There is no doubt that music plays a crucial role in your wedding ceremony. It sets the tone of your event, creates an atmosphere that reflects the you and your partner’s personalities, reflects the emotions of the day, shares your unique love story, and exemplifies the significance of the moment. From the first notes of the prelude that welcomes guests to the wedding processional music and the joyous recessional that marks the beginning of a new journey, the right music choices can enhance emotions, create lasting memories, and seamlessly guide the flow of the event.
The Different Sections of a Wedding Ceremony Where Music Plays a Crucial Role
1. Prelude Music: Setting the Stage
Prelude music should begin about 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. This introductory music sets the mood for the ceremony to follow, and avoids having your guests arrive to an awkward silence, since they are greeted by the sounds of your wedding “soundtrack”.
Not that long ago, prelude music in a wedding ceremony typically consisted of instrumental or softly sung pieces played as guests arrive and take their seats. Quite fitting as that style of music serves as background music, enhancing the overall ambiance rather than highlighting a specific moment or action.
These days, couples often break from traditional instrumental choices, opting for favorites like Stevie Wonder’s “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” or Michael Bublé’s “Everything,” adding a personal touch to the atmosphere.”
However, regardless of the musical genre, the point of prelude music is to set a welcoming atmosphere, creating an anticipatory mood, gently preparing everyone for the heartfelt moments to come.
• Suggestions for prelude songs
“Sally’s Song” by Vitamin String Quartet
“Why I Love You” by MAJOR.
2. Wedding Processional Music: The Grand Entrance
Processional music accompanies the entrance of the wedding party, culminating in the bride’s walk down the aisle. Its purpose is to highlight that significant moment, while adding an emotional and dramatic flair that enhances the anticipation and joy of the ceremony.
This music sets the stage for the vows to follow, marking the formal start of the wedding proceedings.
• Considerations for the wedding party’s processional music
“What Dreams Are Made Of” by Brent Morgan
“Unconditionally” by Caleb + Kelsey
• Song suggestions for the bride’s entrance
“I See the Light” (from Disney’s Tangled) byTaylor Davis
“I Choose You” by Amanda Jordan
3. Interlude: Moments of Reflection
Interlude music is played during quiet moments of reflection or transitions within the wedding ceremony, such as lighting the unity candle. While optional, interlude music helps enhance the emotional depth and flow of the event. It creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere, allowing guests to absorb the significance of the ceremony while providing a seamless auditory backdrop.
• Interlude Song Suggestions
“A Simple Song” by Leonard Bernstein
“I Will Be Here” by Steven Curtis Chapman
4. Ceremony Highlights: Music for Key Moments
Other key moments within a wedding ceremony where you may want to include music include the exchange of vows and the ring exchange. Music at these moments helps underscore the emotional significance of these pivotal events, so you’ll probably want a song that enhances rather than taking the focus away from the moment.
• Music during the exchange of vows
“Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Daniel Jang
• For the ring exchange
“With This Ring” by Kenny Loggins
• For unity ceremonies or readings
“The One” by Kodaline
5. Recessional Music: Joyful Exit
Recessional music is the celebratory music played as the newlyweds exit the ceremony, marking the conclusion of the formal proceedings and the beginning of the celebration. What makes for good wedding recessional songs? Traditionally, the recessional music is more up-tempo than other ceremony music as its purpose is to uplift and energize, signaling a joyous transition from the solemnity of the ceremony to the festivities of the reception.
• Recommendations for upbeat and celebratory recessional songs
“Finally Mine” by Juliet Roberts
“Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root
2. Tips for Choosing Your Ceremony Songs
When choosing your wedding ceremony music, “First and foremost, select songs that mean something to you” recommends Matt Campbell in his book Wedding Songs Planner. Select songs that not only enhances the emotional impact of key moments, but also resonates with you and your partner and your guests.
• Factors to consider when selecting songs
• Venue style and ambiance (A church ceremony will most likely have a different set of music selections than on ceremony held on a beach)
• The feeling or vibe you want to create (maybe you want a calm and relaxed feeling, or something more upbeat and dramatic)
• Personal preferences (you could choose to incorporate songs that were played on your first date or when you got engaged, for example)
• Your wedding theme, if you have one (for example, a rustic farm wedding might suit Americana or Irish folk songs, while a traditional church wedding might include Bach or religious pieces)
• Cultural significance (if you will be honoring your cultures in your wedding ceremony, reflect this in your music also)
• Be aware of the length of the song/the length of the aisle/the number of people walking down the aisle (you don’t have to play each song in it’s entirety, but there is a correlation between these factors)
Very Important! If your ceremony will be held in a church or synagogue, make sure you find out their music requirements before you fall in love with a “must have” play list. If there are restrictions – you must follow them.
3. Practical Considerations
Logistics and Timing
When choosing music for a wedding ceremony, practical considerations such as timing and logistics are essential for a seamless and memorable event. Coordination with musicians or DJs ensures that music transitions smoothly between different ceremony moments, maintaining the flow and atmosphere. It’s crucial to plan ahead and communicate clearly to ensure that music enhances each part of the ceremony without any interruptions or delays.
Timing considerations are crucial. Choose songs that match the timing of each key ceremony element, like the processional or exchange of vows, to create a seamless, harmonious flow, enhancing the emotional impact and overall experience for the couple and their guests. For example, the average song is 3-5 minutes, but the average time it takes to walk down the aisle is about 30 seconds.
Lyrics
You can choose a song with no lyrics or simple lyrics so that the words don’t distract from the moment. If you choose songs with lyrics, the following is very important. Listen to the lyrics before finalizing your music choices!
Some songs may seem perfect for a wedding ceremony, but not so much after closely listening to the lyrics. Some examples of this are:
• “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder (“isn’t she precious, less than a minute old” is clearly for a newborn baby, not for someone getting married)
• “Marry You” by Bruno Mars (the lyrics are about an impulsive decision to get married, potentially due to intoxication)
• “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith (is about a one night stand)
• “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele (it’s about a breakup)
Live Musicians vs a DJ/Pre-Recorded Music
While both are perfectly suited to provide ceremony music, there are key differences to take into consideration, including:
• Do you want a classic, intimate feel a more dynamic, customizable ceremony “soundtrack”?
• Do you want to stick to a specific genre or have a wide range of musical options?
• Budget constraints: How much are you willing to spend on ceremony music?
Live music brings an intimate, personal touch to your ceremony, adding emotional depth through unique interpretations that make each song feel one-of-a-kind. On the other hand, DJs offer flexibility and variety, with a vast library to create a fully customized playlist that perfectly matches your style and the mood you envision for your ceremony.
With pre-recorded music, if a song is too long it can be adjusted with a low-key fade out. However, if it’s too short the only options are 1) restarting the song, 2) allow the silence after the song concludes, or 3) playing a 2nd song. Unfortunately there is no smooth flow with any of these options, and the effect will be clunky.
Conclusion
Choosing music for your wedding ceremony is a deeply personal and meaningful decision that sets the tone for one of life’s most cherished moments. Whether it’s incorporating favorite songs that hold special memories or selecting melodies that reflect cultural traditions, the right music enhances the atmosphere and emotions of the day. By carefully curating a playlist that resonates with the couple’s journey and values, they can create a truly unforgettable and harmonious wedding ceremony for themselves and their loved ones to cherish forever.
Photo Credit: Stefany Andrade via Unsplash
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Author of “Wedding Invitations, RSVPs, and More! Oh My!” and “From ‘I Will’ to ‘I Do’”
Ready to create the perfect soundtrack for your wedding ceremony? Explore more expert tips and song ideas, or book a 1:1 session for personalized guidance. Let’s make your wedding music unforgettable!
