Rhiannon Hendricks
Music is an important part of a wedding. It sets the tone, stirs emotions, and shares a message with your guests. There are many moments during a wedding when music is necessary, such as the first dance, the walk down the aisle, and the ceremony exit. Prelude music is also important, as it sets the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. Couples should also consider the music played during significant moments such as the unity candle lighting or the ketubah signing. The average couple spends $800 on wedding musicians, but there are ways to cut costs by using what may already be available in the space.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prelude music | Light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. |
| Prelude timing | Starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony but no later than 20 minutes before. |
| Number of prelude songs | 5-10 songs. |
| Processional music | Accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and the bride. |
| Number of processional songs | 2 songs minimum. One for each partner's entrance. |
| First dance | One of the most personal choices for the couple. |
| Other dances | Father/daughter and mother/son dances. |
| Recessional music | Joyful and upbeat music to mark the end of the ceremony. |
| Postlude music | Played while guests exit the ceremony. |
| Post-wedding brunch music | Played during the post-wedding brunch. |
| Cocktail hour music | Played during cocktail hour. |
| Reception entrance music | Played when the newlyweds enter the reception. |
| Filler music | Played during the reception. |
| Dancefloor music | Played until the final dance of the night. |
| Music during rituals | Instrumental music can be played during rituals such as lighting a unity candle or a sand-pouring ceremony. |
| Music during significant moments | Interludes or songs can be played during significant moments such as the unity candle lighting or the ketubah signing. |
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Prelude music
The number of songs you'll need for this period will depend on how long your prelude will be, but a safe number is usually between five and ten songs, or five or six songs according to another source. You can choose to have your prelude music played by a live musician, such as a pianist, harpist, violinist, or string quartet, or you can simply play music from a playlist. If you're on a budget, consider what may already be available at your venue. For example, if the hotel ballroom has a grand piano, you can hire a pianist to play it instead of having to transport a piano to the venue.
The songs you select should reflect the style and vibe of your wedding. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding in nature, contemporary acoustic songs might be a good fit, while a traditional ceremony might call for more classical, instrumental music. If you're having a religious ceremony, the music will likely be influenced by the religion and how weddings are conducted in that faith. For instance, there are many Christian wedding songs to choose from, whether you're getting married in a church or another location.
When choosing your prelude music, reflect on weddings you've attended in the past. Were there any songs that stood out to you? You can also consider your favourite songs from movies and TV shows, such as songs from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 or Bridgerton.
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Processional music
Many couples opt for classical music or instrumental wedding processional songs, such as piano, acoustic guitar, violins, and string quartets. However, some couples choose to break tradition and explore unique wedding processional songs. For instance, a couple might use a string quartet version of a modern song like "Chasing Cars" for the entire processional and then switch to an instrumental version of a song from Hadestown for the bride's entrance.
If you're looking to save money, consider what may already be available at your venue. For example, if your venue has a grand piano, you can hire a pianist to perform the processional music. Alternatively, you can ask a talented friend or family member to perform a song during a natural break in the ceremony.
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Interludes
Wedding interludes are a great way to personalise your ceremony and ensure there are no awkward silences. They are played during the quieter moments when there is minimal talking, such as during rituals or the signing of the marriage license. Interludes can also be used to set the mood, add drama, or give a special meaning to the moment.
When choosing your wedding interlude music, it is important to consider the vibe and tone of the other songs on your playlist so that everything flows. You could opt for instrumental versions of your favourite songs, modern pop songs, classic rock, or film and series soundtracks. Religious interlude songs are also a meaningful way to personalise your ceremony.
If you are looking for something more specific, you can find inspiration from curated lists of crowd-pleasers or modern wedding interlude songs. You could also ask a talented friend or family member to perform a song during a natural break in the ceremony.
To save costs, consider using any musical instruments already available at your venue, such as a grand piano. Most musicians will have demos on their websites, so be sure to listen to these before making your choice. Discuss your musical choices with your officiant, wedding planner, and musicians to determine how many interludes you will need and if they are appropriate for your ceremony.
Finally, don't leave choosing your wedding music until the last minute. It is important to give yourself enough time to browse the many choices available and find the songs that speak to you.
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Recessional music
Wedding music is a crucial element of the big day, and there are many moments where music can enhance the atmosphere and create lasting memories. One such moment is the recessional, which is the first song the newly married couple hears as they exit the ceremony. The right wedding recessional song can make the moment pure magic, creating a joyful and romantic atmosphere as the couple walks up the aisle together.
There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding recessional song, and couples can opt for a variety of genres and styles. Classical pieces, such as "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn, are traditional choices that never fail to please the crowd. For a unique sound, couples may also consider live music, such as an acoustic cover of a popular song performed by a string quartet, pianist, harpist, or guitarist.
Contemporary songs by artists like Beyoncé and Harry Styles can showcase the couple's personality and musical taste. For instance, an upbeat indie song like "It All Feels Right" by Washed Out can be a fun choice. Couples can also opt for sentimental songs that hold personal significance, like "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis, or "Light my Love" by Greta Van Fleet.
When choosing the recessional music, it is important to consider the overall atmosphere and any guidelines or restrictions of the ceremony site. Secular locations, for instance, may have limits on noise volume and curfew times. Couples should also ensure that their music choices do not overlap with moments when someone is speaking.
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Filler music
Prelude music is another key type of filler music, setting the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. It usually starts when the doors open, or up to 45 minutes before the ceremony starts. You'll need around five to ten songs for this part of the day, depending on the length of your prelude.
During the ceremony, you may want to include some filler music during significant moments such as the lighting of a unity candle or the signing of the ketubah. Instrumental music can work well here. You could also include a postlude, with music playing as guests exit the ceremony. A violin or even a set of bagpipes can be a memorable way to end the ceremony and lead guests out in a parade.
For the reception, it's a good idea to have some background music playing as guests arrive and enter cocktail hour. This music should match your venue—for example, classical music for a grand hall, or indie guitar for a festival-style wedding.
Finally, don't forget the dancefloor music! Your first dance is a very personal choice, so take the time to choose a song that's meaningful to you and your partner. You may also want to include a father/daughter and mother/son dance.
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Frequently asked questions
It's best not to leave planning your wedding music until the last minute. Many couples continuously put off making music choices, but there's a lot more to wedding music than just the first dance song.
You'll need music for the prelude, processional, and recessional, as well as filler music during the reception and dancefloor music. The prelude usually starts when the doors open, up to 45 minutes before the ceremony begins, and you'll need 5-10 songs for this. For the processional, you'll need at least two songs, and then a few more for the recessional and postlude.
Prelude music should be light and ambient to set the mood while guests are arriving and being seated. Some light classical music, chilled piano, or guitar would be perfect.
The processional music should be more dramatic and emotional as it accompanies the entry of the wedding party, family, and bride. You can choose one song for each partner's entrance or select music for each group entering the ceremony space.
It's important to read the lyrics of the songs you choose and consider whether they convey the right message for your wedding. For example, 'Every Breath You Take' by The Police is commonly played at weddings, but Sting has said that it's about jealousy and obsession.
