Music For Your Wedding: A Planning Guide

Planning the music for your wedding day can be a daunting task, but it's an excellent way to create a romantic atmosphere and set the tone for the entire event. From the pre-ceremony music to the all-important first dance, choosing the right songs will ensure every moment is filled with music that resonates with you and your partner. The music you select will not only build excitement and ambience but will also become a memorable part of your love story, forever reminding you of your special day.

Pre-ceremony music

You should plan for around 30 minutes of pre-ceremony music to account for early guests, latecomers, and any other unexpected delays. This background music should be mellow and unobtrusive, creating a nice ambiance for your guests as they arrive and take their seats. It can include classical pieces or instrumental love ballads, and you can ask your DJ, sound tech, or wedding planner for suggestions if you're unsure.

If you have strong opinions about the music, it's a good idea to give your DJ or band a "must-play" or "don't play" list. You can also ask your performers to play quietly throughout as an ambient underscore to the proceedings. Consider the size of your venue when choosing your ensemble; for example, a large group may overwhelm a small space. If you're having an outdoor wedding, you may need to opt for an electric piano or another alternative to a traditional piano.

When it comes to choosing the songs themselves, it's important to select music that speaks to you and your partner. Every time you hear these songs in the future, you'll be reminded of your special day. Don't be afraid to use a song that's been played at other weddings—make it yours by changing it up with a live performance, an acoustic version, or different instruments.

Processional songs

The processional song is the music that accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and the bride. The number of processional songs you'll need depends on factors like the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. Most couples choose two processional songs: one for the family and wedding party, and a more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional.

If you're planning a formal wedding, you might want to stick with traditional, classical wedding processional songs. These are familiar to everyone, and many of these tunes have crescendos that are perfect for a grand entrance. Some couples opt for instrumental versions of popular songs, such as a string quartet version of "Chasing Cars", or a piano version of "Counting Stars". You could also change it up and have someone play it live, get an acoustic version, or have it played with different instruments. For example, one couple chose a cover of "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, performed by The Piano Guys. Another couple chose "Wild World" by Eric Clapton, sung and played by the groom's brother.

If you're a fun-loving couple, you might want to choose an upbeat wedding song to match your personality. You could even consider choreographing a dance for your wedding party to perform to the song. One couple chose "Tale As Old As Time" from Beauty and the Beast as their processional, as their wedding theme was loosely based on the film.

Before choosing your songs, it's important to do your research. Some ceremony sites and officiants may have strict guidelines about which music can and can't be played during a ceremony. Secular locations may also have guidelines regarding noise restrictions and space availability for a band. Consider the size of your ceremony venue when putting together your ensemble.

Recessional songs

The recessional song is played at the end of the wedding ceremony when the newlyweds and wedding party walk up the aisle. It should be a thoughtful and romantic choice, reflecting the excitement and joy of the couple.

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 joyous, upbeat, and triumphant, with a strong intro to lift everyone's mood.

• "You're the One That I Want" from Grease by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
• "Wedding March" from A Midsummer Night's Dream by Felix Mendelssohn
• "Wake Up" by Arcade Fire
• "Hey Ya" by Outkast
• "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas
• "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" by Elton John ft. Kiki Dee
• "Gold Digger" by Kayne West ft. Jamie Foxx
• "It Had to Be You" by Harry Connick, Jr.

Reception music

The music played at your wedding reception is an important part of your big day. It can create a romantic atmosphere and set the tone for the entire event. It's also a fun part of the planning process!

Pre-Ceremony Music

You'll want to set the mood with some pre-ceremony music, also known as arrival or ambient music. This plays as your guests arrive and take their seats, creating a romantic and exciting atmosphere. You'll want about 30 minutes of music for this part, and it should be soft and unobtrusive.

Cocktail Hour

The music during the cocktail hour can also set the mood for your reception. It's an unstructured time for mingling, so choose some upbeat musical underscoring to build anticipation for the celebration ahead. You can continue with the same music as the cocktail hour for your dinner, or switch to a mellow playlist.

First Dance

The first dance is a personal choice and a critical moment. You may want to hand your DJ or band a "must-play" or "don't play" list to ensure your musical expectations are met. If you're planning a choreographed dance, it's best to stick to the original track to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Party Time

Now it's time to get your guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor! You can give your band or DJ a specific wedding playlist of hand-picked music, or ask them for their song list and choose any songs you definitely do or don't want to be played.

Other Tips

You might want to change up the songs used during the ceremony for different entrances, or ask family members what songs they would like to walk down the aisle to. You could also have songs performed live, get an acoustic version, or have them played with different instruments to make them fresh and interesting.

First dance song

Planning the music for your wedding can be a daunting task, but it's also one of the most fun parts of the process. The first dance song is one of the most important and personal decisions you'll make, so it's worth putting some thought into it. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you choose the perfect song for your special day:

Consider the Tempo: Do you want a slow and romantic ballad, or something more upbeat and lighthearted that reflects your personality as a couple? A slow dance might be more traditional, but an upbeat song can bring energy and fun to the dance floor.

Lyrics and Memories: Choose a song with meaningful lyrics that resonate with your relationship. It could be a song that holds a special memory for you both, such as the first song you ever danced to, or one that sums up your love story.

Personal Preference: Ultimately, the most important factor is that you both love the song. Pick something that speaks to you, even if it's not typically considered a "wedding song." This is your chance to showcase your unique taste and create a moment that truly represents you as a couple.

• "You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson
• "Green Eyes" by Coldplay
• "I Got You" by Jack Johnson
• "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds
• "You're Still The One" by Shania Twain
• "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran
• "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" by Iron and Wine
• "L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole
• "La Vie En Rose" by Emily Watts
• "Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star

Frequently asked questions