Rhiannon Hendricks
Music is an integral part of a wedding, and there are several moments throughout the day when songs are played to amplify the experience. From the pre-ceremony music to the first dance, the songs you choose for your wedding should reflect your relationship and how you're feeling. The music you select for your wedding is dependent on the kind of ceremony you're having, the venue, the formality of the day, and your personal taste as a couple.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ceremony Type | Civil, Church, Alternative |
| Music Style | Acoustic, Piano, Chart Toppers, Film, Alternative, Classic, Epic, Instrumental, Indie Guitar, Classical, R&B, Jazz, Easy Listening |
| Moments | Prelude, Processional, Bride's Song, Unity Sand/Candle, Recessional, Postlude, Cocktail Hour, Grand Entrance, Dinner, Toasts/Speeches, Formal Dances, Cake Cutting, Bouquet and Garter Toss, First Dance, Mother and Son Dance, Father and Daughter Dance |
| Volume | Low, Background |
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Pre-ceremony music
You could also consider having some background music playing 30 minutes before the ceremony is scheduled to start. This can help to build anticipation and excitement and create a nice ambiance for your guests as they arrive and take their seats. It can also be a good idea to have some music playing as your bridal party gets ready—a fun way to calm nerves and create special memories with your closest friends and family.
The pre-processional music marks the start of the ceremony and is a more solemn moment. Everyone will be quietly waiting for the bridal party's entrance, so the music should reflect this. You could opt for something instrumental or acoustic here, creating a sense of anticipation and elegance.
If you are having a ritual during your ceremony, such as lighting a unity candle or doing a sand-pouring ceremony, you might choose to have some music playing in the background. This could be instrumental or a solo performance by a talented friend or family member.
Remember, when it comes to pre-ceremony music, you want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere without being too intrusive. Keep the volume at a level that allows your guests to chat and greet each other comfortably.
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Processional
The wedding prelude is the block of time between guests arriving and the ceremony starting. Prelude music sets the tone for the ceremony as guests arrive. It usually lasts for about 20 to 45 minutes before the ceremony begins and requires five to ten songs. It's a great time to add music to set the mood of your entire wedding day. You can choose music based on your wedding day vibe – whether it’s traditional or modern.
The wedding processional is the part of the ceremony when VIPs, including the officiant, grandparents, parents, wedding party members and the couple, walk down the aisle. It usually begins with a brief pause after the prelude music. Traditionally, a wedding processional uses at least two songs. One song is typically used for the bridal party’s entrance, setting the tone and building anticipation for the bride’s grand entrance. Then, a separate, more dramatic and emotional song is designated for the bride’s entrance, marking the highlight of the processional.
The choice of music for the wedding processional ought to mirror your relationship. It should tell your story and evoke the emotions you want to share on your special day. Selecting songs that hold special meaning for the couple contributes to the emotional significance of the wedding procession.
If you are choosing a special song specifically as a "pre-processional", we recommend this song to be around two to three minutes in length. A "pre-processional" can serve as a heads-up to the bridal party that the procession is about to begin, and two to three minutes will be enough time for them to get ready.
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Unity candle lighting
The unity candle lighting is a popular wedding ceremony ritual symbolizing the joining of two people and their families. It usually involves the couple's mothers being escorted to their seats, followed by the lighting of the unity candle by the couple. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to incorporate this tradition into your wedding ceremony seamlessly:
Pre-Ceremony Setup
Before the ceremony begins, ensure that the unity candle setup is placed on a small table at the altar or front of the ceremony space. This setup typically includes the large unity candle and two smaller candles. The smaller candles often feature personalised decorations or ribbons that match the wedding colour scheme.
Processional
The unity candle lighting ritual begins with the processional. The wedding party, including the couple's mothers, are escorted down the aisle to their designated seats. This sets the tone for the ceremony and ensures that the important family members are involved in the upcoming unity candle lighting.
Once the processional is complete and everyone is seated, the officiant will typically introduce the unity candle lighting ritual. They may explain the symbolism behind the tradition and its significance to the couple. This explanation helps guests understand the meaning of the ceremony and creates a meaningful atmosphere.
Lighting of the Unity Candle
Beginning with one person, often either the groom's mother or the bride's mother, they will light one of the smaller candles and then take their seat. The next person, usually the other mother, will then light the other small candle and return to their seat. The couple will then use these lit candles to jointly light the larger unity candle, symbolising their union and the joining of their two families.
Personalisation
To make the unity candle lighting even more special, some couples choose to personalise the moment with a song or reading. Selecting a song that holds a special meaning for the couple or their families adds an extra layer of sentiment to the ceremony. Alternatively, a reading or poem about love and unity can be recited during the candle lighting to reinforce the significance of the ritual.
Incorporating the unity candle lighting into your wedding ceremony provides a visual representation of two lives and families becoming one. It creates a memorable moment that involves both the couple and their mothers, making it a heartfelt and symbolic addition to your wedding day.
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First dance
The first dance as a married couple is a memorable moment that you will cherish forever. It is a centuries-old wedding tradition that symbolises the love between the newlyweds and is often highly anticipated by guests. While it can be a beautiful and romantic experience, it may also be a nerve-wracking one, with many couples feeling reluctant to dance alone in front of a crowd.
There are several ways to make the first dance your own and ensure you feel comfortable. Firstly, consider the timing of your first dance. Traditionally, it marks the start of the evening reception, but you can choose to perform it earlier, such as during cocktail hour or before the wedding meal, to ease any nerves. Alternatively, you can use it as a transition moment to gather guests onto the dance floor and kickstart the festivities.
Next, think about the song choice. The best first dance songs are often those with a unique and personal connection to your relationship. Opt for a song with a memorable verse and chorus that reflects your love story and showcases your personality as a couple. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even choreograph a routine or perform a romantic duet instead of dancing.
Finally, decide on the length of your first dance. You don't have to dance for the entire song, especially if you're feeling self-conscious. Discuss with your band or DJ a signal or predetermined point in the song where they can fade out the music or invite guests to join you on the dance floor.
Remember, the first dance is ultimately about celebrating your love, so make it a fun and enjoyable experience by choosing what feels right for you. Whether you decide to stick to a romantic sway or go for something more upbeat, ensure you practice beforehand to boost your confidence and create a cherished memory.
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Cocktail hour
Music during the cocktail hour of your wedding is a great way to keep your guests entertained and elevate the ambiance. It's also a chance to create a fun and memorable experience for your guests before the reception and dancing begin.
When selecting songs for your cocktail hour, it's important to keep the mood and atmosphere in mind. You'll want to choose songs that are upbeat and cheerful, but not too intense or overpowering. The goal is to create a relaxing environment that encourages socialising and conversation. Consider the classics, like Frank Sinatra, or go for something more modern with a mix of pop hits. If you and your partner are fans of a particular genre, like country or R&B, you can incorporate that into your cocktail hour music as well.
To ensure that your guests of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy the music, opt for songs with minimal or uplifting lyrics. You can also include a few instrumental love songs, such as "Allie Returns" by Aaron Zigman or "Ordinary People" by John Legend. If you're looking for something more romantic, try an instrumental version of a popular love song, like "Marry Me" by Train or "Higher Love" by Steve Winwood, covered by the Vitamin String Quartet.
If you're working with a DJ or a band, communicate your preferences and song choices to them ahead of time. This will allow them to incorporate your selections into their sets and create a seamless musical experience for your cocktail hour.
Whether you choose to hire live musicians or create your own playlist, the most important thing is to select music that reflects your taste as a couple and sets the desired mood for your wedding's cocktail hour.
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Frequently asked questions
Music can be played throughout your wedding, from the pre-ceremony as guests arrive and take their seats, to the postlude as guests exit the ceremony. You may also want to play music during the processional, the recessional, and the cocktail hour.
The songs played during the ceremony depend on your personal preferences and the tone you want to set. You may want to play something light and classical or some chilled piano or guitar. If you're walking down the aisle, you might want to choose something more dramatic and emotional.
The reception is a great time to play some upbeat and personal tunes. You'll want to keep the volume low enough for people to chat, and consider the setting of your venue. If you're in a grand hall, classical music might be a good fit, while a festival-style wedding might call for some indie guitar.
The first dance song is a personal choice and should be symbolic of the couple. It should be something significant, sentimental, and special to the two of you.
