Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ceremony Music

photo by Megan & Kenneth

As a wedding officiant, I write a wedding ceremonies. So, I certainly consider format and flow to best tell your story. But there’s another component that adds to the vibe to the ceremony. And that’s music.

Here are some things to think about when considering your ceremony music. Of course, it’s all about collaboration, so I couldn’t share some tips without asking some great pros. Special thanks to Ben Boylan of Non-Traditional Wedding DJs and Scott Arcangel with The Music Boutique for their expert advice. Now get ready for a lot of musical puns!

Setting the Tone for Your Special Day

Your wedding day is a symphony of emotions, love, and joy. From the enchanting decor to the heartfelt vows, every element contributes to creating a memorable experience. One often overlooked aspect that can greatly influence the ambiance is the choice of wedding ceremony music. The right melodies can set the perfect tone, evoke emotions, and make your special day truly unforgettable.

I’m happy to offer insights, ideas, and tips to help you curate a harmonious soundtrack for your big day. Whether you're a traditionalist or a trendsetter, you can make sure that your wedding music resonates with you and your guests.

1. Understanding the Importance of Wedding Ceremony Music

The melodies played during your wedding ceremony serve as the backdrop to one of the most significant moments in your life. They have the power to express emotions, reflect your personality as a couple, and engage your guests on a deeper level. When choosing your wedding music, consider the following factors:

• Emotion: Select music that mirrors the emotions you want to convey. Whether it's romance, joy, or even a touch of nostalgia, your chosen songs should help to tell your love story.

• Style: Tailor the music to your wedding style, be it traditional, contemporary, or something unique to you. Harmonize the music with your chosen themes and colors to create a cohesive atmosphere.

• Guest Experience: Keep your guests engaged and entertained by choosing a mix of songs that are well-paced and fitting for different moments during the ceremony. If you don’t know what those are, keep reading!

2. What Makes Up The Wedding Playlist?

a. The Prelude: As guests arrive and take their seats, set the mood with songs that encapsulate the anticipation of the moment. Scott Arcangel said, “We like to play a nice mix of wedding classics and love songs as our couple’s guests enter & wait for the ceremony to begin. It's a nice way to set the tone for the whole day! Along with a suggestion or two from the couple to make it feel like their wedding!”

b. The Processional: The entrance of the wedding party, family and the couple is where most people consider the music most. “You can select the timeless classics like ‘Canon in D’ & ‘Can't Help Falling in Love’,” Scott said, “a beautiful string trio cover of a contemporary pop/love song, or something quirky that tells the unique story of your relationship (like Lord of the Rings/Harry Potter/Gamer music). Either way, this is the part of the day that really makes it feel like your day! It's also the part that will be recorded and remembered forever...so make sure your selections feel genuine.” Ben Boylan added, “A lot of couples we work with worry that the first processional song won't be long enough for their wedding party. That's not an issue because their DJ can just loop it. Besides, it's more background music. All of their guests will be watching the procession, and that's where their focus will be - not so much on the song.

And some couples choose only to use one processional song if they have a small wedding party. They figure that since the procession will be short, they don't need two songs. But actually having two songs serves another purpose. It adds a little drama and makes it a little more special when the bride, groom, or whoever, is walking after the wedding party. I always love bringing the volume all the way down to zero after the first processional song. You can really feel the energy in the room.”

c. The Interlude: During the ceremony there may be key moments, such as lighting candles, signing the license or exchanging rings. If you decide to incorporate these elements, it may be nice to underscore with some music. So make sure to choose songs that highlight the significance of these moments.

d. The Recessional: This is when you walk back down the aisle as a newlywed couple, followed by your friends and family. So the focus is to celebrate the joyous occasion with tunes that radiate happiness. Scott added, “Something upbeat with fun energy to lead the guests into the next phase of the day - cocktails!

3. Personalization: Making Your Music Choices Meaningful

The beauty of wedding music lies in its ability to tell your love story. Ben added, “Choosing songs for the processional and recessional is very personal. The couples we work with choose different ones at every wedding.”

Some things to consider as you infuse your ceremony with personal touches.

• Lyrics: If you have a song that holds special meaning to you, consider incorporating it into your ceremony. Instead of a poem or piece of literature, you can always have a friend, family member or your officiant recite your favorite lyrics.

• Instrumental Versions: Love a song's melody but not its lyrics? Opt for instrumental versions that carry the same emotional weight without the words. These can certainly be love songs, but also more untraditional genres, like heavy metal or rap.

4. Collaboration with Musicians and Professionals

Consulting with professional musicians or DJs who specialize in curating musical experiences can be a game-changer. These experts can help you navigate the vast musical landscape, They can also recommend the best instruments for your chosen pieces, and provide valuable insights on timing and transitions. I know there are a ton of musical pros out there for every style and budget. But here are two to get you started:

BEN BOYLAN
Non-Traditional Wedding DJs + Photo Booths
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SCOTT ARCANGEL                                        
Music Director, The Music Boutique
scott@musicboutiquenyc.com
www.musicboutiquenyc.com

I know I am hugely biased, but the ceremony is the most important part of your wedding day. Your wedding ceremony music is more than just background noise; it's a canvas on which you paint your love story. By carefully curating a playlist that reflects your personalities and journey as a couple, you can create an atmosphere that resonates with you, and your guests. Remember, the harmonious notes you choose will echo in your hearts and memories for years to come. Making your special day truly unforgettable. If you need more guidance on your ceremony, I am happy to help. The comment section is always open, or reach out here!