George Boyle
The wedding recessional song is played as the newlyweds walk back down the aisle, marking the end of the ceremony and the start of the celebrations. It's the first song the couple will hear as a married couple, so it's an important choice! Whether you opt for a classical instrumental piece, a traditional wedding song, an acoustic cover, or a current hit, the right wedding recessional song can make the moment magical.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mood | Joyous, triumphant, romantic, soulful, mellow, upbeat, quirky, cheerful, playful, catchy, energetic, lively, dramatic |
| Genre | Classical, acoustic, indie, alternative, rock, R&B, pop, soul, funk |
| Lyrics | Romantic, soulful, playful, catchy, upbeat, positive |
| Tempo | Upbeat |
| Instruments | Guitar, piano, strings, harp |
| Examples | 'Love On Top' by Beyoncé, 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' by Queen, 'September' by Earth, Wind & Fire, 'Sweet Disposition' by The Temper Trap, 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours' by Stevie Wonder, 'A Sky Full of Stars' by Coldplay, 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' by Elton John ft. Kiki Dee, 'Gold Digger' by Kayne West ft. Jamie Foxx |
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What You'll Learn
The best wedding exit songs
The wedding recessional song is the first thing a newly married couple will hear as they exit their ceremony, so it's important to choose something that fits the joyous mood. Whether you're looking for a classical instrumental piece, a traditional wedding song, an acoustic cover, or a current hit, here are some of the best wedding exit songs to celebrate your love as you walk down the aisle towards your happily ever after.
If you're looking for a dramatic wedding ceremony exit, you might want to choose a recognisable, movie-ending closer, like Arcade Fire's "Wake Up". For something more traditional, you could go for "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn, or "Spring". If you're after something more modern, "Love On Top" by Beyoncé, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen, and "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire are all fun, upbeat choices. For a unique twist, you could ask your wedding ceremony musicians about doing an acoustic cover of a popular song, like "You're the One That I Want" from Grease.
If you want to make a grand departure, "Bye, Bye, Bye" by *NSYNC is a witty and iconic choice, especially if you learn the choreography. "Cuz I Love You" by Lizzo is another catchy and dramatic option, perfect for couples who want to make an unforgettable exit. "10,000 Hours" by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber is a romantic, sentimental option, as it was Justin Bieber's wedding song at his 2019 wedding to Hailey Baldwin. For a tear-jerker, "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole is a beautiful way to honour your love story.
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Indie and alternative wedding songs
Indie and alternative songs are a great way to make your wedding unique and memorable. Couples often want songs that are unique and less heard, or songs that are customised to fit their personalities. Here are some indie and alternative songs that are perfect for different moments of your wedding day:
First Dance
Indie and alternative first dance songs can be unexpected and memorable. Some songs to consider include:
- "How Long Will I Love You" – a cover by James Vincent McMorrow, famously featured in the film About Time
- "Higher Love" – a cover by James Vincent McMorrow (original by Steve Winwood)
- "I'm Into Something Good" – a cover by The Bird and the Bee (original by The Herman's Hermits)
- "Your Song" – a cover by Ellie Goulding (original by Elton John)
- "This Must Be the Place" – a cover by The Lumineers (original by Talking Heads)
- "Where Is My Mind?" – The Pixies
- "Hoppipola" – Sigur Ros
- "I'm the Man Who Loves You" – Wilco
Cocktail Hour
For a chill and relaxed vibe during cocktail hour, consider these indie classics from different decades:
- "Dreams" – The Cranberries
- "There She Goes" – The La's
- "Put Your Records On" – Jem
- "Just a Ride" – Jem
- "My Moon My Man" – Feist
- "Everybody" – Ingrid Michaelson
- "White Winter Hymnal" – Fleet Foxes
Reception
Indie wedding receptions love to mix pop songs with indie dance songs. Here are some songs to get your guests dancing:
- "Mr. Jones" – Counting Crows
- "Crazy in Love" – an acoustic version by Daniela Andrade
- "Angel/Better Together" – a live version by Jack Johnson
- Songs by Haim, Awake or Sleeping, Ingrid Michaelson, Band of Horses, and Young the Giant
- Songs by Oasis, Kasabian, The Strokes, and Vampire Weekend
Mother-Son Dance
A heartwarming moment at your wedding could be a mother-son dance. Here are some unique and unusual songs to consider:
- "When I'm 64" – The Beatles
- "If I Lose a Sequin" – Elbow
These indie and alternative songs will surely create a magical and atmospheric wedding day, filled with love and nostalgia.
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Classic wedding songs
Music is an integral part of weddings, and classic songs are often chosen to be played at various points during the ceremony and reception.
Classic Wedding Recessional Songs
The wedding recessional song is played as the couple exits the ceremony, and it should be a joyous and upbeat tune that will bring a happy feeling to everyone. Some popular classic choices include:
- 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' by Handel
- 'September' by Earth, Wind & Fire
- '(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher' by Jackie Wilson
- 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' by Mendelssohn
- 'Canon and Gigue in D Major: I. Canon' by J.S. Bach Orchestra
- 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' by Elton John ft. Kiki Dee
- 'Gold Digger' by Kanye West ft. Jamie Foxx
- 'It Had to Be You' by Harry Connick, Jr.
Classic Songs for the First Dance
The first dance as a married couple is a special moment, and classic songs that are often chosen for this include:
- 'Sweet Caroline'
- 'Dreams' by Fleetwood Mac
- 'Jolene' by Dolly Parton
- 'Thinking Out Loud' by Ed Sheeran
- 'Perfect' by Ed Sheeran
- 'At Last' by Etta James
- 'Time After Time'
- 'Love on Top'
- 'Lover' by Taylor Swift
- 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' by Whitney Houston
Classic Songs to Get Everyone Dancing
To get your guests on the dance floor, classic songs with a fun and upbeat vibe are a great choice. Some popular options include:
- 'Shout'
- 'Kiss' by Prince
- 'Wagon Wheel'
- 'Ho Hey' by The Lumineers
- 'Better Together' by Jack Johnson
- 'Best Part' by H.E.R. & Daniel Caesar
- 'A Thousand Years' by Christina Perri
- 'Don't Stop Til You Get Enough' by Michael Jackson
- 'PYT' by Michael Jackson
- 'The Way You Make Me Feel' by Michael Jackson
- 'Rock With You' by Michael Jackson
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Modern wedding songs
Music is an integral part of a wedding. From the ceremony to the reception and the first dance, music can evoke emotions and set the mood for the couple and their guests.
Live Music vs. Playlists
Many couples opt for a mixture of live music and playlists or a DJ, depending on their preferences and budget. Live music can add a unique and intimate feel to the wedding, with the option to hire a band or musician, such as a string quartet, pianist, harpist, or guitarist, or even a classical musician.
Choosing the Right Songs
When selecting modern wedding songs, couples often choose a mix of serene and emotional tunes for the ceremony and more upbeat and optimistic songs for the exit and reception. The recessional song, played when the couple walks up the aisle after the ceremony, is particularly important as it sets the tone for the celebration. It should be thoughtful and romantic, reflecting the joy of the couple and their loved ones.
Popular Choices
Some popular modern choices for the recessional include "Love On Top" by Beyoncé, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen, and "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire. For a dramatic exit, a recognizable movie-ending song like Arcade Fire's "Wake Up" can be a great choice.
Additionally, couples may want to consider songs with meaningful lyrics that resonate with them. For instance, songs with lyrics like "I will love you unconditionally" or "How long will I love you? / As long as the stars are above you / And longer if I may" can be powerful expressions of their commitment.
Ultimately, there are no rules when it comes to choosing wedding songs. Couples should feel free to select songs that are personal and meaningful to them, creating a soundtrack that makes their special day unforgettable.
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Upbeat wedding songs
Music is an integral part of a wedding, and the right songs can make your special day even more memorable. Upbeat wedding songs are perfect for setting a joyful tone and creating magical memories. Here are some ideas for upbeat wedding songs to celebrate your love and get everyone on the dance floor:
First Dance Songs
An upbeat first dance song can be a fun and unique way to kickstart your wedding celebrations. "Marry You" by Bruno Mars is a fun and celebratory option. "You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates will fill the room with energy and joy. "Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake is an infectious and lively choice. "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen is a classic, upbeat song that will never go out of style. "Simply the Best" by Tina Turner is an uplifting and empowering song to dance to as a newly married couple.
Recessional Songs
The recessional song is the first tune you'll hear as a married couple, so it's worth choosing something fun and memorable. "Love On Top" by Beyoncé is a classic choice for newlyweds, capturing the joy of starting a new life together. "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire is an all-time great, with its upbeat tempo and impeccable rhythm, perfect for getting the party started. "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen, with its iconic guitar riffs and Freddie Mercury's unmistakable voice, will have you and your partner grooving up the aisle.
Entrance and Exit Songs
Upbeat entrance and exit songs will ensure a joyful and memorable start and end to your ceremony. "Stargazing" by Myles Smith is a unique choice that will set a cheerful tone. "You're the One That I Want" from Grease, performed by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, is a fun and unexpected twist on a traditional exit song.
Other Upbeat Wedding Songs
Other songs to consider for your wedding playlist include "Levitating" by Dua Lipa, a catchy and euphoric synth-pop hit, and an upbeat indie classic by Vance Joy, "Riptide", which is perfect for folk-loving couples.
Remember, there are no rules when it comes to choosing your wedding songs. Select songs that speak to you and your partner and reflect your personalities and tastes. Your wedding is a celebration of your love, so fill it with music that makes you happy!
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding recessional song is played at the end of the wedding ceremony when the newlyweds and wedding party walk back up the aisle. It is meant to be an upbeat and joyous song to celebrate the couple's love and new life together.
There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding recessional song. You can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit. Some popular options include "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire, "Love On Top" by Beyoncé, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen, "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" by Handel, and "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" by Jackie Wilson.
The wedding recessional song is the first thing the couple will hear as they exit the ceremony as a married couple, so it should be chosen thoughtfully and romantically. It should reflect the joy and excitement of the couple and can be used to set the tone for the party that follows.
