Wedding Songs Setting Mood
Prelude
Processionals
Ceremony
Recessionals
Receptions
Traditional Wedding Songs
Contemporary Wedding Songs
Christian Wedding Songs
Classical Wedding Songs
Frequently Asked Questions

The church or wedding hall is decorated. The flowers smell fragrant and provide the perfect accent to the décor. The seating is draped with beautiful ribbons and flowing fabrics and the aisle is softly covered in rose petals.

People are starting to arrive, and the first thing that will hit their sense is... The music.

Music may not be the first thing you think about when you hear the word 'wedding', but music is a huge part of the wedding and the reception.

When the guests are walking in the door, soft and soothing music might be playing in the background. This background music will reduce noise distraction, and if played at the right volume, will make conversation in a crowded room easier.

When all the guests are seated, the most important song that will play during the wedding is the one chosen for when the bride walks down the aisle. Many will opt for the traditional wedding march, but this isn't as commonly used as it once was.

If the wedding is in a church with an organ, you may opt for the organist to play the wedding march while the bride walks down the aisle to her groom. If however, traditional doesn't work for you, choosing a song to play during the wedding should reflect the personality of the bride and groom, set the tone for the style of wedding.

A conservative and traditional wedding may work best with a orchestration of powerful music, while a lighter, less traditional wedding might work well with a light and playful tune, such as a flute piece, or mood music with scenery noises like chirping birds and the like.

It is probably best for the music played during the walk down the aisle be orchestration only, with no words, because the attention should be on the bride and her walk to her groom, and not on the words of a song.

Next, the bride and groom should choose whether they want a song to be played during the wedding ceremony. Oftentimes, the couple may choose to play 'their song' at the wedding ceremony. Perhaps this is a song that was playing when they first danced, of first kissed, or maybe it's just a song that shows the love that they share.

Playing this special song during the wedding while the couple looks into each other's eyes can make a powerful memory that can be shared for many anniversaries to come.

Then, when the ceremony is over, the bride and groom will walk back down the aisle together as a couple in a ceremonial entrance into their new life together. A more upbeat, faster tune is

Then there is the wedding reception music. If there is a DJ or a band, the couple should discuss with the band or DJ before the reception what music to include on the play list. This music should take into consideration not only the bride and groom's favorite tunes, but also the type and style of music that the guests will enjoy.

Receptions usually have dancing and eating and conversation - so a good mix of music, slow dancing songs, fast dancing songs, and filler music should be selected for the wedding reception music play list.

There are three very important songs that will be played at most weddings. The first song that is most important will be the first song the couple will dance to together as husband and wife. This song, much like the one played at the wedding (if you choose to do this) should be one that has a lot of meaning and will make a powerful memory.

Then there is the father/daughter song, in which the bride will dance with her father, or the person who gave her away at the wedding if her father is for some reason not available.

And the last song that should be specially hand picked is the fun and whimsical music and dance that is done to end the wedding, immediately after the bouquet and garter are tossed and thrown. This should be something fast, fun, and uplifting.

Then, all during the reception, a good mix of fast and upbeat songs interspersed with slow and moving songs, and then background music with no vocals during the dinner and activity portions of the wedding reception works best.

Hiring a professional DJ or band experienced with wedding receptions can help reduce some of the stress of picking the perfect music. Just be sure to let the band or DJ know some of your favorite tunes so he can include them in the play list.