Rhiannon Hendricks
Music is an important part of a wedding. It sets the tone, stirs up emotions, and shares a message with your guests. There are many opportunities to incorporate music into your wedding, from the pre-ceremony to the reception. Prelude music welcomes guests to the wedding and sets the tone for the ceremony. Processional music accompanies the entry of the wedding party, and the recessional music plays during the exit. Music can also be played during rituals or to transition between different portions of the ceremony. The first dance is one of the most personal choices a couple can make, and couples may also choose to have a father/daughter and mother/son dance.
| 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 the bride |
| Recessional | Bright, lively, and celebratory music that plays as the couple exits the ceremony |
| Postludes | Music that plays as guests are leaving |
| First dance | Can be a slow dance or a pre-choreographed dance, signalling that the dance floor is open |
| Father/daughter dance | A slow dance shared between the bride and her father or another important male caregiver |
| Mother/son dance | A dance that may be combined with the father/daughter dance |
| Cocktail hour | Music that sets the mood for the entire reception |
| Dinner hour | Songs chosen by the DJ or band |
| Last song | A song that gets everyone out of their seats |
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What You'll Learn
- Prelude music: Light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated
- Processional music: Accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants and bride
- Recessional music: Bright and celebratory music that plays as the newlyweds make their exit
- Music volume: Ensure the music isn't too loud to avoid annoying guests
- Microphones: Consider wireless handheld mics for speeches and toasts
Prelude music: Light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated
Prelude music is an important part of your wedding, as it sets the tone and creates the first impression of your event. Prelude music is played as guests are arriving and being seated before the ceremony begins, so it should be light and ambient to evoke emotions like sentimentality, romance, happiness, and nostalgia.
The prelude is a great time to incorporate music that is meaningful to you and your partner. Whether you choose to go the classic, modern, or religious route, the songs you select should be a reflection of your wedding style. If you're having a religious ceremony, the music played during your prelude will likely be influenced by your faith and how weddings are traditionally conducted in that religion. For example, there are many Christian wedding songs to choose from, whether you're getting married in a church or another venue.
When selecting your prelude music, opt for songs with a mellow presence that won't bring too much energy to the environment—you can save that for later! Aim for a slow and calming pace to help settle any last-minute nerves and create a romantic atmosphere. You'll want to choose between five and ten songs for this portion, lasting approximately 30 minutes.
- "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo
- "Everything" by Michael Bublé
- "Yellow" by Coldplay
- "Water Music Suite No.3, HWV 350" by George Frideric Handel
- "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven
- "Sheep May Safely Graze" by Bach
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Processional music: Accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants and bride
The processional is a key part of the wedding ceremony, accompanying the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants and the bride. It sets the tone for the entire event, stirring up emotions and sharing a message with your guests.
The number of processional songs you'll need depends on a few factors, including the length of the aisle and the number of people walking down it. Usually, two processional songs are chosen: one for the family and wedding party, and a second, more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional. However, some couples may opt for a single song for everyone to walk down the aisle to, or a different song for each specific group entering the ceremony space, including parents, wedding party members, and each partner.
If you have a large wedding party, you'll need a longer song to accommodate everyone. You may also want to consider a song change when the bride enters to add drama and highlight her grand entrance.
Some song suggestions for the processional include:
- "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for younger members of the wedding party, like the ring bearer or flower girl.
- "Crazy in Love" by Beyonce for the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
- "I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner for the groom's entrance.
- "I'll Fill Those Canyons in Your Soul" for the wedding party or parents.
- "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac for the bridesmaids.
- "I'd Climb Every Mountain" for the bride's entrance.
It's important to note that some venues may have restrictions on music choices, so be sure to check with your officiant or venue coordinator before finalising your song selections.
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Recessional music: Bright and celebratory music that plays as the newlyweds make their exit
The recessional music is played at the end of the wedding ceremony as the newlyweds and their wedding party walk back up the aisle. It should be bright and celebratory, reflecting the joy of the couple and their guests.
There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding recessional song, and couples can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a traditional wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit. The song should be thoughtfully and sentimentally chosen, and it is often a good idea to consult a professional wedding DJ who can suggest songs that fit the couple's personality and wedding style.
- "Canon in D" by Pachelbel
- "The Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn
- "You're the One That I Want" by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
- "Light My Love" by Greta Van Fleet
- "Love on Top" by Beyoncé
- "All The Small Things" by Blink 182
- "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen
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Music volume: Ensure the music isn't too loud to avoid annoying guests
Music is a key part of a wedding, from the ceremony to the reception. It helps set the tone, stirs up emotions, and shares a message with your guests.
When it comes to the volume of the music, it's important to be mindful of your guests' comfort. Here are some tips to ensure the music isn't too loud:
- During the ceremony, the music should be at a volume that doesn't overpower the speaking. It should complement the moment and create a romantic ambiance.
- If you're having your wedding in a house of worship, there may be restrictions on the volume. Some venues may have specific guidelines on volume and curfew, so be sure to check with the officiant and venue beforehand.
- For the reception, especially during dinner, keep the volume at a level that allows for conversation. You don't want your guests to have to strain their voices over the music. Sticking to instrumentals or low-key background music can help with this.
- If you're having an outdoor wedding, be mindful of the neighbours or surrounding areas. You don't want your celebration to disturb others.
- Consider the size and acoustics of your venue. A small, enclosed space may require fewer speakers or lower volume compared to a large, open area.
- Hire a sound technician or DJ who can manage the technical aspects and ensure the music is at an appropriate volume. They can also provide guidance on song choices and create mixes that fit the mood you want to set.
By following these suggestions, you can ensure that your wedding music is enjoyable for everyone and avoids causing any annoyance to your guests.
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Microphones: Consider wireless handheld mics for speeches and toasts
When it comes to weddings, sound and audio equipment are important considerations to ensure the ceremony and reception run smoothly and are enjoyable for all. While music often takes centre stage in the planning process, it is also crucial to think about the practical aspects, such as microphones for speeches and toasts.
Wireless handheld microphones offer a great deal of flexibility for wedding speeches and toasts. They allow the speaker to move around freely and can be easily passed from person to person, making them ideal for group toasts where several people are sitting together, such as the wedding party table. This setup can also simplify the process, making it more foolproof, which is beneficial given that wedding speakers are often nervous or emotional. However, it is important to note that wireless handheld microphones can be susceptible to interference or dropouts, so it is always good to have a backup option, such as a wired microphone on a stand.
When choosing a wireless handheld microphone, it is important to consider the range and ensure it will work at the desired distance. Additionally, the acoustic environment and positioning can impact the sound quality, so it is worth testing the setup in advance. Practising speaking into the microphone beforehand can also help improve confidence and ensure the speaker knows how to use it effectively.
While wireless handheld microphones are convenient for speakers, a wired microphone on a stand may be preferable for the officiant, as it allows them to keep their hands free for holding wedding rings, notes, or religious texts. A lavalier microphone, also known as a lapel microphone, is a small, clip-on option that can be worn on the officiant's clothing, providing even greater freedom of movement.
In conclusion, wireless handheld microphones are a great choice for wedding speeches and toasts, offering convenience and flexibility. However, it is important to consider potential technical issues and have backup options available, such as additional wireless microphones or a wired microphone on a stand. By planning ahead and testing the equipment, you can ensure that your wedding speeches and toasts sound perfect.
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Frequently asked questions
You'll need music for the prelude, processional, and recessional. Prelude music is light and ambient, playing while guests are being seated. The processional accompanies the entry of the wedding party, family, and attendants. The recessional is bright and lively and plays as you exit the ceremony.
The reception will include a mix of formal and informal musical moments. You'll need music for the cocktail hour, the first dance, and the last dance. You might also want to consider songs for the father/daughter dance and mother/son dance.
Music sets the tone for the entire event, so choose songs that represent you as a couple. Pick songs that fit the vibe of your service and mirror your personal preferences. You might want to consider songs that have a special meaning to you as a couple.
If you're getting married in a house of worship, there may be restrictions on the music you can use. Some venues will have a specific list of traditional songs, while others may only allow instrumental music with no recorded words. It's important to check with your officiant and venue to find out if there are any approved songs or restrictions.
