Your Ceremony Soundtrack: Choosing the Perfect Songs for Each Moment

A bride and groom share a tender moment on a secluded forest path, surrounded by lush greenery.

There’s something undeniably powerful about the way music shapes a moment—how a single melody can soften the atmosphere, heighten emotion, or make time feel like it’s standing still.

Your ceremony is one of the most meaningful parts of your day, and we believe your music should feel just as personal and thoughtful as your vows, your flowers, and the people you’ve chosen to share it with.

Below, we’re walking you through each part of the ceremony and offering curated suggestions to inspire your selections—plus a few personal favorites from our couples over the years.

01 / Prelude

The welcome moment

Prelude begins 15–30 minutes before the ceremony, creating an inviting atmosphere as guests arrive and settle in. This is your first impression—think soft, romantic, and reflective of your overall vibe.

Our favorite prelude pieces:

• Air on the G String – J.S. Bach

• Clair de Lune – Debussy

• La Vie en Rose – Édith Piaf

• Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra

• Yellow – Coldplay

Expert Tip: Think of the prelude as the musical equivalent of lighting candles—it should feel warm and inviting. Choose pieces that reflect your overall vibe and hint at the mood to come, whether timeless, dreamy, or modern romantic.

Many of our couples choose classical pieces for the prelude and switch to modern pop selections for the processional—it creates a beautiful contrast and keeps the ceremony feeling both timeless and personal.

Explore our music page to browse curated playlists, discover unexpected favorites, and find inspiration for a ceremony soundtrack that reflects your story.

A joyful bride walks arm in arm with a man down the aisle at a sunlit outdoor wedding, surrounded by smiling guests.

02 / Processional

When emotion peaks

From the wedding party to your grand entrance, this is where the emotion truly builds. We recommend choosing at least two songs—one for your wedding party and one for your entrance—to create a sense of pacing and heighten the drama of the moment. This approach allows the music to support the story as it unfolds: quiet anticipation, then that unforgettable moment when all eyes turn to you.

Seating of the families:

Loving beginnings

This is a beautiful opportunity to honor family members or chosen loved ones with a special piece. The music should feel warm, elegant, and gently anticipatory.

• Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – J.S. Bach

• What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

• River Flows in You – Yiruma

Expert Tip: Reflect on music that holds meaning for your parents or chosen family—maybe a song you heard on road trips, at childhood dinners, or their own wedding. It’s a subtle but meaningful way to honor them.

A joyful bride walks hand in hand with her bridesmaids down a garden path, each holding delicate bouquets, surrounded by lush greenery on a sunny day.

Wedding party entrance:

Sets the tone and pace for the processional.

This is where your music starts to build. Choose something graceful, steady, and perhaps lighthearted to accompany bridesmaids & groomsmen.

• Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

• Perfect – Ed Sheeran

• Halo – Beyonce

Expert Tip: Choose something with a steady pace and emotional build to help create anticipation. Think of this as the “chapter before yours”—a piece that elevates the moment without stealing the spotlight.

For the flower girl & ring bearer:

Whimsy, charm, and a dose of sweetness.

This lighthearted moment brings smiles and softens the mood just before the big entrance. Whether you want something playful or tender, the music for your smallest VIPs should feel special and distinctly their own.

• Moon River – Henry Mancini

• Lover – Taylor Swift

• Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley

  
  

Expert Tip: This is a great place to add a touch of lightness or playfulness. Choose something sweet and familiar that makes guests smile—and feels special for your youngest VIPs.

A joyful bride walks down the aisle with her father in a beautifully decorated outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by vibrant flowers.

For the grand entrance:

The emotional high point—your moment.

This is the moment that brings everything into focus. Whether you choose a classical piece or a custom arrangement of a modern song, this is the soundtrack to one of the most powerful moments of your life.

• Canon in D – Pachelbel (timeless for a reason)

• A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

• At Last – Etta James

  
  

Expert Tip: Let the song mirror your personality and the way you want to feel in that moment—whether bold, emotional, elegant, or cinematic. Don’t be afraid to choose something unexpected or have us arrange a piece just for you.

03 / Interlude

A space to pause

If your ceremony includes a unity ceremony or moment of remembrance, an interlude keeps the energy flowing. Choose something gentle and flowing.

Beautiful interlude options:

• The Swan – Saint-Saëns

• Meditation from Thais – Massenet

• Across the Universe– The Beatles

  
  

Expert Tip: Choose something soft and reflective that won’t distract but still carries emotional weight. If you're including a ritual or moment of remembrance, this is where the music holds space.

A joyful wedding party runs through a lush, green garden, celebrating with wide smiles and exuberant gestures.

04 / Recessional

The celebration begins

You’re officially married—this is your moment to walk back up the aisle in joy. The recessional is typically more upbeat, bright, and full of energy.

Crowd-favorite recessionals:

• Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles

• This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole

• Queen of Sheba – Handel

• You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne

  
  

Expert Tip: Go for something joyful, upbeat, and instantly recognizable—it should feel like a release. This is your “just married” moment, so choose a piece that feels triumphant and full of joy.

Ready to curate your ceremony soundtrack?

A newlywed couple descends a grand staircase, hand in hand, sharing joyful smiles on their wedding day.

We’d love to help you design a musical experience that reflects your story and sets the tone for your celebration. Whether you know exactly what you want or are just beginning to explore ideas, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Let’s make it unforgettable.

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