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Harmony in Love: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Ceremony Music for Your Wedding

Writer's picture: Owen FlemingOwen Fleming

Updated: Dec 10, 2024

Your wedding day is a symphony of emotions, and the music you choose sets the tone for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Whether you're drawn to timeless classics, modern hits, or something uniquely meaningful to you as a couple, your music choices will leave a lasting impression on your guests and create cherished memories.

In this guide, we’ll explore every key musical moment of your wedding day—from the ceremony to the reception—and provide specific examples to inspire your selections. We’ll also share tips for personalizing your music choices and ensuring they perfectly reflect your unique love story.


Wedding Ceremony Music

The ceremony is one of the most emotional parts of your wedding day, and each moment can be beautifully enhanced with the right music. Here’s a breakdown of key ceremony songs:


Prelude (Optional)

Set the mood as guests arrive and take their seats with gentle, soothing background music. This is optional because a good DJ will already have this music for you. Check with them and see if they're set, or if they'd like you to give them direction.

  • Examples:

    • "Clair de Lune" – Debussy

    • "A Thousand Years" (Instrumental) – Christina Perri

    • "Marry Me" (Acoustic Cover) – Train


Processional

The processional accompanies the bridal party as they walk down the aisle. Select music that builds anticipation and sets a romantic tone. This can range from 1-3 songs depending on the size of your wedding party.

  • Examples:

    • "Canon in D" – Pachelbel (Classical)

    • "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (Ukulele Version)

    • "Perfect" (Instrumental) – Ed Sheeran


Bride’s Entrance

This is the most dramatic and emotional musical moment of the ceremony. Choose a song that reflects your personality and the significance of this grand entrance.

  • Examples:

    • "Here Comes the Bride" – Wagner (Traditional)

    • "Speechless" (Acoustic Version) – Dan + Shay

    • "Can’t Help Falling in Love" (Wedding Cover) – Elvis Presley

      • Special shoutout for this one, my wife used it for her entrance


Signing of the License/Unity Ceremony

During these quieter moments, music can provide a meaningful backdrop without distracting from the importance of the occasion.

  • Examples:

    • "You Are the Reason" (Instrumental) – Calum Scott

    • "Hallelujah" (Acoustic Cover) – Leonard Cohen


Recessional

Celebrate your newlywed status with a joyful, upbeat song as you exit the ceremony together.

  • Examples:

    • "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" – Natalie Cole

    • "You Make My Dreams" – Hall & Oates

    • "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" – Stevie Wonder



Wedding Reception Music

The reception is where the party truly begins! Each moment can shine with a carefully chosen soundtrack. Here’s a comprehensive guide to key reception songs:


Wedding Party Entrances

Set the tone for the celebration as the bridal party makes their grand entrance.

  • Examples:

    • "I Gotta Feeling" – Black Eyed Peas

    • "We Found Love" – Rihanna

    • "Uptown Funk" – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

    • "Can’t Stop the Feeling!" – Justin Timberlake

    • "Happy" – Pharrell Williams


Grand Entrance

Make your debut as newlyweds with a song that radiates excitement and happiness.

  • Examples:

    • "Marry You" – Bruno Mars

    • "All You Need Is Love" – The Beatles

    • "24K Magic" – Bruno Mars


First Dance

This is your moment to share an intimate dance as a couple. Select a song that holds special meaning for you both.

  • Examples:

    • "At Last" – Etta James

    • "Thinking Out Loud" – Ed Sheeran

    • "The Way You Look Tonight" – Frank Sinatra


Father-Daughter Dance

Honour the bond between a father and his daughter with a heartfelt tune.

  • Examples:

    • "My Girl" – The Temptations

    • "Butterfly Kisses" – Bob Carlisle

    • "Isn’t She Lovely" – Stevie Wonder


Mother-Son Dance

Celebrate the love between a mother and her son with a song that reflects this special relationship.

  • Examples:

    • "What a Wonderful World" – Louis Armstrong

    • "A Song for Mama" – Boyz II Men

    • "Forever Young" – Rod Stewart


Personalizing Your Playlist

Your wedding day is yours to define. Don’t hesitate to include songs that are meaningful to you, even if they don’t fit traditional wedding norms. Many songs have instrumental or acoustic covers that can adapt the vibe to suit your ceremony or reception. For example, a high-energy pop song can be transformed into a romantic ballad or a gentle instrumental.

If you have a particular song in mind that feels significant, but you’re unsure if it fits, discuss it with your DJ. A skilled DJ can often find or create an alternative version that captures the spirit of the original while aligning with the mood of your wedding.



Final Thoughts

Choosing the right wedding music is about more than just filling a playlist—it’s about creating a soundtrack that tells your love story and enhances every moment of your special day. From the ceremony’s tender prelude to the reception’s high-energy dance party, your choices should reflect who you are as a couple.

Remember, this is your day. Whether you choose timeless classics, contemporary hits, or deeply personal tracks, let your hearts guide you. With thoughtful planning and a touch of creativity, your wedding music will become a cherished part of the memories you’ll treasure forever.


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