When we think of wedding music, we often think of only songs for the ceremony processional or the first dance. The lyrics “Here comes the bride…” and the melody of the Bridal Chours immediately pops in our head and it seems like that’s the only song we can think of! But as Spotify and Apple Music has shown us there are literally THOUSANDS of songs out there and as of 2022 there are truly so many wonderful timeless songs as well as newly released music that you can choose from! And thankfully there are more places than just the wedding processional or the first dance that you can choose songs for at your wedding! Music is not only great for filling any possible awkward silences or quiet moments in your wedding day, but can greatly influence the ambiance, and mood of your guests!

So on that NOTE, Keep on reading to see all of the different moments that music can be played at your wedding as well as to hear some of the most popular songs that are trending at weddings in 2022!

Band: **Nueva Vida** | Photography: **Hawaii Wedding Photography**

Background Music

Like the name goes, background music is typically played when people are gathering, moving, or eating as it provides a background to the “down times'' during the day. Specific moments in the day where you can choose songs to play as your background music include: the time prior or after the ceremony (also known as prelude/postlude music), at cocktail hour, and during the meal service. As background music is played for a duration of time, rather than selecting specific songs, couples often select a specific genre as their background music!

Romantic Oldies

Jazz

Soft Pop

Hawaiian Contemporary

Processional & Recessional

The processional song is played when walking down the aisle. Most couples choose to have two songs for their processional, the first will be played for the groom, officiant, and wedding party, while the second is played for the entrance of the Bride. However the recessional song is typically just one song for the entire wedding party to walk back down the aisle to. Popular choices for songs to be played during the processional are of the classical music genre, Disney, and instrumental versions of pop songs. While many popular songs for the recessional are pop songs from the 2000s!

Processional

Canon in D (Pachelbel’s Canon) - Johann Pachelbel

Clair De Lune - Debussy

Tale As Old As Time - Beauty and the Beast

A Thousand Years - Christina Perri

Recessional

Best Day of My Life - American Authors

This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole

Forever - Chris Brown

Marry You - Bruno Mars

TIP: Typically, the entire song is not played so if there’s a specific part that you would like to be played, definitely make sure to let your planner know so that they can ensure that the musician knows when to start and stop your song!

Ceremony Musicians: **Manoa Strings** | Photography: **Aria Studios**

Grand Entrance

All the guests are seated and now it’s time to announce the newlyweds!! We highly recommend selecting an upbeat song that will get all of your guests on their feet and one that goes well with lots of cheering and “chee hoos”!

Celebration - Kool & The Gang

Bring “em out” - T.I.

We Found Love - Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris

First Dance + Parent Dances + Last Dance

For these sweet dances slow songs with lyrics expressing gratitude, happiness, and love are popular choices that result in several teary eyed guests. However, these dances can not only be sweet and touching but also fun and entertaining choreographed to upbeat songs that could be a fun surprise for your guests!

First Dance

Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley

Perfect - Ed Sheeran

You are the Reason - Calum Scott

Parent Dances

Isn’t She Lovely - Stevie Wonder

You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban

Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion

Last Dance

At Last - Etta James

Last Dance - Donna Summer

(I’ve had) the Time of my Life - Dirty Dancing

Cake Cutting + Bouquet & Garter Toss

For these fun wedding traditions typically done during the reception, couples often choose songs with lyrics that relate to the activity!

Cake Cutting

Cake by the Ocean - DNCE

Sugar - Maroon 5

Bouquet Toss

Single Ladies (Put a Ring On it) - Beyonce

Dear Future Husband - Meghan Trainor

Garter Toss

Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Leppard

Who Let the Dogs Out - Baha Men

Open Dancing

Similar to background music, rather than specific songs, couples often select a type of music or genre that they would like to be played. However there are some songs that are “dance floor classics” that will most definitely get your guests up from their seats and grooving on the dance floor!

Bonus Music Moment

If you and your significant other are musically inclined, singing your thank yous may be a fun way to end the night and just one more moment in your wedding where you can add music too!

XOXOXO

Happy Planning!

(A Perfect Day)