Photo by Madsion Picture
So here we are, a few months out from your big day. Invitations are sent, suppliers are all booked, and you're ticking off those last few things from your to do list, but then you notice a big one lurking at the bottom of your list - CHOOSE CEREMONY MUSIC.
No matter what you plan for your wedding day, whether you have a celebrant-led wedding in a field or you get married in a church, there are always a few key moments that will require music. Walking down the aisle, exiting your ceremony, and, depending on your circumstances, whilst guests are seated for the ceremony and the register signing.
Typically you'll want your 'walking down the aisle' song to be a beautiful, romantic moment. A song that means something to you and your partner. You want something that's going to sucker punch your guests in the gut, and make them cry whilst you make your entrance - am I right?! Alternatively, you might be like Tash & Ross, who didn't want to cry during their entrance, and opted for something upbeat and fun - both options are perfect, and all depend on who you are as a couple.
Don't let anyone tell you that a song is overplayed, or doesn't fit as an entrance song. Any song that means something to you is the right song, whether that's A Thousand Years by Christina Perri, or Enter Sandman by Metallica.
And here are some songs that maybe you didn't think of, but we think would work PERFECTLY!
Okay, next on the list depends on what type of ceremony you choose to have, and who will be leading it. If you're getting married in a church, registry office, or being married by a registrar in a licenced venue, you'll need to choose music for whilst you sign the marriage register. If you're choosing to have a celebrant or humanist led ceremony, then you may not have a register signing, and alternatively may choose to have a ring warming or a hand fasting ritual. Music will definitely work during these parts of your ceremony too!
We'd always suggest picking 2-3 songs for this part of your ceremony, as it may take 2 minutes or it may take 10 minutes. This is the perfect place to add a couple of songs that are important to you as a couple, but maybe don't fit your idea of an entrance or first dance song.
In terms of alternative songs for your register signing/hand fasting/ring warming - get creative! Think of the songs and artists you both love, and don't be afraid of picking something that doesn't exactly scream 'wedding ceremony'. This year we've had some amazing requests for this part of the ceremony, including Talking Heads, Kacey Musgraves, and Rick Astley - songs that aren't necessarily love songs, but mean something to the couple.
Photo by Paul Swift
Finally we've reached the end of your ceremony, rings exchanged, register signed, and you're standing there in front of your friends and family about to walk back up the aisle. Here is where you would want to choose something fun, upbeat, and lighthearted to accompany your first journey as a married couple.
What song you pick could also depend on whether you've chosen to book live musicians for your ceremony. For your ceremony exit, we will always start at the loudest, most energetic part of the song - usually the chorus, which is probably why 'Finally' by CeCe Peniston was one of our most requested songs this year for our COVID couples. It's always worth checking in with the musicians you've booked to see if they can do this!
And here are some songs that we think are a little bit different, fun, and could work perfectly!
The key thing to remember is that it's your wedding, and it's meant to be about the two of you coming together as a couple. Choose the songs that are important to you, and create a ceremony that celebrates your relationship, not a ceremony that fits the expectations of the people around you. Go wild with your song choices, and make it memorable - the ceremony is just as important (and can be just as fun!) as the party!
