George Boyle
A wedding song is a tune that sets the tone for a couple's special day, from the pre-ceremony to the last dance. Wedding songs can be played at various points throughout the day, including the processional, recessional, first dance, and during the reception. The songs played are usually romantic and sentimental, with lyrics that convey love and devotion. They can be classic or modern, and some couples even choose to write their own. Wedding songs are a way to add a personal touch to the celebration and create lasting memories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To set the tone for the wedding and create a celebratory atmosphere |
| Types | Prelude, processional, first dance, last dance, mother/son dance, father/daughter dance, reception, postlude, etc. |
| Lyrics | A pledge of everlasting love, growing old together, a promise to always be there, loving with all one's heart, etc. |
| Instruments | Harp, piano, violin, cello, guitar, drums, bagpipes, horns, etc. |
| Cultural variations | Jewish, Burmese, Egyptian, etc. |
| Popular choices | "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran, "All of Me" by John Legend, "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, "Amazed" by Lonestar, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Cultural and regional variations
Wedding songs are an integral part of marriages across cultures and regions. They add a magical touch to the celebration of love and help create lasting memories. While some cultures have specific songs that are traditionally played at weddings, others incorporate a mix of traditional and contemporary songs from various cultures. Here are some cultural and regional variations of wedding songs:
Indian Weddings
Vivah geet, or wedding songs, hold a significant role in Indian weddings. They are more than just songs, as they embody the enduring power of love, family bonds, tradition, and cultural heritage. Vivah geet have evolved over centuries, adapting new instruments and musical styles while preserving their traditional essence. Today, Indian weddings often blend classical and contemporary elements, with both men and women participating in singing these melodious tunes.
Jewish Weddings
In Jewish weddings, the entrance of the groom is traditionally marked by the tune "Baruch Haba." "Siman Tov," or "Good Tidings," is another popular celebratory song played at Jewish weddings.
Egyptian Weddings
The Egyptian zaffa, or wedding march, is a vibrant musical procession. It typically includes bendir drums, bagpipes, horns, belly dancers, and men carrying flaming swords.
Latin American Weddings
Latin American weddings showcase a diverse range of musical genres, including merengue, bachata, cumbia, and cha-cha-chá. These genres have evolved through the fusion of African, indigenous, and European influences. Artists such as Elvis Crespo, Tito Puente, and Selena have created songs that are well-suited for Latin American weddings.
Burmese Weddings
Traditional Burmese weddings incorporate songs from the Mahāgīta corpus. A specific bwe song, "Aura of Immeasurable Auspiciousness," serves as a wedding processional song. More modern compositions, such as "Auspicious Song" by Twante Thein Tan and "Akadaw Pei" by Waing Lamin Aung, are also commonly played at Burmese weddings.
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Choosing a wedding song
Choosing the right wedding songs is an important part of planning the perfect wedding. Wedding songs are a reflection of the couple's personality and tastes, and they can set the tone for the entire event. From the processional to the recessional and the first dance, music plays a crucial role in creating lasting memories of the special day.
When selecting wedding songs, it is essential to consider the different parts of the wedding where music will be featured. The processional, or the song that plays when the wedding party walks down the aisle, sets the tone for the ceremony. It is a chance to make a statement and introduce the bride before she walks down the aisle. Classical pieces or instrumental versions of popular songs are often popular choices for the processional, such as "Moonlight Densetsu" from Sailor Moon or "Can't Take It In" by Imogen Heap.
The recessional, on the other hand, is a time to celebrate as the newly married couple recesses back up the aisle. Upbeat and fun songs like "Concerning Hobbits" by Taylor Davis or "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles are popular choices for this part of the wedding.
The first dance is another crucial moment where the couple shares their first dance as a married couple. This song is often a reflection of the couple's relationship and can be an emotional and sentimental moment. Songs like "Butterflies" by Kacey Musgraves or "How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding are popular choices for the first dance.
In addition to these key moments, the reception playlist is also an important consideration. This is the time to honour the newlyweds and their guests, creating a fun and entertaining atmosphere. Duets, Broadway tunes, and popular wedding songs can all be great choices for the reception. "Someone Like You" from "Jekyll and Hyde" or "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri from "Twilight" are examples of songs that can add a fun and memorable touch to the celebration.
Ultimately, choosing the right wedding songs is a personal decision for the couple. Whether it's a song that holds special meaning, reflects their unique story, or simply sets the desired tone for the wedding, there are endless options to choose from. By selecting songs that resonate with them, couples can create a wedding day that is not only memorable but also a true representation of their love and personalities.
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Popular wedding songs
Music is an integral part of weddings and can be used to set the mood and tone of the event. Wedding songs can be played during the prelude, as guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin, during the processional, which accompanies the entry of the wedding party, the bride, and the groom, and during the recessional, as guests exit the ceremony. Interludes or songs can also be played during significant moments such as lighting a unity candle. The music played at weddings often holds a special meaning for the couple and can include romantic, sentimental, and fun songs.
There are many popular wedding songs that couples choose for their special day. Some couples opt for classic love songs or romantic ballads, such as "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel, "How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding, "The Book of Love" by Peter Gabriel, or "I Choose You" by Sara Bareilles. These songs can evoke emotions and create a sentimental atmosphere.
Upbeat and fun songs are also popular choices for weddings, especially during the reception or celebratory dance. Songs like "Love On Top" by Beyoncé, "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers, and "Celebrate" by Anderson Paak can get guests on the dance floor and create a joyful ambiance.
Cultural and traditional songs also hold a significant place in weddings. For example, Jewish weddings often feature songs like "Baruch Haba" for the groom's entrance and "Siman Tov" as an all-purpose celebratory song. In Egyptian culture, the zaffa, a musical procession of drums, bagpipes, horns, and belly dancers, is a customary part of the wedding march. Traditional Burmese weddings incorporate songs from the Mahāgīta corpus, such as "Aura of Immeasurable Auspiciousness". These cultural songs add a unique and meaningful touch to the wedding celebrations.
Ultimately, the choice of wedding songs is a personal decision for the couple, and they may opt for songs that hold special memories or reflect their musical preferences. Whether it's a romantic ballad, an upbeat dance number, or a traditional tune, wedding songs play a crucial role in enhancing the atmosphere and creating lasting memories for the couple and their guests.
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Wedding songs for different parts of the ceremony
Music is an integral part of a wedding ceremony. It sets the mood, creates an atmosphere, and makes the occasion more memorable. There are four main parts of the ceremony that you'll need to choose music for: the guests' arrival, the processional, the signing of the register, and the recessional walk.
The Guests' Arrival
Music played as guests arrive and take their seats is called prelude music. It usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes prior to the ceremony but no later than 20 minutes before the beginning. You'll need between five and ten songs for this pre-ceremony period, depending on how long your prelude will be.
The Processional
The processional is the music that accompanies the entry of the wedding party, family, attendants, and the bride. You can use the same song for each entrance, or change it up when the bride enters to add drama and highlight their big moment. The number of processional songs you'll need depends on the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle.
The Signing of the Register
Three songs are recommended for this part of the ceremony. They can be a mix of cute, romantic, and upbeat celebratory tracks.
The Recessional Walk
Just one song is needed for this celebratory part of the ceremony. It should be an upbeat song to match the joyful mood as the newly married couple makes their first steps back up the aisle towards the reception.
Other Musical Moments
You might also want to include a postlude, which is music played while guests exit the ceremony. Interludes or songs can also be played during significant moments such as the unity candle lighting or the ketubah signing.
Choosing the Right Songs
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing wedding songs. You can go for romantic love songs, uplifting tracks, or even the hottest tunes. You can stick to tradition with songs like "Here Comes the Bride" or "Bridal Chorus" by Richard Wagner, or opt for something more unique and modern. The key is to choose songs that resonate with you and your partner and fit your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a country wedding, you might want to play some country tunes, or if you're having a casual affair, "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry could be a fun choice.
It's also important to consider the practical aspects, such as the size of your venue and the availability of certain instruments. For instance, a huge brass quintet might overwhelm a small chapel, and an outdoor wedding may not be the best setting for a harp as the sound tends to drift upward.
Additionally, some ceremony sites and officiants may have strict guidelines about which music can and can't be played, so be sure to do your research beforehand.
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Wedding songs for the reception
Wedding songs are an integral part of the celebration, often evoking strong emotions and setting the mood for the ceremony and reception. Wedding songs can be chosen to accompany various parts of the wedding, from the prelude to the processional and recessional, as well as interludes during significant moments and the postlude.
For the reception, where there is often a celebratory dance, the song choices can be more diverse and tailored to the couple's preferences. Here are some ideas for wedding songs to be played at the reception:
DJ or Band Recommendations
If you're hiring a DJ or a live band for your reception, they will likely ask for your input on song choices. This is your opportunity to personalise the celebration and ensure your favourite songs are played.
Romantic Songs
Romantic songs are a popular choice for weddings, with couples often opting for classics like "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel, or "I Choose You" by Sara Bareilles for their first dance.
Upbeat Songs
To get everyone on the dance floor, consider upbeat songs like "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas, "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift, "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers, "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show, or "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers.
Throwbacks and Classics
Throwback songs and classics are always a fun addition to the reception, with songs like "Dancing Queen" by ABBA, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston, "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson, "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" by Backstreet Boys, and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" theme song.
Personal Favourites
Ultimately, the song choices for your wedding reception should reflect your tastes as a couple. Whether it's country line dancing, Beyoncé, or throwbacks, choose songs that you and your guests will enjoy and that hold special meaning for you.
Remember to consider the size and acoustics of your venue when planning your wedding songs and discuss any guidelines or restrictions with your musicians or DJ.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding song is a song played at a wedding, during the ceremony or reception.
Some popular wedding songs include "Here Comes the Bride", "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran, "All of Me" by John Legend, "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, and "Amazed" by Lonestar.
There are several moments during the wedding ceremony where songs are played. Prelude music is played while guests are being seated, followed by the processional, which accompanies the entry of the wedding party, family, and bride. The bride's entrance song is often different from the processional and is usually more dramatic and emotional. Interludes or songs can also be played during significant moments such as the unity candle lighting or signing of the ketubah. Finally, a recessional song is played as the newly married couple and wedding party exit the ceremony.
The first dance as a married couple is a memorable moment that often has a special song. Other traditional dances include the father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, and the last dance of the night. The cake-cutting moment is also important, and some couples choose a specific song for this.
