While choosing your ceremony music is yet ANOTHER thing to check off the to-do list, it’s the chance to put together the soundtrack of your wedding dreams! Here are some tips to help get you started with picking the perfect songs for your ceremony!
But first you need to know…
Ceremony Basics
The ceremony can be broken down into five parts: the Prelude, the Processionals, the Interlude, the Recessional, and the Postlude.
Prelude: Entrance music as your guests get seated at the ceremony site. (Up to 30 minutes)
Processionals: The formal entrance of family, the wedding party, the groom(s) and the bride(s).
Interlude: Optional music to accompany a special tradition during the ceremony.
Recessional: The formal exit of the bride(s) and groom(s), the wedding party, and the family.
Postlude: Exit music as your guests leave the ceremony site and head to the reception. (Up to 10 minutes)
Ceremony Song Recommendations
Prelude Music
Soft instrumental music is the perfect way to set the tone for your ceremony while still allowing your guests to socialize before the ceremony officially starts. I have a go-to list of songs that I use for Prelude music. This includes classic and current love songs, as well as crowd favorites. You have the option to choose which genres of music you’d like for your Prelude music, and then I put together the setlist. I like to keep it simple, classy and romantic, no matter what genres of music I play – that way the music blends seamlessly together and gives your guests all the feels!
Genres to choose from:
Traditional/Classical
Pop
Light Jazz
Disney
Folk
R&B
Processional Music
Choosing songs with slower to medium tempos are perfect for walking down the aisle. However, I can always turn a more upbeat song into a slower ballad! Another thing to note: you don’t need to worry about the timing of your entrance. I will be watching you, your family, and your wedding party make your way down the aisle, and will end the music appropriately as you get to your places for the ceremony. I can always shorten or lengthen sections of music to fit perfectly with what is needed for the processional. That’s the beauty of having live (harp) music!
Trending Processional Song Ideas:
I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You – Elvis Presley
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Turning Tables – Sleeping at Last
How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
The Best Part – Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R.
La Vie En Rose – Louis Armstrong
Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel
I recommended choosing three songs to complete your ceremony: one song for the family & wedding party entrance, one song for the grand entrance, and one song for the Recessional.
Bonus recommendation: choosing a song that’s personal to you and your Fiancé! (ie the song you had your first kiss to or the song that was playing on the radio at your first date!)
Interlude Music
You have the option to add music to accompany a special tradition during the ceremony like pouring sand together, lighting candles, tying a knot, during prayer or communion etc. Having music flowing in the background can help avoid any awkward and unwanted silence during your ceremony.
Interlude Song Ideas:
Amazing Grace
Be Still My Soul
Hallelujah
Largo
The Nightingale – Deborah Henson Conant
Hymne by Vangelis
Recessional Music
WOOHOO! It’s official – you’re married!! Choose a more fun and upbeat song that gets you and your guests excited heading into your reception (aka partyyyy!)
Trending Recessional Song Ideas:
Marry You – Bruno Mars
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – James Taylor
Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
You Are The Best Thing – Ray Lamontagne
All You Need is Love – The Beatles
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
You’re My Best Friend – Queen
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Postlude Music
I have a go-to list of songs that I use for Postlude music. This includes classic and current love songs, as well as crowd favorites. You have the option to choose which genre of music you’d like for your Postlude music, and then I put together the setlist. I like to keep it fun and upbeat to match the energy and flow from your recessional song!
Genres to choose from:
Traditional/Classical
Pop
Light Jazz
Disney
Folk
R&B
I hope this helps you feel confident in choosing your ceremony music! And now I’m curious – what songs are on your list that aren’t on mine? What would you like to hear played as you walk down the aisle?
