Many brides are going for the less traditional approach when it comes to the songs for their wedding ceremony. Most brides are choosing to walk down the aisle to something other than the "Wedding March" and most of the time it is a song that is significant to them and has meaning to the couple's relationship. But, if you want your wedding ceremony to be unique, but you don't know where to begin here are some tips and some great songs to help you get started.
1.) Have fun when choosing your ceremony songs. This can be a great opportunity for you and your fiancé to slow down and cuddle up in the midst of all your hectic wedding plans. Be sure to listen to each other and choose music you both like, after all, your wedding is about you as a couple and not just you as individuals.
2.) When choosing ceremony songs, choose something classically romantic. Most people don't want to see you walk down the aisle to "Super Freak", or something similar, no matter how funny or original you may think it is. The processional especially, should include songs that have a romantic and timeless feel, even if they are new releases.
3.) It's perfectly okay to choose something more upbeat for your recessional. After all it is a happy moment and its okay to want to celebrate a little. Just be careful to choose something that isn't crude and is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's face.
4.) The processional and recessional songs should take time into consideration. If you want a different song for each part of the ceremony, you need to pick a time length and where you want each song to stop and end. You also need to get with the person who will be assisting you with sound at your wedding and ask make sure they understand the cues for each song.
Here are some fabulous songs to help you get started, as you are choosing songs for each part of your ceremony.
The Prelude
The prelude begins no later than at least twenty to thirty minutes before the ceremony begins and this is usually the time when guests are coming in and being seated. Since the prelude sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony, you should choose music that flows well with the other songs you will be choosing. Here are some great ideas:
Classical Choices:
1.) "Solomon HWV 67: The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba"
2.) "Purcell: Trumpet Tune"
3.) "Romeo and Juliet: Love Theme"
4.) "Sonata for Trumpet and Strings No.1 in D"
5.) "Trumpet Voluntary"
More Modern Choices:
1.) "Tailor Made" - Colbie Caillat
2.) "A Song For You" - Michael Buble
3.) "One Sweet Love" - Sara Bareilles
4.) "If Tonight Is My Last" - Laura Izibor
5.) "Lucky"- Jason Mraz
6.) "On A Night Like This" - Dave Barnes
The Wedding Party Processional
The entrance of the wedding party officially marks the beginning of the ceremony. It should have a slow, romantic feel. But, it could also reflect the excitement that your guests may be feeling about the upcoming entrance of the bride.
Classical Choices:
- "Canon in D Major"
- "The Four Seasons: Violin Concerto in E Major"
- "Pictures at an Exhibition: I. Promenade"
- "Salut D'amour, Op. 12"
1.) "Bubbly" Colbie Caillat
2.) "But I Do Love You" - LeAnne Rimes
3.) "Fall Into Me" - Sugarland
4.) Intro of "Boston"- Augustana
5.) "If I Ain't Got You" - Alicia Keys
6.) "I'll Be" - Edwin McCain
7.) "Love and Some Verses" Iron & Wine The Bridal Processional
This is the most incredible moment of the entire ceremony and it deserves an incredible song to go with it. You should choose a very special song, whether classical or modern to make the moment a truly memorable one.
Classical Choices:
1.) "Wagner's Bridal Chorus"
2.) "Concerto for Clarinet in A Major"
3.) Meditation From Thais"
4.) "Suite Bergamasque: III. Clair de Lune"
5.) Quintet in A Minor, Op. 25: Minuetto"
More Modern Choices:
1.) "I Do (Cherish You)"- 98°
2.) "Close Your Eyes" - Dave Barnes
3.) "More Than Love"- Los Lonely Boys
4.) "For My Love"- Bethany Dillon
5.) "Make You Feel My Love" - Adele
6.) "When God Made You" - NewSong
7.) "I Swear" - All-4-One
8.) "From This Moment On" - Shania Twain
The Recessional
This is a time for celebration! The officiate has finally pronounced you husband and wife. What better reason to celebrate! So whether you choose a classical piece or a more modern song, be sure that it reflects your joy, because this will be a truly memorable moment for both of you.
Classical Choices:
1.) "A Midsummer's Night's Dream, Op. 61 Incidental Music: No. 9 Wedding March"
2.) "Music for the Royal Fireworks"
3.) "Grand March from Aida"
4.) "Crown Imperial"
5.) "The Marriage of Figaro: Overture"
More Modern Choices:
1.) "Celebration"- Kool & The Gang
2.) "Come Fly With Me" - Frank Sinatra
3.) "What I Like About You" - The Romantics
4.) "Walking on Sunshine" - Katrina and the Waves
5.) "I'm A Believer"- The Monkees
6.) "I Believe In A Thing Called Love"- The Darkness
As you can see this is quite an extensive list, and while you may choose all of them or none of them, the goal was to give you some songs that may point you in the direction you need to go when choosing the music for your ceremony.