Deborah Chan
Music is an important part of a wedding. It sets the tone, stirs up emotions, and shares a message with your guests. The songs you choose should tell the story you want your guests to hear and fit the vibe of your wedding. The music you select for your wedding will depend on the type of wedding you are having, the mood and theme of your wedding, and your personal preferences. A basic wedding ceremony music program involves preludes, processionals, and recessionals. You will also need to choose songs for the reception, including the grand entrance, the first dance, and the last dance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prelude | Light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated. |
| 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 makes their exit. |
| Unity ceremony | Instrumental music or a song performed by a friend or family member can be played during a unity ritual. |
| Religious readings | Hymns or specific songs can be played during religious readings. |
| Signing of the register | One to three songs can be played during this quick administrative task. In some traditions, wedding guests sing hymns. |
| Cocktail hour | The soundtrack during the cocktail hour can set the mood for the entire reception. |
| First dance | The couple's first dance as a married couple is an important song choice. |
| Dancing with parents | Couples may choose a meaningful song to dance to with their parents. |
| Last dance | The final song of the night is another important choice to end the reception on a good note. |
| Party songs | Couples should provide a list of must-play songs for the party portion of the night. |
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What You'll Learn
- Prelude music: light background music for guests being seated
- Processional songs: for the wedding party's entrance, including parents and grandparents
- Bridal entrance song: a highlight of the ceremony
- Recessional song: triumphant music for the married couple's exit
- Reception songs: from the first dance to the last, these get the party started
Prelude music: light background music for guests being seated
Prelude music is an important part of your wedding as it sets the tone for the entire event. Prelude music is played as your guests arrive and are being seated, and it helps to create a romantic atmosphere. It 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'll want to select around five to 10 songs for this pre-ceremony period, depending on how long your prelude will be. Prelude songs are usually mellow and evoke wedding-appropriate emotions like sentimentality, romance, happiness and nostalgia. You can choose to play songs with or without lyrics, and you can either hire musicians or play music from your own playlist.
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. Secular locations may also have guidelines around volume, curfew and space. Prelude songs can be classic, modern or religious, and you can take inspiration from movies and TV shows, or from other weddings you've attended.
- "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 songs: for the wedding party's entrance, including parents and grandparents
The processional songs set the tone for the wedding, and there are many options to choose from. The songs can be modern, traditional, classical, or instrumental, depending on your preference.
For the parents and grandparents, a few romantic Hindi songs are popular choices for Hindu weddings. Some couples opt for more traditional songs like "Canon in D", "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", and "The Wedding March" by Mendelssohn. "100 Years" by Five for Fighting is another popular choice.
If you're looking for something more modern, "You & Me" by Dave Matthews Band and "Back in Black" by AC/DC are fun options. You could also choose a meaningful song by the groom's favourite band.
For the wedding party, "Crazy in Love" by Beyonce is a fun, upbeat option, while "Over the Rainbow" is a classic, sweet choice for younger members like flower girls and ring bearers. "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole is another popular choice for the wedding party processional.
The options are endless, and you can choose any song that you feel represents your wedding style and sets the right tone for your big day.
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Bridal entrance song: a highlight of the ceremony
The bridal entrance is one of the most highly anticipated and dramatic moments of a wedding ceremony. It is also the moment that sets the tone for the rest of the day's celebrations. Therefore, it is important to choose the right bridal entrance song to create the perfect atmosphere.
The bridal entrance song is usually part of the processional, which accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, family, and attendants, and, finally, the bride. While the same song can be used for each, many couples choose to switch to a different song when the bride enters to add drama and highlight their grand entrance. This song is often more dramatic and emotional than the previous processional songs.
When choosing the bridal entrance song, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the length of the aisle and how long the bride needs to walk should be taken into account. This can help determine the length and pace of the song. Couples may also want to consider whether to use live musicians and what style of music will match the occasion. From jazz to pop, indie, and everything in between, there are endless options to choose from.
To make the decision less overwhelming, couples can seek inspiration from various sources. For a classic and romantic option, consider choosing a song from a movie soundtrack or a well-known love song. For a more contemporary feel, modern classics or indie love songs can be a great choice. Ultimately, the bridal entrance song should be a reflection of the couple's tastes and set the right tone for their special day.
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Recessional song: triumphant music for the married couple's exit
The recessional song is played at the end of the wedding ceremony when the newly married couple and their wedding party walk back up the aisle. It is the first song the couple will hear as a married couple and is usually played as they kiss or are announced as a married couple. The music should be triumphant, joyful, and uplifting. It should also be memorable and reflect the excitement of the couple.
There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a recessional song. Classical music is a popular choice, with the two top requested songs being the "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn and the triumphant fanfare from "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles. Other popular classical choices include "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" by Handel and Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 by Bach.
Couples may also choose to go with a more modern hit, such as "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire, or "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" by Jackie Wilson. For a fun and upbeat choice, couples might choose a throwback like Outkast's "Hey Ya" or The Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling". For a dramatic exit, a recognizable movie-ending closer like Arcade Fire's "Wake Up" could be a good choice.
If you are looking for something unique, you could opt for an acoustic cover of a popular song or a string quartet, pianist, harpist, or guitarist playing a unique tune.
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Reception songs: from the first dance to the last, these get the party started
The wedding reception is where you can let your hair down and celebrate the newlyweds. The music and songs played at the reception are crucial to keeping the party going and creating a fun atmosphere.
Prelude Music
Prelude music is played while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. It is usually light and ambient, setting the mood for the event. Prelude music can start as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony but should not start later than 20 minutes before the proceedings. You will need between five and ten songs for this period.
Processional Music
The processional song is played when the wedding party enters, including family, attendants, and the bride. Usually, one song is chosen for the family and wedding party, and then a more dramatic and emotional song is selected for the bridal processional. However, you can choose to have one song for the entire processional.
First Dance
The first dance is a special moment for the newlyweds and can be an excellent way to kick off the reception and get the party started. The song chosen is often one that holds a lot of meaning for the couple.
Dance Songs
Dance songs are an essential part of the reception, keeping guests entertained and on their feet. A mix of popular hits, classic songs, and unique tunes will ensure there is something for everyone. Upbeat songs like "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston and "Shout" by The Isley Brothers are sure to get everyone on the dance floor. "Sucker" by The Jonas Brothers is also a fun, feel-good option.
Last Dance
The last dance is the final song of the night and is a chance for everyone to show off their best moves one last time. It should be an upbeat, energetic song that leaves your guests with lasting memories of a fantastic celebration.
The key to a successful wedding reception is ensuring there is something for everyone, from slow dances to upbeat hits, and creating a fun, celebratory atmosphere.
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Frequently asked questions
The wedding ceremony is more structured and formal, and different faiths and traditions may incorporate music in different ways. You'll need songs for the prelude, processional, and recessional. The prelude is light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated. The processional is the music that accompanies the entry of the wedding party, family, and attendants. The recessional is bright, lively, and celebratory music that plays as you exit the ceremony.
The reception includes a combination of formal and informal musical moments. You'll need a song for your grand entrance as a married couple, your first dance, and a song to get the party started. You might also want separate tunes for your parents' entrances.
The songs you choose should fit the vibe of your service and mirror your personal preferences. They should also be the right length for your specific needs. For example, if you have a large wedding party, you'll need a longer tune for everyone to walk down the aisle. You should also consider the walking pace when selecting songs for the processional.
