EXPERT TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE PERFECT CEREMONY MUSIC & FIRST DANCE
Your wedding music is the soundtrack to your some of your life’s most cherished moments. From the unmatched importance of your ceremony to the joy of your first dance as a married couple, you deserve to have music that reflects your personality, relationship, and style.
Choosing the right songs for this unparalleled moments ensures that your big day feels uniquely “you” and gives your guests an experience they’ll never forget.
CEREMONY MUSIC
The ceremony is the most emotional and significant part of your day, and your music can play a role that elevates each special moment.
It’s important to be aware that secular ceremonies and venues often have restrictions on the lyrical content of the songs (i.e. no religious content), so it’s best to check your choices with the venue and registrars beforehand.
Like the first dance, songs that have special meaning to you are strong contenders here, and you may want to consider the flow of the ceremony as each part lends itself to particular feelings, moods and tone.
Here’s how to get it just right:
1. Prelude Music: Setting the Tone
As guests arrive, soft background music creates a welcoming atmosphere that allows guests to briefly catch up, get settled and prepare for what’s coming up. Acoustic or instrumental tracks work beautifully here, with popular choices like Clair de Lune or acoustic covers of modern hits. Somewhere in the region of 20-30minutes works well for pre-ceremony music.
2. Processional Music: Walking Down the Aisle
Your processional music sets the stage for one of the most memorable moments of your life. Choose something that builds anticipation and reflects your style. Classical options include Canon in D by Pachelbel, while contemporary choices might include All of Me by John Legend or an instrumental cover of A Thousand Years.
3. Interlude or Signing Music: Special Moments
During quiet moments like the signing of the register or lighting of a unity candle, soft background music keeps guests engaged, and provides a pleasant backdrop for them to have conversations while you sign the legal documents. Some couples prefer instrumentals like River Flows in You by Yiruma or acoustic versions of their favourite songs, but this is a nice opportunity to personalise your ceremony with more of your character.
It’s typical that one song would be sufficient here – especially if your live musician is adept at improvising and extending or shortening a piece appropriately in a musical fashion – however it’s definitely sensible to have two or three songs selected (particularly if they’re being played from a playlist) so that there are no awkward silences.
4. Recessional Music: Your Joyful Exit
As you make your exit as newlyweds, it’s time to make another statement about your taste and character. A lot of couples opt for a celebratory track – upbeat, happy songs like Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) by Stevie Wonder or You Make My Dreams by Hall & Oates work perfectly, but equally some slow and sophisticated pieces can add a touch of class to proceedings. See if you can visualise yourself leaving the ceremony to your song candidates, how you might feel as everyone cheers as your leave, and how your guests might respond to it.
Top Ceremony Song Suggestions
Here are some suggestions for each ceremony moment:
- Prelude/Guest Arrival: Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole; The Scientist (Instrumental) – Coldplay
- Processional/Entrance: Canon in D – Pachelbel; Marry Me – Train
- Interlude/Register Signing: Hallelujah (Instrumental) – Leonard Cohen; River Flows in You – Yiruma
- Recessional/Couple Exit: Happy – Pharrell Williams; Best Day of My Life – American Authors
YOUR FIRST DANCE SONG
The first dance is one of the most anticipated moments of any wedding reception, but it can also be one of the most nerve-wracking – couples either look forward to it or can’t wait to get it over with!
All eyes are on you as you take to the dancefloor for the first time as a married couple, and it’s a great opportunity for your band or DJ to maintain the momentum you create and get the dance floor packed from the start, but it’s also common for couples to want their friends and family to join them as quickly as possible!
Don’t worry – whatever your vision for the first dance, we have some tips for you.
Here’s how to make it unforgettable:
1. Choose a Song with Meaning
Did you hear a particular track on your first date or on a day out? Or do you both love a certain artist? A meaningful song adds a personal touch and makes your first dance all the more special. It doesn’t have to be a romantic song necessarily – just something that means something to you. It could be as simple as “we just like it”. If you can’t think of one, don’t worry! Read on…
2. Consider the Mood
The vibe you want to create can really help with your song choice. Do you picture a romantic slow dance to At Last by Etta James, or something playful and fun like You Make My Dreams by Hall & Oates? You could have something well-known that gets more guests involved more quickly, something up-tempo that gets the groove going, or something from when you were a teenager that your friends will really resonate with! Let your desired mood guide your choice.
3. Match Your Dance Style
If you’re confident dancers or taking lessons, you can choose a song for a choreographed routine. If you do, make sure you work with someone to coordinate a bespoke version of the song (either with a live band or recording) so that you can be confident the music you dance to on the day is going to be the same as what you’ve practised with. This is a really fun way to truly put your stamp on your wedding, and get your guests talking about it for years to come – you can really set the bar with a custom dance!
Don’t worry if you don’t have time to prepare something like this, or if you or your partner think you have two left feet! A slower, simpler song might be a better fit and have similar impact. Songs like Perfect by Ed Sheeran are popular for their versatility and timeless appeal.
4. Having a Band? Think About Their Strengths
Live bands can often customise your first dance song to make it even more special. Whether it’s a stripped-down acoustic version or a mashup of two favourites, talk to your band about how they can personalise the performance for you. It’s not uncommon to have a slower song to start with (the first verse and chorus) before moving to something more upbeat that gets everyone moving!
Equally, you may want a song that is synonymous with a particular instrument that isn’t present in the band you’ve booked. A great band will be able to recommend an approach or version of the song that closely matches what they will sound like playing it, or they will suggest having the original version of the song played so that you get exactly what you want and expect.
Another great reason to have a quality live band is that they can adapt to requests like these and give you honest feedback to help you make sure this special moment is as perfect as can be – after all, you deserve it.
Top First Dance Song Suggestions
Here are some crowd-pleasers and timeless classics to inspire you:
- Romantic Classics: Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley; Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
- Modern Favourites: A Thousand Years – Christina Perri; Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
- Upbeat Choices: I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston; Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
- Indie Picks: You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne; Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
FINAL TIPS FOR YOUR WEDDING MUSIC
- Work with Professionals: A professional musician or live band adds a special energy to your day and gives you peace of mind during one of the most complicated and potentially stressful days of your life. Working with a team who are familiar with your venue, have a broad repertoire and understand what it takes to give you the best experience is worth every penny. A quality band will make every moment more meaningful and guarantees a standard of quality you can rely on so you can concentrate on enjoying every moment. Share your ideas with your band – they can help refine your choices and even suggest unique arrangements. Trust their recommendations as these will be time-tested.
- Customise Your Playlist: Don’t be afraid to mix genres or request special songs that reflect your relationship, but make sure you give your DJ or band license to adjust the set list if required. While you may love certain songs and style, there’s a good chance a significant percentage of your guests may not share this, and the last thing you want is an empty dance floor! Premium bands or DJs should be able to incorporate your preferences, but also have something for every age to feel comfortable on the dance floor, while also building the night to a crescendo! It’s a much harder job than you might initially think!
- Communicate Early: Give your band or musicians plenty of notice about your choices so they can prepare or suggest adaptations. It’s always really useful to send them YouTube or Spotify links to specific versions so everyone is working from the same page and there aren’t any surprises on the day! Being as specific as you can be will really help your musical team make your day as perfect as possible.
- Stay True to You: Your music should reflect your personality as a couple. Choose what feels right to you – even if it’s unconventional – but do keep in mind that the dance floor should be accessible by everyone.
LET US HELP CREATE YOUR PERFECT SOUNDTRACK
We are not in the music business – we’re in the MEMORIES business. We are specialists in crafting unforgettable musical moments for couples and have performed at hundreds of ‘happy ever afters’!
Whether it’s a romantic acoustic performance for your ceremony, a customised version of your favourite song for your first dance or keeping your guests on the dance floor until the very last song, we’re here to make your day as unique as your love story.
Get in touch today to discuss your vision – together, we’ll create a soundtrack that you and your guests will remember forever.
Featured bands:
Music Music Music
https://musicmusicmusic.co.uk/
Ukes of Hazzard
https://www.ukesofhazzardband.co.uk/
Mumfudden Suns
https://mumfuddensuns.co.uk/
George Zebra
https://georgezebra.co.uk/