Recessional Songs: A Guide To Wedding Music

what is recessional songs wedding

Wedding recessional songs, also known as wedding exit songs, are played as the couple walk back down the aisle as newlyweds. The music played at this point should be upbeat and joyous, reflecting the excitement and happiness of the occasion. Couples often choose a song that is meaningful to them, whether it's a classic tune, a modern hit, or an acoustic cover of a popular song. The recessional song is meant to be memorable and set the tone for the celebration that follows the ceremony.

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Recessional songs are played as the couple walk back down the aisle as newlyweds

Recessional songs should be happy, celebratory, and bursting with love, reflecting the excitement of the couple and their guests. The music should be triumphant and sentimental, and it can be fun and show off the couple's personality. There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing wedding recessional songs. Couples can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit straight from the charts.

Some couples prefer to stick to the classics, such as the "Wedding March" from A Midsummer Night's Dream by Felix Mendelssohn. Others might choose contemporary songs to showcase their personality and taste, such as recent hits by Beyoncé or Harry Styles.

Couples can also choose to have live music, such as a string quartet, pianist, harpist, or guitarist, perform an acoustic cover of a popular song, adding a unique sound to their wedding ceremony exit.

  • "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole
  • "Still Dre" by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg
  • "Manchester" by Kishi Bashi
  • "Not Fade Away" by the Grateful Dead

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The music chosen for this moment should be sentimental and triumphant

The wedding recessional is the song played at the end of the ceremony when the newly married couple and their wedding party walk up the aisle. It is the first song you'll hear as a married couple and is often the first song of the party. The music chosen for this moment should be sentimental and triumphant.

There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding recessional song. You can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit straight from the charts. The song should be a thoughtful and romantic choice that you and your partner love. It should also be bright, fast, and celebratory.

If you're looking for a sentimental choice, "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" is a wonderful option. Originally recorded by Marvin Gaye, it was popularized by James Taylor's cover. Its sentimental lyrics make it a perfect choice for the conclusion of your wedding ceremony. For a more triumphant exit, "Roundeau" is a powerful and triumphant tune that will add an additional layer of pomp and royalty to your exit.

If you're looking for something more contemporary, there are plenty of modern options that will show off your personality and taste in music. "Marry You" by Bruno Mars is a popular choice with its sentimental lyrics and catchy beat. "Still Dre" by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg is another fun, modern choice. If you're looking for something more unique, you could even choose a theme song from a TV show, such as "The Always Sunny In Philadelphia" theme song.

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Recessional songs can be classical, modern, fun, acoustic or upbeat

Wedding recessional songs are played as the newly married couple walks back down the aisle. They are meant to reflect the joy of finally being married and celebrating your love together. The right wedding recessional song can make the moment pure magic.

Recessional songs can be classical, modern, fun, acoustic, or upbeat. Classical music is a nice choice to play softly in the background as it adds ambiance to the room and is easy listening. However, there are also many modern songs that can be chosen. The key is to not go for anything too loud or upbeat, as you want your guests to be able to chat.

If you want to go for a more fun and romantic mood, country wedding recessional songs with heartfelt lyrics and foot-stomping melodies are a great option. Acoustic guitars can get people dancing and create a relaxed atmosphere. You can also opt for instrumental wedding recessional songs, including upbeat acoustic versions of popular songs. For example, you could play a live rendition of a well-known pop song, like a song from the Bridgerton soundtrack.

Upbeat wedding recessional songs are also a popular choice, reflecting the joy of the occasion. These songs can be chart-topping favorites or timeless hits that are impossible to resist singing and grooving along to. Some couples choose to go slow and solemn for their bridal march or first dance, but the recessional is a great opportunity to play a peppy song.

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Wedding music is often a confusing topic, with many different terms used to refer to the various stages of the wedding. The recessional is the piece of music played as the newly married couple exit the ceremony, often walking hand-in-hand up the aisle. It is usually an upbeat, high-energy song that reflects the couple's musical taste and adds to the sentiment of the day.

There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a recessional song, and couples can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a traditional wedding song, an acoustic cover, or a current hit. The key is to choose something memorable and sentimental that reflects the couple's personality.

Examples of popular modern recessional songs include "Still D.R.E." by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, and "Manchester" by Kishi Bashi. "Still D.R.E." is an upbeat rap song featuring two iconic American rappers. It was released in 1999 and has since become a classic, with notable live performances including the Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022. "Manchester," on the other hand, is an indie-pop song released in 2012. With its unique sound and meaningful lyrics, it can be a perfect choice for couples looking for a modern and personalized recessional song.

Ultimately, the choice of recessional song is a personal one, and couples should select a song that holds a special meaning for them. Whether it's a classic or a contemporary hit, the right song will leave a lasting impression on the couple and their guests.

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Classical music choices include A Midsummer Night's Dream by Felix Mendelssohn, and Canon and Gigue in D Major: I. Canon by J.S. Bach Orchestra

The wedding recessional song is played as the newly married couple walks hand in hand up the aisle, and it should be a sentimental choice that you and your partner love. Classical music is a popular choice for the recessional, and there are plenty of options to choose from.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Felix Mendelssohn is a popular choice for a classical wedding recessional. Mendelssohn composed music for William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" on two occasions. The first was in 1826, when he wrote a concert overture (Op. 21) after reading a German translation of the play. The second was in 1842 when he wrote incidental music (Op. 61) for a production of the play, into which he incorporated the existing overture. The incidental music includes the famous "Wedding March", which is a well-known and traditional choice for a wedding recessional.

Another classical music choice for a wedding recessional is "Canon and Gigue in D Major: I. Canon" by J.S. Bach Orchestra. This piece is also known as "Pachelbel's Canon", and it dates back to the late 17th or early 18th century. There is speculation that it was written as a gift for the wedding of Johann Sebastian Bach's older brother, Johann Christoph Bach, in 1694. The canon was originally scored for three violins and basso continuo and is paired with a gigue, set in 12/8 time. The popularity of Pachelbel's Canon increased in the 1970s when it began to be recorded by many ensembles, and by the early 1980s, it had become a well-known piece of background music.

In addition to the recessional, there are several other opportunities to incorporate music into your wedding, such as the prelude (music played as guests arrive and take their seats), the processional (music played as the wedding party walks down the aisle), the interlude (music played during a lull in the ceremony, such as when the couple is signing documents), and the first dance. Classical music is a good choice for these portions of the wedding as well, and you can also consider modern songs or instrumental versions of your favourite songs.

Frequently asked questions

Wedding recessional songs are played as the newlyweds walk back down the aisle, followed by their guests.

The wedding recessional song is played at the end of the ceremony, after the couple has exchanged vows, said their "I dos", swapped wedding rings, and shared their first kiss as a married couple.

There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding recessional song. You can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a traditional wedding song, an acoustic cover, or a current hit. The song should be sentimental and triumphant, reflecting the excitement and celebration of the moment.

Popular wedding recessional songs range from classical pieces such as "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn to modern hits like "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole. Other popular choices include "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" by Elton John and Kiki Dee, "Gold Digger" by Kanye West and Jamie Foxx, and "Still Dre" by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.

There are many resources available online, such as Spotify playlists and articles on wedding planning websites, that offer suggestions and inspiration for wedding recessional songs to suit different tastes and styles.

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