The Perfect Wedding Playlist: A Guide to Choosing Your Ceremony Music
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! As wedding musicians in the Carolinas, we're thrilled to help you create the perfect soundtrack for your special day. Music sets the tone for your ceremony, deepens emotions, and creates lasting memories. Here's a guide to help you select the ideal songs for your wedding ceremony.
Understanding the Ceremony Structure
Typically, a wedding ceremony includes several key musical moments:
Prelude: As guests arrive and take their seats. This typically lasts 30 minutes.
Processional: For the entrance of the grandparents/parents, wedding party, and bride.
Interludes: During specific moments within the ceremony, such as lighting the unity candle.
Recessional: As the couple, wedding party, and parents/grandparents exit the ceremony.
Postlude: Extra music if needed while guests exit the ceremony site.
Each of these moments can be highlighted with music, making your ceremony flow beautifully from one part to the next.
How Many Songs Do You Need?
Prelude: Choose 12 songs to play as guests are seated. The officiant sometimes will walk out during the end of prelude, or they also can walk during the processional.
Processional: The most common is 3 processionals. Although this varies on average from 2 to 4 songs.
1. A song for the grandparents/parents.
2. A song for the bridal party.
3. A song for the bride.
You can group who is walking down to which song in whatever way you prefer, personalizing your special day. The goal is for processionals to flow, so we like to play around 60 seconds per piece. But of course, if there are less people, there will be less music. We love to work with you to customize this so everything flows well.
Interludes: If you have a special moment during your ceremony where you would like music, pick 1 piece for this (optional). Most couples choose not to have interludes.
Recessional: 1 celebratory song.
Postlude: 1 or 2 songs to play as guests exit.
In total, you'll need about 15-16 songs, depending on the length of your ceremony and whether you include interludes.
Choosing the Best Music
Reflect on Your Personal Style
Your wedding music should reflect your personality and relationship. Think about:
Favorite Genres: Do you love classical, pop, jazz, or something else?
Meaningful Songs: Are there specific songs that hold special meaning for you as a couple?
Desired Atmosphere: Do you want your ceremony to feel traditional, modern, romantic, or whimsical?
Think About: Make sure the songs on our song list for the ensemble you chose, match your vision for the music you want.
Consider Your Ceremony’s Tone
The tone of your wedding will influence your song choices:
Formal and Traditional: Classical pieces like Pachelbel’s Canon in D, Bach’s Air on the G String, or Wagner’s Bridal Chorus.
Modern and Contemporary: Acoustic versions of popular songs, Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect,” or John Legend’s “All of Me.”
Romantic and Soft: Songs by Norah Jones, Ellie Goulding, or Etta James.
Upbeat and Joyful: Pharrell’s “Happy,” Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” or Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours.”
Balance Personal Preferences and Guest Experience
While it’s your special day, consider your guests’ experience too. A mix of familiar and unique songs can keep everyone engaged and create a memorable atmosphere.
Listen and Envision
Take time to listen to your shortlisted songs while visualizing each moment of your ceremony. This will help you gauge if the music fits the mood and timing of each part of your wedding.
Consult Your Musicians
We, as your wedding musicians, are here to help! Share your ideas with us, and we can offer suggestions based on our experience. We can also provide samples and customize the music however you would like to ensure everything sounds perfect on your special day. About 30% of our couples don’t want to choose their music, and they would rather just trust our expertise. We are happy to create a program for you, if that is the case, and help guide you through the process.
Tips for a Smooth Musical Experience
Communicate Clearly: Provide your musicians with a detailed timeline of your ceremony.
Backup Plan: Ensure there’s a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies in case of bad weather. Read more about indoor vs. outdoor weddings in the south.
Cues: Make sure to have the coordinator or day-of-coordinator cue the musicians for song changes during the processional.
Conclusion
Choosing the right music for your wedding ceremony is a crucial part of creating a beautiful and memorable day. By understanding the structure of your ceremony, reflecting on your personal style, and working closely with our musician team, you can select songs that perfectly encapsulate your love story.
We're honored to be part of your wedding and look forward to bringing your vision to life with our music. If you have any questions or need further assistance with song selection, please don't hesitate to reach out at info@deansduets.com. Happy planning, and here's to a harmonious celebration!
*Photos above are from The Holly Inn in Pinehurst, NC. Thanks to Mollie Tobias Photography for sharing them with us.