Picking the Right Music for the Right Moment

One of the wedding questions which crops up again and again is “What music do we play at the ceremony?”––especially for the arrival of the bride (processional) and the exit of the now-married! couple after the ceremony (recessional), and for the signing of the documents (interlude). Music is a very personal choice. You may have lists of your favourite romantic songs in your head already. Are there special songs that mean something to both of you?

You could hire sound equipment and play music through your smartphone or via USB; or you could hire a band, a solo musician, DJ, or do whatever gets your feet tapping and your heart racing. As your celebrant I have a PA system that I use for the speaking parts of the ceremony, and it can also be used for music, so this makes for an easy option.

If you’re stuck on finding the right music, iTunes have a Wedding Songs Planner app which is sorted into genres and lists all of the most popular wedding songs. It is great to use for choosing wedding songs quickly and may save you weeks of scrolling through music lists on the internet.

 However you go about it, you will need to think of songs for the different parts of the ceremony. Here is a guide to get you started on the music you will need at different points of your ceremony: 

Background music

Suggestions:  lounge / jazz / classical / fun pop songs / favourite playlists. This can be played at various points in the proceedings:

• as guests arrive at the wedding and are mingling (traditionally known as Prelude music)

• After the ceremony as guests are leaving the wedding site. (Postlude music)

• At particular special points in the ceremony such as the signing of the documents (Interlude music)

Processional Music

To be played as you walk up the aisle.

• Canon in D – Pachelbel

• Flower Duet - Delibes

• Bridal March (Here comes the Bride) – Wagner

• What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

• Heaven – DJ Sammy (Slow remix)

Recessional Music

To be played as you walk back down the aisle. This is the first music you will hear as a married couple should be happy and celebratory.

• At Last - Etta James or Beyonce

• Can't get enough of your love, Babe  - Barry White

• It Had To Be You - Harry Connick Jr. or Billie Holiday

• How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You  -  James Taylor

• Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Vali or Muse

• This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole

• Wedding March - Mendelssohn

• Ode to Joy - Beethoven

• I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do - Abba

Whatever music you decide on should be a reflection of you as a couple. There are no right or wrong choices. This is YOUR day! And the music you choose will revive wonderful memories whenever you hear it again in the future.