Your Wedding, Your Song: Choosing The Perfect Tune

what song will be played at your wedding

Music is an integral part of a wedding, and the songs played can set the tone and style of the event. The playlist can include a mix of classic and modern tunes, romantic and sentimental songs, upbeat dance numbers, and even unique alternatives like Broadway love songs or indie tracks. Couples may also opt for religious or Christian music to add a sacred element to the ceremony. The right music can evoke emotions and create lasting memories, with certain songs forever reminding the couple of their special day. Whether it's a slow dance or a lively celebration, choosing the perfect wedding songs is essential to crafting an unforgettable atmosphere.

Characteristics Values
Number of songs 13 or more
Song types Prelude, processional, recessional, entrance, dance, country, fun, classic, unique, exit, new, parent dance, first dance, interlude, gospel, indie, religious, alternative, show tunes, Christian, pop, rock, soul, hip-hop, modern, electro-pop, etc.
Song choices "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston, "Something To Dance To" by Willie Jones, "Sucker" by The Jonas Brothers, "Shout" by The Isley Brothers, "Crave" by Paramore, "Pachelbel’s Canon", "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder, "Dynamite" by Vitamin String Quartet, "Oh Happy Day" by Aretha Franklin & Mavis Staples, "Let the Light In", "Young and Beautiful", "Video Games", "Let Me Love You Like a Woman", "Wild at Heart", "Honeymoon", "Religion", "Lucky Ones", "You Must Love Me", "Love Song", "Salvatore", "Here Comes the Bride", "Can I Go Where You Go?", "Tell Me Something Good", "Come and Get Your Love", "I Got a Feeling", "Time After Time", "Bear With It, Baby", "In My Mind", "Take Nothing Less", "When You Know You Know", etc.

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Processional songs

The processional is the part of the wedding ceremony when the parents, grandparents, and wedding party walk down the aisle. The first song your guests will hear is the song you walk down the aisle to, and this will set the tone for your big day.

If you're looking for a traditional bridal march, the "Bridal Chorus" from Richard Wagner's opera "Lohengrin" is a timeless and classic choice. Also known as the "Here Comes the Bride Song", it's been used since 1850 and is still popular today.

For a more modern take, "Marry You" by Bruno Mars is a sweet tune that will get your guests' toes tapping. "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri is another contemporary choice, as is "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presley or Twenty One Pilots. "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz is a great option for a beach wedding, especially with its ukulele intro.

If you want to make a statement, GnR's "Sweet Child O' Mine" or Billy Idol's "White Wedding" will certainly surprise your guests. "La Vie En Rose" is a unique choice for a Parisian-flair, while "Better Together" by Jack Johnson is a fun option for a laid-back, chilled-out vibe.

For a sunset wedding on the beach, Bob Marley's "One Love" is an excellent choice for couples who love reggae. "Chapel of Love" by The Dixie Cups is a fun, upbeat option for a casual, outdoor wedding. "God Gave Me You" by Blake Shelton is a great country option, perfect for a barn or farm wedding.

If you're looking for something more classical, a string quartet or solo guitarist can provide beautiful music for your processional. "Canon in D" is a popular choice, or you could opt for a Vitamin String Quartet cover of your favourite song.

For the wedding party, "Over the Rainbow" is a sweet, classic choice for younger members like the flower girl or ring bearer. Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" is a fun, upbeat option for the bridesmaids and groomsmen, while a sentimental song by the groom's favourite band could be a great choice for his entrance.

Remember, the music you choose sets the mood for your ceremony, so pick songs that feel personal and special to you as a couple, while also fitting the vibe of your venue and celebration.

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Recessional songs

The recessional song is played at the end of the wedding ceremony as the couple and wedding party walk up the aisle. It is the first song the newlyweds will hear as a married couple, so it should be a thoughtful and romantic choice. The right song can make this moment truly unforgettable.

There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a recessional song. You can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a traditional wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit. The tempo of the song should match the energy you want to convey as you exit the ceremony. A faster beat adds excitement, while a slower tempo creates a more serene atmosphere.

  • "Canon in D" by Pachelbel
  • "The Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn
  • "You're the One That I Want" from Grease by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
  • "Wake Up" by Arcade Fire
  • "Hey Ya" by Outkast
  • "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas
  • "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder
  • "Better Together" by Jack Johnson
  • "Love on Top" by Beyoncé
  • "Beautiful Day" by U2

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Entrance songs

Choosing the right entrance song for your wedding can be challenging, but it's a fun and important part of the planning process. The right song will set the tone for the rest of the night, so it's worth taking the time to pick something that reflects your personality and musical taste. Here are some ideas for entrance songs to get you started:

If you're a classic romantic, you might want to consider timeless love songs like "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole, "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You" by Elvis Presley, or "You Look Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton. These songs are sentimental and will create a warm and loving atmosphere for your entrance.

For those who want something more upbeat and fun, there are plenty of options to get your guests moving and grooving. Songs like "Marry Me" by Bruno Mars, "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO, or "We Found Love" by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris will definitely bring the energy up a notch. If you want to add a bit of humour to your entrance, lyrics like "I think I wanna marry you" from Bruno Mars' "Marry You" or "It's a party in the USA" from Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA" are sure to bring some laughs and put a smile on your guests' faces.

Perhaps you're a couple with a unique sense of style and want your entrance song to reflect that. In that case, think about songs like "Starships" by Nicki Minaj, "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams, or "Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera. These songs are sure to make your entrance memorable and showcase your quirky side.

Lastly, if you're looking for something truly intimate and heartfelt, consider songs with meaningful lyrics like "You make my dreams come true" from "You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates or "You're my destiny" from "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon. These lyrics will resonate with your guests and emphasise the love and connection you share with your partner.

Remember, the key is to choose a song that speaks to you and your partner and sets the right tone for your wedding reception. Whether it's a classic love song, a fun party anthem, or something entirely unique, make sure it reflects your personality and tastes. Enjoy the process of selecting your entrance song, and don't be afraid to get creative!

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First dance songs

Music is an integral part of a wedding and can create a beautiful atmosphere. The songs played at your wedding should represent you as a couple, and you should choose songs that you love. The music played at your wedding will set the tone for the entire event. Here are some ideas for first dance songs:

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston is a classic that every guest will know and is sure to get everyone on the dance floor. It was even played at Meghan Markle's royal wedding reception.

"Something To Dance To" by Willie Jones is a fun and upbeat song filled with banjo strumming and lyrics about dancing and letting loose. It's perfect for getting guests in the mood to dance and having a good time.

"Shout" by The Isley Brothers is an iconic song that will have your guests dancing and singing along. It's a fun and energetic choice that will bring a lively vibe to your wedding.

"Let Me Love You Like a Woman" by Lana Del Rey is a straightforward love song with no negative connotations, just pure sweetness. It's a romantic choice for a first dance song.

"Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey is another popular choice for a wedding song. It can be played as an instrumental with a string quartet during the bridal processional or as a first dance song.

You can also consider choosing a song that has personal meaning to you as a couple or something that represents your unique love story. It could be a song from your favourite musical or a song that reminds you of a special memory. Ultimately, the choice of first dance song is up to you and your partner, and it should reflect your personalities and tastes.

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Parent dances

The parent dance at a wedding is a special time for the married couple to honour their parents before they enter a new phase of life together. It's a time-honoured tradition where the bride dances with her father and the groom dances with their mother. However, it's entirely up to you who you pick for your parent dance, or whether you have one at all.

When it comes to choosing a song, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the dance style of your parents or parental figures—you want them to feel comfortable and confident. A slow number might be best for a gentle sway, while a faster song could showcase some dance moves. Secondly, the length of the song is important. Generally, parent dances last between 2 to 4 minutes. A song that is too long might feel like an eternity, while a song that is too short won't give photographers enough time to capture the moment. If you have your heart set on a longer song, a DJ can cut it down for you so that it ends naturally.

You could also consider choosing a song that holds a special memory, perhaps a song that was always playing during car rides with your parent or a song from their favourite genre. If you're unsure, ask your parents about their favourite songs from their youth—you might uncover some hidden gems.

  • "Sweetest Devotion" by Adele
  • "Have I Told You Lately" by Van Morrison or Rod Stewart
  • "In My Life" by The Beatles
  • "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel
  • "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole
  • "I Want It That Way" by Backstreet Boys
  • "Born in the USA" by Bruce Springsteen
  • "Let's Hear It For the Boys" by Deniece Williams
  • "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton
  • "Could I Have This Dance" by Anne Murray
  • "Forever and Ever, Amen" by Randy Travis

Frequently asked questions

Some popular songs to play at a wedding include "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston, "Something To Dance To" by Willie Jones, "Shout" by The Isley Brothers, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder, "Here Comes the Bride," and "Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey.

The songs played at your wedding should represent you and your partner. You can play a mix of classic hits and unique tunes, romantic and sentimental songs, and fun and upbeat songs. You can also choose specific music for other special moments, such as religious readings or a unity ceremony.

It's important to start planning your wedding playlist early on, as the music played at your wedding will set the tone for the entire event. You should select songs for key moments such as the processional, recessional, and first dance.

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