Kylie Martin Photography

When you think about your wedding music, the first thing that comes to mind for most couples is their first dance song, but it is actually helpful to look at the bigger picture.  From ceremony to reception there will be many moments in your timeline that will call for perfectly planned songs to accompany them.  Music will set the tone for your entire day, and providing a musical backdrop to the most special day of your life is a pertinent part of your wedding planning journey. 

Before the Festivities Begin 

Brides and grooms alike will all tell you that getting ready for your wedding day is more about fixing your hair and stepping into your very best outfit!  In fact it is a time of excitement, anticipation and friendship. We think playing fun, upbeat music while you and your besties are getting ready is a great way to get pumped for walking down the aisle.  Attaching music to this momentous event on your wedding day is a surefire way to keep the memories fresh for years to come. 

The Ceremony 

Preludes 

While your guests are entering your ceremony space and getting seated, we suggest playing some light, ambient music.  This will help set the mood before you stroll down the aisle to your happily ever after. 

Processionals

The music that accompanies the entry of your wedding party and family can be as traditional or unique as you please.  This song can continue to play as the bride begins to walk down the aisle, but we have always loved the stir of excitement that occurs when the music changes.  Nothing beats the dramatic feeling that fills the room and the quiet anticipation right before we welcome the bride. 

Recessionals 

At the conclusion of your wedding ceremony, music will play as you exit the ceremony space as the new Mr.& Mrs.  The recessional music is traditionally bright, lively and celebratory; a reflection of your joy. 

Music can also be selected and included for any other significant moments in your ceremony such as lighting the unity candle, the ketubah signing or any other religious and significant moments you plan on including. 

The Reception

Wedding Party Entrance Songs 

When it is time to announce your wedding party  the music should be high energy as it marks the beginning of your reception.  However your wedding party chooses to enter, they are the prelude to a night of fun, laughter and love. Choosing upbeat and fun tunes will get your guests excited and ready to dance the night away. 

Bride and Groom Entrance 

You don’t have to enter your reception to the same song as your wedding party and we suggest you don’t…change it up for a super dramatic entrance (I get chills just thinking about it)!  This song can be romantic and fun or outrageous and goofy, just remember this is going to help set the tone for the rest of your wedding reception music.  So whether you prefer to begin your life together as the Queen B belts out Crazy in Love or want to get the crowd going with Heavy D’s Now That We Found Love...this song will go down in history as the very first time you entered the world as Mr. & Mrs. 

The First Dance 

Your first dance song should be sentimental and personal.  There are no rules when it comes to your song choice.  Whether you and your partner are planning to choreograph a mind-blowing routine or prefer something a bit more natural and traditional; the first dance song should always be one that feels thoughtful and significant. 

Cake Cutting 

When you decide to dig into your yummy dessert, you’ll want to make sure that you pick a fun cake cutting song that suits this “sweet” moment. 

Sentimental Family Dances

The touching moments in your wedding timeline where a father dances with his daughter and a mother with her son…or really any kind of set up that represents your family dynamic should be accompanied by a tune that is respectful and appropriate.  This song should be indicative of the bond you share together.  Think about the relationship you have and choose a song that can best represent it to your guests. 

Bouquet/Garter Toss 

When it comes to this traditional yet silly moment on your wedding day when all the single men and women line up….choose a song with an upbeat tempo to get everyone moving and loosing up.  This fun loving and laugh inducing tradition is said to be the time during the wedding where the bride and groom get to “share their luck,”  so go ahead and give those guests something to get excited about!

The Last Dance 

As much as you don’t want your wedding day to end, you want to make sure to give your guests a happy and lasting memory for their last spin around the dance floor.   Your final send off is up to you; perhaps a romantic ballad or a well recognized upbeat jam. The options may be endless, but the best piece of advice we can give you when choosing your final song is to take into consideration your personal taste and style in music.  This is the farewell song of the night…the very best night of your life thus far. 

Music sets the tone for any party or event and a wedding is no exception, coupled with the fact that music is one of the easiest ways to recall significant moments in your life and it is easy to see why couples agonize over their song choices.   The music you choose will induce your memories for years and decades to come…talk about pressure. Consider your relationship, significant moments throughout your journey, your love story and your favorite styles and genres to begin making  a music plan.  Filling your life with music leading up to your wedding…will ensure that your wedding day is filled with music that will forever accompany your sweet memories.