Franklin Dean
Music is an integral part of a wedding ceremony, setting the tone and style of the event. The songs played at your wedding will create a romantic atmosphere and become forever linked to the memories of your special day. Prelude music is played while guests are being seated, followed by the processional, which accompanies the entry of the wedding party, family, and the couple. The recessional is played when the couple exits the ceremony as newlyweds, and postludes can be played as guests leave. Other important moments to consider include the signing of the register, the cake-cutting, the bouquet toss, and the last dance. The music selected for these moments can range from traditional and classic choices to modern and unconventional songs, but should ultimately reflect the couple's preferences and create a cohesive soundtrack for their wedding day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prelude | Light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. |
| Processional | Accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and bride. |
| Recessional | Played when the couple exits the ceremony as newlyweds. It is traditionally bright, lively, and celebratory. |
| Unity ceremonies | Instrumental music or songs played during rituals such as lighting a unity candle or a sand-pouring ceremony. |
| Signing of the register | Couples may choose between one and three songs or hymns to play during this quick administrative task. |
| Cake-cutting | Couples may opt for a traditional tune or a high-energy dance jam. |
| Bouquet and garter toss | Light, traditional moments that call for their own musical accompaniment. |
| First dance | A very sentimental moment for the couple, often chosen as 'their song'. |
| Last dance | A slow song to wind down the festivities and signal the end of the celebration. |
| Cocktail hour | No specific moments requiring particular songs, but music is played to set the mood. |
| Reception entrance | An upbeat and uplifting song to start the reception with a bang. |
| Parent entrance | Traditionally, something sentimental is chosen for the parents or grandparents' walk down the aisle. |
| Bridal party entrance | Songs can vary from classic tunes to modern and unconventional choices. |
| Bridal processional | A grand entrance calls for a bold, unique, and emotional song. |
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What You'll Learn
Prelude music: light, ambient music while guests are seated
Prelude music is an important part of your wedding ceremony. It is the first thing your guests will notice and will set the tone for the entire event. Prelude music is light, ambient music that is played while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. It usually starts when the doors open, up to 45 minutes before the ceremony, but no later than 20 minutes prior. You'll need between five and 10 songs for this period, depending on how long your prelude will be.
Prelude music should be soft and elegant, creating a romantic atmosphere. Classical guitar, for example, is a cost-effective way to add elegance to your wedding ceremony. You could also consider a string quartet to add a stylish, classy touch. If you're having a religious ceremony, check with the musical director at your venue to find out if they have an approved song list. Hymns may be incorporated during the ceremony, and you may need to choose from an approved list.
If you're struggling for song ideas, think about songs that are meaningful to you and your partner. Is there a song that you both love to sing along to in the car or dance to in the kitchen? Perhaps there's a concert you went to together by an artist you adore? Prelude music can be a great way to incorporate songs that hold a special significance for you as a couple. Just remember to read the lyrics before choosing a song to ensure it conveys the right message for your wedding day.
You can also ask your DJ, ceremony musician, or wedding planner for suggestions. They will likely have a list of songs that fit your wedding style. You can also give them a specific wedding playlist of hand-picked music to play while guests are taking their seats. Prelude music is a wonderful opportunity to set the mood and create lasting memories, so choose songs that represent you as a couple.
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Processional music: accompanying the wedding party's entrance
The processional is one of the most important parts of the wedding ceremony, accompanying the wedding party's entrance and setting the tone for the rest of the event. Here are some tips and ideas to help you choose the perfect processional music:
Number of Songs
The number of processional songs you'll need depends on factors such as the size of your wedding party and the length of the aisle. Typically, you'll need at least two songs: one for each partner's entrance. However, you may want to select music for each specific group entering, including parents, the wedding party, and each partner. If you have a large wedding party, consider choosing additional songs to accommodate everyone's entrance.
Music Selection
The processional music should be carefully selected to match the mood and theme of your wedding. If you're planning a formal and traditional wedding, classical wedding processional songs are a popular choice. These familiar tunes often feature crescendos that are perfect for the grand entrance of the bride. On the other hand, if you're a fun-loving couple, you may want to choose an upbeat and lively song that reflects your personality. Instrumental wedding processional songs, such as piano, acoustic guitar, violins, or string quartets, are also a beautiful and elegant option.
Practical Considerations
When choosing your processional music, consider the walking pace of your wedding party. The song should complement the pace and rhythm of their walk down the aisle. Additionally, if you have specific rituals or moments during your ceremony, such as lighting a unity candle or signing the register, you may want to incorporate instrumental music or hymns to enhance those moments.
Popular Choices
While the choice of music is highly personal, some popular processional songs include "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol, "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles, "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, and "Wild World" by Eric Clapton.
Remember, the processional music should be a reflection of your personal taste and style. Take time to listen to a variety of songs and consider how they will be heard on the day, whether through a live musician or an instrumental version.
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Recessional music: a celebratory song for the couple's exit
The recessional song is played at the end of the wedding ceremony, as the couple makes their exit. It's usually an upbeat, bright, and celebratory song that reflects the couple's joy as newlyweds. There are no steadfast rules when choosing a recessional song, and couples can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a modern hit, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or even a sacred wedding song.
- "Beautiful Day" by U2
- "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder
- "Love on Top" by Beyoncé
- "The Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn
- "Light my Love" by Greta Van Fleet
- "Wildest Dreams" by Taylor Swift
- "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen
- "All The Small Things" by Blink 182
- "We Found Love" by Rihanna
- "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles
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Signing of the register: one to three songs to entertain guests
The signing of the register is a significant and meaningful moment in your wedding ceremony. It is the moment that makes your marriage official, so it is worth choosing one to three songs that will create a nice ambiance and entertain your guests.
You could opt for a romantic and heartfelt tune, a rousing ballad, or a funny, modern, and upbeat song. It is a great opportunity to add personality to your ceremony and choose songs that mean something to you and your partner. You could even invite your guests to join in by singing a hymn or performing one of your chosen songs.
If you are having a religious ceremony, check with the musical director at your venue to find out if they have an approved song list. Secular locations may also have guidelines regarding noise and space for a band. If you are using recorded music, ensure you have the necessary licenses and permissions to play the songs, especially in a public venue.
- "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
- "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
- "A Moment Like This" by Kelly Clarkson
- "Halo" by Beyonce
- "Lover" by Taylor Swift
- "Safe and Sound" by Capital Cities
- "R.E.M" by Ariana Grande
- "No One" by Alicia Keys
- "Trip" by Ella Mai
- "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
- "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder
- "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
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Cocktail hour: set the mood for the reception
Music is a crucial element of a wedding ceremony, from the prelude to the processional and recessional. But what about the cocktail hour? This is the time in between the ceremony and reception when drinks are flowing and guests are mingling, so the music should be a culmination of happy and uplifting tracks that promote good conversation and get everyone in the mood to dance.
There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to cocktail hour music, but most couples opt for songs that exude romance or have relaxing vibes so that guests can focus on socialising. However, feel free to include any song that best celebrates your love—it's your big day, after all! You might want to consider the formality of your wedding and the venue. For instance, a glamorous ballroom wedding might pair well with a soundtrack of classics like Frank Sinatra, while a barn wedding may be more suited to country songs.
If you want to get your guests feeling groovy and excited for the reception, add some ultra-funky songs to your cocktail hour music list. You could also consider jazz, swing, or even emo/alternative love songs. If you have eclectic taste in music, it's a good idea to balance this with songs that your guests will know and want to dance to. You could also include acoustic or piano versions of heavier songs.
Once you've finalised your cocktail hour music, send your top picks to your wedding band and DJ so they can learn the songs and prepare.
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Frequently asked questions
Prelude music is light, ambient music played while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. It usually starts when the doors open, up to 45 minutes before the ceremony starts. You'll need between five and 10 songs for this period.
Processional music is played when VIPs, including the officiant, grandparents, parents, wedding party members and the couple, are walking down the aisle. You'll need at least two songs for the processional: one for each partner's entrance. If you have a large wedding party, you might need a longer song or one song for each group.
Recessional music is played when you exit the ceremony as a married couple. It's usually bright, lively and celebratory. There's typically just one main recessional song, but you might want to add a few postludes as guests are leaving.
You might want to choose music for other significant moments, like the signing of the register, the cake-cutting, the bouquet toss or the unity candle lighting. You might also want music for the cocktail hour and the reception entrance.
