“Music is the universal language of mankind” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Couples are sometimes confused about the amount or type of music they need for their wedding ceremony and/or the special entrances and dances at the reception. Let’s break it down:
The Ceremony
You’ll need to choose 3-4 songs
Prelude Music
Generally played 30 minutes before ceremony start time, while your guests are being seated. Your DJ or musicians will have some set music to play at this time. Check out the Bridgerton Wedding Playlist (on Spotify) to get an idea of what we mean.
Processional Song(s)
This is the song that will be played as parents and/or your wedding party enter. If you have a large wedding party or if they have a long walk in, you may choose to have 2 different songs, or one song can play on a loop until everyone is where they need to be.
Bridal Entrance Song
The main event! Choose a song that is meaningful to you. If you’re interested in instrumentals, Vitamin String Quartet and The Piano Guys have great covers.
Recessional Song
This is the song that begins to play after you’re introduced as a married couple. Your wedding party exits first, then the married couple. Choose an upbeat, fun song for this!
Cocktail Hour Music
Your DJ or musicians will have some set music to play at this time. You can always give them some idea of what you’d like – that Bridgerton playlist we mentioned above, jazz, Sinatra vibes, yacht rock, etc.
The Reception
The amount of song choices will vary depending on what you want to do at your reception
Reception entrance songs
Parents are introduced, wedding party is introduced, then the married couple is introduced. Pro tip: Don’t have separate songs for each couple of your wedding party. It doesn’t flow well and sounds disjointed.
First dance song
Again, this should be meaningful to the two of you. After all, it will trigger a beautiful memory for the rest of your married life.
Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dance songs
One song for each, and we suggest you let your parents have a say in this – it may be important to them.
Cake Cutting, Bouquet Toss, Anniversary Dance songs
Your DJ or musicians will have suggestions for these – but if you’d like something specific, let them know.
Nice post with great suggestions!
I'll add that for your ceremony recessional, might want to ask your DJ/musicians to play the song starting at the chorus or climax of the song, so you can exit the aisle at an exciting part in the music.