Junior Rasmussen
Music is an integral part of a wedding ceremony, and there are many songs played throughout the day. The first song of the wedding ceremony is usually prelude music, which is light and ambient and sets the mood while guests are being seated. The processional follows, accompanying the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and the bride. The recessional is played at the end of the ceremony, as the newlyweds and wedding party exit. The opening song of the wedding reception is also important, as it sets the mood for the rest of the night. Couples may choose a fun, upbeat song to get everyone excited and in party mode.
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What You'll Learn
- Prelude music: light, ambient music while guests are seated
- Processional songs: one for the family, another for the bridal entrance
- Recessional songs: bright and lively music to accompany the exit
- Postludes: music played while guests are exiting the ceremony
- Dance floor openers: upbeat songs to get everyone dancing
Prelude music: light, ambient music while guests are seated
Prelude music is an important part of your wedding ceremony. Prelude music is the first music your guests will hear, so it sets the tone for the ceremony and the rest of the wedding. Prelude music is played as guests arrive and are seated, and it continues until the ceremony begins. Prelude music usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony begins, but no later than 20 minutes before the start.
Prelude music is typically light and ambient, creating a romantic atmosphere and filling the time as guests arrive and take their seats. You'll need between five and ten songs for the prelude, depending on how long before the ceremony begins you want the music to start. You can choose to hire musicians or a DJ, or simply play music from your own playlist.
When selecting your prelude music, it's important to consider the vibe of your wedding and whether you want the music to be traditional, modern, or tied to your religious background. You can also think about songs from movies and TV shows, or songs that you've heard at other weddings. If you're opting for a timeless wedding, classical music might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you want to greet your guests with more current music, you can choose from a variety of modern songs.
There are many popular choices for wedding prelude songs, including romantic songs like "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo, "Everything" by Michael Bublé, and "Yellow" by Coldplay. You can also opt for classical pieces like "Water Music Suite No.3, HWV 350" by George Frideric Handel, "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven, and "Sheep May Safely Graze" by Bach. Both instrumental music and songs with lyrics can work well as prelude music, as long as they have a mellow presence and don't bring too much energy to the environment.
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Processional songs: one for the family, another for the bridal entrance
The wedding ceremony traditionally involves a minimum of three types of songs: preludes, processionals, and recessionals. Prelude music is light and ambient, setting the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. The processional songs accompany the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and the bride. Finally, the recessional plays at the conclusion of the ceremony, as the newlyweds exit.
Family Processional Songs:
- "Canon in D" is a perennial favourite for family processionals. It is familiar and beautiful, setting a light and romantic tone without being somber.
- "Vitamin String Quartet" covers of popular songs by artists such as The Beatles or The Killers can add a romantic atmosphere to the ceremony.
- "I've Got an Angel" is a sweet and sentimental choice, celebrating the presence of loved ones at your special day.
- "I Have to Speculate" acknowledges the role of fate and divine intervention in bringing people together.
- "You Know That I Could Use Somebody" is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and appreciation for the support of family and friends.
Bridal Processional Songs:
- "Over the Rainbow" is a classic and sweet choice, often used for younger members of the wedding party, such as the flower girl or ring bearer.
- "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé is a fun and upbeat option for the bridal party's entrance, kicking off the celebration with energy and excitement.
- A sentimental song by the groom's favourite band can be a meaningful way to mark his entrance and make his ceremony special.
- "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon is a fun and playful choice, with lyrics that encourage guests to join the celebration and dance.
- "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston is a feel-good song that will get everyone on the dance floor and set a joyful tone for the rest of the evening.
Additionally, you can think outside the box and choose unique or unexpected songs that give your guests all the feels. You can also choreograph a fun dance for the wedding party entrance to personalize the celebration. Consider the size and acoustics of your venue when selecting your processional songs and choosing musicians.
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Recessional songs: bright and lively music to accompany the exit
A wedding ceremony traditionally involves a minimum of three types of songs: preludes, processionals, and recessionals. The recessional song, or exit song, is played as the couple walks back down the aisle as newlyweds, followed by their guests. It should be bright, lively, and celebratory, reflecting the joy and excitement of the moment.
When choosing a recessional song, it's important to consider the tone and tempo. The song should be triumphant, upbeat, and joyous, instantly bringing a happy feeling. It should also have a strong and impactful intro to lift the mood of everyone present. Couples may also want to choose a song with lyrics that reflect the theme of love and happiness.
- 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' by Handel
- 'September' by Earth, Wind & Fire
- '(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher' by Jackie Wilson
- 'Wedding March' from A Midsummer Night's Dream by Mendelssohn
- 'Sweet Disposition' by The Temper Trap
- 'Sky Full of Stars' by Coldplay
- 'Halo' by Beyoncé
- 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' by Stevie Wonder
- 'Electric Love' by Ingrid Michaelson
Couples can also add a unique twist to their exit by including interludes or songs played during significant moments, such as the unity candle lighting or the signing of the register.
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Postludes: music played while guests are exiting the ceremony
A traditional wedding ceremony music program involves three types of songs: preludes, processionals, and recessionals. Prelude music is light and ambient, setting the mood as guests are being seated. The processional accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party and family, and the recessional is played as the wedding party exits.
The postlude is a selection played while guests are exiting the ceremony. This can include a musician playing a violin or bagpipes, or even leading the guests out in a parade.
- "Gonna Make You Sweat" by C+C Music Factory
- "Wannabe" by The Spice Girls
- "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake
- "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" from the movie Dirty Dancing
- "Hey Ya!" by Outkast
- "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon
- "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston
- "Single Ladies" by Beyoncé
- "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé
When choosing a postlude song, consider the rhythm, vibe, lyrics, and how easy it is to dance to. You may also want to test out a few songs at home to assess the moves it allows and practice your showstopper dance moves!
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Dance floor openers: upbeat songs to get everyone dancing
The wedding ceremony music program traditionally involves a minimum of three types of songs: preludes, processionals, and recessionals. Prelude music is light and ambient, setting the mood as guests are being seated. The processional accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, and the recessional is played as the couple exits.
The dance floor opener is an important moment that can often be overlooked. It's the song that gets everyone up and dancing, so it needs to be carefully chosen. Some couples opt for songs with instructive lyrics that demand "let's get the party started" or "everybody dance now". Others might choose a well-known song that makes people want to get up and dance. A unique, intimate moment with a sweet and sensual song can also be a good choice. From oldies to modern hits, classical to hip-hop, there are many genres to choose from.
- "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon
- "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston
- "Single Ladies" by Beyoncé
- "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé
- "Hey Ya!" by Outkast
- "Gonna Make You Sweat" by C+C Music Factory
- "Wannabe" by The Spice Girls
- "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake
- "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
- "Stayin' Alive" by The Bee Gees
- "Come and Get Your Love" by Redbone
- "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
- "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi
- "Shout" by The Isley Brothers
It's important to consider the rhythm, vibe, lyrics, and how easy it is to dance to the song. You may need to test out a few songs to find the perfect one. Timing is also crucial; starting the song from the chorus or when the beat kicks in can create a great atmosphere.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good songs to open the dance floor at a wedding include "Hey Ya!" by Outkast, "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston, and "Single Ladies" by Beyoncé.
Some good entrance songs for the bride and groom at a wedding reception include "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie King Cole, "All I Do Is Win", and "Best I Ever Had" by Drake.
Prelude songs are usually light and ambient and can include anything from oldies to modern hits and classical to rock.
Most couples choose two processional songs: one for the family and wedding party, and a more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional.
Recessional songs are usually bright, lively, and celebratory.
