Deborah Chan
Music is an integral part of a wedding, from the moment guests arrive to the last dance of the night. It sets the tone for the entire event and can create a romantic atmosphere. While it may be overwhelming to think of every song that will be played, there are a few important ones to consider. The prelude music is usually light background music played while guests are being seated. The processional song is played while the wedding party, including parents and grandparents, enter the ceremony. This is traditionally instrumental, but some couples opt for a processional style. The first dance as a couple is another important moment, and the song chosen should be sentimental.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Songs | 15+ different songs |
| Prelude | Light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin |
| Prelude Timing | Starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes prior to but no later than 20 minutes before the ceremony |
| Prelude Length | 30 minutes of music, or about 5-10 songs |
| Processional | Accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and the bride |
| Number of Processional Songs | 2 songs, one for each partner's entrance |
| Recessional | Bright, lively, and celebratory music that plays as the couple exits |
| Number of Recessional Songs | 1 main song, plus 2-3 additional songs as guests are leaving |
| Interludes | Songs played during significant moments such as the unity candle lighting or the ketubah signing |
| Postludes | Selection played while guests exit the ceremony |
| Last Song | Something slow that all generations will know, or a fun, upbeat song that everyone can dance to |
| Song Choices | Choose songs that are meaningful and reflect the couple's personality and the wedding's theme |
| Lyrics | Read the lyrics beforehand to ensure they convey the right message and won't ruffle any feathers |
| DJ or Band | Work with a professional who can help you finalize the playlist and keep the party going |
| Must-Play and Do-Not-Play Lists | Provide your DJ or band with a list of songs you want and don't want to be played |
| Religious Ceremonies | Check with the musical director for an approved song list and traditionally underscored elements |
| Civil Ceremonies | Music must be secular and free of religious connotations |
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What You'll Learn
- Prelude music: Light, ambient music playing as guests take their seats
- Processional music: Songs for the wedding party's entrances, including the bride's grand entrance
- Recessional music: Bright, lively music to accompany the couple's exit
- Cocktail hour music: Play your favourite songs or get creative with an acoustic artist
- Last dance: A slow song, a favourite from the reception or a fun, familiar tune
Prelude music: Light, ambient music playing as guests take their seats
Prelude music is an important part of your wedding as it sets the tone for the entire event. It is the first impression your guests will have of your wedding, so it is worth dedicating some time to choosing the right songs. Prelude music usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony begins, but no later than 20 minutes before the start. You will need between five and ten songs for this period.
Prelude music should be light and ambient, creating a romantic atmosphere and setting the mood as guests take their seats and wait for the ceremony to begin. It should be mellow and evoke emotions such as sentimentality, happiness, and nostalgia.
When choosing your prelude music, consider the vibe of your wedding and whether you prefer music that is traditional, modern, or tied to your religious background. Think about songs from movies and TV shows, such as "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo, "Everything" by Michael Bublé, and "Yellow" by Coldplay. You could also opt for classical pieces such as "Water Music Suite No.3, HWV 350" by George Frideric Handel, "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven, or "Sheep May Safely Graze" by Bach.
In addition to the prelude, there are other types of wedding ceremony music to consider, including processionals (accompanying the entry of the wedding party) and recessionals (played during the exit). You may also want to include interludes or a postlude, which is a selection played while guests are leaving the ceremony.
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Processional music: Songs for the wedding party's entrances, including the bride's grand entrance
The processional song is the soundtrack to one of the most emotional and meaningful moments of your wedding day. It's more than just background music; it sets the tone for the entire event.
The processional song typically accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and the bride. The same song can be used for each entrance, but you may want to switch it up when the bride enters to add drama and highlight their grand 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, people 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 having younger attendants like a flower girl and ring bearer, you might want to choose a classic, sweet song like "Over the Rainbow." For the bridesmaids and groomsmen, a fun, upbeat track like Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" will kick things off. For the groom's entrance, a sentimental song by his favourite band could be a great choice.
For traditional weddings, classical pieces like "Canon in D" by Pachelbel or "Clair de Lune" by Debussy are popular choices. Modern weddings might opt for contemporary hits like "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran or "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri. Outdoor weddings call for light and airy songs like "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles.
Remember, it's your wedding, so choose songs that reflect your personality and style. If you love a song, use it! Make it yours by having it played live or with different instruments than the original.
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Recessional music: Bright, lively music to accompany the couple's exit
The wedding recessional is the song that is played at the end of the ceremony when the newly-married couple makes their exit. It is the first song you'll hear as a married couple and the official start of the party. It's a chance to let your personalities shine, so choose a song that celebrates your love and sets the stage for what's to come.
There are many options for bright and lively music to accompany the couple's exit, from classical pieces to modern pop songs. Classical music can add a touch of tradition while still feeling fresh and personal. For example, "Hornpipe" from Water Music by George Frideric Handel is a lively and upbeat selection that has been a favourite for wedding recessionals. "Spring" from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi is another bright and energetic piece that reflects the optimism and new beginnings of marriage. "Trumpet Voluntary" by Jeremiah Clarke, also known as "The Prince of Denmark’s March," adds a royal touch to your recessional.
If you're looking for something more modern, there are plenty of contemporary songs that will show off your personality and taste in music. "Marry You" by Bruno Mars is a romantic and fun song perfect for a joyous occasion. "Love on Top" by Beyoncé is a perfect choice for a modern and upbeat recessional. "Best Day of My Life" is another fun and catchy pop song that will set a bold tone for the start of your new life together.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a song that speaks to your love story and sets the right mood for your wedding day. Whether it's a classical instrumental piece, a modern pop song, or something in between, the right music will create the perfect atmosphere for your milestone moment.
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Cocktail hour music: Play your favourite songs or get creative with an acoustic artist
Cocktail hour is a great time to set the mood for the rest of the evening. It's a chance to play your favourite songs and get creative with your music choices. If you're looking for something a little more unique, consider hiring an acoustic artist to perform during cocktail hour. This could be a singer-songwriter with a guitar, a pianist, or even a small ensemble.
Acoustic music creates a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, providing a beautiful backdrop for your guests as they mix and mingle. It's a wonderful way to showcase your personal style and taste, especially if you choose an artist who can perform unique covers of popular songs or put their own spin on classic tunes.
When selecting songs for cocktail hour, consider a mix of upbeat and laid-back tunes. This is the time when your guests will be chatting, enjoying drinks, and perhaps partaking in some light activities or games. The music should complement these interactions without being too overwhelming. A mix of old and new songs, perhaps with a focus on romantic or fun themes, can be a great way to go.
If you have a specific genre in mind, communicate this to your acoustic artist, who may be able to adapt their performance to suit your preferences. Whether it's jazz, pop, rock, or folk, a skilled musician can tailor their set list to create the perfect ambience. Don't be afraid to make requests and provide guidance on the type of music you'd like to hear. After all, it's your special day, and every detail should reflect your personality and tastes.
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Last dance: A slow song, a favourite from the reception or a fun, familiar tune
The last dance of the night is a key moment at any wedding, and the right song choice will leave a lasting impression on your guests. If you're looking for a slow song, a favourite from the reception, or a fun, familiar tune, there are plenty of options to consider.
For a slow dance, you could choose a romantic ballad or a song with a positive message of love. "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong is a beautiful, uplifting choice, or you could opt for a classic like "At Last" by Etta James. If you're looking for something more modern, "Marry You" by Bruno Mars is a playful choice, celebrating being in love and seizing the moment.
If you want to re-create a favourite moment from the reception, consider choosing a song that was well-received earlier in the night. This could be a fun, upbeat tune that got everyone on the dance floor, like "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, or a rock classic like "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen.
Finally, if you want a fun, familiar tune, there are plenty of crowd-pleasers to choose from. "Don't Look Back in Anger" by Oasis is a 90s classic that's sure to get everyone singing along. "Hey Ya!" by Outkast is another high-energy option that will have your guests throwing some wild shapes on the dance floor. For a fun, feel-good vibe, you could choose "You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall & Oates.
Remember, the key is to select a song that both you and your guests will enjoy, so choose something that reflects your music preferences and will create a memorable moment to end your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular songs to play at weddings include "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston, Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran, Perfect by Ed Sheeran, Touch By Touch by Joy, Mr. Brightside, Sweet Caroline, At Last! by Etta James, Love On Top by Beyoncé, and "Here Comes the Bride".
Some good songs for the first dance include Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran, Perfect by Ed Sheeran, and Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder.
A father-daughter dance song should be sweet and sentimental. Some good songs include "I Loved Her First" by Heartland, "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw, and "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.
