Traditional Wedding Music
Ideas from the Ceremony to the Reception
Traditional Wedding Music for the Processional
Instrumental wedding music is classically used to announce the bride's grand entrance. Some well known favorites include:
- "Bridal Chorus" by Richard Wagner: The famous "Here comes the bride" tune
- "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel: Often used for bridal party processional
- "The Prince of Denmark's March" by Jeremiah Clarke: Also known as the Trumpet Voluntary and strikingly beautiful when played by trumpets
Traditional Wedding Music for the Recessional
Choose one of these upbeat wedding music ideas to share your joy upon being announced husband and wife:
- "Wedding March" (from A Midsummer's Night Dream) by Felix Mendelssohn: As synonymous with recessionals as "here comes the bride" is with processionals
- "Finale" (from Water Music) by George F. Handel: Another very traditional selection for weddings
- "Trumpet Tune" by Henry Purcell: Another great piece for a trumpet
Wedding Music Ideas For The Reception
You'll generally find a wider variety of songs played at wedding receptions. Here are a few popular suggestions to accompany traditional dances.
Couple's First Dance:
- "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole
- "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presley
- "It Had To Be You" by Harry Connick, Jr.
- "At Last" by Etta James
- "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait
- "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
Father/Daughter Dance:
- "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle
- "Through the Years" by Kenny Rogers
- "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
Of course, no wedding has to be completely traditional or entirely contemporary. Mixing old favorites with a few modern touches is a perfect way to create a wedding that is uniquely yours. If you'd like to mix things up a bit, try adding one of these less traditional wedding music ideas to your playlist.
Non-Traditional Wedding Music Ideas
- "I Want To Grow Old With You" by Adam Sandler: A charming song for the couple's first dance
- "All You Need Is Love" by the Beatles: A whimsical selection to accompany your bridal party down the aisle
- "No One" by Alicia Keys: A bold but beautiful choice for the couple's recessional after the ceremony
- "Sunrise, Sunset" (from Fiddler on the Roof) by Sheldon Harnick & Jerry Bock: While not exactly contemporary, this is definitely a unique wedding song selection that would be appropriate for a father/daughter dance or processional
- "You're My Best Friend" by Queen: A charming song for your first dance as husband and wife to honor your special relationship
- "Beautiful Day" by U2 - fun, upbeat, and the perfect way to describe your wedding day
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