Rhiannon Hendricks
Music is an integral part of a wedding, from the prelude to the processional, and from the recessional to the last dance. It sets the tone for the entire event and can stir up emotions and share a message with your guests. Choosing the perfect wedding song is a blend of personal taste, thoughtful planning, and trusting your musical professionals. The first dance is one of the most emphasized aspects of your wedding day, and it is something you will always remember and cherish.
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Walking down the aisle
If you're looking for emotional songs to walk down the aisle to, you can't go wrong with country music. Country music is responsible for some of the most heartfelt love songs ever. You could also go for a soulful R&B love song, or a graceful, sweet, swooning instrumental.
Your bridal entrance song could express your feelings toward your partner. For example, do you feel like you are marrying your high school sweetheart, or has it been a long journey to find true love? Your song could also reflect your life as a couple and even the blending of families.
You'll need something with a slightly slower-than-normal pace so that you and your bridesmaids can walk comfortably down the aisle. If you have your heart set on a song with a quick tempo, see if there’s a slower acoustic version available. You could also choose a song with a lot of build-ups for a grand entrance.
- "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
- "I Knew I Loved You" by Savage Garden
- "Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves
- "Beautiful in White" by Shane Filan
- "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
- "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young
- "Sea of Love" by Cat Power
- "September Song" by Agnes Obel
- "Wildest Dreams" by Taylor Swift
- "Only Time" by Enya
- "She's Got A Way" by Billy Joel
- "Moon River" by Audrey Hepburn
- "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis
- "Everwood" theme song
- "I Choose You" by Sara Bareilles
- "When I Fall in Love" by Andrea Bocelli
- "Cryin" by Aerosmith
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First dance
The first dance is a special moment for the newly married couple, and the song choice can be very personal and unique to each couple. Some couples opt for classic love songs, while others choose songs that hold a special meaning for them.
For instance, one couple chose "How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding as their first dance song because they loved and connected with the song when they heard it. Another couple chose "I Swear" by John Michael Montgomery, and a third couple chose "When I Fall in Love" by Andrea Bocelli.
Some couples decide to walk down the aisle to a particular song, such as "Can't Help Falling in Love" from Crazy Rich Asians, or "Moon River" by Frank Ocean. Others choose to incorporate their favourite movies or TV shows, such as the theme song from Everwood or Moonlight Densetsu from Sailor Moon.
Some couples even write their own wedding songs, like the person who wrote a special song for their wife to be sung to, and set all the prayers to music for their wedding.
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Recessional
The wedding recessional song is played at the end of the ceremony when the newlyweds and wedding party walk up the aisle. It is the first song the newly married couple will hear as they exit the ceremony, so it should be a thoughtful and romantic choice.
There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding recessional song. You can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a traditional cultural song, or a current hit. It should be a sentimental choice that you and your partner love.
Some couples choose to incorporate their favourite genres or instruments into their recessional song. For example, a couple who are fans of Lord of the Rings chose Concerning Hobbits by Taylor Davis as their recessional song. Another couple who loved indie music chose It All Feels Right by Washed Out.
Other couples choose songs that hold a special meaning for them. For example, one couple chose Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves because it reminded them of when they first started dating. Another couple chose Everybody Loves Somebody by Dean Martin because it reflected the groom's personality.
- You're My Best Friend by Queen
- I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers
- Don't Stop Me Now by Queen
- All The Small Things by Blink-182
- Great Escape by Boys Like Girls
- The Fire That Keeps You Warm by Dolly Parton
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Last dance
The last dance of a wedding is a chance to end the night in style and create a lasting memory for your guests. Whether you want to rock out or slow dance, there are plenty of options to choose from.
If you want to end the night on a high note, consider an upbeat classic like Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now," or a modern dance hit like "Feel So Close" by Calvin Harris. For a more intimate moment with your partner, slow songs like "At Last" by Etta James or "When There Is You" by Koop can create a calm and reflective end to the evening.
Other popular choices include "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC, "Shout" by The Isley Brothers, and "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers. For a fun twist, some couples choose songs like "Devil Went Down to Georgia" by Charlie Daniels or "All Eyes On Me" by Bo Burnham, showing their unique personality as a couple.
Ultimately, the last dance is about celebrating your love and creating a lasting memory. Whether you choose a classic love song or something more alternative, make sure it reflects your style and leaves your guests with a happy final memory of your special day.
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Alternative songs
Alternative wedding songs are a great way to showcase your personality and music taste. Here are some ideas for alternative songs to play at your wedding:
First Dance Songs
If you're looking for a unique and alternative first dance song, consider "Scrapbook" by The Rocket Summer. This piano rock ballad has romantic lyrics and an epic conclusion that will leave your guests in awe. Another option is "Maps" by Slipknot, an emotionally driven song that blends old-school and modern influences. For something more rock-oriented, "Rickrolling" by Rick Astley is a popular choice, with its memorable lyrics about love at first sight.
If you're a fan of indie music, you might want to consider "Gotta Have You" by The Weepies, "Bloom" by The Paper Kites, or "Slowly" by Coconut Records. Florence and the Machine's version of "Stand By Me" is another beautiful choice that will have your guests feeling emotional.
Aisle Songs
For the bridal party's entrance, consider something instrumental like "Can't Take It In" by Imogen Heap or "Moonlight Densetsu" from Sailor Moon. If you're looking for something more upbeat, "Everwood" by McPaul Smith is a gorgeous and uplifting instrumental that will add a magical touch to your wedding. "Speechless" by Dan + Shay is another popular choice for the bride's entrance.
Recessional Songs
"You're My Best Friend" by Queen and "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers are fun and upbeat choices for the recessional. If you're looking for something more alternative, "Concerning Hobbits" by Taylor Davis is a unique choice, especially if you're a fan of Lord of the Rings.
Other Alternative Choices
- "Christmas in the Room" by Sufjan Stevens (perfect for a Christmas wedding)
- "Half Moon," "Lion's Mane," "Joy," or "My Lady's House" by Iron & Wine
- "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel
- "Celebrate" by Anderson Paak
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular wedding entrance songs include "Here Comes the Bride" and Pachelbel's Canon.
"I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz and "A Thousand Years" are popular choices for a couple's first dance.
A special song that the father sang to his daughter as a child is a popular choice for the father-daughter dance.
When selecting your wedding songs, consider the meaning of the lyrics and choose songs that represent you as a couple. You can also use resources such as the My Wedding Songs app, which provides curated song lists for different parts of the wedding ceremony and reception.
