Rhiannon Hendricks
Music is an essential part of a wedding. From the bride's entrance to the couple's first dance, music helps set the tone and create lasting memories of the special day. Couples should carefully select songs that reflect their personalities and energy, whether they are romantic, fun, or upbeat dance tunes. The music played at a wedding should also cater to the guest list, creating an inclusive atmosphere that encourages everyone to get on the dance floor and celebrate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Music type | Prelude, processional, recessional, postlude, interludes, background, first dance, reception entrance, dinner, signing the register |
| Music style | Romantic, gentle, light, ambient, bright, lively, celebratory, happy, up-tempo, sentimental, mellow |
| Music choices | DJ, live musicians, recorded music, instrumental, songs with lyrics |
| Music volume | Volume may depend on venue size and whether the music is recorded or live |
| Venue | Indoor or outdoor venue may influence the type and number of musicians |
| Musician | Harp, piano, violin, cello, guitar, flute, string quartet, brass quintet, bagpipes |
| Musician cost | Average $800 |
| Musician availability | Check musician's experience, skill, sound, and reviews |
| Musician flexibility | Ask if musician can be creative with music choices, and if they offer package deals |
| Musician contract | Ask if musician uses a contract |
| Technical support | Consider hiring a sound technician |
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What You'll Learn
Prelude music
The style of music you choose will depend on the overall style and mood of your wedding. For a rustic wedding, contemporary acoustic songs are a great choice. For a traditional ceremony, classical and instrumental music is a better fit. If you're looking for a classical touch without sounding too "boring", E Major Violin Concerto by Johann Sebastian Bach is a great choice. For something more modern, a string quartet can bring your personality to the day with the songs you choose.
If you're looking for specific genres or instrumentals, you could consider classic rock or pop songs. For a romantic experience, "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo, "Everything" by Michael Bublé, and "Yellow" by Coldplay are great options. "Water Music Suite No.3, HWV 350" by George Frideric Handel, "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven, and "Sheep May Safely Graze" by Bach are also lovely tunes to have played by live musicians.
If you're having an outdoor ceremony in the spring or summer, a cheerful country ballad can be a good choice. For a wedding by the water, "The One" by an indie Irish band is a romantic prelude song.
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Processional music
If you have a large wedding party and want everyone to walk down the aisle to the same song, you'll need a longer tune. Take the length of your aisle into consideration, too. You can select a song for your wedding party to walk down the aisle to, or they can have their own tune.
Traditionally, instrumental music is played during this time. However, if you want to switch things up, you could have a processional style. It is crucial to choose wedding ceremony music that creates a soundtrack for every important moment and sets the tone for the entire event.
Before deciding on ceremony musicians and song selections, do your homework. 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 (volume and curfew) or space for a band. Consider the size of your ceremony venue when putting together your ensemble. For instance, a huge brass quintet and a small chapel won't be a good match—the sound may overwhelm the space.
If you're having an outdoor wedding, you probably can't use a traditional piano, but if electricity is available, an electric piano could work. You can complement it with a string instrument such as a violin or cello. If you've got your heart set on a harp, make sure there's enough room and a practical way to get it inside the venue.
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Recessional music
The recessional music at a wedding plays as the newlyweds walk back up the aisle together. If you're looking for modern recessional music with meaningful lyrics, you might prefer something slower like Colbie Caillat's "I Do", or something more upbeat like "Love On Top" by Beyonce. You could also consider including a cute, funny element to your ceremony, like a reference to a favourite film.
For a traditional ceremony, you might want to opt for classical music. If you're looking for something more unique, you could put together a playlist of epic songs to make your ceremony exit memorable.
Ultimately, the choice of music is a personal one and should reflect your musical tastes. Whether you prefer something slow and romantic or upbeat and joyful, there are plenty of options to choose from to make your wedding exit special.
- "I Got You" by Jack Johnson
- "You Make It Easy" by Jason Aldean
- "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne
- "Marry Me" by Train
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![The Bridal Song. [A paraphrase in verse of the Song of Solomon.]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61oKTZTZmPL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Live musicians vs. recorded music
Music is an important part of a wedding, setting the tone, stirring up emotions, and sharing a message with your guests. When it comes to choosing between live musicians and recorded music for your wedding, there are several factors to consider.
One advantage of recorded music is that you know exactly what the songs will sound like, and you can ensure that they are played at the exact right moment. With live musicians, there is always a level of uncertainty about how well they know the pieces and how they will sound together. Recorded music can also be a more affordable option, as hiring live musicians can be expensive. Additionally, if you have a specific playlist of contemporary songs that you want to be played, a DJ may be a better option, as they can often provide the wireless mic and sound setup, ensuring that your guests can hear the ceremony clearly.
On the other hand, live musicians can add a unique touch of class and elegance to your wedding that cannot be replicated by recorded music. They can also help with the timing of entrances, ensuring that the music ends at just the right moment. Live music can create a more seamless and dramatic experience, especially for important moments such as the bride's entrance. If you have a talented friend or family member, they can also be an option for providing live music at your wedding.
The decision between live musicians and recorded music ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the ambiance you want to create. Consider the size and location of your venue, as well as any restrictions or guidelines that may be in place for music. If you have your heart set on a particular instrument, such as a harp, make sure there is enough space and a practical way to get it to your venue.
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Choosing the right songs
Music is an important part of a wedding as it sets the tone and shares a message with your guests. Prelude music is light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. It usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony begins. You'll need between five and 10 songs for this pre-ceremony period.
The processional song is played while the wedding party enters the ceremony, including parents and grandparents. The same song can be used for each person entering, but you might want to change the song when the bride enters to add drama and highlight their entrance. The number of processional songs you'll need depends on 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 a more dramatic and emotional song for the bride.
The recessional song is played when the couple exits the ceremony as husband and wife. This song should be up-tempo, happy, and celebratory. There is usually just one main recessional song, but you can also plan for a few postludes as guests are leaving. Many couples choose to add interludes or songs played during significant moments such as the unity candle lighting or the ketubah signing.
When choosing the right songs, it's important to consider the size and location of your venue. For example, a huge brass quintet might overwhelm a small chapel, and a harp may not be the best choice for an outdoor wedding as the sound tends to drift upward. If electricity is available, an electric piano could work for an outdoor wedding, and you could complement it with a string instrument such as a violin or cello.
You can browse wedding photos to find vendors that match your style or ask friends for recommendations. Many ceremony musicians offer videos of their performances on their websites, which can help you get a sense of their skill and sound. You can also check client reviews and schedule interviews with your top picks to discuss your preferences and their experience.
It's important to start planning your wedding songs well in advance and to keep a running list of songs you like. You can also ask your wedding party for their suggestions and ideas. Once you have a list of songs, review it periodically to weed out the ones that are no longer appealing.
Finally, consider hiring a sound technician or DJ to ensure that your wedding music is well-coordinated and cued correctly. They can also help you source songs and create a smooth and seamless experience for your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
The prelude, processional, and recessional are the three key moments in a wedding ceremony with accompanying music. The prelude is played while guests are being seated before the ceremony begins. The processional is the music that plays when the wedding party enters the ceremony. The recessional is an upbeat song that plays when the couple exits the ceremony as newlyweds.
The music played at your wedding will set the tone for the entire event. Prelude music is typically light and ambient. Processional music is often instrumental, but some couples choose to switch it up. Recessional music should be bright, lively, and celebratory.
There are advantages to both options. Live musicians can ensure that the music is timed perfectly with key moments, such as the bridal entrance. They can also create a seamless experience for entrances and exits. However, recorded music played by a DJ may be more practical and affordable for certain venues, especially outdoors.
