Weddings are a joyous occasion where people come together to celebrate the love and commitment of two individuals. The planning process can be quite overwhelming, but choosing the perfect music can set the tone for a memorable event. One of the most important parts of a wedding is the exit song, as it signifies the end of the ceremony and the start of a new journey for the newlyweds. In this article, we will explore the traditional song to exit a wedding and other popular choices that add a touch of uniqueness to your wedding.
Traditional Wedding Exit Song: Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March”
Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” is the most popular traditional wedding exit song that has been used for decades. It is a classical piece of music that was originally composed in 1842 as part of a suite of music for Shakespeare’s play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” However, it was not until 1858 when it was first played as part of a wedding ceremony, and since then, it has been the go-to choice for many couples.
The “Wedding March” is a versatile piece of music that can be played on various instruments, including the organ, piano, and string quartet. It is an excellent choice if you want to have a classic and timeless wedding ceremony. However, some couples may find it overused or too traditional for their liking.
Another Traditional Wedding Exit Song: Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”
Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” is another classical piece of music that has been used as a traditional wedding exit song. It was composed in 1824 as part of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. The piece starts out with a slow and solemn melody, but then gradually builds up to a triumphant and joyous finale. It is a perfect choice if you want to have a grand and uplifting exit from your wedding ceremony.
Other Popular Wedding Exit Songs
If you’re looking for something more contemporary or personal, there are many popular wedding exit songs to choose from. Here are some popular choices:
1. “All You Need is Love” by The Beatles
“All You Need is Love” by The Beatles is a classic and joyous song that will put a smile on everyone’s face. The song was released in 1967 and has since become a timeless classic.
2. “Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers is a high-energy song that will get everyone up on their feet. The song was released in 2002, and its upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics have made it a crowd favorite.
3. “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
“You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne is a soulful and romantic song that is perfect for a wedding exit. The song was released in 2008 and has since become a popular wedding choice.
4. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder is a classic and upbeat song that will keep the party going even after the ceremony ends. The song was released in 1970 and has since become a timeless classic.
5. “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay
“A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay is a perfect modern choice for a wedding exit. The song was released in 2014 and has a beautiful melody and meaningful lyrics that will leave a lasting impression on everyone.
Conclusion
The wedding exit song is an essential part of any ceremony. Whether you choose a traditional or contemporary song, what matters is that it reflects your style and personality. Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” are traditional options that never go out of style. Still, with so many popular wedding exit songs available today, you can personalize your ceremony to make it an unforgettable event. When choosing a wedding exit song, consider the tone, lyrics, and tempo to create the perfect musical send-off for you and your partner.
FAQ
How does the wedding party exit?
The exit of the wedding party is a crucial part of any wedding ceremony. It marks the end of the ceremony and is usually followed by the reception. Following the exchange of vows and rings, the newlyweds are usually the first to exit the wedding ceremony, followed by the wedding party. Usually, the wedding party will exit in pairs even if they enter separately, with the maid of honor and best man leading the way.
After the maid of honor and best man, the bridesmaids and groomsmen will exit in pairs, with the bridesmaids on the left side of the aisle and the groomsmen on the right side of the aisle. Usually, the bridesmaid and groomsman who walked together during the processional will exit together during the recession.
After the wedding party, the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer will exit, followed by the parents of the bride and groom, and then the grandparents. It’s important to make sure that each couple that exits the ceremony leaves enough room between themselves and the couple in front of them, to prevent any confusion or congestion.
The exit can be accompanied by music played by the wedding musicians or DJ, which can set the mood for the wedding party and also help to guide them out of the ceremony location. The exit can also include the tossing of confetti or the blowing of bubbles to add to the celebratory atmosphere.
The exit of the wedding party is an essential part of the wedding ceremony and usually follows a specific order. With proper planning and organization, the exit can be both smooth and memorable, adding to the wedding’s overall experience.
How do you end a wedding ceremony?
Ending a wedding ceremony is an important task that should be carefully planned to ensure that it’s executed beautifully and creates lasting memories for the couple and their guests. Typically, wedding ceremonies end with a pronouncement from the officiant, followed by the kiss between the couple, and then the recessional.
The pronouncement is the official declaration of marriage and typically follows the exchange of vows and rings. It’s a moment that seals the union of the couple and acknowledges their commitment to each other. While there are different ways to make the pronouncement, most officiants end with the line, “You may now kiss the bride!” This is an iconic moment that signals the end of the wedding and the start of their married life together.
However, some couples may feel that the traditional “You may now kiss the bride” is a bit outdated and cheesy. In this case, they may choose to remove the line altogether or change it to something more personalized like, “You may seal your promise/union/marriage with a kiss.” This variation gives the couple an opportunity to show their creativity and make the ceremony more unique and reflective of their personalities.
After the pronouncement, the couple takes their first kiss as a married couple. This is another iconic moment in weddings and is often captured by photographers and videographers. It’s a moment of celebration and joy and is typically followed by applause and cheers from the guests.
Finally, the recessional marks the end of the wedding ceremony as the couple walks down the aisle, followed by their wedding party and guests. It’s a final visual statement of the couple as a newly-married partnership, and is often accompanied by music. Once the recessional is over, guests typically move on to the reception for food, drinks, and dancing.
Ending a wedding ceremony is an important task that requires careful planning and attention to detail. By choosing the right words for the pronouncement, selecting personalized variations of the traditional “You may now kiss the bride,” capturing the perfect kiss, and selecting the best music for the recessional, couples can ensure that their wedding ceremony ends on a high note and creates lasting memories for everyone involved.
How do you pull out of a last minute wedding?
It can be a tricky situation to navigate when you have to back out of a wedding invitation at the last minute. However, if the situation is beyond your control, there are a few things you can do to make the process as smooth as possible.
First and foremost, it is important to communicate your decision as soon as you can. Couples typically need to give a final guest count to the caterer a week or so before the nuptials, so if you back out at the last minute, they’ll likely have to pay for your plate anyway. Therefore, it is essential to let the couple know as soon as possible, preferably as soon as you find out you have a conflict. It is important to have a legitimate reason for your unavailability, such as a family emergency, an unexpected work commitment, or a health issue. Be honest and straightforward with the couple and explain your situation clearly.
Secondly, make sure to apologize and express your regret about not being able to attend. Even though this is an understandable setback, it is important to acknowledge the couple’s disappointment. You can call or text the couple to convey your apologies or send a handwritten note to express your regrets.
If you had already RSVP’d, then it is important that you make the couple aware of your change in plans. This will allow them to adjust their catering and seating arrangements accordingly. If you were scheduled to play a key role in the wedding ceremony, such as being a bridesmaid or groomsman, it is best to let the couple know as soon as possible so they can make alternative arrangements.
Pulling out of a last-minute wedding is never an easy decision. However, by communicating your decision promptly and honestly, and expressing your regret, you can minimize the negative impact on the couple’s big day. Remember that the couple has probably invested a lot of time, money, and effort into planning their wedding, and a last-minute cancellation can cause a significant disruption. Therefore, it is essential to be respectful and considerate, even when you are unable to attend.
