Planning your wedding ceremony music may not seem to be as fun of a task as creating the reception playlist alongside your beau, but it’s just as important to the ambiance and experience of both you and your guests. And it’s much more than deciding on which song to walk down the aisle to. Instead, you’re planning for an entire program of music and sound.
The Essentials
If we’re talking tradition, your ceremony will include three main areas of music: the prelude, processional, and the recessional. And these are all places in the event that you’ll want to really resonate with and think about the type of music (and statement) you want to make.
Prelude
The prelude should begin just before the guests start to arrive at the ceremony site. Traditionally, classical music goes here but we’ve seen brides and grooms take alternative and personalized routes here. Having contemporary or pop music played acoustically or just the instrumental versions of their favorite movie scores, there’s a lot of leeways to be had in this area.
Processional
The processional happens when the bridal party begins to make its entrance into the ceremony. Again, traditional or classical music is usually the staple here but it’s okay to infuse your couple style subtly into this realm as well. It’s always nice to have a live vocalist to create an even more warm and romantic ambiance to the scene.
Ceremony
And this is where the true magic happens. Vows are swapping, kisses are shared… there are several places throughout this main event that you may want to pair with some quality music. The instrumental versions of songs by musicians might provide backing to a variety of places throughout the service; this is entirely up to the couple and what fits their vision.
Unity Candle: A lot of couples will add a unity candle lighting to their ceremony program. If so, this is another great spot to add some light music as an accompaniment to the tradition.
Recessional
Finally, comes the recessional. This takes place at the end of the ceremony as the bridal party – along with the newlyweds – walk back down the aisle. This is where the more lively, upbeat songs are usually included. And is where the most innovation and creativity of the music program comes to call.
The Songs: 25 of the Best
Here are 25 of the best choices for ceremony songs. From the prelude to the recessional, scour through our favorited list for some inspiration in your playlist planning.
Contemporary HIts
A Thousand Years by Christina Perri | iTunes | YouTube
I’m Yours by Jason Mraz | iTunes | YouTube
All of Me by John Legend | iTunes | YouTube
Better Together by Jack Johnson | iTunes | YouTube
Best Day Of My Life by American Authors | iTunes | YouTube
God Gave Me Your by Dave Barnes | iTunes | YouTube
Come Away With My by Norah Jones | iTunes | YouTube
Beautiful Day by U2 | iTunes | YouTube
Accidentally In Love by Counting Crows | iTunes | YouTube
Make You Feel My Love by Adele | iTunes | YouTube
She Is Love by Parachute | iTunes | YouTube
Good Life by OneRepublic | iTunes | YouTube
Making Memories of Us by Keith Urban | iTunes | YouTube
You & Me by Dave Matthews Band | iTunes | YouTube
Offbeat Hits
Shallow by Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga | iTunes | YouTube
A Sky Full Of Stars by Piano Guys | iTunes | YouTube
Real Love by Beach House | iTunes | YouTube
Traditional Hits
All You Need Is Love by The Beatles | iTunes | YouTube
Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley | iTunes | YouTube
At Last by Etta James | iTunes | YouTube
Wedding Song by Noel Paul Stookey | iTunes | YouTube
Everyday by Buddy Holly | iTunes | YouTube
Classical Hits
Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy | iTunes | YouTube