you and your guests."
Sentance's most popular wedding recessional song requests include "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" by Handel, "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire, and "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" by Jackie Wilson.
If you want to add a dramatic ending to your ceremony, you may want to choose a recognisable, movie-ending closer, like Arcade Fire's "Wake Up".
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First dance: Instrumental covers can be a great option, like the song Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles
When it comes to your wedding, there are so many moments and traditions to consider, but the first dance is undoubtedly one of the most memorable. If you're looking for a unique and captivating way to kickstart your special day, an instrumental cover of a popular song could be the perfect choice. "Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles is an excellent option for an instrumental rendition, offering a delightful twist on a modern classic.
The original "Watermelon Sugar" is an upbeat and catchy tune that graced the airwaves as the fourth single from Styles' sophomore album, "Fine Line." The song's summery vibe and infectious melody made it an instant hit, with many speculating about its playful lyrics. Now, an instrumental version of this beloved song can set the tone for your wedding, offering a fresh and unexpected take that will delight your guests.
Opting for an instrumental cover of "Watermelon Sugar" allows you to tap into the familiarity of a well-known song while adding a layer of elegance and sophistication to your first dance. The absence of vocals shifts the focus to the intricate melodies and harmonies, creating a dreamy and romantic atmosphere. Whether you choose a solo piano arrangement, a string quartet interpretation, or a full orchestral rendition, the instrumental version will showcase the song's versatility and beauty.
To make your first dance even more extraordinary, consider incorporating a surprise element. You could start with a slow and intimate rendition of "Watermelon Sugar," only to transition midway into an upbeat and lively version, inviting your guests to join you on the dance floor. This unexpected shift in tempo will energize the room and create a lasting memory for you and your loved ones.
Discuss your vision with your DJ or band, who can help you curate the perfect arrangement and timing for your first dance. They can guide you on the best way to build momentum, whether it's starting from the chorus, joining in during the instrumental break, or surprising your guests with a post-chorus drop that will have everyone cheering. Together, you can craft a magical moment that reflects your personality and style, ensuring your first dance as a married couple is nothing short of breathtaking.
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Late-night dance music: Pony is a great turning-point track to pivot to late-night dance music
Late-night dance music is an important part of a wedding reception. "Pony" is a great turning-point track to pivot to late-night dance music and get your guests on the dance floor. This slightly more down-tempo electro-pop hit from the early 2000s is instantly recognizable and infectious. Even if your guests don't recognize it from the first notes, they'll be singing along by the time the catchy chorus repeats for the last time.
When selecting music for your wedding reception, it's important to prepare enough songs to give the event a good flow. You'll need around 80 to 100 songs if you've booked a DJ or 50 to 60 songs for a live band. The music should reflect the couple's personality and energy and can include a mix of genres, decades, and styles that the couple loves. It's also a good idea to include some well-known songs that guests can easily recognize and dance to.
In addition to "Pony", here are some other song suggestions to get your guests moving:
- "Higher Love" by Whitney Houston: This remixed classic features a sample of Houston's cover of Steve Winwood's '80s hit and has become a popular dance floor request.
- "One Kiss" by Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa: This catchy 2018 dance-pop hit is plenty recognizable and has a great beat, making it a perfect addition to the reception playlist.
- "I Belong in the Sky" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: This high-energy track is a party anthem that's guaranteed to get people on the dance floor, especially later in the evening when the reception is in full swing.
- "Reptile" by The Stone Pony: This infectious and energetic tune from the high-energy rock band is sure to get your guests moving and singing along.
Remember, you can also give your DJ or band a list of your favorite songs and any "do not play" songs to help them curate the perfect setlist for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular songs to play at a wedding include:
- "Higher Love" by Whitney Houston
- "I Got a Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas
- "Pony" by Ginuwine
- "Gold Digger" by Kanye West ft. Jamie Foxx
- "All Shook Up" by Elvis Presley
- "Here Comes the Bride" by Richard Wagner
When choosing songs for your wedding, consider the following:
- The songs you choose should reflect your personality and energy.
- You can skip between genres, decades, and styles that you and your partner love.
- You can ask your wedding band or DJ for advice and suggestions.
- You can send out song request cards with your wedding invitations to get your guests' input.
- You can include a mix of current songs and nostalgic classics.
The specific songs and timeline for your wedding are up to your personal preference, but traditionally, each stage of the ceremony requires a song. Some common song cues include:
- Prelude music: Played while guests are arriving, taking their seats, and waiting for the ceremony to begin.
- Processional music: Played when the wedding party, the groom, and the bride walk down the aisle.
- Recessional music: Played when the married couple walks back up the aisle after the ceremony, signalling the start of the festivities.
