Your wedding day can be one of the most memorable and wonderful days of your life. However, planning for a wedding can be quite daunting. You have to choose everything from the venue to the theme, the guest list to the menu, and the dresses to the tuxedos. One of the most important things to decide on is the music for your wedding day. After all, music creates an atmosphere and sets the tone for the rest of the day. And one of the most critical decisions is choosing the perfect song to play after the married aisle- for the recessional walk.
The Significance of a Recessional Song
The song that plays at the end of your ceremony is just as vital as the song that plays when you’re walking down the aisle. After all, it will be the first song you and your partner will dance to as a married couple. The recessional song, also known as the exit song, is played as the newlyweds walk back down the aisle. It should be lively, upbeat, and celebratory, reflecting the joyous occasion that the ceremony represents.
Choosing the perfect recessional song can be a daunting task, especially if you can’t decide on a particular genre or artist. So, how do you choose the right song? Here are some things to keep in mind when making your decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Recessional Song
The vibe of your wedding
The tone and atmosphere of your wedding play a huge role in determining which song you’ll choose for your recessional walk. Do you want to keep things low-key, romantic, and classic? Or do you want to go all out with a lively and upbeat party vibe? Think about the style of your wedding, the location, and the time of day when choosing your song.
Your personal taste in music
Keep your own preferences in mind when choosing your song. You and your partner’s favorite music genre, artist, or band can help inspire your decision. Make sure the song matches your personality and relationship.
Timing
Consider the timing of the recessional, especially if you are working within a strict timeline. You don’t want to cut the song short because it’s too long or miss part of the song because it’s too short.
Lyrics
Ensure you choose a song with lyrics that are meaningful to you and your partner. Pick songs that inspire a sense of joy, love, and happiness. Steer clear of any songs with lyrics that might be inappropriate or too slow.
Consolidate
Before deciding on the final song, try to look for multiple options that would match with the overall theme and ambiance of your wedding.
Recessional Song Ideas
With so many great songs out there, it can be challenging to narrow down your choices. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
“Love on Top” By Beyoncé
This upbeat and lively song is perfect for those who want to kick off their reception with a bang. It’s an excellent choice for couples who want a more modern and energetic vibe.
“Best Day of My Life” By American Authors
This song has an energetic melody and a feel-good message, which makes it a perfect choice for those who want to celebrate the start of their new life together.
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered” By Stevie Wonder
This funky classic by Stevie Wonder is sure to get everyone up and dancing as you exit the ceremony. It’s an excellent choice for retro or vintage-themed weddings.
“You Are the Best Thing” By Ray LaMontagne
This song is perfect for couples looking for a more low-key, romantic vibe. It has a smooth melody and a message of love and devotion that’s perfect for newlyweds.
“Marry You” By Bruno Mars
This song is playful, upbeat, and will put everyone in a celebratory mood.
“Beautiful Day” By U2
This song has a message of hope, love, and optimism that’s perfect for a wedding. It has an upbeat and lively melody, making it an ideal choice for a recessional.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the perfect song to play after the married aisle is crucial, as it sets the tone for the rest of the day and will be the first song you and your partner dance to as a married couple. With so many great songs out there, it can be a daunting task, but by considering factors such as your wedding’s vibe, your personal taste, and the lyrics, you’re sure to find the right song for your recessional walk. Remember, this is your day, and the music should reflect who you and your partner are as a couple. So, choose the song that feels right for you and enjoy your walk down the aisle as newlyweds.
FAQ
Do bridesmaids walk down the aisle to the same song as bride?
On such a momentous occasion as a wedding, music plays a significant role. It sets the tone for the ceremony and helps to create an overall atmosphere of love and joy. However, when it comes to choosing the music for the bridal party to walk down the aisle, there are several options available.
Traditionally, bridesmaids and the bride walk down the aisle to different songs. The first song is typically for the bridesmaids to enter the ceremony, whereas the second song is reserved for the bride. This allows for a dramatic entrance for the bride as she walks down the aisle with her dad or another special person. This approach is particularly prevalent in formal or religious weddings. It also highlights the importance and significance of the bride’s entrance.
Another popular approach to the wedding procession is to have the bridesmaids walk down the aisle to the same song as the bride. This is a modern approach that has become more popular in recent years. The major advantage of using only one song is that it creates a feeling of unity and togetherness. It presents the bridal party as an ensemble with a shared purpose, and it also saves time during the ceremony.
The decision to play one song for the bridesmaids and bride versus two different songs ultimately depends on the preferences of the couple getting married. It’s important to choose music that feels right and that fits in with the overall theme of the wedding. It’s also worth noting that some couples choose not to have any music during the ceremony, and opt for ambient sounds like the sound of a nearby stream or birds chirping.
Whether the bridesmaids walk down the aisle to the same song as the bride or to their own song, it’s a matter of personal preference. It’s important to choose music that reflects the couple’s values, beliefs and overall style. The main objective is to create a memorable moment for everyone involved and set the tone for a joyous occasion that will be remembered for years to come.
When should music be played at wedding?
Music can play a vital role in setting the tone for your wedding day. From the prelude to the reception, the right music can enhance the emotions and ambiance of each moment. When it comes to deciding when to play music at your wedding, there are several key moments you’ll want to plan for.
Firstly, during the prelude, it’s important to have some music playing as guests arrive and take their seats. This is usually about 15-30 minutes before the ceremony starts and is a time to create a welcoming atmosphere and help guests relax. Acoustic or instrumental music would be a good fit here. You can even ask your musicians to play some of your favorite songs, setting the mood for the wedding day.
The next moment when music should be played is during the processional. This is when the wedding party walks down the aisle. You’ll want to choose a song that has a slow and steady tempo that builds anticipation. Options for this moment could include classical pieces, contemporary songs, or even instrumental versions of your favorite songs.
The ceremony itself is an excellent opportunity to have music played. This is where you can include songs that hold special meaning for you both. You may choose to have songs played during the exchanging of the rings or while you sign the marriage certificate. You could also have a special musical performance, such as a solo or duet.
Another key moment when music should be played is during the recessional. This is the point where the newlyweds exit the ceremony. You’ll want to choose an upbeat and joyful song. Options could include anything from classical pieces to contemporary songs that are personal to you both.
Finally, the reception is an excellent opportunity to include music across a range of genres. From the first dance to the dance floor, you’ll want to choose songs that reflect the mood of the moment and encourage your guests to let loose and enjoy the celebration.
When deciding when to play music at your wedding, it’s important to create a playlist that reflects the mood of each moment. By doing this, you’ll be able to enhance the emotions and ambiance of your special day, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Do you play music when the groom walks down the aisle?
When it comes to the wedding ceremony, the music choice can often be a crucial aspect for many couples. One question that often arises is whether or not music should be played during the groom’s procession down the aisle. The answer to this question is that it is entirely up to the couple’s preferences.
Traditionally, only the bride walks down the aisle with music playing. The groom and his groomsmen simply make their way to the altar or stage in silence. However, if a couple wants to incorporate music into the groom’s entrance, they can certainly do so. Music can be played as the groom and his groomsmen make their way to the front of the ceremony space.
Choosing the right song will depend on the mood and theme of the wedding. If the wedding has a more traditional or formal feel, classical music may be the best option. For example, a classic piece like “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel could be a great choice. However, if the wedding is more modern or casual, popular songs or even a favorite genre can be selected.
When selecting a song for the groom’s entrance, it’s important to ensure that it’s well-coordinated with the rest of the ceremony music. It’s also wise to discuss with the wedding officiant to make sure that the song and timing work well with the overall ceremony.
There are no hard and fast rules about playing music during the groom’s entrance. It is ultimately up to the preferences of the couple and what best aligns with their vision for the wedding ceremony.