Stephanie G. Mathis You want your wedding music in sydney to have meaning and not make you cringe years later. These are our top tips for choosing the right songs and entertainment for your wedding reception.
The basics
Whether a band or a DJ performs the songs, you need to know a few essential tunes. These songs include the recessional, processional and first dance song (if there is one). You might also want to choose a few songs to play while signing papers and the pre-ceremony.
What is a professional, you ask?
As the wedding party walks down an aisle, the processional song plays. It is usually Canon in D by Pachelbel or Bridal Choir by Wagner. However, it is very popular for couples to choose songs they are most connected to in modern times. Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” is a very popular song that is deeply felt. This is when you will remember walking into the room with your partner or becoming married. Pick a good one.
Here are some other modern ideas to help you plan your next process:
- Bright Eyes: My First Day of Life
- Lay Me Down by Sam Smith
- Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey
- Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran
- American Mouth, Flightless Bird by Iron & Wine
- Bon Iver’s Skinny Love
- Desiree: Kissing You
- Ellie Goulding: How Long Will I Be Your Love?
- Higher Love by James Vincent McMorrow
- Make You Feel My Love by Adele
- Coldplay – Hymn for the Weekend
- Tegan and Sara Married Me
- Colbie Caillat, Magic
- Baaba Maal + Mumford and Sons: There will be time
What is a recessional? It sounds like the economy isn’t doing so well.
A RECESSION is not the right term! A recession is when you leave the place where you were married and walk back down the aisle, past your guests and get thrown rice by others (it’s supposed to be friendly and not like a food fight). You can also use rice as an alternative: you can blow bubbles, make party poppers, throw rose petals, or make confetti.
Here are some more ideas for your recessional:
- Imagine Dragons – On Top of the World
- Crazy in Love by Jay Z and Beyonce
- American Authors: Best Day of My Life
- Happy by Pharrell
- Florence + the Machine: Dog Days Are Over
- James Morrison, You Give Me Something
- L-O-V-E By Joss Stone
- Bon Iver’s Skinny Love
- Vance Joy’s Riptide
- Mirrors by Justin Timberlake
- Beyonce’s Love on Top
- Sugar by Maroon 5
- Michael Buble: Feeling Good
There are many types of wedding music.
DJ’s:
A DJ is a great choice for those who enjoy increasing the pace as the night progresses. A DJ can provide music for all occasions, from dinner music to the early hours of the day. Many of them are open to taking requests from your guests.
Bands:
The band will get everyone on the dance floor with modern hits and old favourites. Their magic on stage will be a focal point throughout the reception. Many wedding bands will work with you to create the perfect wedding set list, including your favourite songs.
Another:
There are many options available, including string quartets, acoustic duos, and hybrid DJ/musician combos. Our directory has everything you can imagine. You can even find undercover entertainers to delight and surprise your guests!
The fine print
Many musicians have a minimum amount of time and fees, especially during peak season or weekends. Having three acts perform for an hour each may not make sense. One person or company could cover the entire time, or you could have two acts: one for guests’ arrival and the ceremony and one for when they are ready to dance.
