Nine Tips For Choosing Your Ceremony Music

Nine Tips for Choosing Your Ceremony Music

Music is a big part of setting the mood for your wedding ceremony. When choosing those special songs for your walk up the aisle, you want something as special and unique as you are. Ceremony music generally consists of three songs: Attendants’ Processional, Bride’s Processional, and Recessional. Think outside the box when it comes to your ceremony music. Here are nine tips to help you choose the perfect music:

1. Don’t feel “stuck” with traditional. Twenty years ago, every bride chose Trumpet Voluntary, Here Comes The Bride, Canon in D and The Wedding March for their ceremony music. Brides today enjoy customizing their music, and lean more towards ceremony music that fits their personality. If you do want to use the traditional selections, there are many options available. Do you want the piano version, guitar version, harp version or full orchestra version? Look at all the options to make your music special. Go to www.amazon.com and type in “Here Comes The Bride” and see how many different versions come up!
2. Involve your bridal party when choosing their song.  Approach them with four or five songs that you like, and get their input on what song they would prefer to walk up the aisle to. Have them give input on why certain songs might be better than others.
3. Choose a song that has special meaning for your walk up the aisle. Think of what song expresses the feelings you have inside as you are walking up the aisle to be joined with the love of your life.  Instrumental versions of popular songs are easy to find if you don’t want vocals. Popular choices include “Marry Me” by Train, “Me and You” by Kenny Chesney, “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain and selections by Yiruma.
4. Don’t feel obligated to choose instrumental. Many brides choose to walk up the aisle to a favorite song, and sometimes the vocals add to that special moment. If your special song has words with special meaning, use it to express what you are feeling inside as you walk up the aisle.
5. Turn a popular song into wedding appropriate. Many bands have taken this concept and made a fortune off of it. Vitamin String Quartet is one of those bands. They take popular music like Metallica, U2, Coldplay, Adele, Switchfoot and more and make them sound classical and ceremony-ready.
6. Decide from which outlet you would like your ceremony music to come from.  Do you like the sound of live instruments, or do you want a recorded song played by your DJ over the sound system? Having a close friend or family member sing is also a memorable way to walk up the aisle.
7. Check the guidelines of your venue/church. Many churches have strict guidelines on what music can/cannot be played during a wedding ceremony. Make sure to check with them before getting your heart set on a certain song, only to be told it’s not allowed.
8. What kind of atmosphere/style do you want to portray? Are you a fun couple that enjoys happy, upbeat music? Or do you enjoy classical selections? The type of music you choose for your ceremony should reflect on your personality and relationship.
9. Choose an upbeat and fun song for the Recessional. The Recessional is the song that is played after you kiss as husband and wife, are introduced, and walk back down the aisle to exit the ceremony. Choose a fun and upbeat song to express the joy you are feeling in this moment. Popular choices include “This Will Be An Everlasting Love” by Natalie Cole, “Ever After” by Carrie Underwood, “Marry You” by Bruno Mars, “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, “I Got You” by Thompson Square, “Signed Sealed Delivered” by Stevie Wonder, ”Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars, and “Love Story Meets Love Story” by Jon Schmidt.

We are always there to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way when choosing music for your wedding ceremony and reception. Each of our couples receives a wedding planner packet full of helpful information like the article above for choosing their wedding music. We meet with all of our couples in person two to four weeks before their wedding to go over every detail. We realize that a big part of a successful ceremony is making sure everybody can hear what is being say.  A wireless lapel microphone and sound system is always included in our ceremony package.