Rhiannon Hendricks
Music is an integral part of a wedding and can set the tone for the entire event. There are several important songs to consider for your wedding, from the prelude music to the last dance. 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, enters the ceremony. The bride's entrance or processional is a grand entrance, so choose something bold and unique. The ceremony music will be more structured and formal, and you may want to incorporate specific tunes for religious readings or a unity ceremony. The first dance as a married couple is another memorable moment, and you may also include a father-daughter dance and a mother-son dance. The last dance signals to your guests that the festivities are ending, so choose a slow song to wind things down. In addition to these key moments, you'll also need music for the reception, cocktail hour, and dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs | 6-10 for pre-show/pre-ceremony music, 1 for the ceremony, 1 for the recessional, 70 for the reception (but this can be a rough guideline for the DJ), 1 for the first dance, 1 for the last dance |
| Type of songs | Prelude/background music, processional songs, parent entrance songs, bridal entrance/processional songs, recessional songs, postlude songs, introduction songs, cocktail hour music, dinner music, dance music, cake-cutting songs |
| Other | Songs can be instrumental, live, acoustic, upbeat, slow, sentimental, modern, unconventional, classical, jazz, rock, etc. |
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Prelude/pre-ceremony music
Prelude music is one of the first things your guests will notice at your wedding. It is usually light background music that is played while guests are being seated. You can choose to play classical pieces or instrumental love ballads. If you don't want to pick individual songs, your DJ, ceremony musician, or wedding planner will likely have a list of songs to fit your wedding style.
Prelude music can also be played as your wedding party walks down the aisle. This includes parents and grandparents. Traditionally, instrumental music is played during this time, but you can switch things up and choose a processional style. You can also continue to play your parent's processional music or switch it up and choose a different processional song for your bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers.
The last pre-wedding song is the bride's entrance or processional. This signals a grand entrance, so try to choose something bold and unique. You may want to practice walking to the music and, if possible, arrange a rehearsal in the shoes you'll be wearing.
After everyone is in place, the ceremony can begin, and you'll need some different tunes to carry you through to "I do". The ceremony is more structured and formal, and different faiths and traditions may incorporate different moments. 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. They can also tell you which elements are traditionally underscored.
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Processional songs
The music played at your wedding will set the tone for the entire event. While it may be overwhelming to think of every song that will be played on your big day, there are a few important ones to take into consideration. The processional song is played while the wedding party, including parents and grandparents, enters the ceremony. Traditionally, instrumental music is played during this time. However, you can choose to switch things up and select a processional style.
- "Here Comes the Bride" is one of the most classic ceremony songs.
- Pachelbel's Canon is a classic choice.
- Canon in D is a more modern and unconventional option.
- Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring is a good choice for everyone except the bride, who can make a grand entrance with a unique song.
- "Hooked on a Feeling" by Blue Swede.
- "September" by Earth, Wind and Fire.
- "Dream a Little Dream of Me" is a good choice for an instrumental version.
- "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake.
Remember, you can also continue to play the parents' processional music as your wedding party walks down the aisle or switch it up and choose a different song for your bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers.
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Recessional songs
The recessional song is played at the end of the wedding ceremony as the newlyweds and their wedding party walk back up the aisle. It should be a thoughtful and romantic choice, reflecting the excitement of the couple. The song is usually upbeat and celebratory, marking the transition from the religious reverence and quiet tone of the ceremony to the jubilant party that follows.
There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a recessional song, and couples can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit. For those who enjoy classic rock, The Beatles are a perfect choice, with their famous tunes that will have everyone singing along. Another classic option is "I'm Yours" by Ingrid Michaelson, a bubbly and uplifting song with sweet lyrics such as "So I won't hesitate no more, no more / It cannot wait, I'm sure / There's no need to complicate / Our time is short / This is our fate, I'm yours."
For those who want to stick to tradition, "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn is a popular choice, along with other classical pieces such as Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" or Clarke's "Trumpet Voluntary." Couples can also choose contemporary songs like Golden Hour by Harry Styles, or "You're the One That I Want" from Grease by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta.
If you're looking for something unique, "It All Feels Right" by Washed Out or "The Dog Days are Over" by Florence + the Machine are great options. "Work Song" by Hozier is another beautiful choice, and for those who enjoy indie music, "Mystery of Love" by Sufjan Stevens is a gorgeous instrumental cover.
Regardless of the song you choose, the recessional song should capture the joy and happiness of the couple and set the tone for the celebrations to come.
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First dance
Choosing the song for your first dance as a married couple is a very personal decision. It is a chance to have a special romantic moment with your partner before the partying begins.
There are a few ways to approach choosing the song. You could go for a classic love song or something traditional, or you might prefer to go for something more modern or upbeat. You could also opt for a song that is meaningful to you as a couple, perhaps one that was playing on your first date, or a song that was popular when you first got together.
If you are a confident dancer, you might want to choreograph your first dance, and if you're not, don't worry! No one is expecting you to be a world-class dancer, and you can always stick to "the sway", the classic first dance style. You could also take dance lessons or do a few test runs to get comfortable with the song and the steps.
When it comes to the length of the song, you don't want it to be too long and bore your guests, but you also want to give your photographer time to capture enough photos. You can always trim the song down to a minute or two to capture your favourite parts.
- "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley
- "At Last" by Etta James
- "Joy of My Life" by Chris Stapleton
- "Life With You" by Kelsey Hart
- "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
- "Rather Be" by Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne
- "The Story" by Brandi Carlile
- "I Wanna Grow Old With You" from The Wedding Singer
- "Darlin'" by Graham Louis
- "Dance With Me" by Shockley
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Last dance
The last dance of the night is a chance to end your wedding on a high note and give your guests a happy, lasting memory. It's a good idea to choose a song that will encourage your guests to party until the very end—you don't want an empty dance floor!
If you want to end with a bang, opt for a high-energy, catchy tune that will lure guests out onto the dance floor one last time. For a rock anthem, consider "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC or "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. For a modern dance hit, try "Feel So Close" by Calvin Harris or "The Time (Dirty Bit)" by The Black Eyed Peas.
If you're looking for something more classic, you could choose "Last Dance" by Donna Summer or "Shout" by The Isley Brothers. For a power ballad, there's "Don't Look Back in Anger" by Oasis, or "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton. If you want to slow things down and create a calm and reflective end to the night, you could choose "Real Love Baby" by Father John Misty, or "Marry You" by Bruno Mars.
For a private last dance with just your partner, choose a slow song to create an intimate moment and re-focus the attention on you and your new spouse. "At Last" by Etta James or "Save the Last Dance for Me" by The Drifters are timeless choices.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to play 30 minutes of pre-ceremony music to account for early guests, latecomers, and wardrobe malfunctions. This music can be classical pieces or instrumental love ballads.
The processional song is played while the wedding party enters the ceremony. This includes parents, grandparents, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. Couples traditionally choose something sentimental for their parents or grandparents to walk down the aisle to.
The reception is when guests tend to get out of their seats and onto the dance floor. The first dance is shared by the couple and is usually a slow dance or a pre-choreographed dance. This is followed by the father-daughter dance, which is a slow dance shared between the bride and her father or another important male caregiver. The mother-son dance can be included as well.
The last dance signals to guests that the festivities are coming to a close. Choose a slow song that helps wind things down.
The cake-cutting moment is an important one. Some couples opt for the traditional "Bride Cuts the Cake" tune, while others choose a high-energy dance jam.
