Original content: Wedding Ceremony Music: From Traditional To Unique Songs
Putting together your wedding ceremony music entails more than finding the song you will walk down the aisle to. It is important to find the right music for each part of the day, the soundtrack to one of the most important days of your life.
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Your choice of music sets the tone for the entire day, and while choosing songs, it is important to consider your venue and wedding style. The tips and samples we have put together below will help you in choosing the right music for your occasion.
Basic Wedding Ceremony Music Program
A basic wedding ceremony music program or wedding ceremony song order usually includes pre processional songs, processionals and then the recessionals.
1. Prelude music
Prelude music is usually light and starts as early as 45 minutes before the wedding ceremony. Playing in the background sets the mood for the wedding while guests take their seats.
2. Processional song
The music that accompanies the entrance of the bride, the wedding party and family attendants of the wedding is known as the processional.
3. Recessional song
The recessional plays at the end of the ceremony. Bright and lively tunes, recessionals are usually made up of popular songs that are used to celebrate.
4. Interlude and postlude songs
Some weddings have some significant moments that are made even more significant by the type of interlude or postlude music played. Moments for handfasting, candle lighting and such.
Modern Wedding Ceremony Songs
Modern wedding ceremony music has its place in today’s weddings too, alongside the classics and age-old traditional wedding music. See below our collection of modern songs for your wedding ceremony.
1. “Stay Young, Go Dancing” by Death Cab for Cutie
This indie number from the 2011 album, “Codes and Keys”, is a great choice if you’re looking for a non-traditional song for a wedding ceremony.
2. “Home” by Phillip Phillips
A good tune to add to your list for modern pre-ceremony wedding songs is this 2013 pop song from Phillip Phillips. A nostalgic number with lyrics that talk about the journey ahead.
3. “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran
Whether you choose this for a modern wedding aisle song or modern wedding prelude songs, there is no doubt that it’s a great song to have at your wedding ceremony.
4. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
This number is for that fun-loving couple who want their personality to shine through on their wedding day.
5. “You and Me” by Lifehouse
The tune and lyrics of this song make it a great choice for a wedding processional. If you have a live musician, then it would make a good option for songs to sing at a wedding ceremony too.
Traditional Music For Wedding Ceremony
If you’re a stickler for tradition and want the traditional wedding, then it would mean using popular traditional music during the wedding ceremony. Here are our options.
1. “Canon in D” by Pachelbel
This soothing, classical number from Pachelbel, is a popular wedding instrumental, played usually for a wedding processional, but also can be used as a prelude.
2. “Amazing Grace” by Terri Geisel
If you need wedding hymns for an interlude in the wedding ceremony, this classic prayer music will do just fine, and your guests will have no problem singing along.
3. “Procession of Joy” by Hal Hopson
A beautiful and popular instrumental, this sheet music from Hal Hopson is a great option for any bride looking to make an entrance.
4. “Water Suite: No. 2 in D Major” by Handel
A good choice for a wedding processional or prelude music is this classic instrumental from Handel’s album, “Water Music; Royal Fireworks Music – Exp. Edition, 2003”.
5. “Wedding Song (There Is Love)” by Peter, Paul & Mary
The name says it all. This wedding song tells the wedding story and is a great way to start a wedding day. It can be used for different parts in a wedding ceremony, from preludes to the procession, or an interlude.
Unique Wedding Ceremony Music
We have just the right collection of unique wedding ceremony music for that couple who is looking to celebrate with songs that are less mainstream but still beautiful, at their wedding ceremony.
1. “Make You Mine” by Us the Duo
A song to get married to, this pop number is a great choice for a prelude song. A laidback tune that gets your guests prepared for a chill wedding ceremony.
2. “Dance Tonight” by Paul McCartney
If you’re in need of a fun-loving postlude or recessional song, then Paul McCartney has your back with the melodious “Dance Tonight”.
3. “Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop” by Landon Pigg
Your guests will thoroughly enjoy this playing in the background as they take their seats if you choose this unique love song for a prelude number.
4. “Falling Slowly” by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
As unique as they come, this song by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova is great as a prelude song or even a beautiful recessional number.
5. “Hey Ho” by The Lumineers
This fun-loving, popular number, is a great way to start a wedding that isn’t taking the traditional route. As a prelude or interlude music, it no doubt belongs to your wedding ceremony playlist.
Instrumental Wedding Ceremony Songs
For the times when you don’t need words at all, here are the most loving options for instrumentals to be used at a wedding ceremony.
1. “Bridal Chorus” by Wagner
By far one of the most popular options for a wedding, any bride would love to walk down the aisle to Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus”.
2. “Rigaudon” by Andre Campra
A great choice for an interlude, prelude or postlude comes this instrumental from Andre Campra’s 2006 album, “A Bride’s Collection of Traditional Wedding Music”.
3. “Sinfonia from Cantata No. 29” by J.S. Bach
Another popular wedding instrumental, you will enjoy having this one from the 1998 album, “The Complete Wedding Album”, as part of your wedding ceremony music.
4. “Wedding March” (from The Marriage of Figaro) by Mozart
As the name of the album says, “Music for a Civil Wedding”, you will definitely want this for a prelude or recessional if you are having a civil or traditional wedding.
5. “Trumpet Voluntary” by J. Clarke
An entrance song like no other is this folksy instrumental from the 2005 album, “The Ultimate Classical Music Collection” by J. Clarke.
Fun Music For Wedding Ceremony
If you will prefer for the fun to start at your wedding ceremony, and not wait until the reception, then consider some of these fun-loving and adorable wedding ceremony songs.
1. “Everything” by Michael Bublé
For a beautiful interlude or prelude song, you will want to give a listen to Michael Bublé’s “Everything”.
2. “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors
If you are truly looking to start your wedding day on a fun note, then this song will not disappoint. A perfect way to predict what you are about to have the best day of your life.
3. “You are the Best Thing” by Ray Lamontagne
From the 2009 album, ” Gossip in the Grain”, we give you the bonus track version of this song that will make a great prelude song to get your guests in the mood for a fun time.
4. “I Do” by Colbie Caillat
For a fun entrance or start to your wedding day, you are going to want to consider this fun-loving tune for a processional or prelude song.
5. “Love Someone” by Jason Mraz
This song that celebrates the love shared by two people is perfect for a prelude song, or a magical interlude at your wedding ceremony.
Songs To Sing At A Wedding Ceremony
If you are looking for that special selection of songs to sing at a wedding to the bride and groom for a live performer, then we have just the songs for you.
1. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
One of the greatest hits of all time, this song will bring all the feels to your wedding ceremony if you can find the right soloist to do it justice.
2. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
Whether you want it sang as you walk down the aisle or during an interlude, with the right live singer, this song can make your wedding truly magical.
3. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
If you are having a Christian wedding and want wedding soloist song ideas, then consider this popular number from Josh Groban.
4. “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley
Arguably not a Christian song, it would still be a great addition to love songs to sing at a wedding ceremony, be it a traditional, religious or non-religious wedding.
5. “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole
A beautiful, sweet song, and one to definitely consider when creating a list for songs to sing during wedding ceremony.
Listen to wedding ceremony music on Spotify
Tips On Choosing Wedding Ceremony Music
Some things to consider when choosing your wedding ceremony music.
- Whatever mood you are trying to create, romantic, classic or fun, be sure to choose the type of music that sets the mood.
- Do not feel compelled to use traditional music if you would prefer alternative options, go for it. It is your day after all.
- Remember that it is a wedding, not a concert or a club, to ensure the music is at an acceptable volume.
The type of wedding you are having, venue, and these options, will all do well in guiding you in choosing the right wedding ceremony music.
