wedding

What Is A Classic Wedding Song?

A simple task, picking songs for the wedding ceremony has been giving couples pause for decades. Choosing music for your grand entrance into the wedding venue is not as obvious as choosing music for your first dance, which is typically a song with significant meaning or emotional value. Lyrics or no lyrics? That is a question that may arise. Which is better, the classical period or the modern? Positive or gloomy? Couples may struggle to make a decision when it comes to ceremony music because the number of possible selections seems infinite. Read on for some helpful hints and some of our favourite processional tunes for weddings.

The first dance as husband and wife is a major highlight of the reception. The song they chose must reflect their personalities and wedding theme. The fact that the bride and groom didn't grow up in the '50s, '60s, or '70s doesn't mean that music from those decades can't speak to their love and devotion. Traditional first dance music are still popular today.

What do you imagine you'd hear if you closed your eyes and pictured a bride making her way down the aisle? Many brides today are choosing to incorporate instrumental processional melodies from classical composers like Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March" or Pachelbel's "Canon in D" because of the unique elegance they bring to the ceremony.

While we encourage you to make your ceremony and reception as unique as you are, we can't deny that traditional wedding music evokes the warmest feelings. The majority of brides believe that they need to have at least one classical piece on their wedding music, but after hearing these, we predict that more than one will be inappropriate.

We have compiled a list of Melbourne Wedding DJs to help you celebrate your special night.

How To Select A Wedding Processional Song

When a couple needs assistance with anything, including finding the right processional song, they turn to Google. We've all been here before, and it always leads to a huge waste of time when hours are spent in cyberspace. Added to all that is the barrage of suggestions from well-intentioned but demanding loved ones. Take a step back from the search bar, relax, and reevaluate if you find yourself in this predicament. Keep in mind that the time spent preparing for your wedding should be enjoyable and memorable, not a stressful ordeal. Even down to the selection of your processional music, you should have fun and enjoyment in mind. How to prevent the tornado:

wedding

Do Some Self-Reflection

Do you want songs that have special importance for you as a couple, or would you prefer just to listen to whatever comes on the radio? Is it important for you to have tunes that reflect the mood of the day, be it quirky, conventional, passionate, or chill? Do you have a preference for classical or indie music, for example? As you begin your search for processional music, asking yourself these kinds of questions early on might help you avoid the usual trap of second-guessing your emotions.

Look For Music

Try out a variety of choices that meet the criteria you defined in the first phase, and maintain a list of your favourite tunes. You won't feel as if you have too many choices to make.

Don't Be Concerned About Other People's Opinions

It's your wedding day; feel free to choose an unconventional music to play as you make your way down the aisle. You need not worry about what others will think. Select the option that will bring you the most joy.

Make It Fun

Choose your wedding processional tunes together with your soon-to-be spouse while enjoying a bottle of wine at home. We're telling you now that, if you look hard enough, you'll find the perfect wedding song for your long procession down the aisle.

Top Wedding Songs

Train – 'Marry Me'

A Top 40 Billboard hit for the American roots-rock band in 2009, "Marry Me" has subsequently been covered by country star Martina McBride and has become a standard at many weddings.

'You Are The Best Thing,' Ray LaMontagne

Song from Ray LaMontagne's 2008 album Gossip In The Grain that became a hit after being featured in the 2009 romantic comedy The Longest Ride. A friendless groom in I Love You, Man is desperate to find the best man for his wedding.

"At Last" by Etta James

The original recording by blues legend Etta is from 1960, but after Beyonce sang it at one of Obama's inauguration balls in 2009, it became a top wedding song.

Make You Feel My Love by Adele

This Bob Dylan song was not only recorded by Adele on the album 19, but also played a big role in the hit American romantic comedy When In Rome from 2010.

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones

Norah's multi-platinum debut album's title track has become a staple at wedding receptions around the world.

'Let's Stay Together' by Al Green

Whether or not this classic slice of Rev. Al Green's southern soul, which topped the Billboard charts, can guarantee a couple's eternal love is up for debate. Even so, it has a way of uniting people on the dance floor.

"The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra

Beautiful "The Way You Look Tonight," which first appeared in the film Swing Time, took home an Oscar for best original song that year. Since Cary Grant's famous line to Ginger Rogers in Swing Time (1942's Once Upon a Honeymoon), "remember you precisely the way you look tonight — er, today," the song has become inextricably linked to weddings.

"From This Moment On" by Shania Twain

This beautiful country-pop ballad, which Shania first recorded for her 1997 album Come On Over, is a constant in her live performances and is often heard at weddings throughout the world.

"Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder

The song "Isn't She Lovely," initially written to honour the arrival of Stevie's daughter Aisha, appears on his 1976 album Songs In The Key Of Life and became a hit for David Parton in the United Kingdom. In wedding receptions, it's often used to announce the entrance of the bride.

U2 – 'All I Want Is You'

Song that serves as an emotional climax to 1988's Rattle & Hum; the line "all the commitments we make, from the cradle to the death" has special resonance on a wedding day.

"Thank You For Loving Me" by Bon Jovi

Crush, from Bon Jovi, was nominated for a Grammy. The character played by Brad Pitt in the romantic fantasy film Meet Joe Black is rumoured to have been the inspiration for the song, which was later performed by Bryan Adams.

"Endless Love" by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross

The single version of "Endless Love" far outsold the film to which it had been originally scored. Since its release in 1981, this song has become a standard at wedding receptions and has gone on to become Ross' best-selling track.

Can You Feel The Love Tonight by Elton John

The Grammy-winning "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" by Elton John has been winning hearts across the world ever since it was featured on the soundtrack to Disney's 1994 smash hit The Lion King.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen

Queen's 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love,' a rockabilly-influenced classic that became their first US No. 1 in 1980, is a surefire way to get people on the dance floor at any respectable wedding celebration.

'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Elvis Presley

The King absent from the wedding playlist? Unthinkable! There are many worthy choices in Elvis's extensive back catalogue, but ultimately, it has to be this iconic track from 1961's Blue Hawaii.

Music for the Wedding Processional, Played in Classical Style

Most classical music may be recognised by its style and structure even if you are unfamiliar with the titles. Check in with the hired vocalists or musicians in advance to see if they are familiar with the classical piece you wish to have played at the wedding.

  • Lakmé's Flower Duet (Viens Mallika Sous le Dome) by Léo Delibes
  • Jesu, Joy of Man Desiring : Bach
  • Ave Verum Corpus : Mozart
  • Canon in D : Pachelbel
  • Romance Classical Guitar : Conventional music
  • A Midsummer Night's Dream Op. 61- IX. Wedding March : Felix Mendelssohn
  • The Four Seasons: Spring 1 : Vivaldi, Recomposed by Max Richter
  • Cello suite No. 1 : Bach
  • Nella Fantasia (or Gabriel's Oboe) : Ennio Morricone
  • Una Furtiva Lagrima : Gaetano Donizetti
  • Bridal Chorus : Wagner
  • The Swan (Le Cygne) : Saint Saens
  • Ave Maria : Bach/Gounod
  • Pie Jesu : adapted by Andrew Lloyd Webber
  • The Four Seasons: Spring 1 : Vivaldi, Recomposed by Max Richter

Irish Processional Music

Delightful traditional Irish airs to bring some Celtic magic to your parade.

  • Midnight Walker : by Uilleann Pipes 
  • She Moves Through the Fair
  • Carolan's Concerto
  • The Parting Glass
  • My Lagan Love 

Processional Song Alternatives

​​You're looking for a song to play during the processional, but you want it to be special. I highly recommend you listen to these amazing alternative and indie tracks.

  • When I Go : Slow Club
  • Work Song : Hozier 
  • A Waltz for a Night : Julie Delpy
  • Kiss Me : Sixpence None The Richer
  • Hoppipolla : Sigur Ros
  • Sea of Love : Cat Power
  • The Blower's Daughter : Damien Rice
  • First Day Of My Life : Bright Eyes 
  • Another Love : Tom Odell
  • Good Riddance (Time of your Life) : Greenday
  • Falling Slowly : Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova 
  • Skinny Love : Bon Ivor 
  • To Be Alone With You : Sufijan Stevens
  • Wedding Song : Bob Dylan
  • Sweet Disposition (Acoustic) : Temper Trap
  • Higher Love : James Vincent McMorrow
  • Wedding Song (Acoustic) : Yeah Yeah Yeahs
  • Wicked Game (Instrumental) - Chris Isaak
  • Angels : The XX
  • Feelin' Good : Nina Simone
  • Quelqu'un m' a dit : Carla Bruni
  • Growing Up Beside You : Paolo Nutini
  • All This Love : Angus & Julia Stone
  • Ho Hey : The Lumineers
  • 'Cello Song : Nick Drake

Festive Music for Processions

Some of you would expect a slow, solemn tune for the processional, but with a little bit of a throwback feel, these tunes would be perfect for a charming entry...

  • Can't Smile Without You : Barry Manilow
  • Fly Me To The Moon : Julie London
  • Waterloo Sunset : The Kinks  
  • Wouldn't It Be Nice : The Beach Boys
  • In My Life : The Beatles
  • Be My Baby : The Ronettes
  • Everyday : Buddy Holly
  • Here Comes The Sun : Nina Simone
  • Here There and Everywhere : The Beatles   

Songs For A Romantic Processional

Both yourself and your significant other give off the impression of being a hopeless romantic pair. Then tune in to these dismal dirges.

  • At Last : Etta James
  • I've Got A Crush On You : Ella Fitzgerald
  • I'm Kissing You : Des' ree
  • Can't Help Falling In Love With You : Elvis Presley
  • Your Song : Elton John
  • She's Always a Woman : Fyfe Dangerfield
  • One Day Like This : Elbow
  • Not About Angels : Birdy
  • She : Elvis Costello
  • Blackbird : The Beatles
  • Songbird : Eva Cassidy
  • La Vie En Rose : Louis Armstrong

Check out our ultimate list of Melbourne Wedding DJs.

For Those Who Wish To Rock Down The Aisle...

Rock and roll isn't usually associated with weddings, but if the happy couple really wants to turn up the volume on their big day, there is plenty of terrific music available.

Oasis - Wonderwall

The lyrics to this rock song about love and sticking by the one you care about are written with genuine emotion. This song is perfect as a wedding processional because of the excellent acoustic guitar riffs and the sweet violin melodies in the background.

Led Zeppelin's "Thank You"

Thank You by Led Zeppelin is a great song to go down the aisle to because it celebrates love and loyalty. The song's tempo is spot-on, and it's a fantastic homage to the '70s!

Goo Goo Dolls' Iris

This classic rock ballad has a lovely, steady tempo. No one in attendance is likely to be able to keep a dry eye as you make your way down the aisle to this song, thanks to its yearning tones and eerie melody.

Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing"

This heartfelt and beautiful song is performed by rock legends Aerosmith and is about how one does not want to miss out on the precious times in life. This song would be ideal for a processional and would help establish the mood for a beautiful event.

Pachelbel's Canon in D, The Rock Version

This wedding march arrangement features a guitar, which will give your processional a gorgeous, traditional, yet metal sound. Unique wedding processional music doesn't get more original than this.

Best Music For Wedding Ceremonies

Traditional officiants will likely make a point of saying that the wedding ceremony itself is why everyone is there. The music you chose for your ceremony is crucial to the entire wedding day, so it should be meaningful to you and your spouse.

Best Wedding Processionals

If this is the one and only occasion in your life you get to demand to be treated like a king, then by all means, break out the Pachelbel. However, a skilled performer doesn't always need fanfare.

The Best Wedding Ceremony Songs

The truth is that a wedding ceremony without music will be dull. Use these songs as the background for your candle lighting, sand pouring, or wine drinking, and you'll achieve your goals (or at least keep your uncle awake) with your symbolic deed.

Best Wedding Recessionals

Recessional music should reflect the joy of the occasion and the hopefulness of the vows you have just exchanged with your spouse, but it shouldn't be so upbeat that people get up to dance before the ushers have finished clearing the room.

The Best Wedding Reception Music

You and your best buddy are about to exchange rings, and while this is surely an exciting occasion, you may have underestimated the number of people you'd have to engage in small talk with in order to complete the exchange. Unless. Unless, of course, your reception is a two- to three-hour long dance party. Not. Quit. You may make this fantasy a reality by providing guests with an open bar and playing only the most appropriate wedding music.

The Best Wedding Music, By Genre

Your dance marathon after the wedding should feature music from every era. Make sure you have the top songs from each musical category included on your wedding playlist so that you can get the most bang for your buck when dancing.

Country and Americana Music

A country tune is more than just a lonely cowboy strumming a steel guitar. Our Country and Americana wedding playlist featured classics like George Strait and Shania Twain, but we also had to include some newer, more contemporary artists.

Electronic And Dance Music

You certainly aren't playing these wedding songs in hopes of getting any retirees on the dance floor, but you can make up for it with kids; kids love neon glow sticks.

Disco Music

We do not have any platform patent leather shoes or bell bottom tuxedo pants available for rent at this time. We have this disco-tastic, boogie-down wedding playlist that's sure to set the place on fire.

Check out our post on How do I find a good wedding DJ?

Funk Music

To have a wedding without electric bass guitar music? If you want to avoid ever finding out, add these funked-up wedding music to your playlist.

A wedding march to traditional music is becoming a less common choice these days. Nowadays, many brides choose not to have traditional wedding music played, instead opting for more modern favourites or songs that are meaningful to them personally. Uniqueness is essential, but have you considered how it can clash with the event's setting, your own sense of style, or the preferences of your guests? Find the sweet spot between using personal favourites and going with tried and true classics.

The mood of your ceremony can be set by the music you choose. You can control how your guests feel by switching up the music. If you're having your wedding in a ballroom, cathedral, art gallery, or symphony hall, for example, you might want to use vintage items to match the luxury of the venue.

If the musical tastes of your two families are at odds, you can make everyone pleased by playing wedding march classics and well-known love songs during the ceremony. With the help of your DJ, you may bring the two groups of relatives together during the reception by playing a mashup of musical styles. The same holds true for brides who have invited a significant number of guests to their wedding. The nostalgic appeal of the classics is universally appreciated.

Think about where you'll be holding the event. Locations where traditional music is most appropriate include religious buildings, grandiosely designed halls, and wedding ceremonies.

Conclusion

The first dance as husband and wife is a major highlight of the reception. The song they chose must reflect their personalities and wedding theme. Traditional processional melodies from classical composers like Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March" or Pachelbel's "Canon in D" are still popular today. You should have fun and enjoyment in mind when choosing your processional music for your wedding. Consider whether you want songs that reflect the mood of the day, be it quirky, conventional, passionate, or chill.

If you look hard enough, you'll find the perfect wedding song for your long procession down the aisle. "From This Moment On" by Shania Twain is one of the most popular wedding songs of all time. Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" and Frank Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight" feature in the list. U2's "All I Want Is You" has special resonance on a wedding day, as well as Lionel Richie and Diana Ross' "Endless Love". Queen's 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' is a surefire way to get people on the dance floor at any wedding.

Elvis Presley's 'Can't Help Falling In Love' from 1961's Blue Hawaii is an iconic track from his back catalogue. Check in with the hired vocalists or musicians in advance to see if they are familiar with the classical piece you wish to have played at the wedding. You're looking for a song to play during the processional, but you want it to be special. I highly recommend you listen to these amazing alternative and indie tracks. Some would expect a slow, solemn tune, but with a little bit of a throwback feel, these tunes would be perfect for a charming entry.

Content Summary

  • A simple task, picking songs for the wedding ceremony has been giving couples pause for decades.
  • Choosing music for your grand entrance into the wedding venue is not as obvious as choosing music for your first dance, which is typically a song with significant meaning or emotional value.
  • Read on for some helpful hints and some of our favourite processional tunes for weddings.
  • The first dance as husband and wife is a major highlight of the reception.
  • The song they chose must reflect their personalities and wedding theme.
  • Traditional first dance music are still popular today.
  • While we encourage you to make your ceremony and reception as unique as you are, we can't deny that traditional wedding music evokes the warmest feelings.
  • When a couple needs assistance with anything, including finding the right processional song, they turn to Google.
  • Added to all that is the barrage of suggestions from well-intentioned but demanding loved ones.
  • Even down to the selection of your processional music, you should have fun and enjoyment in mind.
  • Try out a variety of choices that meet the criteria you defined in the first phase, and maintain a list of your favourite tunes.
  • It's your wedding day; feel free to choose an unconventional music to play as you make your way down the aisle.
  • Select the option that will bring you the most joy.
  • Choose your wedding processional tunes together with your soon-to-be spouse while enjoying a bottle of wine at home.
  • Norah's multi-platinum debut album's title track has become a staple at wedding receptions around the world. '
  • Let's Stay Together' by Al Green Whether or not this classic slice of Rev. Al Green's southern soul, which topped the Billboard charts, can guarantee a couple's eternal love is up for debate.
  • The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra Beautiful "The Way You Look Tonight," which first appeared in the film Swing Time, took home an Oscar for best original song that year.
  • Since Cary Grant's famous line to Ginger Rogers in Swing Time (1942's Once Upon a Honeymoon), "remember you precisely the way you look tonight — er, today," the song has become inextricably linked to weddings. "
  • From This Moment On" by Shania Twain This beautiful country-pop ballad, which Shania first recorded for her 1997 album Come On Over, is a constant in her live performances and is often heard at weddings throughout the world. "
  • Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder The song "Isn't She Lovely," initially written to honour the arrival of Stevie's daughter Aisha, appears on his 1976 album Songs In The Key Of Life and became a hit for David Parton in the United Kingdom.
  • In wedding receptions, it's often used to announce the entrance of the bride.
  • U2 – 'All I Want Is You' Song that serves as an emotional climax to 1988's Rattle & Hum; the line "all the commitments we make, from the cradle to the death" has special resonance on a wedding day. "
  • Thank You For Loving Me" by Bon Jovi Crush, from Bon Jovi, was nominated for a Grammy.
  • Endless Love" by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross The single version of "Endless Love" far outsold the film to which it had been originally scored.
  • Since its release in 1981, this song has become a standard at wedding receptions and has gone on to become Ross' best-selling track.
  • Queen's 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love,' a rockabilly-influenced classic that became their first US No.
  • There are many worthy choices in Elvis's extensive back catalogue, but ultimately, it has to be this iconic track from 1961's Blue Hawaii.
  • Most classical music may be recognised by its style and structure even if you are unfamiliar with the titles.
  • Check in with the hired vocalists or musicians in advance to see if they are familiar with the classical piece you wish to have played at the wedding.
  • ​​You're looking for a song to play during the processional, but you want it to be special.
  • I highly recommend you listen to these amazing alternative and indie tracks.
  • Then tune in to these dismal dirges.

 

FAQs About Wedding Song

The pieces of classical music below are among the most frequently requested for weddings. The tune "Air on a G String" is instantly recognisable and loved by many. One of the most popular pieces in the repertoires of classical string quartets, this piece brings beauty, calm, gentleness, and peace to any wedding.

Many ladies believe they must include at least one classical piece on their wedding playlist, but after hearing these, we are confident that many more will be added. Our compiled list of the top 65 classical wedding songs will make your guests swoon on your big day.

Music is an important part of any party, and you want to play tunes that you enjoy, and your guests will enjoy as well. You need to make a playlist that stands out and gets people moving, but you also want to stick to the standards they know and love. Unfortunately, there appears to be a contradiction between these ideas.

Keep your song lengths to a maximum of two minutes unless a special section of the song occurs after the two-minute mark. Thus, we have discussed the mental processes involved in curating a fantastic playlist. The time has come to assemble it. The following music selection should last four hours at the wedding reception.

High and low points, rapid songs and calm music are essential to a well-rounded wedding reception playlist. There should be moments for couples to dance closely, moments for couples to dance slowly, and moments for couples to get a drink and return to the dance floor.

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