When it comes to creating a unique and memorable atmosphere for your wedding, having the rich sound of live music is your number one asset. Whether you're hoping for a traditional ceremony or one that's a bit more modern, the music that you choose is often your guests’ first impression of your big day.
Choosing the appropriate songs for different portions of your ceremony will help set your wedding’s distinctive style and complement your personal story. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help guide you in choosing your perfect ceremony music.
Consider the venue and set the tone
Classical music is timeless and generally works for any type of setting, especially in churches and cathedrals. Incorporating classical music into an ornately decorated space adds an extra touch of elegance and creates an opulent experience for your guests.
On the other hand, an increasing number of couples seek a vibe that is more unique and symbolizes their relationship. You can aim to make the music yours with contemporary love songs that speak to you and your partner personally.
Pro tip: Be sure to check if your chosen ceremony site has any restrictions, such as what type of music can’t be played or whether sound amplification is allowed or not, as some houses of worship and outdoor venues have strict rules.
Review your budget
Choosing between a soloist or an ensemble should be based on your musical needs and preferences, as well as your budget. Needless to say, the more live musicians that are hired, the more expensive the rate will become.
If a duo or ensemble is within your budget, here are some instrumentations to consider for an ultra-elegant wedding ceremony:
Violin + Harp Duo
Violin + Piano Duo
Violin + Cello Duo
Harp Trio: violin, harp, cello
Piano Trio: violin, piano, cello
String Quartet: 2 violins, viola, cello
String Quintet: 2 violins, viola, cello, bass
Harp Quintet: 2 violins, viola, cello, harp
Mini Orchestra: 6+ string instruments
Alternatively, a more affordable option is to hire an experienced soloist that’s trained in performing with backing tracks to achieve the full sound of accompanying instruments.
Stone Mountain Estates: Photo Courtesy Christine Li Photography
Don’t forget prelude music
One of the most overlooked parts of the ceremony is the importance of prelude music. Guests shouldn’t arrive and wait around in silence and while a DJ's background music is a nice touch, it can’t compare with the entertainment value of a live musician(s). Ideally, your guests should be greeted with an intimate performance as they arrive and take their seats. Many times, this experience becomes one of the most unforgettable parts of the wedding for them! Prelude music not only entertains and helps pass the time, it also sets the mood and helps guests create memories before the ceremony even begins.
A variety of fitting classical pieces and mellow, instrumental covers of popular love songs are usually best. Experienced live musicians should be good at gauging the vibe and energy of the crowd and play songs that your guests will enjoy.
Pro tip: Make sure your officiant has a microphone, especially for outdoor ceremonies! It’s a prime detail that’s unfortunately often forgotten about. A microphone/speaker system is typically provided by a DJ, sound technician, or the live music company you hire.
Choosing your processional music
Wedding Party Processional: This music is played while the couple’s family and the wedding party (bridesmaids, flower girls, ring bearer, etc) are walking down the aisle. A good rule of thumb is to choose a song that’s on the softer side—something that’s neither too fast, nor too slow. The song should also sound a little less dynamic than the one you choose for the bridal entrance. We recommend sticking with one song that can be looped the entire time.
Pro tip: Having your day-of coordinator give proper cues to the musician(s), as well as your wedding party, is the key to a seamless ceremony. Let the first person(s) in your wedding party know that they must be alert and hear their selected song before walking down the aisle. Often, they unknowingly start walking during prelude music instead. Having your wedding party wait for the musician to receive the proper cue and allowing time to switch songs is imperative.
Bridal Entrance: The song you choose to walk down the aisle will stay in your memory for a lifetime. Whether you're aiming for a vibe that's ethereal and romantic, or more grandiose and classical, be sure that it matches the magnitude of such a magical moment. You’ll need to choose something with a slightly slower-than-normal pace. If nothing particular comes to mind, there’s always the tried and true "Here Comes The Bride" by Wagner, which remains a timeless classic.
Pro tip: For a truly special bridal entrance, take a pause when you get to the start of the aisle. Stop and listen to the sounds of your song. Wait a few seconds to soak it all in and really take your time walking down. Don’t rush the moment! Practicing the timing of your walk to your chosen song is also suggested, especially if there’s a specific part of the song you want played before reaching the arch/altar.
Classical Processional Songs:
Air on G (Bach)
Ave Maria (Schubert)
Bridal Chorus "Here Comes The Bride" (Wagner)
Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Flower Duet (Leo Delibes)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach)
Salut d’Amour (Elgar)
The Swan (Saint-Saens)
Contemporary Processional Songs:
10,000 Reasons (Matt Redman)
At Last (Etta James)
A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)
Can’t Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley)
Golden Hour (JVKE)
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)
Here Comes The Sun (The Beatles)
I Get to Love You (Ruelle)
L'Appuntamento (Ornella Vanoni)
Make You Feel My Love (Adele)
Oceans - Where Feet May Fail (Hillsong UNITED)
She (Charles Aznavour)
Tale As Old As Time (Beauty and The Beast)
The Prayer (Andrea Bocelli & Celine Dion)
You Are The Reason (Calum Scott)
You Raise Me Up (Josh Groban)
Young and Beautiful (Lana Del Rey)
Recessional and Postlude: You're officially married and it's time to walk down the aisle as newlyweds! It's perfectly acceptable to choose a song that's more upbeat and lively to help lead your guests' emotions into the festive celebrations to follow. Other couples prefer a traditional approach for their grand exit and opt for renowned classics such as “Wedding March” by Mendelssohn. It’s your day and completely up to you!
Classical Recessional Songs:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach)
Ode to Joy (Beethoven)
The Four Seasons: Winter (Vivaldi)
Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke)
Wedding March (Mendelssohn)
Contemporary Recessional Songs:
A Whole New World (Aladdin)
Bridgerton Main Theme (Kris Bowers)
Come Fly with Me (Frank Sinatra)
Diamonds (Rihanna)
Fly Me To The Moon (Frank Sinatra)
How Deep Is Your Love (Calvin Hariss)
Isn't She Lovely (Stevie Wonder)
L-O-V-E (Nat King Cole)
Married Life (Up)
Marry You (Bruno Mars)
My Girl (The Temptations)
Perfect (Ed Sheeran)
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Stevie Wonder)
Stand by Me (Ben E. King)
Strangers in the Night (Frank Sinatra)
The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra)
This Will Be - An Everlasting Love (Natalie Cole)
Viva La Vida (Coldplay)
Wildest Dreams (Taylor Swift)
Ready to book your wedding musicians?
Head over to the Contact Page to request a customized quote for 2024 weddings! Make the soundtrack to your special occasion a truly unique and memorable one with Enchanted Strings by Ashot Dumanyan, available throughout Southern California, including Greater Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Ventura County, Orange County, Santa Barbara, and Palm Springs.