Choosing Your Wedding Music

Guide to the Best Wedding Songs and How to Choose Them

The journey to your wedding day is a whirlwind of planning, excitement, and anticipation. Among the many decisions you’ll make, selecting the perfect wedding songs is a task that often requires careful consideration. Music can set the tone for your special day, conveying emotions, love, and joy. In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the ideal wedding songs that resonate with you and your partner, create the desired atmosphere, and make your day truly unforgettable. 

Set the Tone with Music

When deciding on music for your wedding, it’s essential to align your choices with the atmosphere you wish to create. Your wedding day should be a reflection of your personality and preferences. If you’re an avid pop music fan, there’s no need to feel obliged to choose classical music simply because it’s the norm. The key is to select songs that resonate with you and your partner, those that you would listen to in everyday life.

If you’re getting married in a church, remember that many churches have hymns written in a popular style. Churches are usually open to song choices as long as the lyrics are appropriate. So, don’t hesitate to incorporate your favourite songs, even if they have a modern or non-traditional feel. Regardless of the type of wedding songs you choose, ensure they hold personal significance. Listening to them in the lead-up to the big day will make them even more meaningful.

Where to Include Music

Your wedding day offers several opportunities to include music. Here are some key moments where you might want to select the perfect songs:

1. Guest Arrival 

Choose music that sets the tone as your guests arrive at the ceremony location. This music should complement the overall ambience of the event. Consider selecting two songs for the bride’s entrance so that if there is a delay she can still enter to a song she loves.

2. Ceremony Hymns 

If you are having a church wedding and incorporate hymns, choose ones that hold personal importance to you. Opt for well-known hymns and check that the organist can play them in a key accessible to all. It's crucial that your guests feel comfortable participating. 

3. Register Signing and Photography

The time spent signing the register and taking photographs is relatively short. However, if you’re having a civil wedding and plan to invite guests to take pictures, your song choice should cover this period. Select music with a pleasant tune that guests can enjoy listening to as they wait.

4. Bride and Groom Exit

The music chosen for the bride and groom exit should be long enough to cover the exit of all the guests. This is a moment where personal preferences come into play. Some prefer romantic songs, while others opt for something grand or light and bright. Take your time selecting this crucial piece of music. 

Curated Wedding Songs for Inspiration 

To help you get started on your musical journey, here is a list of popular wedding songs to consider: 

• "Better Together" - Jack Johnson
• "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" - Stevie Wonder
• "My Girl" - The Temptations
• "Love You 'Till the End" - The Pogues
• "Can't Help Falling in Love" - Elvis Presley
• "Here Comes the Sun" - The Beatles
• "A 1000 Times" - Hamilton Leithauser
• “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” - Frankie Valli
• “Beautiful Day” - U2
• “Kiss” - Prince 

Remember, these are just a few options, and your choices should reflect your unique love story. Feel free to explore different genres, artists, and eras to find the songs that resonate with you and your partner.

Selecting the perfect wedding songs is a personal and meaningful part of your wedding planning process. By aligning your song choices with your preferences and the atmosphere you wish to create, you can infuse your special day with even more love and emotion. Take your time, listen to various options, and make sure that each song holds significance for both you and your partner. Your wedding day is a celebration of your love, and the right music can enhance that celebration in unforgettable ways.