George Boyle
Music is an integral part of weddings, with songs playing a role in everything from the bridal entrance to the signing of the registers, recessional, drinks reception, and first dance. Couples often opt for romantic and mellow songs for the ceremony and save the upbeat and fun songs for the reception. Some couples prefer to walk down the aisle to a different tune than the processional, and some even have special songs for their dances with their parents or siblings.
Characteristics and Values of Special Songs in a Wedding
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prelude music | Light, ambient music played while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin |
| Processional song | Played while the wedding party, parents, and grandparents enter the ceremony; traditionally instrumental |
| Recessional song | Played when the newlyweds exit the ceremony; should be happy and lively |
| Reception entrance song | Played when the couple enters the reception |
| First dance | Can be a sentimental song that is meaningful to the couple |
| Parent dances | Includes the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance; can be emotional and respectful |
| Cake-cutting | Can be a fun, upbeat song or a traditional tune like "Bride Cuts the Cake" |
| Last dance | A slow song that signals the end of the festivities |
| Religious ceremonies | Hymns or specific songs for religious readings or unity ceremonies |
| Cocktail hour | No specific songs required but music can set the mood for the reception |
| Cultural themes | Arabic, Scottish, vintage, reggae, R&B, country, rock, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Prelude music: light background music while guests are seated
- Processional music: played while the wedding party enters
- Recessional music: an upbeat song played when the newlyweds exit
- First dance: a sentimental moment for the couple
- Mother-son and father-daughter dances: emotional dances with respectful songs
Prelude music: light background music while guests are seated
Prelude music is an important part of your wedding ceremony. It is the first thing your guests will notice and will set the tone for the entire event. Prelude music is light, ambient music that is played in the background while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. It usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes prior to, but no later than 20 minutes before the beginning of the ceremony. You'll need between five and 10 songs for this pre-ceremony period.
Prelude music can include classical pieces, instrumental love ballads, or any other type of music that fits your wedding style and creates a romantic atmosphere. If you're having an outdoor wedding, you might not be able to use a traditional piano, but if electricity is available, an electric piano could work. You can complement it with a string instrument such as a violin or cello.
If you're stuck for ideas, your DJ, ceremony musician, or wedding planner will likely have a list of songs to fit your wedding style. You can also consider hiring a musician to entertain, such as an acoustic guitar player, a pianist, a harpist, or a string quartet.
Remember, the music played at your wedding should be true to what you and your partner would love to hear, not just what's traditional. Every couple has that one special song that means something to them, so consider incorporating it into your prelude music if it fits the mood you're trying to set.
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Processional music: played while the wedding party enters
Processional music is played while the wedding party enters the ceremony. This includes the bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, and grandparents. Traditionally, this music is instrumental, but you can choose to switch things up with a processional style. It's a good idea to consider the bigger picture and provide a musical backdrop to the most special part of the day, which sets the tone for the entire event.
When selecting processional music, it's important to keep in mind the size of your ceremony venue. For example, a large and loud ensemble might overwhelm a small chapel. If you're having an outdoor wedding, you may need to opt for an electric piano or another portable instrument. You can complement it with a string instrument such as a violin or cello.
If you're having a religious ceremony, check with the musical director at your venue to see if they have any guidelines or an approved song list. You can also consider the wedding theme when choosing processional music. For instance, if you're planning a country wedding, you might want to include some country tunes, or if you're having a casual affair, you could play "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry.
Ultimately, the processional music should be something that you and your partner love and that reflects your musical preferences. Whether you choose a classic or non-traditional song, it's a good idea to practise walking to the music and ensure that it sets the right tone for your special day.
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Recessional music: an upbeat song played when the newlyweds exit
Wedding songs are an important part of the ceremony and reception, setting the tone for the entire event. A wedding recessional song is played when the newlyweds exit the ceremony and make their way back down the aisle. It should be a happy, lively, and triumphant song that reflects the excitement and joy of the couple and their guests. It can be a fun and upbeat song or a more sentimental and romantic choice.
There are many options to choose from when it comes to wedding recessional songs, ranging from classic and traditional to modern and contemporary. For a traditional choice, the "Wedding March" from Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a popular option. Other traditional choices include "Spring" and "Here Comes the Bride".
Couples who want to showcase their personality and musical taste may opt for more modern and contemporary songs. They can choose from a wide range of genres, including indie, alternative, R&B, pop, and soul. Some popular modern choices include "Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap, "You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates, and "Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay.
In addition to the recessional song, there are several other important songs to consider for a wedding. Prelude music, for example, is played while guests are being seated and helps set the mood for the ceremony. The processional song is played when the wedding party, including parents and grandparents, enter the ceremony. The first dance song is another important choice, and couples often choose a song that is meaningful to them or one that reflects their style and personality.
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First dance: a sentimental moment for the couple
The first dance as a married couple is a special moment in any wedding reception. It can be a very sentimental moment for the couple, and it is a chance to slow things down and create a romantic atmosphere.
If you already have a song that is meaningful to you as a couple, this can be a great pick for your first dance. If not, you could brainstorm your favourite songs and see if any of the lyrics stand out as particularly relevant to your relationship. You could also consider the type of music you both enjoy and choose a song from that genre, whether that's rock, jazz, R&B, country, or even reggae.
If you are having a religious ceremony, check with the musical director at your venue to see if they have an approved song list. The size of your venue will also determine whether you can have a live band perform or need to play music over a speaker system.
The first dance usually takes place after the couple has made their entrance into the reception, and it is often followed by parent dances. The last dance of the night is another important moment, and it doesn't need to be as emotional as the first dance. Choose a slow song to wind things down, and get everyone on the dance floor for one final song.
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Mother-son and father-daughter dances: emotional dances with respectful songs
Music is an integral part of a wedding, from the moment guests arrive to the last dance of the night. There are several moments during the ceremony that deserve a special tune, including the mother-son and father-daughter dances. These dances are emotional and impactful scenes that honour the parents and are a memorable occasion, marking a child's new life with their spouse.
The mother-son dance is a special moment for the groom and his mother to share in the spotlight. It can be a fun, lighthearted, playful, or soulful moment. The song chosen for this dance should express the unique relationship between mother and son. It could be a song that was sung to the son as a child, a tune by the mother's favourite artist, or a song that they both love. It could be a traditional song or something more modern. The most important thing is that the song is meaningful to the mother and son and speaks to the quality of their bond.
The father-daughter dance is equally emotional and is a moment for the father to dance with his little girl, who is now all grown up. It is a bittersweet moment that reminds us of how precious and fleeting these years are. The song chosen for this dance should be something that the father and daughter connect with and can be a slow or upbeat song, depending on their preference.
There are many songs to choose from for these dances, and it can be challenging to find the perfect one. Some popular options for the mother-son dance include:
- "You Are My Sunshine"
- "In My Life" by The Beatles or Johnny Cash
- "You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins
- "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac
- "Wildflowers" by Tom Petty
- "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys
And for the father-daughter dance:
- "Father and Daughter" by Paul Simon
- "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
- "NYC Serenade" by Bruce Springsteen
- "Never Grow Up" by Taylor Swift
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Frequently asked questions
Some songs to play during the ceremony include "pov" from Bridgerton Season Three, originally by Ariana Grande, and "Can't Help Falling in Love with You" by Elvis Presley.
"Stand By Me" by Ben E. King is a well-known classic that will keep the mood light and appeal to all ages. "All of Me" by John Legend is another great choice for a slow dance.
"At Last" by Etta James is a classic choice for the first dance. "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri is another popular choice.
"I Loved Her First" by Heartland is a popular choice for the father-daughter dance. "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw is another option.
"What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong is a classic choice for the mother-son dance. "You've Got a Friend" by Carole King is another option that celebrates the bond between mother and son.
