Complete Guide To Choosing Music For Your Wedding Ceremony

So you feel like things are under control until you remember MUSIC! Yet another thing to add to your very long list when it comes to planning your wedding. So where exactly do you need music? How do you know what is right or wrong? What if your favourite song is just not “weddingy”? Well we are here to tell you not to panic… music is such a personal choice and you should embrace the opportunity to add even more of your personality as a couple through your choices.

There are so many rules and suggestions but all we want to do is give you some tips to get your mind going and think about what kind of a feeling you want to create.  

Live Music vs Recorded

Simply, do you hire musicians or do you go with an iPod and have your playlist on Spotify?

Tip: Pre-recorded is a great option if you want a Beyonce song for instance but you know that nobody can live up to Queen B!

Tip: If you do go for live ceremony music think about what kind of feel you want. Do you want a 1-piece or a 4-piece? Singer with a guitar/piano or a string quartet?

How many songs do we need?

At least 3!! Think bridal party processional, bridal processional and recessional. Again this comes down to the type of ceremony you are having and it is best to discuss this as some couples go for 6 or 7 songs as they have extra elements in their ceremony.

Read the lyrics

This may seem obvious but only when you sit down and actually listen/look at the lyrics you realise a lot of what you think are love songs are most definitely not! The amount of romantic songs that are about breakups you would lose count.. so make sure to listen to ALL of it!

Choose a theme

Music can help set the tone and give your guests more of an insight into you both as a couple. However, be mindful that there can be guidelines on musical choices especially if you are having a religious wedding.

Make it ambient

Whatever music you choose make sure that the musicians know to play it soft and not too loud… you don’t want your guests uncomfortable and you also want to keep you both relaxed.

Budget

How much do you want to spend on this part of your day. If you are not a huge music fan why not opt for Spotify playlist? Hiring professional musicians can become quite expensive as you have to factor in paying them for travel, set up, performance and learning your repertoire.

 A lot of couples panic when trying to decide but just remember that it is a happy day so find music that reflects this mood at least! You will be very lucky to find a song that you love every word … unless you write one yourself!?

Some of my favourites

Processional Songs

Canon in D – Pachabel (classic/timeless)

Bridal Chorus – Wagner

A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

Tenerife Sea – Ed Sheeran

Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Can’t Help Falling in Love – Ingrid Michaelson

Turning Page – Sleeping at Last

Marry Me – Train

Perfect – Ed Sheeran

 Songs for the middle!

Songbird – Clementine Duo or Eva Cassidy

You’re My Best Friend – Paul Canning 

I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding

How Would You Feel – Ed Sheeran

The Wedding Song – Angus and Julia Stone

You Belong To Me – Bob Dylan

You and Me – Lifehouse

 Recessional Songs

Wedding March – Mendelssohn (classic/timeless)

Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

You are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne

First Day Of My Life – Bright Eyes

At Last – Etta James

Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder

Happy – Pharrell Williams

All You Need Is Love – The Beatles

  

Have you chosen your music yet? Share in the comments below… love to hear from you.

 

Samantha x