It’s all in the Tune

‘Music is the strongest form of Magic’ - Marilyn Manson

Music is the perfect way to set the mood for every occasion, so how do we best set the mood for your big day to bring the magic?

Lets first look at where music is used in a wedding ceremony

Background music

When your guests first arrive, there will be some background music playing. This is usually either instrumental or popular love songs, but played at a lowish volume.

Photo by katie graham photography

Entrance songs

We then have the entrance songs. Depending on how you are going to enter the ceremony space will determine the number of songs needed. But one song for each party entering is the go, and we crank the volume for these songs. We need to let everyone know you are coming.

Signing

While we are off to the side, getting you all signed off and legit, your guests will mingle and chat amongst themselves. So we have two songs to play in this space. That way you can take your time, take a breath and actually chat to your partner for what will feel like the first time that day.

Photo by katie graham photography

Exit song

This is a happy energetic song that sets the mood for the rest of the festivities.

Photo By Everlast Studios

More background music

After you have made your way back down the isle and into the love and congratulations of your Nearest and dearest, you won’t even notice, but there will be some background music playing again.

Choosing the songs

The background music is usually a wedding or instrumental playlist and doesn’t need to be extremely personalised. But make sure you have a listen through and make sure the songs suit you and your day.

The other music is all extremely personal. Some people have their ‘walk down the isle’ song from the moment they know this human is theirs, others are still trying to choose the week of the wedding. Whether you’re a planner or a last minute crammer, just make sure that you listen to the song a few times before the big day. You don’t want to be walking down the isle to a song with lyrics your grandma will question you about later.

The signing songs can be a little more upbeat and fun. but these are played at a lower volume than the entrance songs.

Finally we have the Exit song. This is generally an upbeat song that really sets the mood for the evening.

But with all this said and done, it’s your day, so rock it your way!

Here are a couple of example playlists

Example One

Background Instrumental covers playlist

Flower dude / Groom Entrance Play that funky music - Wild Cherry

Bride entrance Thinking out loud - Ed Sheeran

Signing Sweet child o’ mine instrumental - ATU

Exit Song Highway to hell Instrumental - 2Chellos

Example Two

Background Wedding songs playlist

Flower dude / Groom Entrance (Groom waiting in ceremony space)

Bride entrance At Last - Etta James

Signing Everlong Acoustic - Foo Fighters

Exit Song Signed, sealed delivered (I’m Yours) - Stevie Wonder

Try this playlist I’ve created for ceremony music ideas Spotify – Wedding songs