Choosing Your Ceremony Music
Picking your ceremony music can become a big task that a lot of couples aren't able to figure out on their own & that's totally normal! The first step to choosing your music is to list out what songs you need. Here's a list of the common important songs used at a wedding ceremony...
Note that this is a very traditional setup of songs used for reference only. You should always choose the schedule and songs needed based on your personal wedding and what you want included.
Some great next steps in choosing your music is to chat with relatives, friends and family who are apart of the wedding. A lot of times they will have songs that are important to them, which they would feel honoured to have included in your wedding too. Also think about you and your partner's relationship together, has there been a special song that you two listened to a lot? Was there a song you saw performed live which you really loved? Be sure to chat with your partner, family and friends while making these decisions and take a few suggestions. However always remember it's your wedding and, at the end of the day, you want the music that makes you happy.
Already spoken with everyone and still having some difficulty picking out songs? We've put together a list of some classic, and not so classic, weddings songs sorted by style as well as song use. Feel free to use the list below to get some inspiration and ideas for your own wedding!
Processional Music - For the Wedding Party
Classic - Can't Help Falling In Love (Vitamin String Quartet Cover)
This classic hit by Elvis Presley has tons of covers and variations. This is just one of many instrumental covers of the famous song and is a phenomenal choice for the processional music.
Modern - From this Moment On (Shania Twain)
This extraordinary Shania song takes a break from her well known party hit list and creates a magical atmosphere for your procession. The beautiful melody is accompanied by highly fitting lyrics that will give you and your guests a feeling of joy as the ceremony begins.
Traditional - Canon in D (Brooklyn Duo Cover)
A fantastic addition to any wedding, Canon in D has tons of renditions by different artists and is an extremely well known wedding tune. Having your wedding party enter to this is sure to set a beautiful and exciting mood for the ceremony.
Up Beat - This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) (Natalie Cole)
You can't go wrong with Natalie Cole and this track is definitely a great selection for your wedding, whether at the beginning for the procession or at the end for the recession. This up beat track's lyrics are the perfect fit for a wedding ceremony and is a well enough known song to have everyone tapping their toes.
Country - Making Plans (Miranda Lambert)
A beautiful piece by Miranda Lambert that fits perfects for the opening of a ceremony. The smooth guitar led instrumental is the perfect backdrop to Miranda's lyrics about making plans for the future. A great song to have your wedding party walk the aisle to.
Bride's Entrance Song
Classic - Hallelujah (Pentatonix a cappella version)
Of course you can go with the original classic performed by Leonard Cohen, however this a cappella version is an absolutely stunning rendition fit for any wedding ceremony. Merge a classic entrance song with a modern take by Pentatonix. Or find your preferred version, there are tons of renditions of this famous hit.
Modern - Marry Me (Train)
This was an instant wedding hit that can be used at any point during your wedding. From the title & lyrics to the playful and heartfelt instrumental this is an amazing choice to walk down the aisle to.
Traditional - Bridal Chorus (Quito Brass Quintet)
A classic wedding songs that everyone knows the tune to but few know the title. The Bridal March is the perfect addition to your traditional ceremony and will give the bride a stunning entrance as they walk down the aisle.
Upbeat - What I Like About You (The Romantics)
This fun toe tapping jam is a great mood setter for your ceremony. Walk in with flare while dancing to this great track by the Romantics.
Country - Speechless (Dan + Shay)
What can we say other than perfection. This duet by Dan + Shay is a masterpiece with lyrics describing exactly how you'll be feeling during your ceremony. Of course almost any Dan + Shay song will fit well at a wedding, however this one in particular is a perfect entrance song to walk down the aisle to.
Songs for Signing the Registry
Classic - Here comes the Sun (The Beatles)
The Beatle's heartfelt classic "Here Comes the Sun" is a beautiful addition to your ceremony and fits perfectly during the signing of the registry. You've just married your best friend and are now making it official in writing too, this tracks light melody and happy lyrics are the perfect fit for this moment.
Modern - A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)
A truly stunning piece by Christina Perri, this track is always a great choice for a wedding. A well known tune that will surely have your guests tearing up while you finalize your marriage on paper.
Traditional - Ode To Joy (Beethoven)
A classical piece that everyone knows and loves, Ode to Job by Beethoven is the perfect traditional addition for your wedding. Played after the most joyful moment of the day, your first kiss, you can truly celebrate and enjoy yourself with this song while signing the registry.
Upbeat - I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) (The Four Tops)
Keep your guests' toes tapping with this up beat classic from 1965. The high spirited hit is definitely a crowd pleaser and creates a perfectly upbeat and happy mood while signing the registry.
Country - Your Everything (Keith Urban)
A beautiful love song that sets the tone perfectly for the registry signing. This slow romantic country song says it all, from the meaningful lyrics to the beautiful instrumentals, give yourself an amazing track to remember signing the registry to.
Recessional Songs
Classic - Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours (Stevie Wonder)
We couldn't make this list without adding Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder on here. A classic wedding song perfect for the recessional. This happy instrumental backed by amazing lyrics is definitely a great mood setter at the end of your ceremony.
Modern - I do (Colbie Caillat)
Just say I do... What more could you ask for in a final ceremony song? This upbeat track by Colbie Caillat was an instant wedding hit & perfectly closes out a ceremony on any occasion.
Traditional - Spring (Antonio Vivaldi)
Let the beauty of the string section take you away in this wonderful Vivaldi masterpiece. This traditional wedding classic is perfect for your recessional down the hallway and will be sure to have your guests smiling on their way out.
Upbeat - We Found Love (Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris)
Ready to start the party? Look no further than this upbeat dance track featuring Rihanna and electronic artist Calvin Harris. This song is the perfect blend of romantic lyrics and upbeat dance instrumentals. Get the party started and set the tone for a great reception during your recessional as everyone dances to this outro track.
Country - Made for You (Jake Owen)
Add one last touch of romance to your ceremony with this amazing tune by Jake Owen. Have everyone remembering that you were made for each other as they watch you walk down the aisle as a married couple.
Hopefully this list was able to give you some inspiration on what songs you'd like included in your ceremony. We know there are tons of songs to choose from and this can be a big decision, so take your time and just have fun with it. You can even make a night out of it! Get some friends over and go through some different genres and songs to see what they think will fit the best. Remember that no matter what, you have people to help and it will be a beautiful ceremony for everyone to remember.
Still stuck on you song decisions? Feel free to get in touch with us at any point leading up to your wedding so we can help make recommendations and suggestions for you. We're always ready to setup a consultation to help go through what you're looking for and where we can help. We'll get to know what songs you're thinking of and make tailored recommendations based off those to help choose your ceremony music with as little stress on your end as possible.