You have said the vows, the rings changed hands… What could be good enough to play as you share your first steps into a married life?
Recessional music is an important detail, that you have to choose. It sends a powerful message about you as a couple, and feelings you share. There are a lot of variants of wedding recessional songs. What exactly you need to know to make a decision? Let’s take a closer look at the issue.
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1. Choosing Wedding Recessional Songs
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Choosing a recessional music, keep in mind that you also need music for other special moments. You will have to choose a couple of mother son wedding songs and a father daughter song. And of course, first dance wedding songs are a must.
The usual checklist for selecting a perfect recessional song has several points for you to take into consideration.
1) The Venue
First of all, if you have a traditional white wedding, it is a great idea to consult your minister or officiant about the choice of music. Some churches have strict rules, and may not allow some pieces of contemporary music. It is always nice to know the guidelines. The positive effect is that in that case, your church might even have a list of appropriate music. Well, in that case a list of music traditionally played during different stages of the ceremony, could be quite helpful. Such a listing could be a real source of inspiration.
2) Make It Personal
The choice of wedding recessional songs tells a lot about you. Let it tell about your love and devotion to each other. Let the music express the joy you feel at the thought that you are together forever from this day on. You might want to choose a song that is very special for both of you. It could be the one that was playing on your first date, or simply the piece you both enjoy. New songs or old ones – it doesn’t matter. The wedding music should click with both of you, making you feel happier at the first sounds of the tune.
3) Check The Lyrics
Of course, the idea of what is appropriate on the wedding day, and what is not, depends a lot on the couple. But before you make the final choice, make sure you read the lyrics for anything that might sound a little bit off. It might be verse or lyrics, or the general story the song represents. You might also want to become familiar with the history behind the verses. Sometimes it is far from a happy one, and it is highly possible you don’t want such associations on your wedding day. Love songs often come from a broken heart.
2. Choosing Wedding Exit Songs
While making a choice, you should always keep in mind, what exactly recessional songs are. Wedding exit songs are the songs that sound right after the vows. The minister declares you husband and wife, and you leave the church, making your first appearance to the world as a newly wedded couple.This moment is surely one the happiest moments of the occasion. It is the climax of the day, the precise moment your guests have come to witness. So the song that plays as you lead the way, needs to be a truly triumphant and joyous piece of music.
If you have a large wedding, it is possible that the music ends before all of your guests have finished exiting. It means that you might need another one, a bit more subdued but still joyous piece to conclude until everyone has made their way out. So keep in mind, that probably you are going to need a couple of songs, instead of just one. Use this opportunity to get as creative as possible!
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Retro Hits Make Great Recessional Songs
Marriage is a union of two people. Why don’t you pick one song each? You might even make it a surprise song for each other! That way everyone would see that two different songs represent two different people. People, complete with their own stories, dreams, and ambitions, who enter the new life together. Or it could be two songs from different generations, continuing the tradition of ‘something old, something new’. For example, one of the songs can be ‘borrowed’ from your parents’ wedding. By the way, retro hits make great recessional songs! You can try ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)’ by Stevie Wonder or ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ by Frank Sinatra. It could also be something from Elvis Presley – as they say, oldie, but goldie.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) by Stevie Wonder
The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra
Always On My Mind by Elvis Presley
Contemporary Music
Of course, there are literally thousands of contemporary music pieces to choose from. You can tell the world you are ‘Happy’’ with the voice of Pharrell Williams. You might feel ‘On top of the world’, like Imagine Dragons. It is even possible that you are proud to announce that you are ‘Crazy in love’, like Beyonce and Jay Z. Be it pop music or rock music, hip hop or rap – the choice is yours and yours alone. You might even try more exotic music styles, if you are into them, like hard metal or punk-rock. It doesn’t matter as long as you feel the connection with the song.
Happy by Pharrell Williams
On top of the world by Imagine Dragons
Crazy in love by Beyonce & Jay Z
Country Music
Let us not forget about country music! This genre is so upbeat with its sound of harmonicas and violins, it will make you want to dance with joy. If you are into this kind of music, country is a great choice for your wedding recession. You may try ‘Cowboy Take Me Away’ by The Dixie Chicks, or ‘We Danced Anyway’ by Deana Carter. Any other happy tune will do to celebrate this joyous event.
Before you make the final decision, play the songs that you have chosen in the order you expect them to be. They should go well together, so consider the proximity of different songs. Remember that songs with a similar tempo, same genre or from the same time period blend in more easily. It is always a good idea to play the list several times one song after another one to make sure the flow is smooth and soft.
Cowboy Take Me Away by Dixie Chicks
We Danced Anyway by Deana Carter
Anyway, whatever wedding recessional songs you choose – remember that it is your special day. Don’t be afraid to express yourself and your happiness. Any song that makes your heart beat faster with love will do. Anything that makes you want to dance and sing and celebrate life. Let your feelings show, for this is your day.
