How to Choose Wedding Music for Your Ceremony | Steelasophical

Do make it ambient

Whatever wedding ceremony music you choose, make sure it’s ambient and comfortable for listeners. Consider the volume – you don’t want anything too loud – and make sure the pace is slow and calming. This will help keep your groom relaxed and give you a natural rhythm to match as you walk down the aisle towards him.

Prelude Songs

The prelude music will play while guests are entering and taking their seats. This music aims to welcome the guests to your wedding, and sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony, so be sure to choose wisely. Whether you prefer classical or more modern music, we recommend choosing tunes that have a romantic and upbeat feel—and yes, you’ll need to choose multiple songs as the prelude will last about 20 to 30 minutes as guests are arriving. A few options to listen to “One Hand, One Heart” by Leonard Bernstein from West Side Story, “Air on a G String”by Bach, and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole.

Prelude Songs The prelude music will play while guests are entering and taking their seats. This music aims to welcome the guests to your wedding, and sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony, so be sure to choose wisely. Whether you prefer classical or more modern music, we recommend choosing tunes that have a romantic and upbeat feel—and yes, you’ll need to choose multiple songs as the prelude will last about 20 to 30 minutes as guests are arriving. A few options to listen to “One Hand, One Heart” by Leonard Bernstein from West Side Story, “Air on a G String”by Bach, and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole (this song is particularly nice for an outdoor beach wedding).

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Wedding Party Processional Songs This is the music that is played while the wedding party is walking down the aisle. Our rule of thumb here is to choose music that’s neither too fast nor too slow. Select a song that has a rhythm that matches a natural walking pace. A few of our favorites: “Canon in D” by Pachelbel, “A Thousand Years (Instrumental)” by The Piano Guys, and “Ribbon in the Sky” by Stevie Wonder.

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Bride’s Processional Songs After the wedding party has taken their places, there is a brief pause before the bride’s entrance. Traditionally, all of the guests stand up and a new song—typically one with a bit more drama—is performed. You can go in a variety of directions with the bridal processional, from something grand and traditional to a song that’s sweet and lively, but just be sure that it matches the magnitude of the moment. A few popular bridal processional songs include: “Air”by Handel, “Here, There, Everywhere” by The Beatles, and “At Last” by Etta James.

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Interlude Songs While you don’t have to have interlude music during your ceremony, it may be necessary play music during a particular ritual or to transition from one portion of the ceremony to another. Interludes can also be a nice addition if you have a friend or relative with musical talent who you would like to perform during the ceremony. Interlude songs are usually have an ultra-romantic and emotional feel. Some examples include: “Ave Maria” by Schubert and “In My Life”by The Beatles.

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Recessional Songs You’re married, and it’s time to celebrate! The recessional song should be very upbeat and joyful to help lead guests into the celebration to follow. You can even be a little cheeky and humorous if you so desire. Some recessional songs you might enjoy include: “Love on Top” by Beyonce, “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven, and “I Do” by Colbie Caillat.

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Postlude Songs Guests may linger for a bit after the ceremony ends, so you’ll want to have a few songs lined up to be played after the recessional. These songs should have a similar celebratory feel to your recessional song. Examples include: “Beautiful Day” by U2, “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, and “I’m a Believer” by Smash Mouth.

Source https://www.weddingwire.com