Wedding Blog
In considering the ceremony music for the wedding, I feel completely clueless–I’m not the most musically inclined. In fact, while I appreciate music, I have no memory for songs or lyrics or even the names of musicians. And perhaps this is why the music thing has been stressing me out so much. I don’t even know where to start. This is further complicated by the fact that I fear Mr. Peppermint and my parents want very different things (I find myself in the middle of this debate).
My parents (and most parents for that matter) have not even thought of the possibility of music that is not classical. In almost every wedding they’ve been to, the bride has walked down the aisle to Wagner’s “Bridal March”. That’s what they’ve come to expect. Granted, I’m not sure I want to walk down to Elvis’s “Love Me Tender” (a suggestion found in the Knot’s suggestion of non-traditional choices), but I’m also not sure I want the “Bridal March”. And more modern songs often have more meaning to me. I tried to broach the subject with my parents this weekend, but we didn’t really get anywhere…Is there a happy medium? Should contemporary songs be relegated to the reception only?
I’ve thought of using the Mancini theme from Two for the Road (my favorite movie!) as a prelude or maybe even processional. Mr. Peppermint really wants to use the Beach Boys’ Wouldn’t It Be Nice? as our recessional (with lyrics). At first I thought that was too contemporary, but I have to admit it has grown on me…right after the minister says “You may now kiss the bride” to hear the upbeat crooning of the Beach Boys does have a sort of appeal. And I feel like recessional music could be something more fun and celebratory…
What are your thoughts??
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I love contemporary music during the ceremony! I say Mr. Peppermint is right on . . . Wouldn’t it be nice is a great contemporary without being “in-your-face about it.” We are using all contemporary music during our ceremony.
Today–Joshua Radin
Waiting on an Angel–Ben Harper
So Are You to Me–Eastmountainsouth
I Will–The Beatles
I am IN LOVE with the idea of non-traditional music for the processional and recessional. My FI is not so sure, but I think I can win him over. I am a big country music fan, so have sort of had a secret dream of walking down the aisle to a really sweet country song. (Although wouldn’t “Wild Thing” also be perfect?) And for some time now have really wanted to recess to “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by the Darkness (think Bridget Jones II while they’re fighting in that fountain).
My only problem is that I recognize that these ideas seem really great in my head, but may not be so great in their execution. We’re going to meet with our DJ in a few weeks, and I’m going to test his expertise.
Anyway, I think the day should reflect you and your FI, and if you’re not classical loving traditional people, why shouldn’t the music for the ceremony reflect that?
I think it would be great.
One of my friends walked down to an instrumental version of “God only knows what I’d do without you” by the Beach Boys. It was great! The funny thing was that all the people in the audience sort of hummed or sang along. It created this weird, movie like atmosphere. But it worked wonderfully.
Another friend’s wedding had the song “Signed, Sealed, Delivered…I’m Yours” (probably not the actual title- but that’s how I know it :)) as her recessional. It was an awesome upbeat way to start their new life together. Everybody laughed and sort of clapped along as they walked back down the aisle.
Although you probably saw my uber-traditional ceremony playlist from yesterday, I love the idea of more contemporary music for ceremonies. Alas, the style of our ceremony and Church regulations will not allow it (we have to have liturgical or sacred music).
A friend used Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony,” instrumental version, for the processional and Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” as a recessional…happy, upbeat, and summery for her [August wedding] exit! :).
We are mixing it up a bit. I haven’t decided what I am going to walk down the aisle to, but I know that SOMEONE will walk down the aisle to the instrumental version of “hallelujah” from Shrek. I also know that I really want “I can Love you” by Gary Allan or “Lost in this Moment” by Big + Rich played during the ceremony…and for the recessional….wait for it….LIVE chorus singing Oh Happy Day (sister act style!)!!! I’m so excited for this part…I am hoping that the audience/crowd…what do you call them? guests! I am really hoping that the guests get into it too!
What a AWESOME TOPIC!!!
I’m a music lover, not so much musically inclined, but I love good music. Luckily my FI loves music almost as much. With that said we have opted for somewhat the nontraditional route as well. And it’s been a thorn in my side ever since! Two and half months left and we still don’t know!!
We have decided that I will walk on ‘When you say nothing at all’ by Alison Krauss.
Yet we are clueless as to what other music should be played. I do want to honour both our mothers and his grandmother by playing celtic music during the seating of the mothers.
And we want music that is upbeat for the processional- one of my bridesmaids’ processional was the Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony and it was beautiful! Of course, we can’t steal it, as the Mr has pleaded and begged! HA…I’m opting for Bright side of the Road by Van Morrison.
We will also incorporate nontraditional into the prelude music as well…maybe some zeppelin, bhtm and others….
I would love to hear everyone else’s thoughts, since I’m still trying to figure out the inbetween songs as well….
I’m actully walking down the aisle to an instrumental Smashing Pumpkins song… Doesn’t get much more “contemporary” than that. 
We’re still debating the recessional song - U2, the Beatles and James Taylor have all been mentioned for that. Go with whatever makes you smile! 
So I’m getting married in a Church so I can’t do this.. However I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of non traditional music.
I always thought as the recessional- “Beautiful Day” by U2 would be fabulous.
Yeah i love the idea of contemporary music for the ceremony, i was going to walk down the aisle to “Book of Love” by Peter Gabriel
GREAT POST!!
Ok I’m going to try this one more time, all my posts haven’t been making it????
We are going to nontraditional route as well. I’m walking to ‘When you say nothing at all’ by Alison Krauss. We will also incorporate celtic music to honour our mother’s heritage and possibly ‘Bright side of the Road’ by Van Morrison for the processional! Still undecided on this one!
As Miss Lime stated, I too had friends that used the Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony instrumental version as their processional!
Good luck deciding!!
I know of brides whose recessionals have been “What a Wonderful World” (Louis Armstrong) and “Beautiful Day” (U2). I personally would love “What a Wonderful World” if I ever do get married, but…
LOVE contemporary music in a ceremony. Best part? Can you imagine driving in you car 10 years from now and hearing that Beach Boys song on an oldies station? Awww, all those memories flashing into your head!
I’m getting married in a church, so there went that. (We have to choose from a list of mostly classical.)
But when we were considering an outdoor ceremony - I was having so much fun thinking of songs! I was ready to walk in with “She’s got a way” by Billy Joel.
Ours were totally nontraditional. The bridesmaids walked in to a version of “Pure Imagination” that a friend had recorded for us. I walked in to an instrumental version of “Just like heaven” by the cure, and our recessional was “Signed, sealed, delivered” by Stevie Wonder.
If you want popular music, but not the words, and are okay with a recording, check out vitamin records. They have a lot of string quartet tribute albums.
I’m getting married at a Japanese garden and using all contemporary music.
I agree with Jen, I would love to hear the song come on the radio and be reminded of our ceremony.
I love Katheryn McPhee’s version of Somewhere over the Rainbow
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true!
I too wanted something a lil more contemporaray. Although I absolutely LOOOVe Canon in D….we found a great alternative. FI’s favourite movie is Forrest Gump, so we’ll be using the theme song for entrance of our bridesmaids. And for my processional, I will be walking to “Deeply in Love” a Christian song by Hillsongs.
One thing that totally made me happy about my decision was when I listened to the tracks and pretended to walk down the aisle..ahhaha it worked and totally convinced me!
good luck!!!
Non-traditional, non-classical musical before, during and immediately after the wedding ceremony is not such an anomaly in this day and age, so go for what you both want. In order to soften the contemporary music we chose for our wedding, instrumental versions (actually a classical guitar versions to be exact) of Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed” and then the Beattle’s “Here Comes The Sun” were used in the beginning and the end respectively. They were two songs that had meaning to us and our situation.
Good luck in your choices.
Love contemporary music in ceremonies.
I walked down to an instrumental version of our first dance song “Fields of Gold”.
Our recessional was a mariachi band!
The only traditional music was my processional, which was Water Music, Air by Handel.
We used “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” for our recessional, along with our fave Mancini songs for the guest arriving music. For the moms/MOH, we used “One Hand, One Heart” from West Side Story. It was so totally us! For “As Time Goes By”, we left in the part where Bogie says “Play it again, Sam”, and we could hear people laughing from our dressing rooms
We are having some traditional (pachelbel and Bach), but for the recessional we are having everyong sing along to what a wonderful world with a pianist.
We are having some traditional (pachelbel and Bach), but for the recessional we are having everyong sing along to what a wonderful world with a pianist.
I LOVE nontraditional bridal music.
I’m walking down the aisle to “When I Fall In Love” and the recessional will be to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”
I grew up in theatre and my friends have incredible voices, so some of my best friends will be singing them! I can’t wait!
i love the beach boys so i think “wouldn’t it be nice” would be a great song for the recessional. if you want contemporary music then you should go ahead and pick some out. that’ll be more of a reflection of you and mr. peppermint.
one of my friends used smashmouth’s “i’m a believer” as their recessional which was a lot of fun and my best friend is walking in to “unchained melody” which is her absolute favorite song. if she would have chosen something else it just wouldn’t be her.
puredrivel - “today” is our first dance song!
our processional is “your song” by elton john and our recessional is “god only knows” by the beach boys - both played by a string quartet. if contemporary music is what fits you, then go for it! my parents are still adjusting, but they’ll get over it.
I think you should absolutely do whatever you want with the music. I videotape weddings, so I’ve seen a few. I personally tend to think classical music (though I love it in general) is quite unemotional. I find it hard to cry during Wedding March, but I recently did a wedding where she walked down the aisle to Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” and it was very dramatic.
At my ceremony I had Yann Tiersen, Badly Drawn Boy, Sufjan Stevens and Eels. It all went together perfectly, and since I had an emotional connection with the music, it was extremely special and emotional. And yes, I love the idea of upbeat music for the recessional!
I love the idea of non-traditional music as long as it is something meaningful to the couple and not weird for the sake of being weird.
Ooh I like the Beach Boys idea! It would be sort of like “Love Actually”!
I agree with previous posters that you should go with whatever music fits you and Mr. Peppermint. I myself couldn’t fathom using traditional bridal music at ours, so we went all contemporary. We had a guitarist at our beach ceremony and the Husband walked in to “Beyond the Sea”, I walked in to “Here, There, and Everywhere” and our recessional was “Into the Mystic.”
“What the world needs now is love, sweet love…”
“Give me a kiss to build a dream on…”
“All you need is love, love, love is all you need…”
Or for a contemporary twist on traditional opera: Andrea Bocelli opera, Operababes, Josh Groban
“Wouldn’t it be Nice” was our first dance song. Cute, sweet, and really short. It worked great. I didn’t do a traditional “walk down the aisle” thing or I might have thought about having a special song for that part too.
I walked down the aisle to “Edelweiss” Not exactly contemporary but not classical either. All of our prelude and ceremony music was played on guitar by our neighbor. I don’t know exactly what all he played but I know there was definitely some contemporary pieces in there (I think even some AC/DC)!
Try checking out http://tmrpro.com/. They have done string quartet tributes to a lot of big name artists. It’s definitely a mix between traditional & contemporary. We are picking a bunch of songs from different CDs for our ceremony music.
I actually was just at a wedding where my friends’ recessional was “wouldn’t it be nice”. It was sooo cute.
We got the most positive feedback from our guests about our ceremony–which is awesome–I was so happy becuase in my opinion that’s the most important part of the day!
Family seated: Stand By Me
Bridesmaids Processional: Ain’t No Moutain High Enough (Gaye/Tyrell)
Bride’s Processional: Here, There, and Everywhere (Beatles)
Recessional with my groom: WSU fight song!
ours was a mix of both. my husband and the groomsmen/pastor walked into vivaldi’s “spring,” the girls came down to bach’s “air on a g string” and i walked in to the theme from “anne of green gables,” one of my favorite books/movies. our recessional was to “ain’t no mountain high enough” by marvin gaye/tammi tarrell. it was SO fun and so us, which was the best part. everyone loved it
My husband and I used a string quartet and had them play contemporary music. We used:
“Back in Black” by AC/DC for my husband and his groomsmen
“All you need is Love” by the Beatles for my bridesmaids and the moms
I walked down to “In My Life” by the Beatles
and our recessional was “That’s Amore” by Deam Martin
We just wanted some fun and contemporary songs, but since we had them played on strings, it had a traditional twist.
Our processionals were traditional, but our recessional was “Beautiful Day” by U2. Not original, lots of people have done it by now (I got the idea from New York Magazine’s wedding issue), but it was still a surprise to our guests! And after all the classical music, it was a loud, happy BURST after the ceremony when we walked back down the aisle. I love the photos of us in those moments–we both looked ecstatic, and we laughed nearly the entire way. I was so happy. And now whenever I hear that song (and my first dance song) I’m instantly brought back to that day. It’s not as if I’m going to listen to the wedding march on my iPod.
Choose something that you love. I’m walking down the aisle to an organ plating the hymn “Joyful, Joyful, we adore thee” (it’s a nickname, plus a beautiful hymn of praise), and the recessional is “Joyful, Joyful” from Sister Act II. Neither are traditional wedding music, but it’s a fun and meaningful touch to a formal church ceremony.
Another idea: Use http://www.pandora.com to find music similar to something you like but isn’t quite perfect. Maybe that will present the right song, or you’ll discover a new artist even.
I’m ALL ABOUT funky, upbeat, contemporary recessionals. We’re thinking “Mr. E’s Beautiful Blues” by Eels, one of my faaaavorite groups.
My first post-wedding comment!
Our ceremony music was all Gilbert and Sullivan music I arranged for brass quintet, so while not anything you’re going to hear on the radio, it was more personal than the old standbys would have been. Music was a big priority for us, something we were willing to throw time and money at, and we’re glad we did.
Great suggestions! We are getting married next week in a SURPRISE beach wedding in St. Lucia. We haven’t told any of our family, and my fiance and I will be the only people at the wedding and reception! So, we definitely wanted non-traditional music for the occasion. Here’s what we chose:
processional: “Today” Joshua Radin
during ceremony: “The one I love” David Gray
recessional: “Come away with me” Norah Jones
First dance: “Making memories of us” Keith Urban
I am having trouble finding the instrumental to Bittersweet Symphony. Can anyone help?
Victoria-
Bittersweet Symphony is on the album ‘Symphonic Rock’ by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. You can find it on Amazon and listen to a clip.
It’s a beautiful choice, one of my bridesmaid had it played as her recessional at her wedding.
You could always do a search for local orchestra/symphony versions of rock songs on google too.
My brother is going to be playing acoustic guitar for our beach ceremony. He is playing “Romeo & Juliet” by Mark Knopfler for the prelude, and I will be walking in to “Calico Skies” by Paul McCartney.
Still looking for a good recessional song that is upbeat but will sound great on acoustic guitar.
I am a huge music lover of all kinds. The idea of chosing non-traditional wedding music is very awesome and something I am doing for my November wedding as well. I absoultely love Josh Groban’s “When you Say You Love Me” and will be using this for my processional song. I am still deciding on my recessional song. I orignally had picked out ‘Another one Bites the Dust” by Queen, but my son is getting married 3 weeks before me and is using that song for their entrance song to reception! I am thinking about using ‘Signed Sealed Delivered” by Stevie Wonder.
I really want to walk down the aisle to Etta Jame’s “At Last”, but my only question is, what if I get to the alter before the song is over or after? What do we do? Is a it going to be super weird and awkward? Any advice?
This is the second marriage for us both and we are going completely non-traditional.
Bridesmaids and groomsmen are coming in on Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion. My processional is You For Me - Johnny Gill and the recessional is This Will Be - Natalie Cole.
Advice for Megan: I have been a wedding planner for a lot of years. You just need to time the song and the walk so the song ends a few seconds after getting to the alter….it’s okay for the song to play a little while before your grand entrance.
I love the idea of non-traditional ceremony music. I have a few songs in mind, but I am worried about one thing. How do the guests know when to turn around and look at the bride as she walks in? Most people are used to hearing the bridal march song and use that as a cue, right?
Jan,
The officiant at my wedding announced “will everyone please rise for the entrance of the bride”, so there was no confusion. Good luck!
We’ll be playing The Proclaimers “Let’s Get Married” during our ceremony (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqc1VNm9ZrI) - without the annoying people talking over it that feature in this clip. It’s so upbeat and the words are brilliant and reflect us perfectly.
The only thing is we’re not sure where to play it. I don’t know if I’m brave enough to walk into it but if I don’t then the other opportunities to play the song will be after we’re married. One way we’ll get it in there.
I’m in the same boat as Megan. I’m walking down to Etta James “At Last” also. It’s not a very long song, but what I’m am going to ask the DJ that’s providing my music is if he can fade it out once I get up there. If not, just walk slow. Best wishes and good luck.
I think that non-traditional music is a great idea. I have been torn between wanting a slower instrumental such as “Wind beneath my wings” and the original Metallica ” Nothing else matters”. My fiance, however, wants something with more of a hip hop beat instrumental. Any suggestions? Something not too fast would be nice.
My maids are going to walk to a string version of Good Life by Kanye West, and I’m walking down to a string version of Venus in Furs by Velvet Underground. Both string versions are by Vitamin String Quartet.
Michael Buble! his voice and style is classical but at the same time his work is amazing with a modern flair to it.
My processional will be “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait, picked by my FI. Our recessional will be “For Once in My Life” by Stevie Wonder. Our mothers will be seated to the feather theme from Forrest Gump. But I’m completely stumped on what my MOH should walk in on. Our first dance will be “Home to You” by John Michael Montgomery. (we’re ALL OVER the place!)
I am getting married in a church so Hopefully they will let me do what I want, I want the bridesmaids to all come into the an instrumental version of “what a wonderful world” and I want to walk down the aisle to an instumental version of “over the rainbow” I am a huge fan of The Wizard of Oz and anyone who knows me will love it! We aren’t teling anyone we are doing this though I am hoping the church will let me use these songs cuz they are goign to be instrumental. We are having a hard time choosing the recessional though any ideas are VERY appreciated!!! Our first dance is going to be Don’t Worry Baby by the Beach Boys!
I have been having troube too, but I found the suggestion of “True Romance, You’re so Cool”. If you type that into youtube you can find it. It’s great music that went to a not so great movie! Very upbeat! Happy planning everyone!!
The verve’s bittersweet symphony is wonderful! I have been looking everywhere for the instrumental version!!
I will be walking down the isle to an acoustic version of “Everlong” by the Foo Fighters. We are still trying to decide what music for the processional “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica is high on the list though.
I am working with- “what a wonderful world“ for bridesmaids…. “at last“ for me, “come away with me“ for signing of the papers, and “when im 65“ for recessional …
Ok, so check this one out - Hanz Zimmer’s Essential Collection - you can listen to it on I tunes. Specifically, “You’re so cool”, from the True Romance soundtrack, and “Now We Are Free”, from Gladiator. GREAT instrumentals!!!
My fiance and I just found these and fell in love. We’ve decided on our atypical music now, and it feels so good… especially with only 3 weeks left!
We’re walking out to “Somewhere over the rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Since my fiance is from Hawaii, these three make the perfect trio!
We’re getting married on the beach & wanted some contemporary songs. We picked songs that most people will recognize, but all of them are covers…
(1) Prelude songs (while guests are sitting): Over the Rainbow (Hawaiian version), Fields of Gold (Eva Cassidy), God Only Knows (Joss Stone)
(2) Maids Processional: At Last (Eva Cassidy)
(3) Bride Processional: Bless the Broken Road (Instrumental)
(4) Recessional: Kiss the Girl (Colbie Caillat)(song from the Little Mermaid)
Yay! Recessional suggestions! My FI and I are really, really struggling to find a recessional we agree on. We’re totally going nontraditional with all our songs, and haven’t hit any snags up until this point. He’s going way extreme (As in “Play that Funky Music”), while I prefer something along the lines of “Oh Happy Day” a la Sister Act, or “Ain’t No Mountain.” I’ve been writing down ideas as I’ve read other posts, so I’m ready to go try some other songs!
So far my playlist is:
Preludes: A mixture of Jim Brickman, Kenny G, and Disney Fairytale Wedding songs. These will also be for the family walking in.
Bridesmaids: Theme from Romeo and Juliet or The Wedding Song (not decided yet) –Kenny G
My Processional: Can You Feel the Love Tonight — Jim Brickman
Giving of the Bride: I Loved Her First — Heartland
Unity Candle: The Gift of Love — my maid of honor is singing
Dedication of the Marriage: The Prayer — Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams
Recessional: ????
The FI and I both do dramatic sign language to songs in church, so we’re going to sign “When God Made You” to each other after our vows. We’re getting married in a church, but we get to choose whatever we want. Thank God no classical!
Groomsman/Groom entrance -can’t touch this- MC HAMMER/ ring of fire-johnny cash
Bridesmaid entrance-with a little help from my friends-beatles
THANKS Deborah (#48),
I was looking for the perfect non-traditional wedding ceremony song for my bridal walk for my 2nd marrige. You mentioned Johnny Gil’s “You for me” so I downloaded it and LOVE IT! I plan on using it. THANKS A TON! You helped me without even knowing it! Kat
Great suggestions, guys! Thanks for the ideas.
Arrival: I’m gunning for Vitamin String Quartet… Rock and Roll Wedding Collection… Fiance wants Sinartra… 
Prelude: “Prelude” by Bach (guitar version, Christopher Dunn)
Processional: “Just Like Heaven” (guitar instrumental)
Recessional: “Signed, Sealed, and Delivered” by Stevie Wonder
Cocktail hour: Funk!
I’m doing allllll Vitamin String Quartet for the reception—so excited about that.
Traditional hymns for prelude stuff to please grandmothers.
“Morning has broken” for processional
“You’re my Best Friend” by Queen for the recessional–great and sweet and happy.
I’ve been married for almost three years now but I am trying to help my baby cousin find some good ideas. I myself went with non-traditional music and am very happy that I did. I used Eva cassidy’s version of “Somewhere Over the rainbow” for me to walk down the aisle. It is beautiful and very different, if you have never heard it before def. give it a listen. The bridesmaids walked out to “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Both I really liked and wanted to share with you ladies as possibilities. The other songs I used have already been mentioned.
I love all the music you bees have selected and suggested. I haven’t started planning my ceremony just yet but I know that the church where we are getting married (this particular one is Episcopal, while I am Lutheran) might be strict on music.
Are you bees with contemporary music getting married in a church? If so, how do you get them on board with non-traditional music? Thanks!!
There are some great suggestions here and I was really stuck for a recessional song until a few minutes ago when i found this great song - right tempo to walk to, contemporary and cheerful! It’s by Aqualung - Brighter than Sunshine. We’re having the Cranberries Dreamin my dreams for me to walk down the ailse to and Ben Folds the luckiest during the register signing bit. What do you reckon?
If youre not into the traditional, classical route, I recommend checking out some recent (or somewhat recent) musical scores from movies. “The Notebook” is FULL of amazing piano pieces that would be wonderful for bridesmaid/bride entrances. Also, some other ones worth mentioning - August Rush, and The Romeo and Juliet Soundtrack… (the one with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Daines)
Oh, and P.S. Check out Dave Barnes - “On a Night like this” and “Until You” — AMAZING songs for a first dance!
My fiance and I have both been married before. We are having an evening wedding in a garden. The whole ceremony will be very short and fit our personlaities to a T! We have chosen to walk in to Eighteenth Floor Balcony by Blue October. Between vows and rings, we will play Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Then, we will walk out to 500 Miles by The Proclaimers….Well, that was the plan anyway. Until I read all of these great choices!
I’m so glad I found this blog. I haven’t had a chance to read all of the posts but I will.
I am a music nut and REFUSE to have traditional music at our wedding.
Fairtale by Enya is one I’m considering walking down the aisle to.
Another song I’m considering for the recessional is Clocks by Coldplay and Buena Vista Social Club. It’s fun, hip and my finace LOVES it.
I love the suggestions…time to read.
@stephinPA: oops, I spelled it wrong…supposed to be: fiance.
I was married last September and loved my music. The bridesmaids walked down to “You’re So Cool” by Hans Zimmer. I walked down to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by israel kamakawiwo’ole. and we finished the ceremony up with the instrumental version of “Bittersweet Symphony”. So many people commented on how much they loved the music. They appreciated it not being the same music they hear at every other wedding. But my favorite was the song we danced too…Peter Gabriel’s “Book of Love”. Such a great song! Just make sure you find music that moves you and represent who you and your husband are. To this day my husband and I still listen to those songs! Just make it your day and don’t worry one bit about what anyone else thinks!!
Best of luck everyone! Happy Marriages to you all!
My question for all of you who have been lucky enough to have non-traditional music, is did anyone have to deal with a traditional pastor/officiant who was basically against “secular” music? I have not found any traditional music that I like and I am almost 2 months away!! Does anyone have any suggestions? I’m getting married in a church, and the traditional music just doesn’t move me!!!
does anyone know where i can find the instrumental version for johnny gills youfor me, me for you? THANKSSSS
That’s a tough spot you are in autumnovia. I didn’t have to deal with a pastor of that type. I am a Christian that did have a religious ceremony, but with non-traditional music. The one thing I did have though was an outdoor wedding. In my opinion if you aren’t playing offensive music (offensive because you are in a church) then there shouldn’t be a problem. I know it’s a touchy situation, but remember it is your day. I know this sounds a bit harsh, but if you paying the pastor to conduct the ceremony I just don’t think it’s fair for him/her to tell you what music you have to use (ok, within reason b/c you are in a church).
If you try to push the issue and the pastor doesn’t change their mind…maybe you can find upbeat versions of traditional music. I saw on youtube and upbeat version of Pachelbel Canon…that might livin things up a little and put a little pep in your step but still stay within the traditional!
I really hope it works out for you!! Best of luck!
I am LOVING this discussion, I just got a lot of great ideas
Thanks!!!
Great choices! Another choice is look what youve done by jet without the lyrics though, I dont think the lyrics are appropriate for walking down the aisle :), but the music sounds very pretty
I was married in a church and used non-traditional Christian music. My bridesmaids walked to Beauty to Ashes and my processional was to Water of the Word. Both sung by my sister and another friend. It was very emotional and sweet. After reaching the alter, I sang Bethany Dillon’s “For My Love” to my groom which was a complete surprise decided on 30 minutes before the wedding!
I would also look at Tenth Avenue North “Beloved.” There are ways to have great music in a church; you just have to look a bit harder!
I’m having trouble finding ceremony music as well. I don’t want traditional wedding march songs.
So far:
Bride’s Processional: “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis (Instrumental)
Recessional: “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve (Instrumental)
I still need to find music for the Wedding Party Processional and the Prelude. I’m thinking “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton for WP Processional and then a mix of Coldplay and U2 for the Prelude???
Love this site - glad there are others out there who are non-traditional.
GROOM / BRIDAL PARTY - Somwhere over the Rainbow/ Wonderful World - ISRAEL K.
BRIDE - Don’t Stop Believin’ (remake by George Lammond) immediately followed by the Bridal March by Jonathan Cain (from Journey). Its a very cool/hip version. I found it on weddingwire.com
RECESSIONAL - Viva la Vida by Coldplay
When I play it out in my mind, it brings tears to my eyes.
2 months to go and I’ll be married. Yikes !
I just got married last weekend, and found this site so helpful as I worked out our music selections. We had a very small outdoor ceremony, so everything was on iPod.
Our prelude music was a selection of acoustic guitar covers - everything from “You’ve Got A Friend”, to “Bless the Broken Road”, and “Here Comes the Sun”. I found everything on iTunes. My bridesmaids and I walked down the aisle to the instrumental theme song from “The Princess Bride” - the song is “Once Upon A Time…Storybook Love”. Our exit song was “1,2,3,4″ by Plain White T’s - I love that song and it was upbeat and happy!
Best of luck to all those planning their special day! Don’t be afraid to include the personal touches - that’s what everyone said they loved about our wedding, and it’s what really made it our own!
We are having an outdoor ceremony in less than two weeks…I was thinking of walking out (recessional) to “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now”..by McFadden & Whitehead. I was a banquet hall bartender for years, and have seen the ‘traditional’ reception stuff done to death, so using a lot of unique songs for the other events.
We were just married last month on the bay at sunset and it was beautiful. A second marriage for us both so it had to be non traditional and reflect our true personalities and it did just that!
Music went as follows:
Van Morrison- Crazy Love and Someone Like You
Carlos Santana- Samba Pa Ti and the River
Van Halen- When its love
After the ceremony, I dropped my long silk skirt( I had white jeans underneath) and ran down to the street where my husband was waiting with my white helmet veil and we jumped on our Harley and rode off to the sounds of Little Feat playing Let it Roll!!!
It was really perfect in every way and I wouldnt have changed a moment!!
Congratulations to all of you and enjoy your day..MAKE IT YOURS!!!!
This discussion has been very helpful. I highly recommend Vitamin String Quartet if you want instramental versions ofcontemporary songs. I am getting married in May and while I am still trying to decide on some music, but I am pretty sure that I am having the bridal party walk in to the instrumental of “getting into you” by Reliant K. I am walking into the instramental version of “wild horses” by the rolling stones. Are first dance is to “swing life away” by Rise Against. I am considering using the instramental version of the same song as the recessional. One song I know I am using for the prelude is the acoustic version of “all around me” by Flyleaf. Also, I would love feedback regarding people’s thoughts on using “accidently in love” by counting crows. I like the upbeat nature of the song by have received some feedback that it’s not really a romantic song.
I was so glad to find this site… I’m having a spring outdoor wedding with a barn reception, no attendants, and did NOT want the traditional music.
Here’s the layout (I think, lol):
Prelude while the parents/grandparents are seated is Thank You by Keith Urban.
Groom’s song is Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top.
My song down the aisle will be Heavenly Day by Patty Griffin.
Reccessional will by Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder.
Hope it all works together!
Kristin -
I used accidentally in love by counting crows for our recessional and it was great. Other songs we used:
Mothers Processional - Vitamin String Quartet, Maybe I’m Amazed;
Bridesmaid Processional - Vitamin String Quartet, Crash;
Bride Processional - Jonathan Cain’s version of the Bridal March. At first, was very opposed to using the Bridal March but Jonathan Cain’s version is amazing.
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Miss Peppermint, LA/Palm Springs
Age and Occupation: 23, Actress
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Web Producer
Engagement Date: October 21, 2006
Wedding Date: December 2007
Blogging Since: July 2, 2007
Venue: historic estate overlooking the heart of Palm Springs
About Me: I am a Southern California native who enjoys cooking, writing, travel and all things in the arts. Mr. Peppermint and I met in college and he proposed on our four year anniversary in one of our most special places, Joshua Tree National Park. We're having a destination wedding in Palms Springs that will incorporate tradition as well as reflect our personalities!
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