Rhiannon Hendricks
Music is an integral part of a wedding, setting the tone and style of the event. While choosing songs for every moment of your wedding day can be overwhelming, there are a few key moments for which you'll want to select the perfect tunes. From the prelude to the processional, the recessional, and the reception, you'll want to create a playlist that reflects your personality and taste as a couple. Whether you opt for a live band, a DJ, or a solo musician, you'll want to ensure your music choices create the right atmosphere for each part of your special day.
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What You'll Learn
Prelude/pre-ceremony music
Prelude music is light and ambient, setting the mood as guests arrive and take their seats before the ceremony begins. Prelude music usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 30-45 minutes before the ceremony, but no later than 20 minutes before the beginning. Prelude music is typically softer and serves as background music, allowing guests to hear their own conversations.
The number of songs you'll need for the prelude depends on how long each song is and how long your prelude will be. A safe number is between five and ten songs. You can choose to have a playlist, hire a DJ, or have live musicians such as a wedding band, pianist, harpist, violinist, or string quartet. If you're having an outdoor wedding, keep in mind that you may need more musicians or amplification so that the music doesn't get drowned out.
When choosing your prelude music, consider the vibe of your wedding and whether you prefer music that is traditional, modern, or religious. Classical instrumental music is a good choice for a soft, elegant, and ethereal tone. If you want something more modern, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift have songs that are perfect for a wedding prelude. You can also include songs from movies and TV shows, such as "Bridgerton" and "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1", which are known for their wedding-appropriate soundtracks.
- "Clair De Lune" by Claude Debussy
- "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Johann Sebastian Bach
- "Air on the G String" by Johann Sebastian Bach
- "Voi Che Sapete" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- "Sweet Creature" by Harry Styles
- "Invisible String" by Taylor Swift
- "Cherry Wine" by Hozier
- "Love" by Lana Del Rey
- "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison
- "In My Life" by The Beatles
- "Marry Me" by Train
- "Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan
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Processional songs
The wedding processional is a formal sequence of participants walking down the aisle, including the officiant, wedding attendants, and the couple. The music played during the processional can be chosen based on personal preference and can be religious or from a genre of choice.
For the Couple
For the Wedding Party
The wedding party's processional songs can be chosen based on the type of music that best represents the wedding style, the family members and friends entering the ceremony, and the couple's overall love story. For younger members of the wedding party, like the ring bearer or flower girl, a classic and sweet song like "Over the Rainbow" is a good choice. For the bridesmaids, a song like "You Are the Reason" by Calum Scott or "Shallow" by Lady Gaga can be a great fit. Groomsmen can enter to the same song as the groom, or if there is a larger wedding party, an additional song can be chosen for them, like "Sweet Creature."
For the Entire Wedding Party
Some couples may choose to have the entire wedding party walk down the aisle to the same song. A string quartet version of "Chasing Cars" or a song from a movie that is special to the couple, like "One Summer's Day" from Spirited Away, can be a beautiful choice.
These are just a few ideas to consider for processional songs. Ultimately, the choice of music should reflect the couple's preferences and the unique dynamics of their wedding party.
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Recessional songs
The recessional song is played at the end of the wedding ceremony when the newlyweds and the wedding party walk up the aisle. It should be a thoughtful and romantic choice that sets the tone for the party that's about to begin. There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a recessional song, so you can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit.
- "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole
- "You're the One That I Want" from Grease by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
- "Ain't No Mountain High" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
- "The Dog Days are Over" by Florence + the Machine
- "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
- "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors
- "Home" by Edward and the Sharps
- "Accidentally in Love" by Counting Crows
- "Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves
- "Great Escape" by Boys Like Girls
- "Brand New" by Ben Rector
- "The Fire That Keeps You Warm" by Dolly Parton
- "It All Feels Right" by Washed Out
- "Longer than a Lifetime" by Sanctus Real
- "Beautiful Day" by U2
- "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder
- "At Last" by Etta James
- "Better Together" by Jack Johnson
- "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
- "Love on Top" by Beyoncé
- "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
- "I Choose You" by Sara Bareilles
- "Treasure" by Bruno Mars
- "It's a Beautiful Life" by Ace of Base
- "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra
- "I'll Be There" by Jackson 5
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Reception entrance songs
Wedding reception entrance songs, also known as walk-out songs, are an important part of your wedding day. They set the tone and style of your celebration and can be used to get your guests in a celebratory mood.
When choosing your reception entrance songs, consider the vibe you're going for and the mood you want to create. You might want to select an uplifting or upbeat song to get your guests excited and onto the dance floor. From wedding favourites by Bruno Mars to oldies but goodies, most of your guests will be familiar with popular wedding songs, making them great for entering the reception in style. You could also consider changing it up and having an acoustic version or a live performance with different instruments to make it fresh and interesting.
If you're looking for some specific song suggestions, here are a few ideas:
- "You're the One That I Want" from Grease
- "Now That I Found You" or "Run Away With Me" by Carly Rae
- "I'm In Love With You" by The 1975
- "Levitating" by Dua Lipa
- "Born to Be Alive" by Patrick Hernandez
- "Dancing in the Moonlight" by King Harvest
- "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers
- "Modern Love" by David Bowie
- "Sweet Thing" by Van Morrison
Remember, the most important thing is to choose songs that you and your partner love and that reflect your style and personality.
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First dance songs
The first dance song is one of the most personal decisions a couple will make ahead of their wedding reception. It's a song that will be cherished forever, so it's worth taking the time to choose something meaningful.
When deciding on a first dance song, couples often consider the pace of the song, the dance style, and whether the lyrics resonate with them. Some couples opt for a slow ballad, while others might prefer something more upbeat and lighthearted. Many couples choose a song that holds a special memory, while others might select a song with meaningful lyrics.
Spotify's top five first-dance songs of 2024 included classics like "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley and "At Last" by Etta James. More current hits, like "Joy of My Life" by Chris Stapleton and "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, were also popular choices.
- "You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson
- "Green Eyes" by Coldplay
- "I Got You" by Jack Johnson
- "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds
- "Forever Like That" by Ben Rector
- "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
- "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran
- "Wanna Grow Old with You" by Adam Sandler
- "Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star
- "First Date" by Blink 182
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few important songs to consider for your wedding day. Prelude music is played while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. Processional music is played when the wedding party enters the ceremony, including parents and grandparents. The recessional song is played when you exit the ceremony as a married couple, and it should be happy and lively! Lastly, your first dance as a married couple will be memorable, so choose a song that is meaningful to you.
You can choose songs that are meaningful to you and your partner, or ask family members what songs they would like to dance to. You can also consider the walking pace when selecting songs for the wedding party's entrance. If you are unsure, a professional wedding musician or DJ will be familiar with wedding songs and can help you finalize your playlist.
If there is a popular wedding song that you love, make it your own by changing it up! You could have someone play it live, get an acoustic version, or have it played with different instruments.
To get your guests on the dance floor, consider choosing songs that are upbeat, catchy, and nostalgic. You can also choose songs from a specific decade, such as the 70s, 80s, 90s, or 2000s, to add a fun twist.
