Wedding Dance

What Music Is Played At Weddings?

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    The music at your wedding is a reflection of you and your tastes, and it can help set the tone for the entire celebration. Choosing the music for your wedding may be a lot of fun if you're like that sort of thing. It's also a viable choice if you need a break from the flurry of activity that is wedding planning.

    The music at a wedding is often overlooked by some couples since they either don't think about it or don't think it's that big of a deal. This, however, is not the case, as music contributes an element of amusement and fun to a happy and important occasion like your wedding.

    A wedding without music risks becoming a dreary event where guests feel like they're missing out. Additionally, it is always touching to write songs for the people you care about.

    Your wedding's ambience will be greatly influenced by the music you choose to play. It can be stressful to try to plan every song that will be performed at your wedding, but you should definitely give some thought to these. Consider the appropriate songs for these unique occasions as you arrange your wedding.Check out Boutique Events Group Wedding Venue for your ultimate wedding reception.

    Your Wedding Music

    The music during a wedding can be heard by all of the guests, therefore it must be carefully chosen. There are some things to keep in mind when choosing wedding music.

    Wedding Dance

    Basics Of Ceremony Music

    The most fundamental music plan for a wedding ceremony would often include preludes, processionals, and recessionals.

    Recessionals

    When the ceremony is over, the recessional begins to play. Recess music, like the name says, plays when you leave a gathering or event, and is meant to represent your positive emotions.

    Processionals

    The next section of the ceremony is the processional, which is performed as the bride and her wedding party enter the ceremony. Both can utilise the same music, but we think switching to a different song when the bride walks down the aisle would be a great way to add some more drama and excitement to the moment.

    Preludes

    A ceremony's prelude is the music played while guests are being seated and before the ceremony proper begins. The customary time is 45 minutes to 20 minutes before the ceremony begins, however it can begin whenever the doors open.

    Postludes And Interludes

    When it comes to the unity candle lighting and the ketubah signing, many couples want to have musical interludes or songs played. A postlude, or piece performed as guests leave the wedding, is another option to consider. As they leave, have someone play a violin or bagpipes to set a festive mood. Some couples have the musician form a procession as guests exit the wedding area.

    Working With The Ceremony Venue

     Space Setup 

    When deciding on an outfit for the ceremony, keep in mind the size of the location. As an extreme example, a large brass quintet might be too loud for a small chapel. A traditional piano may not be appropriate for an outdoor wedding, but an electric piano could be a good alternative. Add a string instrument like a violin or cello to round it off.

    It would be inconvenient, for example, to have to pull a harp through a kitchen, so you should measure the area and figure out how you'll transport it inside before you set your sights on one. A harp may not be the ideal option for usage in the great outdoors due to its sound's tendency to rise into the air.

    Restrictions And Rules

    Do some research on ceremony musicians and possible song selections before contacting them for interviews. When planning a ceremony, it's important to find out whether the venue or officiant has any restrictions on the kind of music that can or cannot be played. Guidelines limiting the noise (volume and curfew) or the area provided for a band may also exist in more secular settings, and you should be aware of these.

    Resist Surprising Fees

    The average cost of a ceremony musician is between $200 and $500. If you're trying to save money, it pays to see what's already in the area. (Would there be a grand piano in the hotel's ballroom, or will one need to be rented? Use it!) There won't be any transportation costs to factor into your budget, which may add up quickly when larger instruments (like harps and pianos) need to be hauled into orbit.

    Finding The Right Pros

    Potential Musicians Research

    Where can you locate musicians who are sure to please your guests? To find local ceremony musicians in your region, ask around, check up The Knot Marketplace, and examine reviews left by previous clients. You should verify the applicants' prior experience by contacting their references, as you'll want to hire only those who are comfortable walking couples down the aisle. A musician's website should provide a demo that showcases the range of sound that may be achieved by the various groups. If you can, try to make it to one of the events where they will be performing prior to booking them.

    Instrument Combos

    You should also keep in mind that just because you enjoy an instrument's tone doesn't mean you can throw it into your ensemble. If you wish to add a trumpet to your ensemble, for instance, you'll also need three- or four-string instruments like a cello, violin, viola, and harp to prevent the horn from being too out of place. To find out what they recommend, just ask the band.

    A Few Good Basic Combos To Think About

    • Flute trio (flute, violin and a cello)
    • String quartet (two violins, a viola and cello) 
    • String duo (two violins or a violin and cello)
    • String trio (two violins and a cello)

    When playing with a trio or quartet, you can spice things up by adding an organ or piano, a harp, or even two trumpets.

    Point Person

    Most groups have a leader who consults with customers to arrange for the right musical accompaniment, which could range from a soloist with an organ or violin to a full orchestra. Sound quality improves with the number of instruments, but larger ensembles come at a higher cost.

    Vocals

    If you're planning to use singers at your wedding, it's best to wait until everyone is seated before starting the music. Awkwardness can arise when someone comes up to a microphone to sing and the audience feels obligated to be silent and pay attention. A singer's insecurity will come through in their performance if they aren't at ease with the material you've chosen for them. Discuss with the soloist the songs they are familiar with, and use that information to create a setlist that works for everyone. Incorporate a song they aren't familiar with by having an instrumentalist play it on a violin, piano, or flute.

    Sound Strategy

    Ratio Of Guests To Musicians

    Consider the ratio of ceremony musicians to visitors. In most cases, a group of 200 would be better served by a quartet. In order to conserve money, you might use a duo or quartet plus a sound person. Either bring your own microphones and amplifier, or have your band or DJ bring their own. Think about what would benefit from being played loudly. Guitars and string instruments (such as violins and cellos) are the most popular choices for weddings.

    Acoustics

    The surrounding environment is also crucial. In a building, the acoustics will allow you to get away with more volume. Alternatively, if there are 200 people there and the event is held outdoors, you won't be able to hear a duo. Having enough musicians or microphones to overcome ambient noise is essential if your event will be held outside, so be sure to plan accordingly. If your budget only allows for a duet, a classical guitarist with a cube amp and a flautist is a great choice for an outdoor event.

    Songs For Entering And Leaving The Wedding Ceremony

    You can have everyone in your wedding party go down the aisle to the same song, or you can pick a different song for your entrance. The recessional is the music played as the bride and groom leave the ceremony site; it is typically more upbeat than the processional.

    We have provided you with a few selections for both the entrance and exit songs at your wedding, both of which are classic classics. Take a listen to some of the most creative and fun ways we've come up with to play wedding music.

    Songs For Processional Wedding Ceremonies

    Wedding Chorus And Wagner

    In many cultures, an organ plays a classical tune often known as "Here Comes the Bride" during the bride's procession. To preserve a sense of heritage without overpowering the listener with drama, we've opted for a slightly updated version of Vicente Avella's classical piano arrangement.

    Pachelbel, Canon In D

    It's another common option for the bride. The original quartet arrangement of this piece is lovely, but we really adore Per-Olov Kindgren's rendition on classical guitar.

    The Piano Guys: A Thousand Years (Originally Christina Perri)

    Couples often struggle to choose a processional song since they love both traditional instrumentals and contemporary love songs with vocals equally. You can enjoy your favourite song without singing along if you listen to an instrumental cover instead. Check out The Piano Guys for more classical covers like this one, including Christina Perri's music arranged for piano and cello.

    Theme Of Love In Glasgow, From Love Actually

    One approach to add meaningful instrumental music to your wedding is to choose a song from your favourite movie's soundtrack as your processional. There is a plethora of alternatives available, but a good place to begin is with Love; it's sure to make you emotional in no time.

    Marry Me, Train

    This is a fantastic option if you're looking for modern music but aren't sure what to listen to. Both the tune and the words are lovely, and the tempo is suitable for a professional performance.

    Israel Kamakawiwo' Ole, Somewhere Over The Rainbow

    This beautiful ukulele cover can't be outdone for offering something that's a little bit distinctive, and it's certain to put a smile on everyone's face!

    Recessional Wedding Songs Ceremony

    Wedding March, Mendelssohn

    A wedding recessional typically features this song. Larger or religious settings are ideal for this huge organ piece, which focuses on dramatic intensity.

    The Queen Of Sheba, Handel, Arrives

    This classical music was written for an arrival, but its upbeat tempo and general air of happiness make it a great choice for a recessional as well. It's the ideal match for conventional couples.

    Vitamin String Quartet, Don't Give Up Believing (Originally Journey)

    A string quartet's rendition of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" hits the perfect mix between classical music and modern sound, so it's another one of our favourite classical covers of a popular song.Check out our extensive list of Wedding Celebrants to help you tie the knot. 

    Stevie Wonder, Signed, Sealed, And Delivered

    This is one of the most frequently selected options today, and for good reason. The phrases "signed, sealed, delivered - I'm yours!" have fresh significance now that you and your new husband have signed the wedding register.

    First Day Of My Life, Bright Eyes

    This sweet acoustic song is a wonderful option for engaged couples who are interested in finding a unique alternative, and we believe that it is a wonderful way to begin the first day of your married life together.

    Heavy D & The Boyz, Now That We Found Love

    Those in search of something truly unique, this is our favourite wedding music ever since we saw Will Smith and Eva Mendes dance to it at the end of Hitch. Can you and your new hubby out-dance them?

    In the event that you are unable to find a band to perform at your wedding or a suitable online playlist, you can always fall back on this tried-and-true CD featuring some timeless and modern wedding favourites.

    FAQs About Wedding Song

    The right mood can be set with the help of music, which will contribute to the overall vibe of the event. You might want to consider adding country tunes to your repertoire of wedding songs. The songs played during the cocktail hour are often low-key compositions that serve as background music while guests enjoy appetisers and chat.

    When planning the music for your wedding ceremony, you will have to decide on two particularly significant songs: the songs that will be played during the processional and the songs that will be played during the recessional.

    You and the members of your wedding party will walk down the aisle to music called a processional song. You can choose to have everyone walk down the aisle to the same song or select a different song for your grand entrance.

    You and the members of your wedding party will walk down the aisle to music called a processional song. You can choose to have everyone walk down the aisle to the same song or select a different song for your grand entrance.

    The music that plays as you and your new husband leave the venue after the ceremony is called the recessional. It is typically more energetic than the music played during the processional.

    Your wedding's atmosphere and how you and your spouse-to-be interact as a couple can be greatly influenced by the music played. In addition, using songs that are personal to you and speak to your religion can be an extraordinarily special and therapeutic experience for your soul.

    Therefore, to let your Christian faith show through on your big day, here are thirty lovely Christian wedding music for you to choose from.

    Your wedding processional music can be planned in various ways, including a short playlist that is played continuously, a unique song for the bridal party, or something completely out of the ordinary for your grand entry. Trust us when we say that this wedding portion will feel much briefer than you will remember it being.

    Top Wedding Songs By Event

    There are a lot of things to do on your wedding day, from exchanging vows to eating cake to dancing the first dance. The music you play at your wedding will have a significant impact on the atmosphere. To make sure that your wedding day goes off without a hitch, we have compiled a list of the top wedding music for each of these occasions.

    • Wedding Processional Songs
    • Songs to Walk Down the Aisle To
    • Wedding Ceremony Songs 
    • Father/Daughter Wedding Songs
    • Getting Ready Wedding Songs 
    • Wedding Cake Cutting Songs 
    • Wedding Party Entrance Songs
    • Wedding Recessional Songs
    • Wedding Entrance Songs
    • First Dance Wedding Songs
    • Mother/Son Wedding Songs

    Check out our post on How do I find a good wedding DJ?

    Check Out My Playlists For Wedding Songs.

    • To begin, keep in mind that music is for everyone and shouldn't just be made for one certain demographic. This is due to the fact that guests at any given wedding typically range in age from young children to their great-grandparents. Consequently, if just one age group gets to listen to the music they want, the rest will become bored and possibly frustrated.
    • The second most crucial point to keep in mind when putting together your wedding playlist is to avoid including any songs that may be uncomfortable or bothersome to hear in a group setting. Many of the music on your iPod may be favourites of yours, but they might not be appropriate to play for your mum and grandma.
    • One last thing to keep in mind when making your wedding playlist is that not all of the songs need to be dance numbers.
    • The next important consideration is booking a great music act. Whether you're hiring a band or a DJ, be sure they understand your wedding music preferences and any constraints you may have. When the wedding is meant to be a celebration, a DJ is a fine choice, while a band could be appropriate for a more traditional ceremony.
    • Having too much change in tempo and mood might be annoying to listeners, so try to keep the playlist consistent.

    Choosing the music for your wedding can be a lot of fun, but it can also take a long time and be very stressful. It's important to think about the mood you want to create, the type of event you're hosting, and the preferences of your attendees while selecting music. Songs that hold special meaning for you, your spouse, and your family are a wonderful addition to any wedding or reception.

    In addition to the above suggestions, don't overlook the importance of customising your wedding playlist to reflect your unique personality and express your love for your spouse and family members through song.

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