Music to keep your ceremony in tune

In my experience as a celebrant, many couples agonize with their partners over the choice of their song for their first dance, however often forget to choose the music that will set the tone for the whole day –their ceremony selections.

Be gone with the traditional church favourites of Pachelbels Canon or the Wedding March (aka. Here Comes the Bride). While there is still a place for these old favourites, more and more couples are choosing songs that are more representative of the times in which we live.

It has been said that ‘music is what feelings sound like’ so it is important to make sure that the music you choose for your ceremony captures the feelings and emotions you wish to portray at your wedding.

Did you want your ceremony to appear traditional and romantic or a little qwirky and upbeat? Whatever your disposition, your music choices should reflect your tastes, your venue and most importantly your relationship.

As a celebrant I recommend couples select at least 4 songs to be played during their ceremony; One song for the processional (brides entrance), Two songs for the signing of documents (The second may not be played or at least not in full) and a final one song for the recessional (bride and grooms exit)

So what are some good song selections? As you can imagine the choices are really endless, from country to pop and everything in between, hopefully your wedding playlist will gain some inspiration from this expansive list of ceremony favourites. Take note and together we can make your ceremony hit all the right notes!

NB: Listed selections are based on previous experience, web searches and wedding discussion boards. There is truly something for everyone.

Processional – Brides Entrance

How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding

Songbird – Fleetwood Mac or Glee Cast

That’s When I Love You – Aslyn

All of Me – John Legend

Everything – Lifehouse

A Thousand Years – Christina Perri or Boyce Avenue (acoustic)

Heaven – DJ Sammy & Yanou. Feat Do (slow version)

Marry Me – Train

Wanted – Hunter Hayes

Feels Like Home – Chantal Kreviazuk

Forever – Ben Harper

Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

From this Moment – Shania twain

Bloom – The Paper Kites

The Way You Are – Boyce Avenue (acoustic cover of Jason Mraz)

Angels – The XX

Wedding Song – Julia and Angus Stone

Lullaby – Bond (remix on the traditional)

Your Song – Ellie Goulding

Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley

Can’t Help Falling In Love – Ingrid Michaelson

Wedding Song – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Kissing You – Des’ree

Just a Kiss – Lady Antebellum

I Won’t Let You Go – Rascal Flatts

First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes

Signing songs

Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole

Got You – Jack Johnson

I Do – Gin Wigmore

I Choose You – Andy Grammar

I Choose You – Sara Bareilles

Arithmatic – Brooke Fraser

Official – Adil Memon

This Old Love – Lior

Who You Love – John Mayer featuring Katy Perry

All My Life – K-Ci and Jo Jo

How Deep is Your Love – The Bird and The Bee

I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

Tie it Up – Kelly Clarkson

Your Song – Ellie Goulding

At Lasts – Etta James or Beyonce

I Was Married – Tegan and Sara

I Was Made for You – She and Him

Hey Ho – Lumineers

Recessional – Bridal Party Exit

Signed Sealed Delivered – Stevie Wonder

First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes

Better Together – Jack Johnson and Paula Fuga

Love Shack – B52’s

Stuck on You – Meiko

Safe and Sound – Capital Cities

Happy – Pharrell Williams

Best Day of My Life – American Authors

Feel the Love – Rudimental

I Do – Colbie Caillat

I’m a Believer – Smash Mouth

Home – Edward Sharp and Magnetic Zeros

You and I – Ingrid Michaelson

Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Michael Buble

Feel So Close – Calvin Harris

Classic – MKTO

Home – Andy Grammer

Wrapped Up In You – Garth Brooks

Know of another great wedding track? Why not post it into the comments for other couples to see and gain inspiration from.