When you plan your ceremony, you need to think about more than one song. You should consider one for when you enter, and as you leave. But also think about songs to play while your guests are waiting for the bride to arrive, a song for when you are signing the certificates. Think about sogs for these times:
- The guests assembling and finding their seat – It is nice to play some appropriate background music as your guests take their seats.
- The procession down the aisle – The moment you’ve been waiting for! The music to accompany the bride’s entrance and exit from the ceremony will be the most significant – go for a traditional #wedding song or perhaps pick a specific song that has meaning to you and your partner.
- The ceremony itself – Unless you are having a church service, you won’t really need to pick any music once everybody is sat down and the vows and readings begin. If you are having a religious ceremony, then choose hymns that will really mean something to you.
- The signing of the register – This part of the ceremony will usually take around five minutes or perhaps even longer if there are photos, so you will once again need some background music to entertain your guests.
- The exit from the ceremony – Yay you’ve just got married! Your recessional music should be long enough to cover yours and your guests exit. Choose something that has an upbeat feel to it to highlight the happy atmosphere.
Glasgow Love Theme, from Love Actually
Walking down the aisle to a song from your favourite film soundtrack is another way to incorporate instrumental music with a personal touch into your ceremony. There are loads of options to choose from –Love Actually is a great place to start, and will have you welling up before you know it.
A Thousand Years, The Piano Guys (originally Christina Perri)
Often couples can’t decide between a classic instrumental or a more modern love song with vocals for their processional music. Why not get the best of both worlds with an instrumental cover of one of your favourite songs? We seriously love this piano and cello cover of Christina Perri – check out The Piano Guys for more classical covers.
Marry Me, Train
If you want a modern song but aren’t sure what sort of thing to go for, then I think this a great choice. The melody and lyrics are both beautiful, and the tempo isn’t too fast for a processional.
Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole
For something a little bit different, you can’t beat this gorgeous ukelele cover – it’s sure to get everyone smiling!
Bridal Chorus, Wagner
Often known as Here Comes The Bride, this piece of classical music is the traditional choice for the procession of the bride, and is often played on an organ. We’ve chosen a slightly more modern arrangement by Vicente Avella on classical piano – that way you can keep the element of tradition without the drama!
Canon in D, Pachelbel
Another very popular choice with brides – in fact this is my all time favourite! This gorgeous piece of music sounds beautiful played by a traditional quartet, but we also love this version by Per-Olov Kindgren on classical guitar.
