These can be tough decisions, especially if you aren't sure where to begin. Below, we'll outline the four major times when music is played during a wedding ceremony, along with lists of great places to start in your search for the perfect wedding song.
Wedding Prelude Music
The period while your guests are entering into the church or space in which the ceremony will take place and are finding their seats is called the "Prelude." The music during this time is generally light and airy - classical works are very popular. For prelude wedding music, you might consider the following selections:
- "Ave Maria," J.S. Bach
- "Air (On a G String)," J.S. Bach
- "Minuet in G Major," J.S. Bach
- "Arioso," J.S. Bach
- "Canon in D Major," Pachebel
- "Nocturne in E Flat, Op. 9 No. 2," Chopin
- "Air (from Water Music)," Handel
- "Someone to Watch Over Me," Gerschwin & Gerschwin
Wedding Processional Music
The time when the bride and groom walk (or "process") down the aisle in known as the "Processional." Music during this time is generally a bit more emotive and evocative than that played during the Prelude. Popular choices for processional music include:
- "Here Comes the Bride," Wagner
- "Ave Maria," Schubert
- "Four Seasons: Winter," Vivaldi
- "Four Seasons: Spring," Vivaldi
- "Symphony No. 5," Beethoven
- "Introduction," Purcell
- "Trumpet Tune," Purcell
Wedding Ceremony Music
Though the time when you are exchanging your vows and saying "I do" is typically quiet, some couples choose to play music just after the ceremony is over (before the Recessional), which can lend a very dramatic effect to the occasion. You might consider:
- "Ode to Joy," Beethoven
- "A Little Night Music," Sondheim
- "Greensleeves," trad. English ballad
Wedding Recessional Music
Finally, the last portion of the wedding ceremony is called the "Recessional". After the bride and groom have exchanged their vows and been properly married, they walk together back down the aisle. This music is generally joyous in character. Suggested processional music includes:
- "Trumpet Voluntary," Clark
- "Hallelujah Chorus," Handel
- "Con te Partiro," Sartori
Keep in mind that the songs listed above can be mixed and matched to suit the tastes and needs of you and your wedding. What's most important is that you truly love the music that will play during your ceremony - something that complements your thoughts and feelings of happiness and joy as you take your first steps toward a new life together.