Franklin Dean
Music is an integral part of any wedding, and the right songs can make or break the atmosphere. From the prelude to the postlude, music sets the tone for the entire event. While some couples opt for traditional wedding songs, others choose to mix things up with creative choreography and song mashups. This can be a fun way to surprise guests and create memorable moments. However, mixing songs can be challenging, and it's important to ensure a smooth flow between tracks to maintain the desired mood. Whether it's a DJ, band, or playlist, careful planning and execution are key to ensuring the music enhances the celebration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Music for the wedding | Prelude, processional, and recessional |
| Prelude music | Light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin |
| Processional music | Accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and the bride |
| Recessional music | Bright, lively, and celebratory music that plays as the couple exits |
| Dance choreography | Ballroom, Salsa, or other styles that match the couple's preferences and musical tastes |
| Tempo | Mid-tempo (80-100 BPM) is often the easiest for couples to dance to |
| Choreography length | Approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds to make an impact without being overwhelming |
| Mashups and song mixing | Can be used to surprise guests and add a fun element to the wedding |
| Song choice | Couples should choose songs that reflect their personalities and energy |
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What You'll Learn
Prelude music: light, ambient music for guests being seated
Prelude music is an essential part of setting the mood for your wedding ceremony. It usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony begins, but no later than 20 minutes prior. This pre-ceremony music is light and ambient, creating a romantic atmosphere as your guests take their seats and wait for the festivities to commence.
Depending on how long your prelude will be, you'll need between five and ten songs. It's important to get the music way before the wedding and create a mix, ensuring smooth transitions between songs. You don't want any awkward silences or sudden endings that can disrupt the mood and flow of the ceremony.
For the prelude, consider instrumental music or soft, slow songs that are meaningful to the couple. Prelude music should be subtle yet emotive, creating a beautiful backdrop for the start of the ceremony. It's a chance to showcase your musical tastes while also building anticipation for the processional, when the wedding party makes their entrance.
The prelude music can include a mix of old and new songs, perhaps even some humorous or entertaining choices like line dance songs or participation dance songs. Prelude music is all about creating a warm and inviting ambiance, setting the tone for the entire event. Whether it's soft instrumentals or sentimental songs, carefully curate this portion of the playlist to make it truly memorable.
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Processional music: for the wedding party's entrance
Music is an integral part of setting the tone for your wedding ceremony. The processional music, in particular, is what accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and the bride.
While it is not required, many couples choose to have separate songs for the bridal party and the bride and groom's entrances. The processional music should be playing when any VIPs, including the officiant, grandparents, parents, wedding party members, and the couple, are walking down the aisle.
The number of processional songs you'll need depends on the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. Usually, two processional songs are chosen: one for the family and wedding party, and a more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional. However, you can choose to have the same song playing as different members of the wedding party make their way down the aisle.
For younger members of the wedding party, like the ring bearer or flower girl, you may want to opt for a classic, sweet song like "Over the Rainbow". For the bridesmaids and groomsmen, a fun, upbeat track like Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" will kick things off. The groom's entrance should also be marked by a meaningful song, whether it's a sentimental song by his favourite band or a song with meaningful lyrics.
Finally, for the bride's entrance, you'll want a tune to match the moment everyone has been looking forward to. Whether you go with a classic instrumental option or a modern favourite, expect all guests to stand and turn in awe.
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Recessional music: bright, lively music for the couple's exit
The recessional is the joyous finale to your wedding ceremony, accompanying you and your partner as you exit and make your way back down the aisle together for the first time as a married couple. It is a moment filled with joy, relief, and excitement, and the music chosen should reflect these feelings. The music should be bright, lively, and celebratory and can be a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit.
There are plenty of contemporary songs that will showcase your personality and taste in music. These recent hits are unlikely choices, but they are ideal for couples who want to personalize their ceremony. From Beyoncé to Harry Styles, there are many modern wedding recessional songs to choose from.
If you love the idea of having live music, ask your wedding ceremony musicians about doing an acoustic cover of a popular song. A string quartet, pianist, harpist, or guitarist will bring a unique sound to your wedding ceremony exit song. You could also have a violin or a set of bagpipes played as you and your guests exit the ceremony.
- "Rondeau" by Jean-Joseph Mouret
- "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" by George Frideric Handel
- "Trumpet Tune" by Henry Purcell
- "La Rejouissance" from Music for the Royal Fireworks by George Frideric Handel
- "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3" by Johann Sebastian Bach
- "Wedding March" from A Midsummer Night's Dream by Mendelssohn
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Postlude music: played while guests leave
Music is an integral part of a wedding, from the prelude to the postlude. The postlude is a selection of music played while guests are exiting the ceremony. It is the finishing touch to a wedding ceremony and can be used to set the tone for the rest of the event.
The postlude is usually played after the recessional, which is bright, lively, and celebratory music that accompanies the couple as they exit the ceremony. The postlude is often more subdued and can be used to accompany guests as they leave. It can also be played during a receiving line or while photographs are being taken, creating a pleasant atmosphere for guests who choose to linger.
When selecting music for the postlude, couples may choose to create a mix CD or computer file, allowing them to control the timing between songs. This can help maintain the desired mood and emotion of the event. It is important to ensure a smooth transition between songs, avoiding any awkward silences or sudden stops.
The type of music chosen for the postlude can vary. Some couples may opt for instrumental music, such as a violin or bagpipes, creating a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. Others may prefer to include fun and upbeat dance songs, such as "We Found Love" by Rihanna, to get guests moving and set a joyful tone.
Additionally, couples can consider the theme of their wedding when selecting postlude music. For example, a wedding with a vintage theme might include big band music or jazz, while a modern wedding might feature more contemporary hits. Ultimately, the choice of music depends on the couple's preferences and the overall vision for their special day.
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Dance music: choose a mix of songs for all guests
Music is an essential part of setting the tone for your wedding and keeping your guests entertained. It's important to consider the different parts of the day and the various guests' tastes when selecting songs. Here are some tips to help you choose a mix of songs that will get everyone on the dance floor!
Prelude Music
Prelude music is played while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. It usually starts when the doors open, up to 45 minutes before the ceremony, and ends 20 minutes before the start. This music should be light and ambient to set a romantic mood. You'll need around 5-10 songs for this part.
Processional Music
The processional accompanies the entry of the wedding party, including family, attendants, and the bride. You can use one song for everyone or change it up when the bride enters to add drama. Usually, two songs are chosen: one for the family and wedding party and another more emotional and dramatic song for the bridal processional.
Recessional Music
The recessional plays as you and your guests exit the ceremony and is traditionally bright, lively, and celebratory. There is usually just one main song, followed by a few postludes as guests are leaving. You can also include interludes during significant moments, such as candle lighting, or a postlude with a violin or bagpipe performance as guests exit.
Reception and Dance Music
When it comes to the reception and dance, it's time to let your personality shine through! A good tip is to mix up the pace of the songs, even later in the night. Include some slow songs, but also add some upbeat tracks to get everyone on the dance floor. You can also surprise your guests with a mashup for one of your special dances. Start with a slow song and then suddenly switch to a fun, energetic track to get everyone's attention. End with a sharp, memorable song that allows for a final pose and plenty of crowd applause and pictures!
Remember to get your music well in advance and create a mix with smooth transitions between songs. You don't want long gaps or sudden endings that can disrupt the mood. A well-curated and seamlessly mixed playlist will keep your guests entertained and create lasting memories for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
It's best to keep the routine to around 2 minutes and 30 seconds. This is long enough to make an impact, but not too long that it becomes overwhelming to learn and memorise.
Mid-tempo songs, around 80-100 BPM, are the easiest to dance to. Many couples mistakenly believe that slower songs are easier, but this is not always the case.
There are a few key moments during a wedding when it's ideal to mix songs: the prelude, processional, and recessional. The prelude is light, ambient music played as guests arrive and take their seats. The processional accompanies the entry of the wedding party, and the recessional is played as the couple exits the ceremony.
You can start with a slow, meaningful song and then suddenly change it to an upbeat dance track to surprise your guests. You can also incorporate line dance or participation songs, such as the YMCA or the Chicken Dance, to make the choreography easier and more entertaining.
It's recommended to get your wedding music way ahead of time so you can create a mix with proper timing between songs. This will allow you to ensure a smooth flow of music and avoid any awkward pauses or sudden endings that can disrupt the mood.
