George Boyle
Music is an integral part of any wedding celebration, and there are many different terms to describe the songs played at different points in the ceremony. From the prelude to the postlude, the processional to the recessional, and the interlude in between, each song sets the tone for the event and creates an atmosphere. The music played at a wedding is often a reflection of the couple's personality and taste, and can range from traditional marches to more modern compositions. The songs chosen for a wedding can be performed live by instrumentalists or vocalists, or they can be pre-recorded.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs | 1 for the entrance/processional, 1 for the exit/recessional, and up to 3 for the signing of the register. In addition, you may need prelude music, interlude music, and postlude music. |
| Prelude music | Quiet, gentle, and unobtrusive background music that plays as guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. |
| Interlude music | Songs played during significant moments such as the unity candle lighting or the ketubah signing. |
| Postlude music | Music that plays as guests exit the ceremony. |
| Processional/Entrance music | Stately, elegant, romantic, and beautiful music that accompanies the bridal party as they walk down the aisle. |
| Recessional/Exit music | Bright, lively, and celebratory music that plays as the bridal party exits. |
| Signing of the register | Calm and light music. |
| Mother/son and father/daughter dance | A meaningful ballad. |
| Cake-cutting | Fun and upbeat song. |
| Bouquet and garter toss | Light and cheeky song. |
| Last dance | A slow song to wind down. |
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What You'll Learn
Prelude: Soft, unobtrusive music as guests take their seats
The prelude is an important aspect of a wedding ceremony, setting the mood and tone for the event. It is the soft, unobtrusive music played as guests arrive and take their seats, filling the room with a pleasant atmosphere. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating the perfect prelude:
When to Play the Prelude
The prelude music should start when the doors open, usually around 45 minutes before the ceremony but no later than 20 minutes prior. This allows for early guests, latecomers, and any unexpected delays. The prelude ends when the ceremony officially begins, often signalled by a shift in the music to announce the parent entrance.
Number and Length of Songs
Depending on the length of your prelude, you will need between five and ten songs. Aim for about thirty minutes of music to cover the entire pre-ceremony period. You can choose either a few longer songs or a mix of shorter ones to create the desired atmosphere.
Music Selection
Prelude music should be calm, light, and unobtrusive. It should be soothing and calming to allow guests to greet each other and engage in conversation without being too distracting. Soft instrumental or vocal pieces, such as classical music or gentle country songs, can be perfect for setting the right mood. You can also consider modern songs that have been adapted for weddings, such as instrumental versions of popular musicals or Disney songs.
Personalization
While the prelude music should be calming, it can also be personalized to the couple's tastes. If you have a favourite style or genre of music, consider incorporating it into your prelude. Whether it's soft jazz, light pop, or instrumental versions of your favourite songs, make it your own. You can even ask your parents or grandparents if they have any song preferences, as they may be walking down the aisle during this time.
Prelude music is an essential part of the wedding ceremony, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests. With careful selection and timing, you can set the perfect tone for your special day.
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Processional: Played as the wedding party walks down the aisle
The processional is played as the wedding party walks down the aisle. It is usually stately, elegant, romantic, and beautiful. The same song can be used for each member of the wedding party, but some couples choose to switch to another song when the bride enters to add drama and highlight their entrance. The number of processional songs you'll need depends on a few factors, including the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. Usually, couples choose two processional songs—one for the family and wedding party, and then a more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional.
There are endless pieces of music to choose from for the processional, but at the end of the day, it should be something that you feel comfortable walking down the aisle to. If you want a classic tune that your guests will recognise, you can't go wrong with the Wedding March. Made famous by The Twilight series, this is a hugely popular modern song choice for the entrance. In Western cultures, the Bridal Chorus from Wagner's Lohengrin (1850), often called "Here Comes The Bride", has been the most popular processional and is traditionally played on a pipe organ. Some couples may consider traditional wedding marches clichéd and choose a more modern piece of music or an alternative such as Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel.
In Egyptian culture, the zaffa, or wedding march, is a musical procession of bendir drums, bagpipes, horns, belly dancers, and men carrying flaming swords. This is an ancient Egyptian tradition that predates Islam. Interfaith marriage ceremonies have benefited from the efforts of several modern composers, many of whom have written processional marches to honour the religious traditions of both the bride and the groom. A bwe song called "Aura of Immeasurable Auspiciousness" is used as a wedding processional song in traditional Burmese weddings. The style of Mahāgīta songs has also been adapted in more modern compositions, such as "Auspicious Song" and "Akadaw Pei", both of which are commonly played at traditional Burmese weddings.
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Recessional: Played as the bridal party exits
The recessional is played as the bridal party exits at the end of the wedding ceremony. It is one of the most important songs of the day, accompanying the newlyweds as they march back up the aisle. Recessional music is traditionally bright, lively, and celebratory, reflecting the couple's joy.
There are many options to consider when choosing recessional music. In Western traditions, a popular choice is Felix Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (1842). This piece gained popularity after it was played during the wedding of Victoria, Princess Royal, to Prince Frederick William of Prussia in 1858. Another classic option is Widor's "Toccata" from "Symphony for Organ No. 5" (1880). For those who prefer traditional wedding music, Mouret's "Rondeau" from "Symphonies de Fanfares" is a very happy tune and an excellent choice for the recessional. Mozart's "Allegro" from "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik K. 525" is another favourite, often played right after the main recessional song. Purcell's "Trumpet Tune" is also a popular selection for the recessional.
Couples may also choose to incorporate cultural elements into their recessional music. For example, Siman Tov ("Good Tidings") is an all-purpose celebratory song in Jewish weddings. In Egyptian culture, the zaffa, or wedding march, is a musical procession of bendir drums, bagpipes, horns, belly dancers, and men carrying flaming swords. This ancient tradition predates Islam. Interfaith marriage ceremonies often feature processional marches composed to honour the religious traditions of both the bride and groom.
In addition to cultural considerations, couples may opt for modern or unique musical choices. For a classic tune that most guests will recognise, the "Wedding March" is a familiar option, often featured in weddings on film and television. For musical theatre enthusiasts, a dreamy and instrumental adaptation of a popular pop song from a musical can be a perfect choice. For a summer barn or outdoor wedding, a gentle country beat can set the right tempo for strolling back down the aisle. Ultimately, the recessional music should be something that reflects the couple's personality and makes them feel comfortable as they exit the ceremony as newlyweds.
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Interlude: Songs during significant moments, like lighting a candle
Music during a wedding ceremony is a very important element as it sets the tone for the entire event. It is the soundtrack to your shared love. The most basic wedding ceremony music program involves a minimum of three types of songs: preludes, processionals, and recessionals. However, many couples also choose to add interludes or songs played during significant moments, like lighting a candle.
An interlude is a song played during the lighting of the unity candle or at another point in the ceremony. It can be instrumental or vocal. The unity candle ceremony is a very sweet and powerful moment that can be enhanced with the right song. The song played during this moment should reflect the significance of the candle-lighting ceremony without overpowering it.
Since the unity candle ceremony is usually very short, instrumental music works well because it is easier to abridge than songs with lyrics, where context can be lost if the song is cut too much. Instrumental music also doesn't steal attention from the event taking place and can even accentuate it. That being said, short choruses or hymns can also work well if you want singing during this part of the ceremony.
Some song suggestions for the unity candle ceremony include:
- "From This Moment" by Shania Twain
- "Only Hope" by Switchfoot
- "I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman
- "The Wedding Song" by Paul Stookey
- "This Ring" by Anthony Carter
- "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts
- "Butterfly Waltz"
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Last dance: Signals the end of festivities
The last dance of a wedding is an important moment that signals the end of festivities and the beginning of the couple's new life together. It is a chance for the couple to share a special moment with their guests and create lasting memories. When choosing the music for the last dance, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, the couple may want to consider the overall mood they want to create. A slow and sentimental song can bring a sense of calm and reflection to the end of the night. On the other hand, an upbeat and high-energy song can keep the party atmosphere going and encourage guests to sing and dance along.
Second, the couple may want to choose a song that has personal significance to them. This could be a song that reminds them of their first dance, a song that was played during the ceremony, or simply a song that has been a part of their relationship.
Finally, the couple may want to consider the lyrics of the song. A song with meaningful or uplifting lyrics can add an extra layer of emotion to the moment. For example, lyrics that speak of love, happiness, or new beginnings can be a perfect way to cap off the celebration.
- "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC
- "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen
- "Last Dance" by Donna Summer
- "Shout" by The Isley Brothers
- "Feel So Close" by Calvin Harris
- "The Time (Dirty Bit)" by The Black Eyed Peas
- "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
- "Welcome to the Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance
- "I've Had the Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing
- "Piano Man" by Billy Joel
- "Hey Ya" by OutKast
- "Here's to Us" by Halestorm
- "All Eyes on Me" by Justice
- "Closing Time" by Semisonic
- "Dancing on My Own" by Robyn
- "Easy Silence" by The Chicks
- "Good Life" by One Republic
- "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon
- "Love Rollercoaster" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
- "New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra
- "I'm Glad You Came" by Boyce Avenue
- "The Bonnie Banks O' Loch Lomond"
- "Don't Look Back in Anger" by Oasis
- "When There Is You" by Koop
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Frequently asked questions
Pre-ceremony music, arrival music, or prelude.
Processionals.
Interludes.
Recessionals.
