Wedding Songs

Finding music to carry you through your wedding day can be a daunting task for many couples. Whether you are looking for a heart-wrenching and memorable song with which to walk down the aisle, or the latest music in order to cut some rug on the dancefloor during the reception, it is no secret there is an overwhelming amount of music out there!

Planning your own wedding music or organizing music for others does not have to be completely overwhelming. This hub is dedicated to helping you find those special wedding songs for one of the most important days of your life!

Wedding Ceremony Songs

Prelude Songs

Prelude music is played before the ceremony, as guests are being seated. These songs are the first pieces of music that your guests will hear and will, therefore, set the tone for your ceremony. Classical or jazz music are most commonly played during this time.

Depending on your timeline, it is typical to choose 5-6 songs to be played.

Some examples:

"Moonlight Sonata" - Ludwig v. Beethoven

"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" - J. S. Bach

"Morning Has Broken" - Traditional

"Air" - George F. Handel

"The Way I Am" - Ingrid Michaelson

Processional Songs

The Processional begins as the immediate family members are ready to be seated. These songs typically mark the beginning of the ceremony.

Some examples:

"Hallelujah Chorus" - 101 Strings Orchestra

"Storybook Love" - Mark Knopfler

"Prelude In C" - J. S. Bach

"To a Wild Rose" - Edward MacDowell

"The Prayer" - Josh Groban

Bride's Entrance Songs

The entrance of the blushing bride is one of the key points of the wedding ceremony. Make it memorable with the perfect song.

Some examples:

"Canon in D" - Pachelbel

"Bridal Chorus" - Wagner

"Always On My Mind" - Willie Nelson

"Gymnopedies" - Erik Satie

"Overture (From Royal Fireworks Music)" - Handel

Wedding Interlude Songs

Interlude songs are often used during the ceremony to signify a special moment for the couple, such as lighting a Unity candle. These can also be used as transitional songs.

Some examples:

"By My Side" - Ben Harper

"Ribbon In The Sky" - Stevie Wonder

"Romanza" - Ludwig van Beethoven

"Wedding Prayer" - Fern Glasgow Dunlap

"Grow Old With Me" - Mary Chapin Carpenter

Wedding Recessional Songs

This song is played at the end of the ceremony as the wedding party and newlyweds are leaving. These songs are traditionally upbeat and celebratory.

Some examples:

"Hallelujah Chorus" - Handel

"Brandenburg Concerto No.1, Allegro" - J.S. Bach

"Coronation March" - Sir William Walton

"Fools Rush In" - Elvis Presley

"I Feel Good" - James Brown

Wedding Postlude Songs

The postlude is typically played at the completion of the wedding ceremony while guests leave, after the Recessional.

Some examples:

"Autumn" - Vivaldi

"Carillon de Westminster" - Louis Vierne

"From This Moment" - Shania Twain

"Highland Cathedral" - The Royal Irish Regiment

"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" - Johann S. Bach

Wedding Reception Songs

The wedding ceremony is over and now it is time to kick up your heels and dance!

Now is the time for the newlyweds and guests to put on their dancing shoes and celebrate the happy new couple. Here, we go over the important moments during the wedding reception with some of my best picks of wedding reception songs.

First Dance Songs

The bride and groom get their moment on the dance floor for their first dance and husband and wife.

Some examples:

“At Last" - Etta James

"Ants Marching" - Dave Matthews

"Better Together" - Jack Johnson

"Bittersweet symphony" - The Verve

“In Your Eyes” – Peter Gabriel

"Cheek To Cheek" - Ella Fitzgerald

Mother / Son Songs

The groom gets a special moment with mom!

Some examples:

“Close to You” – The Carpenters

"Thank You For Being A Friend" - Andrew Gold

“What A Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong

“I Wish You Love” – Natalie Cole

"The Rose" - Bette Midler

Father / Daughter Songs

Now that the groom and mom got their dance, the bride and dad get their chance to break it down on the

dancefloor.

Some examples:

"Embraceable You" - Gershwin

"Daddy's Hands" - Holly Dunn

"Daddy's Little Girl" - Al Martino

"Dance With My Father" - Celine Dion or Luther VanDross

"Daughter of Mine" - John McDermott

Cake Cutting Songs

Cutting the cake is not only a time-honoured tradition, but can also be messy.

Some examples:

"Eat It" - Wierd Al Yankovic

"Chapel Of Love" - Dixie Cups

"Cut The Cake" - Average White Band

"Cuts Like A Knife" - Bryan Adams

Anniversary Dance Songs

Invite all those that are married already to join you on the dancefloor and show you their moves!

Some examples:

"Let's Stay Together" - Al Green

"More" - Bobby Darin

"On This Day" - David Pomeranz

"Ordinary People" - John Legend

"Remember When" - Alan Jackson

Bouquet Toss/Garter Removal Songs

Lots of fun, smiles, and laughter requires some great tunes for the occasion!

Some examples:

“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” - Cyndi Lauper

“I’m Too Sexy” – Right Said Fred

"Bad To The Bone" - George Thorogood

"Can't Hold Us" - Christina Aguilera

"Diamonds are Girl's Best Friend" - Marilyn Monroe

"Fever" - Peggy Lee

Last Dance Songs

Save the best for last. Conclude your perfect day with the perfect last dance song!

Some examples:

“After Midnight” – Eric Clapton

“I Would Walk 500 Miles” – The Proclaimers

"Eternal Flame” – The Bangles

"Lady in Red" - Chris DeBurgh

The Bridal Chorus

played on the harp by Katrina Saroyan