Planning a wedding is full of decisions, but one of the most impactful choices is the music.
From the processional to the reception, your soundtrack sets the mood and tells your love story in a unique way. Jay R. Rich, VP of Selective Sound Events and DJ for over 30 years has worked with countless couples to create memorable, personalized musical experiences. Here, he digs into how to select your processional songs, wedding party entrance music, and how to make sure your wedding soundtrack reflects your style as a couple.
Planning Your Wedding Ceremony Music
When it comes to your wedding music: start exploring your options early.
“When you wait till the last minute to select your music, you’re more likely to pick something just to get it done, and you won’t truly enjoy what you’re walking down the aisle to,” warns Jay R.
Selecting music can be overwhelming, especially with countless options available online.
“It’s like smelling different perfumes,” Jay explains. “After a few, they all start to smell the same.”
To help couples navigate this, SSE offers built-in tools in their wedding planner software, giving couples access to top local song choices, not just generic national lists.
According to Jay, there are typically four key songs for a wedding ceremony:
- Parent or grandparent entrance (optional)
- Wedding party processional
- Bride or partner processional
- Recessional (after the kiss, when you walk back down the aisle as a married couple)
Pre-Ceremony Music
Couples often opt for background music before the ceremony. Jay R. has seen a lot of couples select and really enjoy popular tracks like Postmodern Jukebox’s jazzy covers and Vitamin String Quartet’s classical renditions of pop songs.
Processional Songs
But what about the style of music for everyone’s walk down the aisle?
“It doesn’t always have to be Canon in D,” says Jay R.with a laugh. “It’s 2024—there’s no rule saying you can’t walk down the aisle to something contemporary."
While many couples choose traditional pieces, Jay R. encourages them to explore modern or instrumental versions of their favorite songs.
Try browsing platforms like Spotify and YouTube for inspiration. Whether you want a traditional song with a twist or something entirely unique, your music should reflect your personal style and the emotional tone of your ceremony.
Getting Creative with Your Ceremony Music
Some couples take personalization to the next level by getting creative with their ceremony music.
Jay R. recalls one particularly memorable wedding where the bride walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” inspired by the film Muriel’s Wedding.
“It was perfect for her—fun, upbeat, and totally unexpected,” Jay R. says. “It’s moments like that when you realize how much music can tell a story about the couple.”
Jay R. has also seen couples mix genres, combining classical with contemporary, or even incorporating unexpected musical elements.
“We’ve had cues timed perfectly to start different parts of a song as the ceremony progresses. It adds a layer of uniqueness that guests always appreciate.”
At receptions, creativity continues with grand entrance songs. Whether it’s a bold sporting anthem or a quirky, fun tune, the grand entrance sets the tone for the celebration to come.
Picking the Perfect Entrance Song for Your Wedding Reception
When it comes to choosing a wedding party entrance song, Jay R.’s advice is simple: pick something that gets you excited.
“The best songs are ones that make the hair stand up on your neck when you hear them,” he explains. “We’ve seen some incredible choices that really get the party started.”
For more outgoing, fun-loving couples, songs like “Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys, “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC, or “Raise Your Glass” by P!nk are high-energy crowd-pleasers that get everyone pumped.
But not every couple is looking for a party vibe. For those who want something a bit more low-key but still energetic, Jay R. recommends tracks like “Beautiful Day” by U2 or “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons.
“It’s endless what you can choose,” he says. “But the key is to plan early. The more time you give yourself, the more thoughtful your choice will be.”
Feeling Stuck on your Wedding Music List?
Even with all the planning tools and resources at their disposal, some couples find themselves stuck when it comes to choosing their wedding entrance music.
Jay R.’s advice? Consult your DJ or bandleader.
“Don’t be shy about telling them what you like or don’t like,” he advises. “Paint a picture of how you want your entrance to feel—do you want it high-energy and fun, or more relaxed and intimate?”
One common mistake Jay R. sees is couples feeling like they need to match the formality of their ceremony with slow, romantic music for their reception entrance.
“People sometimes pick something fun for their bridal party and then go with something kind of lame for themselves,” he says. “They think it has to be slow and formal, but it really doesn’t.”
At SSE, couples have a dedicated meeting with their DJ about 3-4 weeks before the wedding to finalize music choices. This meeting can take place in person or via Zoom, and the DJ helps walk the couple through the process, especially if they’re unsure of their timeline.
“The more info you can give your DJ upfront, the better they can tailor the music to your vision,” Jay R. says.
Your Wedding Music, Your Story
Jay R.’s overarching advice is to take the time to curate a soundtrack that feels uniquely yours.
“Music adds so much to the feel of the ceremony and the reception,” he says. “Think about how you would feel hearing the song you’re considering at someone else’s wedding. It should be powerful enough to help tell the story of who you are as a couple.”
And for those who might find an instrumental they love but aren’t crazy about the beat?
“There’s always an alternative version out there,” Jay R. reassures.
With a little creativity, research, and the help of a good DJ, your wedding soundtrack will be something that leaves a lasting impression—not just on you, but on everyone who shares in your special day.