Deborah Chan
Music is an integral part of a wedding, with songs playing during the procession, the first dance, and the reception. Classical music is a popular choice for weddings, with songs like Mendelssohn's The Wedding March and Pachelbel's Canon in D Major often played during the procession. Mozart, Beethoven, and Handel have also composed songs that are perfect for weddings. For religious ceremonies, hymns like 'Jerusalem' by Parry are a good choice. Couples may also opt for modern processional tracks, unique wedding songs, or a mix of classic rock, pop, and hip-hop to get their guests dancing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Classical, pop, rock, hip-hop, country, gospel, etc. |
| Tempo | Fast, slow, upbeat, lilting, sweeping, etc. |
| Instruments | Piano, violin, harp, trumpet, opera singer, etc. |
| Mood | Emotional, romantic, majestic, dramatic, etc. |
| Moments | Bridal entrance, groom entrance, first dance, cake cutting, etc. |
| Culture | Jewish, Egyptian, Burmese, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Classical ceremony compositions
Classical music provides an elegant and timeless soundtrack to your wedding. The right classical composition can make your ceremony feel sophisticated and unique. Here are some classical ceremony compositions to consider for your wedding:
Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March"
Frequently imagined as the music for a bride's walk down the aisle, "The Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn is a popular choice for classical wedding music. This well-known melody can add a dramatic and elegant touch to the bridal entrance.
Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major"
Composed by Johann Pachelbel, "Canon in D Major" is a timeless and elegant instrumental piece. This composition is often associated with weddings and can create a sophisticated atmosphere for the processional.
Mozart's Violin Compositions
For a dramatic entrance or exit, consider a fast-paced Mozart melody featuring violins. Mozart's compositions offer a range of emotions, from warm and inviting to contemplative and uplifting, making them versatile choices for different moments during the ceremony.
Handel's Compositions
Handel's works provide a variety of options for your wedding ceremony. For a lengthy composition that can last through most of your ceremony, his oratorio "Messiah" is a soulful and moving choice. Alternatively, for a majestic Baroque sound, you can choose a timeless melody from his "Water Music Suites."
Bach's "Wachet Auf"
If you're having a church ceremony, "Wachet Auf" by Johann Sebastian Bach is a wonderful organ piece to greet your guests as they arrive. This classical composition sets a solemn and elegant tone for the start of your wedding.
Vivaldi's "Spring" from "The Four Seasons"
To keep the tempo lively and sprightly, "Spring" from Antonio Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" is an excellent choice. This classical composition adds a touch of energy and elegance to your wedding ceremony.
Morricone's "Gabriel's Oboe"
Ennio Morricone's "Gabriel's Oboe," also known as "Nella Fantasia," has become a wedding favourite. This classical piece is perfect for the procession, offering a serene and sweeping melody to set the scene for your ceremony.
Hymns
Hymns are a lovely way to involve your guests in the ceremony, especially if you're having a religious wedding. "Jerusalem" by Parry, featured at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine in 2011, is a rousing and memorable choice that will have your guests singing along.
These classical ceremony compositions are just a few ideas to consider for your wedding. Whether you prefer traditional or modern selections, classical music can add a timeless and elegant touch to your special day.
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First dance songs
The first dance as a married couple is a special moment, and the right music can make it even more magical. Whether you're after a classic or something more contemporary, here are some suggestions for that memorable first dance song:
For a timeless, elegant feel, classical music is a popular choice. Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March" and Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major" are well-loved classics. If you're looking for something with a similar feel but a little less traditional, Morricone's "Gabriel's Oboe" (also known as "Nella Fantasia"), from the 1986 film The Mission, is a wonderful option. It features sweeping string lines and a lilting waltz theme, perfect for a romantic first dance.
If you're a fan of Mozart, his compositions offer a warm, soft, and inviting tone, ideal for a first dance. For something with a faster pace and a dramatic flair, a Mozart piece with heavy violin could be a great choice. For a more modern twist, Max Richter's 'Recomposed' version of Vivaldi's 'Spring' might be the perfect fit.
For a truly unique first dance, you could consider a Baroque sound with Handel's "Water Music Suites." This composition boasts a majestic, trumpet-filled melody that's sure to make a statement. Alternatively, for a soulful and moving experience, a violin solo could be the way to go.
Of course, you might prefer a more contemporary option. Howard Shore's "Concerning Hobbits" from The Lord of the Rings is a 21st-century favourite, and its cheerful tone is perfect for setting a joyful atmosphere. If you're looking for something with a French touch, HYMNE À L'AMOUR by Édith Piaf and Marguerite Monnot is a wonderful choice.
Lastly, don't forget to consider the length of your aisle and the tempo of the song. You want to ensure that your chosen song fits perfectly, allowing you to arrive at the altar at just the right moment in the music.
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Father-daughter dance songs
The father-daughter dance is a staple of American wedding celebrations and is becoming increasingly popular in British weddings too. However, it can be a tough choice to get right. The song should be heartfelt and sincere, but it's easy to stray into mawkish, creepy, or even patriarchal territory.
A good option is to choose a song that's important to you and your father. For example, if your dad is a big Bruce Springsteen fan, you could pick one of his songs, like "NYC Serenade". Or, if you want to avoid anything too emotional, you could go for a fun, upbeat option like a song by Otis Redding.
If you're looking for a classic, you can't go wrong with "Wild Horses" by The Rolling Stones, which is about the hard work that goes into any relationship, or "You've Got a Friend" by Randy Newman from the Toy Story soundtrack. "Father and Daughter" by Paul Simon is another sweet and sentimental option. For something a little more modern, check out Frank Ocean's version of the Audrey Hepburn classic, "Moon River".
For those who want a song that reflects on the passage of time and the bittersweet feeling of watching your child grow up, there's "Butterfly Kisses", a 90s release that's been a go-to father-daughter dance song ever since. ABBA's songs are also a great choice for this, with lyrics that reflect on the fleeting nature of time. Country music fans might prefer "I Loved Her First" by Heartland, a song about a father's love and protectiveness for his daughter.
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Upbeat and fun songs
If you're looking for a fun and unique processional song, you could consider a fast-paced classical piece, such as Vivaldi's "Spring" from "The Four Seasons" or a Mozart melody with heavy violins. For a more modern take, Max Richter's "Recomposed" version of "Spring". If you want to make a dramatic entrance, a fast-paced Beethoven classic will surely get your guests' hearts racing.
For the reception, there are many directions you could go in. Classical music is a timeless choice, with pieces like Handel's "Water Music Suites" providing a majestic, Baroque sound. If you're looking for something more contemporary, Howard Shore's "Concerning Hobbits" from "The Lord of the Rings" is a 21st-century wedding favourite with a chipper tone. You could also try an upbeat classical rock, pop, or hip-hop song to get your guests dancing.
If you're looking for a unique and fun song to walk down the aisle to, you might want to consider a shorter song if your aisle is relatively short. A fun and lively hymn is also a great choice for a religious ceremony, with 'Jerusalem' by Parry being a reliable option that most guests will know.
No matter what style of music you choose, there are plenty of fun and upbeat options to surprise your guests and keep the occasion fresh.
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Slow and romantic songs
There are plenty of classic love ballads to choose from, including "Unchained Melody", "At Last" by Etta James, "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley, "You're the Inspiration" by Chicago, "When I Fall in Love" by Nat King Cole, "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, "It Had to Be You" by Harry Connick Jr, "Dream a Little Dream of Me" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel, "All of Me" by John Legend, and "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran.
If you're looking for a song with a simple message about accepting and loving someone for who they are, then "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel is a great choice. For couples who have been together for a long time before tying the knot, "Still the One" by Shania Twain is a perfect fit, with lyrics like, "Looks like we made it/Look how far we've come, my baby".
For a modern twist on a classic, try "All of Me" by John Legend, which has goosebump-inducing sultry piano and sweet lyrics. Or, for a soulful, Motown-inspired sound, "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran is a popular choice for a first dance.
For a truly timeless classic, Pachelbel's "Canon in D" is the most popular classical choice for wedding ceremonies, and you can't go wrong with a romantic Motown ballad like "You Are the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me".
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Frequently asked questions
Classic wedding songs include Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March", Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major", and Handel's "Water Music Suites".
Traditional wedding songs vary across different cultures. For example, in Jewish weddings, the groom's entrance is accompanied by the tune "Baruch Haba", and "Siman Tov" ("Good Tidings") is played as an all-purpose celebratory song. In Egyptian culture, the "zaffa" is a musical procession of bendir drums, bagpipes, horns, belly dancers, and men carrying flaming swords. Traditional Burmese weddings incorporate songs from the Mahagita corpus, such as "Aura of Immeasurable Auspiciousness".
Modern wedding songs can vary depending on the couple's preferences. Some popular choices include "Concerning Hobbits" from The Lord of the Rings, "Gabriel's Oboe" from The Mission, and "This is How You Fall in Love" by Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker.
