Not a lot is known by couples when it comes to how many pieces of music or songs are required for the actual ceremony. Traditionally, most couples are asked to choose three pieces of music for their ceremony followed by music for the reception as follows:
Procession Music
The music that is played for the Bride/or first partner’s arrival, this is generally a song that is a piece that reflects the romance of the couple, perhaps the song that was playing when they first met. I have heard some truly romantic music either sung by a vocalist or played in the background. There was once a wedding I attended that the bride arrived to “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC much to the amusement of the guests! It is important to note the length of the music and the timing of the walk down the aisle and, also you should take into account the length of time the attendants take to arrive to take their place. A good Celebrant will be able to assist you with this at the time of the rehearsal or prior.
Signing
Towards the end of your ceremony the legal signing takes place and can take up to 10 minutes depending on time taken for professional photographs etc. A piece of music is played at this time to “distract or entertain” the guests whilst this very important part of the ceremony takes place. Once again this piece or even two pieces of music may be relevant to the couple and I will have some suggestions on how to choose your music at the end of this blog. I have heard “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder played which is always accepted well by the guests.
Recession (or more often these days - End of Ceremony)
The recession is the formal walk as a couple back down the aisle to be greeted by your guests this is generally in a chapel situation. If the ceremony is in a garden situation or outdoors the music is generally played as the guests come forward to congratulate the couple at the conclusion of their ceremony. There are many different choices of music for this scenario. Some prefer a formal piece of music to walk to some prefer a celebratory piece that is uplifting and joyous. “I’m a Believer” by Smash Mouth or “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves to name a couple.
Party/Reception Music
Often you will be guided by your DJ as to the dance music you will have played at your reception or whats on your own Spotify playlist that you enjoy listening to, be aware that there needs to be mellow subdued music that is generally played whilst people are talking, eating and drinking. This is followed by dance music should this apply to you.
Official Dance
This song should be one that you both can dance to either in a traditional waltz (bearing in mind that you are usually followed onto the dance floor by your parents) or something with a faster beat that you feel more comfortable dancing to. It is your choice and there are so many choices out there so my suggestion is start taking notes.
How do we choose our music?
My first piece of advice is choose music that reflects who you are as a couple. If you like more classical music then that should be what you choose. The music is about your choice not that of your guests. The first thing I would do is take note of music you hear or a song that is played in a movie such as “I Choose” by Alessia Cara in the movie ‘The Willoughbys’. Not all the music played during your ceremony needs to necessarily be romantic as I have detailed earlier in this blog. I have performed ceremonies where the music ranges from Disney classics such as Frozen to Ed Sheeran love songs. Think of songs that may be relevant to times you have shared together and when the song plays it makes you think of your partner or a loving memory. As I have mentioned earlier, humour can play a part in your song selection and it just depends on your imagination or the relevance of what the music means to you.
Note: Please listen to each song in its entirety or google the lyrics as many lines are misheard in songs and what is said can sometimes not be appropriate to you and what you hear may not be the romantic words that you think - such as a break up song.