The top ten songs to include in your wedding ceremony
The question I get asked as a celebrant the most, after what a celebrant does and how much do you cost, is this – how can I include our favourite songs in the wedding ceremony. This fun post is written with my experience of songs that really work and a cheeky wink of encouragement to give you an idea of what songs never fail to add that something amazing to your wedding ceremony. I have curated this post as a playlist and am always open to hear your suggestions of songs which you’d love your guests to sing along with gusto to on your wedding day (and not the ones on the dancefloor at 10pm!)
Wedding music playlists are undoubtedly the most unique and personal fun time you’ll have as a couple when planning your wedding day. There is the list for when your guests arrive, the all time essential selection of music you will want to walk into your wedding ceremony and finish on, there is the playlist for the reception, the meal and the dance floor one is always a corker! And of course there is the top ten songs list I have put together for you here to consider for your wedding ceremony!
The top ten songs for your guests to sing along to
Your song can be accompanied live or with recorded music
Live music for weddings is always going to be a wonderful and potentially integral part of your wedding day. Whether you choose to hire a band, a wedding singer or are lucky enough to have talented friends eager to play on your special day. Genuinely every singalong I have included in my celebrant weddings has sounded great with live music accompanying it and the singer or musicians will frequently add value by encouraging your guests and leading the song (especially the chorus!)Â Ask your venue and other suppliers for local recommendations ( I know some fabulous wedding singers, so reach out to me) or check out the multitude of lists and advice on line Hitched best of southwest wedding singers
The top ten songs – think about your guests and what they may know best
Think about the songs your guests will feel happy singing along to
Tempting though it may be to consider the songs you and your friends belt out at Karaoke or as a couple you sing along to on car journeys, weddings are usually multi generational and not everyone will be comfortable singing certain genres of music. Nor do you want to cause offence with risqué lyrics or inappropriate content! Fabulous though Fat Boy Slim’s ‘Praise me’ is as a wedding song, it is almost impossible to sing along to at a ceremony, nor are solo artists songs, which tend to be difficult to sing along to, being more lyrical and less chorus heavy! A repeating upbeat chorus is always a winner with wedding music!
The top ten songs – consider printing out the words
Think about printing out the words to your song
You will think everyone knows all the words, you know all the words, but when it comes to it, people suddenly forget them! Consider printing them out and leaving them on your guests seats. This can add your to your theme and can be included in your stationery suite or you can simply type them up and print them locally or at home. However you choose to do this, your guests and you will appreciate it. I always keep two copies in my folder for the couple and hand them over when the singing starts!
The top ten songs – musical accompaniment can be live or recorded
Don’t forget your dancing shoes
Over on Spotify I have created a playlist with my top ten songs which you can click on below. It’s hard to choose but goodness I had fun creating it and I know that all of these songs have worked so well at wedding celebrants I have officiated as a celebrant! From country houses to gardens and seaside spaces, music always sounds fabulous when all your guests gather to sing to you!
Don’t take my word on it though! Music like anything in life is subjective and deeply personal, what works for one couple may not work for another. Check out music lists from the experts to get your inspiration Rolling Stone Magazine best music list However, if you follow my tips on choosing the right song you can guarantee a wedding ceremony with your celebrant that your guests will be talking about how wonderful it was for years to come!
If you want to talk about how to include wedding ceremony music with the top ten songs- chat to me here to find out more! Lets chat!
