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Ultimate Wedding Music Guide

Guide to the Ultimate Wedding Songs

Like your wedding vows, your wedding music should be memorable and meaningful to you. The music can be tied to the theme of the wedding, and can be customized for a formal or informal wedding. My wedding ring is engraved with the words "From this moment", which was our background music as we recited our wedding vows.

WEDDING CEREMONY MUSIC

Ceremony music is the music played during the ceremony; i.e., prelude, processional, ceremony, recessional, and postlude. Prelude music is played 15 to 30 minutes before the ceremony begins and while guests are being seated. Processional music is played as the wedding party enters the ceremony site. Ceremony music is played during the ceremony. Recessional music is played as the wedding party leaves the ceremony site. Postlude music is played while guests leave the ceremony site.

Popular selections for a Christian wedding:

Trumpet Voluntary by Purcell, The Bridal Chorus by Wagner, Wedding March by Mendelssohn, Postlude in G Major by Handel, Canon in D Major by Pachelbel, Adagio in A Minor by Bach

However, like your wedding vows, each music selection can be customized to your personal taste and style to make your wedding day special.

Things To Consider: Music may or may not be included as part of the ceremony site fee. Be sure to check with your ceremony site about restrictions pertaining to music and the availability of musical instruments for your use. Discuss the selection of ceremony music with your officiant and musicians. Make sure the musicians know how to play the selections you request.

When selecting ceremony music, keep in mind the formality of your wedding, your religious affiliation, and the length of the ceremony. Also consider the location and time of day.

RECEPTION MUSIC

Cocktail Hour

The cocktail hour may or may not be an extension of your postlude, depending on how and where you have your reception set up in relation to your ceremony. If your guests have had to travel to a new location, you may want to change the style and genre of your music to reflect a more party-like atmosphere. You may want to choose background music that can be played as your guests mingle around the bar and cocktail area. Smooth jazz, instrumental versions of pop songs, string quartets playing classical pieces, or the band playing low-key jazz standards are all good choices for the cocktail hour.

Newlywed's Entrance

The entrance of the bride and groom to the reception is really the first time that you will be introduced to your family and friends as husband and wife. This is a grand entrance, so choose music that fits the moment. There are numerous choices for classical music that will create a feeling of grandeur. For less formal and informal receptions, you may want to choose popular rock or R&B songs such as "Simply the Best" from Tina Turner. Because the song will most likely not be playing long (you will soon be changing to the music for your first dance) you have the freedom to choose a song that has a great chorus, even if you do not want the rest of the song played.

Dinner Music

Music is a major part of your reception, and should be planned carefully. Music helps create the atmosphere of your wedding. Special songs will make your reception unique. When you select music for your reception, keep in mind the age and musical preference of your guests, your budget, and any restrictions that the reception site may have. Bands and musicians are typically more expensive than DJ's.

Our Ultimate Wedding Music

Prelude Music – Breathe – Faith Hill
Special Music (Played while parents enter) – Take My Breath Away – Jessica Simpson Listen
Special Music (Played while Groom and Officiate enter) – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
Processional Music – You and Me - Lifehouse
Vows - From this Moment – Shania Twain
Blending of Sand/Unity Candle Far Away – Nickelback
Closing Music – It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw and Faith Hill