Deborah Chan
Music is an important part of a wedding, setting the tone for the entire event and stirring up emotions. It can be overwhelming to choose songs for your wedding, but there are a few key moments to focus on. The prelude, processional, and recessional are the most important parts of a wedding ceremony, and choosing the right songs for these moments is key. The prelude is the period when guests are gathering and taking their seats, and the music is usually light and ambient. The processional is when the wedding party, including family and attendants, walk down the aisle, and the song is usually neither too fast nor too slow. The recessional is played when the couple exits the ceremony, and it is traditionally bright and lively. In addition to these key moments, there are many other opportunities to include songs in your wedding, such as the reception and the first dance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs | 3 types of songs are required for a basic wedding ceremony: preludes, processionals, and recessionals. The number of songs for each category depends on factors such as the length of the aisle and the number of people walking down the aisle. |
| Prelude | Light, ambient music played while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. It can be instrumental or include vocals. |
| Processional | Accompanies the entry of the wedding party, family, and/or bride. It can be one song for everyone or different songs for each group or individual. |
| Recessional | Played during the exit of the ceremony, often a bright, lively, and celebratory song. |
| Reception entrance | A fun and upbeat song played when entering the reception. |
| First dance | A sentimental moment where the couple can choose their favourite song or a song that is special to them. |
| Parent dances | Usually follows the first dance at the reception. |
| Last song | A song to end the reception on a good note and give guests a final chance to dance. |
| Genre | Classical, Broadway, pop, tango, rags, country, jazz, hymns, and contemporary music are all suitable for weddings. |
| Live music | Live musicians can perform at weddings, and they can play instrumental versions of popular songs or songs from various genres. |
| "Must-play" songs | Create a list of "must-play" songs for the DJ or band to ensure your favourite songs are played during the dance portion of the wedding. |
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What You'll Learn
- Prelude songs: light, ambient music to set the mood while guests are seated
- Processional songs: music for the wedding party's entrance, including parents and grandparents
- Recessional songs: a happy, lively tune to exit the ceremony as a married couple
- Reception entrance songs: a rocking tune to kick off the reception
- First dance songs: a sentimental tune for the couple's first dance
Prelude songs: light, ambient music to set the mood while guests are seated
Prelude songs are an important part of your wedding music as they set the tone for the ceremony and the rest of the event. Prelude songs are played as guests are arriving and being seated, and they can evoke a range of emotions in your guests, from sentimentality and romance to happiness and nostalgia. Prelude music usually starts when the doors open, or up to 45 minutes before the ceremony begins, but no later than 20 minutes before the start. You will need between five and 10 songs for this period, depending on how long your prelude will be.
When choosing your prelude songs, consider the vibe of your wedding and whether you prefer music that is traditional, modern, or tied to your religious backgrounds. You can also think about weddings you've attended in the past and whether there were any standout songs that played before the ceremony began. If you're a movie or TV buff, you could even consider songs from your favourite shows. For instance, the soundtracks from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 and Bridgerton have suited real-life weddings well.
If you're having a rustic wedding, contemporary acoustic songs can be a great choice. Songs like "Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, "Tenerife Sea" by Ed Sheeran, "Die a Happy Man" by Thomas Rhett, and "January Wedding" by The Avett Brothers are perfect for a wedding with a rustic or bohemian theme. For a beach wedding, "La Vie En Rose" by Louis Armstrong is a great jazz option, while "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole is a good choice for an outdoor ceremony.
On the other hand, if you're having a traditional ceremony, classical and instrumental music is the way to go. "Air on a G String" by Bach, "The Four Seasons (Spring)" by Antonio Vivaldi, "Canon in D" by Pachelbel, and "Water Music Suite No.3, HWV 350" by George Frideric Handel are all beautiful options. Remember, you can also have live musicians perform instrumental versions of popular songs.
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Processional songs: music for the wedding party's entrance, including parents and grandparents
The processional is the music that accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and the person/people being wed. The number of processional songs you'll need depends on factors such as the number of people walking down the aisle, the length of the aisle, and the length of the songs. Most weddings have at least two songs: one for the wedding party and one for the person/people being wed.
For the wedding party, you might want to consider the age of those entering, such as young ring bearers or flower girls. A classic, sweet song like "Over the Rainbow" or "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole would be a great choice for younger members of the wedding party. For older members of the wedding party, you might want to consider something fun and upbeat like Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love".
For the person/people being wed, you might want to choose a song with a bit more drama. This could be something grand and traditional, or a song that's sweet and lively. A few popular options include "Air" by Handel, "Bridal Chorus" by Richard Wagner, "Here, There, Everywhere" by The Beatles, "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, or "Canon in D" by Pachelbel. If you're looking for something more modern, you could consider "All of Me" by John Legend or "Ribbon in the Sky" by Stevie Wonder.
If you're including parents and grandparents in the processional, you might want to consider choosing a song that's romantic and upbeat. Some options include "Air on a G String" by Bach, "The Four Seasons (Spring)" by Antonio Vivaldi, "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley, "Your Song" by Elton John, or "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.
Remember, it's your wedding, so choose songs that you love and that represent your style! Don't be afraid to change things up and have a song played live or with different instruments. Start picking your songs well in advance, and consider the overall wedding style and your family and friends when making your choices.
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Recessional songs: a happy, lively tune to exit the ceremony as a married couple
Wedding recessional songs are played as the couple walk back down the aisle as newlyweds, with guests clapping and cheering wildly. The song should be joyous, upbeat, and celebratory, reflecting the excitement and happiness of the couple and their guests. It should be a memorable tune that brings a happy feeling and lifts everyone's mood.
When choosing your recessional song, consider selecting a song with a strong and impactful intro, so that the joy of the moment is felt by everyone as soon as the music starts. The lyrics should also be considered, with themes of love or happiness being the most appropriate. If you are a music lover, it is a good idea to start a list of songs you like well in advance, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a recessional song, and you can personalise your ceremony with a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit. For a dramatic wedding ceremony exit, you may opt for a recognisable, movie-ending closer, like Arcade Fire's "Wake Up". Fun and throwback songs like Outkast's "Hey Ya" or The Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling" are also great choices.
If you are a traditionalist, you could go for the classic "Wedding March" from A Midsummer Night's Dream by Mendelssohn, or Spring by Felix Mendelssohn. For a more modern take, you could choose from a range of contemporary songs, from Beyoncé to Harry Styles, to showcase your personality and taste in music.
- "You're the One That I Want" from Grease by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
- "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" by Handel
- "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
- "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" by Jackie Wilson
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Reception entrance songs: a rocking tune to kick off the reception
Planning your wedding reception is one of the most enjoyable parts of wedding preparation. It's a happy time to celebrate your new marriage and party with your nearest and dearest. The music you choose for your reception will play a significant role in setting the tone for the evening, especially when it comes to introducing your wedding party.
If you're looking for a rocking tune to kick off the reception, there are plenty of options to choose from. "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen is a fun, recognisable song that will get everyone on their feet. "Get Down Tonight" by KC & The Sunshine Band is another great choice to get the energy up. If you're after something more modern, "All I Do Is Win" by DJ Khaled, "Best I Ever Had" by Drake, or "On Top of the World" by Imagine Dragons are sure to be a hit. For a badass entrance, you can't go wrong with some classic rock like "Kickstart My Heart" by Motley Crue or "Sexy and I Know It" by LMFAO.
Remember, this is your first debut as a married couple, so it's crucial to select a song that you both genuinely adore. You can dance to the song, hype up your guests, or even slow things down. It's entirely up to you! But to make your entrance even more memorable, consider choosing a song that's either universally popular or especially meaningful to you as a couple.
Don't be afraid to make the song your own. You could have it played live, get an acoustic version, or use different instruments than the original. These simple changes can make the song feel fresh and interesting while still having the emotional impact you desire.
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First dance songs: a sentimental tune for the couple's first dance
Choosing the right songs for your wedding is an important part of the planning process. The music you select will set the tone for the entire event, from the ceremony to the reception.
The first dance is a special moment for the couple to shine and connect with each other and the song chosen for this moment can be incredibly difficult to decide on. It is often a sentimental tune that is meaningful to the couple and can be a song that they will cherish and refer to as "their song" for years to come. The first dance song can be a slow ballad, something more upbeat, or even a unique and unexpected choice. The lyrics, tempo, and genre are all important factors to consider when choosing the right song.
There are many popular first dance songs to choose from, such as "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley, "At Last" by Etta James, "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, "You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson, and "Green Eyes" by Coldplay. Couples may also opt for non-traditional first dance songs that are fun, upbeat, and full of energy, such as "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" by The Darkness or "Take on the World" by You Me At Six.
In addition to the first dance song, there are other opportunities to incorporate music into your wedding. Prelude music, for example, is played while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. The processional accompanies the entry of the wedding party, and the recessional is played as the couple exits. These songs can be chosen to match the mood and pace of the wedding and can include a mix of classical, modern, romantic, and upbeat tunes.
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Frequently asked questions
The three types of songs traditionally included in a basic wedding ceremony music program are preludes, processionals, and recessionals.
Prelude music is light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. It usually starts when the doors open and can be up to 30 minutes long, which equates to about 10 songs.
Processional songs accompany the entry of the extended wedding party, family, and attendants. Most couples choose one song for each partner's entrance, but you can also select a song for each specific group entering the ceremony space.
The recessional song is played when the couple exits the ceremony. It is traditionally bright, lively, and celebratory. There is usually only one main recessional song, but it's a good idea to have a few extra songs as guests are leaving.
