Set to Song: Music for a Timeless Wedding
A while back, I mentioned that I married a self-described music snob. My husband painstakingly selected almost every song played at our wedding. From the processional (when the bridal party enters), the recessional (the celebratory exit of the newly minted Mr. and Mrs. from the ceremony), the cocktail hour and dinner tunes, and the significant dances (our first dance, his dance with his mom, etc), he spent hours poring over his immense music collection.
I would like to say that the only part he wasn’t exceedingly specific about was the dance music. I would like to say that he left that in the very capable hands of our DJ. But that would be a lie. He gave one very important instruction: NO Bob Seger. I’m not sure why, but he is not a fan of Seger. Most people love him, but not my man.
The beautiful thing about your wedding music is that you have the freedom to make those kinds of requests. Your music is just as important as the ring, the dress, and the flowers in setting the tone and feel of your blessed event. Sometimes though, all that freedom and endless array of options can be overwhelming and paralyzing. To help ease your mind, we’ve put together a list of music selections that are sure to resonate with you and your guests.
Processional: For many weddings, the processional is a slow and melodic song, sometimes instrumental, sometimes with soft and tender vocals. The processional sets the romantic tone of the ceremony. A perennially popular choice is Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel. This instrumental classic has become synonymous with elegance and romance.
For a more modern take, try looking up a great acoustic cover/version of a song you like. For my walk down the aisle, my husband chose the Avett Brothers’ acoustic version of their own song, “Swept Away.” Notable Lyrics: “Well life is ever changing/But I will always find a constant/And comfort in your love/With your heart my soul is bound/And as we dance I know/That heaven will be found.” Seriously, shivers down my spine. Every time.
Recessional: It used to be that the recessional was also instrumental (you know the tune). But the times, they are a-changin’. Most couples these days use the recessional as a time to begin celebrating. They have just been married and want to share that joy with all the people they hold most dear. This is a time to set the jubilant tone of the party that follows a wedding ceremony.
For the effortlessly cool couple, Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing” is a perfect choice. The song is upbeat enough to get the party started right, but sweet enough to strike a chord with the sentimental crowd. Notable Lyrics: “Baby, we’ve come a long way, baby/You know, I hope and I pray that you believe me/When I say this love will never fade away”.
The OneRepublic song “Feel Again” evokes the feeling of a wedding being the rebirth of a couple in a lot of ways. Two people have come together as one and that revitalization of the soul is described in a lot of ways in this song. Notable Lyrics: “I’m feeling better ever since you know me/I was a lonely soul but that’s the old me/A little wiser now from what you’ve shown me/Yeah, I feel again/Feel again…”
First Dance: I think perhaps my husband’s mission was to find the most obscure, albeit amazing, music for our wedding. But since he has impeccable taste, I let it slide. Our first dance was to the song “Such Great Heights,” which in its original form is an upbeat electronic dance song by The Postal Service. However, my husband managed to find an acoustic cover of that song performed by Iron & Wine. Give it a listen; you will not be disappointed. At the risk of outing myself, I will also say that this song is very forgiving to uncoordinated dancers such as yours truly. The tempo is slow, but not dragging. It is easy to dance to. And since you’re not moving very fast, your pictures will be outstanding. Notable Lyrics: “I am thinking it’s a sign/That the freckles in our eyes/Are mirror images/And when we kiss they’re perfectly aligned.” And, cue sweet smooches.
For those who like the tender lyrics of country romance, try “Die a Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett (even his name is southern romance at its finest!). Notable Lyrics: “And I know that I can’t ever tell you enough/That all I need in this life is your crazy love.”
There are so many more songs that can help define your wedding. This is just the tiniest sampling of some of our favorites. For more options, a quick Google search will yield many lists, ranging from classical to classic rock to dance and pop music. The sky is the limit. Whatever you choose, just make sure it fits who you are.
Share This Page:
