Junior Rasmussen
Music is an integral part of a wedding, from the prelude to the postlude, and choosing the right songs can be a daunting task. The songs you select for your wedding should be a reflection of you, your relationship, and your feelings. The music you choose will set the tone for your ceremony and will be remembered forever. Whether you opt for a live band, DJ, soloist, or playlist, there are a few key moments that deserve special tunes. From the processional to the recessional, and from the prelude to the postlude, here's a guide to help you choose the perfect songs for your wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs | 3-4 songs throughout the ceremony is common, with 10 songs for the prelude if needed |
| Prelude | 10-15 minutes of music before the ceremony while guests are gathering and taking their seats |
| Processional | 1-2 songs, with different songs for each group entering the ceremony space, including parents, wedding party members, and each partner |
| Signing of the register | 1-3 songs |
| Recessional | 1 song, with 2-3 additional songs as guests are filing out |
| First dance | 1 song |
| Dance with parents | 1 song each for the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance |
| Cake-cutting | 1 song |
| Last dance | 1 song |
| Genre | Love songs, calm and subdued, upbeat, fun surprises, instrumental, etc. |
| Instruments | Piano, guitar, string instruments, harp, etc. |
| Volume and curfew | Dependent on the venue and type of ceremony |
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What You'll Learn
Prelude/pre-ceremony songs
The prelude is the period when guests are gathering and taking their seats before the ceremony begins. Most attendees will arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, but some may arrive earlier, so it's a good idea to plan for around 30 minutes of music, or about 5 to 10 songs. Prelude songs are usually background music and are typically mellow and understated to allow guests to converse. They can be instrumental or include lyrics and are often soft acoustic songs or classical pieces. Prelude songs can be played by a live musician, such as a pianist or violinist, or from a curated playlist.
When choosing your prelude songs, consider the overall style and vibe of your wedding. For example, a rustic wedding in nature might feature contemporary acoustic songs, while a traditional ceremony might opt for classical or religious music. If you're getting married in a house of worship, be sure to check for any restrictions on the type of music that can be played.
- "The One" by an indie Irish band - a romantic song with lyrics about summer and love.
- "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo - a soulful cover of the Beach Boys' classic.
- "Concerning Hobbits" from The Lord of the Rings - a soft and understated arrangement.
- A classical arrangement, such as a famous instrumental wedding song or a popular piano piece.
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Processional songs
The processional is one of the most memorable parts of the entire wedding day, and choosing the right songs to accompany it is key. The number of processional songs you'll need depends on factors like the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. Usually, people choose two processional songs: one for the family and wedding party, and another more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional.
If you're having a wedding in a house of worship, be sure to talk to your officiant about any restrictions on music. Some conservative venues will have a specific list of traditional songs for you to choose from, while others might only allow instrumental music with no recorded words. The most progressive venues may be open to any music, with the officiant's approval.
If you're planning a formal affair, you may want to stick with traditional, classical wedding processional songs. These traditional songs are familiar to everyone, and many have crescendos that are perfect for a grand bridal entrance. For a more relaxed or fun-loving couple, you might choose an upbeat wedding song to match your personality. You could even choreograph a dance for your wedding party to perform to the processional song.
Some couples choose to select music for each specific group entering the ceremony space, including parents, the wedding party members, and each partner. If you have a large wedding party and want everyone to walk down the aisle to the same song, you'll need a tune that's long enough. You'll also want to consider the length of your aisle.
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Recessional songs
The recessional song is played at the end of the wedding ceremony, accompanying the newlyweds and the wedding party as they exit and walk up the aisle. It is traditionally bright, lively, and celebratory, reflecting the joy of the occasion. Typically, there is only one main recessional song, but some couples choose to include a few postludes as guests are leaving.
When choosing your recessional song, it is important to consider the venue and any restrictions they may have. Some conservative wedding venues may have a specific list of traditional songs to choose from, while others may only allow instrumental music without any recorded words. The size of the venue and the number of guests should also be considered when selecting the type of music and instrumentation.
To make your exit memorable, you can choose a unique song that reflects your personality and music taste. For example, if you want to stick with tradition, you could choose the "Wedding March" from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Felix Mendelssohn, or "Spring". For a more contemporary feel, you could choose a current hit or a song by artists like Beyoncé or Harry Styles.
- "Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves
- "Paper Rings" by Taylor Swift
- "Great Escape" by Boys Like Girls
- "The Fire That Keeps You Warm" by Dolly Parton
- "It All Feels Right" by Washed Out
- "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors
- "Home" by Edward and the Sharps
- "Accidentally in Love" by Counting Crows
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First dance songs
Choosing the music for your wedding ceremony is an important task, as it sets the tone for the entire event. The first dance song is a particularly special and poignant decision. Couples often spend months weighing the top contenders, considering the song's tempo, their ability to dance to it, and whether it resonates with both of them.
The first dance song is often a very personal choice, with couples opting for songs that hold a special memory or meaning for them. It may be a song that they love to belt out in the car or one that they always dance to at home. Some couples choose a slow ballad that feels inherently romantic, while others might prefer something more upbeat and lighthearted to reflect their personalities.
It's also important to consider the practical aspects of the song choice, such as the length of the song and the length of the aisle if the couple plans to walk down the aisle together during the song. The couple's dancing skills may also play a role in the song choice, with some opting for classic dances like the Waltz or Foxtrot, while others might choose to choreograph their own original dance.
Some popular first dance songs include classics like "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley, "At Last" by Etta James, and "You're Still The One" by Shania Twain. More current hits like "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran and "Lover" by Taylor Swift are also popular choices. Couples may also choose unique songs that hold personal significance, such as "I'm Going To Go Back There Someday" from The Muppet Movie or "Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star.
Ultimately, the choice of first dance song is a deeply personal one, and couples should select a song that resonates with them and reflects their relationship.
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Cake-cutting songs
The cake-cutting song is a great opportunity to show your guests that you aren't taking yourselves too seriously. It is also a chance to set a playful, romantic, or even cheeky tone. The song you pick to accompany your cake-cutting should be fun, a bit romantic, and even sentimental. It is usually best to choose a song that is meaningful to you and your partner.
Some couples choose a cake-cutting song that is sentimental and slow, while others go for fun or upbeat tracks. The key is to make sure to pick a song that feels like you—whether that means cute and classic or offbeat and unexpected.
If you're having a hard time deciding on a song, you can ask your wedding DJ or live band for suggestions. You can also take a look at The Knot's Wedding Cake-Cutting Songs playlist on Spotify for inspiration.
- "Love and Marriage" by Frank Sinatra
- "Yummy" by Justin Bieber
- "Cake by the Ocean" by DNCE
- "You're My Best Friend" by Queen
- "Making My Dreams Come True" by Hall & Oates
- "Just Eat It" by "Weird Al" Yankovic
- "Love On Top" by Beyonce
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Frequently asked questions
The number of songs you choose to play during your wedding is up to you, but there are a few key moments to consider. First, you'll want to set the mood with some pre-ceremony music as your guests arrive and take their seats. Then, you'll need to choose a song for the processional, which often includes entrances for parents, the wedding party, and both partners. If you have a large wedding party, you'll need a longer song or multiple songs. After the ceremony, you'll want to play a recessional song as you and your partner exit the ceremony. Finally, you'll want to choose a song for your first dance as a married couple.
It's a good idea to play background music as your guests enter and take their seats. Classical music or instrumental love ballads are popular choices for this part of the wedding. You'll want to choose about 30 minutes worth of music or about 10 songs that are each roughly three minutes long.
The processional song is often a more dramatic and emotional song, such as Pachelbel's Canon in D or Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. You may also choose to have different processional songs for different members of the wedding party, such as the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and parents.
The recessional song should be up-tempo, happy, and primed to get the party started. Some popular choices include Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder, One Day Like This by Elbow, and All You Need is Love by The Beatles.
The first dance song is a meaningful tune that you and your spouse-to-be will never forget. It can be a song that has special significance to you as a couple or a new song that you both love.
