Wedding Songs For Every Occasion, Part 1: The Right Songs for Your Ceremony
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011Planning all those songs can be quite a headache, therefore we aspire to simplify things with this guide. Our goal would be to offer an idea for every musical taste and every musical moment of your big day.
Prelude Songs
This is actually the music people will be taking their seats to. It will mostly be talked over, but it will be people’s first impression from the mood of the ceremony, therefore it needs to 1) play well as background and 2) convey the tone you would like throughout your ceremony, whether it is rigidly formal, or loose and laid back.
Our Top Pick:
“La Primavera” by Antonio Vivaldi
Also, referred to as “Spring,” from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” this famous bit of classical music is quickly recognized and favored by all. The lavish strings and the posh sound from the harpsichord set the stage for the formality that most people want during the actual ceremony, but the light, rhythmic movement of energetic violin solos play to the more free-spirited and romantic themes of the wedding.
Other Popular Choices:
“Air around the G String” by J.S. Bach “Music for the Royal Fireworks” by G.F. Handel “Some Enchanted Evening” by Frank Sinatra “Embraceable You” by Billie Holiday (or Ella Fitzgerald, should you prefer). “Yellow” by Coldplay
Our Top Pick for if you would like Different things:
“Such Great Heights” by Iron and Wine Unlike the energetic electronic original by the Postal Service, this cover from the song is grounded by a sweet, mellow singing voice and electric guitar accompaniment. The stripped down cover of this love anthem is simple and tasteful enough to appeal to any age. Its smart tribute to enduring romance inside a brilliantly understated way.
Processional Songs
For that immediate family’s seating and people heavily anticipated moments just before the bride’s entrance.
Our Top Pick:
“Ave Maria” by Josh Groban Josh Groban is close to the perfect intersect between classical and modern styles. He takes the age-old melody of Ave Maria and brings a brand new, ornamented illumination into it that also retains the classical spirit of the original.
Other Popular Choices:
“Beautiful Day” by U2 “Canon in D” by J. Pachelbel. “Come Away With Me” Norah Jones “I Do” by 98 Degrees “Seasons of Love” from Rent, the musical by Jonathan Larsen
Our Top Pick if you would like Different things:
“In a Sentimental Mood” by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane You will find hundreds of recordings of the old jazz standard but this collaboration includes the classic stylings and grace of Duke Ellington using the pensive musings of John Coltrane. It’s smart but nonetheless universal enough to be appreciated by everyone, and undeniably passionate.
Bridal Entrance
And then there’s the moment everyone’s been waiting for, as all eyes turn to the pretty girl in the white dress. Lots of bride’s really obsess over the song selection for this, and admittedly, this is something worth obsessing over, but do not lose sight of the fact that everyone’s going to love whatever you choose.
Our Top Pick:
“Edelweiss” in the Sound of Music, by Rogers and Hammerstein
Of course many brides will want to opt for the traditional “Bridal Chorus” by Wagner (the following with our other entrance suggestions) but this is a popular entrance song, and understandably so. It opens with a sweet, classic tenor describing the beautiful, white Edelweiss flowers of Europe. “Blossom of Snow” is very the apropos term when musing around the beauty of your beloved partner.
Other Popular Choices
“Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin (Here Comes the Bride)” by Wagner Interlude
“Bittersweet Symphony” through the Verve “Canon in D” by J Pachelbell “Dreams” by The Cranberries “Ode to Joy from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony” by Ludwig van Beethoven
Our Top Pick if You Want Something Different
“Cora-From Last from the Mohicans” This piece, compiled by Hans Zimmer for the score of film All of the the Mohicans, is a positively stunning orchestral opus. It talks to the brand new but undying love between your characters Uncas and Chora, despite their different backgrounds. Few in the audience will recognize the tune, but all will be taken aback by it’s beauty and passion.
Recession
The bride to be and groom have said their vows and their I-Do’s, individuals have cheered, and today the marriage party is exiting to the reception. This music ought to be an elated think back in the union that has just occurred.
Our Top Pick:
“The Wedding March” by Felix Mendelssohn
Do doubt typically the most popular selection to be played because the young couple exits into a car using the words “Just Married” painted around the back, this song is celebratory, joyous, and stylish. In short, it’s everything you need from the recessional song for any classic wedding.
Other Popular Choices
“You are the Sunshine of my Life” by Stevie Wonder “Cherish” by Madonna “I’m a Believer” by Smash Mouth
Our Choice if You Want to Do Something Different “The Call” by Regina Spektor “The Call” tells the story of two lovers moving forward together in life. It muses on the things that change and the stuff that stay. The strings and the piano play a confident underscore to Spektor’s inquisitive voice.
Postlude
The bride leaves the building and typically there is a reception about to commence. As guests filter out from the ceremony location, you should already be striving to place them into the mood for the dancing and dining from the reception, with a few appropriate party music.
Our Top Pick:
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars -
It’s time to obtain the party started for that reception. This tune is really a lively, uplifting, matrimony-themed party song, that’s perfect to get people in the mood for that upcoming festivities. Also look into the version of this song made by the cast of Glee in Season 2 from the show.