Music really sets the tone for a day, says a lot about you as a couple, and creates an atmosphere. Like the rest of your wedding, it should be perfectly you. A lot of people see the music as a bit of an after thought, and don’t really give it much attention, but if you do, it can have a huge impact on your day.

Hopefully this blog will help you decide on the perfect music for you.

Music is a huge part of my life, and when we were planning our own wedding it was a really important part of our day; my husband and I had such a great time sitting down planning every song, creating different playlists for each section, and even now certain songs transport me back to our wonderful day.

When I sit down with couples to chat about their ceremony, a lot of the time they haven’t even started to think about the music, so I've put together some playlists of tracks to help inspire you. Whether that’s entrance music, recessional music, inspiration for a singalong, or even songs to set the mood before the ceremony begins, have a look at my music choices and see if it inspires you!

Get The Party Started

Pre-ceremony music to set the tone

Everyone has arrived, they’ve grabbed a drink, and are starting to make their way over to the ceremony area… but its awkwardly silent, and no one really knows what to do.

Naaah - hit play and get some background music on; it will help with your nerves, and create an initial atmosphere, building up to the main event.

It’s a really good idea to think about even just 15 mins of music before the I do’s, just background so that people don’t necessarily notice, but if anyone tunes in they get the vibe.

It can also be themed - Christmas Wedding? What about some lovely Christmassy Jazz songs. Film theme running throughout your day? It’s the perfect spot for some wonderful scores.

Or, just simply, love!

Heres some ideas from my own wedding… just in case it helps inspire

AISLE BE THERE FOR YOU

Precessional music to walk down the aisle

The mood has been set, people are tapping along and picking up on a few of the well placed songs you’ve had playing as they take their seats. The atmosphere is electric, filled with excitement, nerves and love. Guests are standing, waiting for your arrival, what will they walk in to, they’ll wonder

When I chose my entrance music, I listened to LOADS of songs to see what one I had the most emotional reaction to. So when I heard the first 3 seconds of my chosen song, and was already crying, I knew it was right. For me it was Forrest Gump Theme Music; the first film my husband and I ever watched together, and I knew inside, instantly, that it was THE one.

But there were a few other contenders too, so have a look here for inspiration for your entrance music.

My husband had his own entrance before me, walking in to a WWE Wrestler’s entrance music (Bobby Roode - Glorious - it’s a great one!). For him he felt empowered and wanted to get the energy going. For me, I wanted emotion and, quite frankly, ‘something cute and pretty’. I was also torn between a song from Love Actually, so had my bridesmaids walk in to that.

You could go for your favourite movie score, your favourite song, a song that means something to you both… slow and sentimental, or even up beat and party starting. Maybe something to make your partner smile and laugh - I had one bride play the opening of The Avengers to make her partner laugh, before her real entrance, and it was a great way to lighten the mood and lift his nerves.

I’ve also had a couple walk in together to Right Said Fred, to lots of cheers and laughter. SO whatever you wanna do - go for it!

Do any of these songs create an emotion with in you? Maybe they’ll spark some other ideas!

ALL TOGETHER NOW

Singalong Ideas

One of the beauties of a celebrant ceremony is the ability to add ‘you’ moments throughout, and some people choose to do that with a singalong. As long as you have at least five people (including myself, try and stop me!) really going for it, everyone else will join in for fear of looking silly, and it's a great standout moment of any wedding.

I’d always opt for a crowd pleaser, a classic, one that the majority of people would know. And DON'T forget to print out some lyrics! You can also choose just a small section of a song, no one wants to keep going for 7 minutes with Meatloaf.

Friends fan? I’ll Be There For You is a wonderful option, as it has gorgeous meaning but is also fun. Or want a classic Love Actually moment? Then All You Need Is Love! Maybe you’re a mega HSM fan and want the chance to make everyone sing All In This Together! Or recreate the My Best Friend's Wedding scene with Say A Little Prayer

wedding sing along song with guests — Image: A Thing Like That

For some inspiration, some of my favourites I’ve led

My Heart Will Go On (as seen in the picture) - we had people doing the actions (I’m flying Jack, I’m really flying!), everyone was singing, and the maid of honour grabbed the mic and went to town! We played the original music, so was technically backed by Celine, but she wasn’t needed.
I Want It That Way - As big fans of Brooklyn 99, this was a classic moment, and the lyrics were held up by the best man on boards like in Love Actually, it was hilarious. The live musician played this one, and everyone went all in.

These also went down really well:

Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Stand By Me
Thinking Out Loud

Is a singalong for you? What would be your ultimate anthem?

BYE BYE BYE!

Recessional songs to walk back down to as a married couple

So you’ve just had the BEST CEREMONY EVER (assuming you chose a celebrant that is), and now its the final moment. The first time walking together as a married couple - eeek! You want this to set up up the party, give into the cheers and bring the energy and fun; its your first introduction into the world of married life, and it should represent you.

Again, have a listen to a few different ones and see which gets you most excited. You could even both dance down the aisle, giving high fives and hugs, milking it for everything its worth. It could be ‘your song’, it could be a funny one.

For me, to carry on with the film and music theme running throughout our wedding, we walked back down to You Got A Friend In Me from Toy Story (with a few other tracks after)

Why not take inspo from The Office (US) and all dance down, with your wedding party too? Or go tongue in cheek with Bye Bye Bye, or Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.

Whatever you go for, will be perfect, and will really get the day going. You can then combine them all into one MEGA ceremony playlist, and allocate it to someone important to press play, fade in/fade out and cue (no pressure!)

I also recommend having a playlist for the afternoon/eating stage too, unless you already have a DJ lined up for that - but you can think about that separately.

So there you have it! Why not make an evening of music planning? Sit down together, start a new playlist and whack on the tunes. I’d love to know what you opt for - why not share your playlist with me - maybe I’ll add your inspo to these playlists above!

Got any questions about what a celebrant has to offer, or why you might choose one for your day? Visit my WHAT THE FAQ?! page, or have a look at some of the testimonials other couples have left me .