Wedding ceremony reception Music Songs idea list First Dance

The Prelude

This is music that is played while guests congregate in the church and wait for the bride to arrive. The music sets the mood for the ceremony to come and should be positive and joyous. Unless you have particular music in mind, the organist will usually play a selection while your guests assemble. Popular music played during the prelude include

Canon in D by Pachelbel
Holsworthy Church Bells by Wesley
Voce Sapete by Mozart
Nimrod from Enigma Variations by Elgar
Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach
Greensleeves by Vaughan-Williams
Sheep May Safely Graze by Bach
Ava Maria by Schubert
Ave Maria by Gounod
The Swan by Saint Saens

The Processional
This is music played for the bride's arrival and the bridal party's procession down the aisle. One piece of music is chosen, which should be stately and regal and last the duration of the bridal party's journey to the groom at the altar.
Wedding March from Lohengrin (aka Here Comes The Bride) by Wagner

Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by Handel
Trumpet Voluntary (Prince of Denmark's March) by Clarke
Grand March from Aida by Verdi
Trumpet Voluntary by Stanley
Trumpet Minuet by Hollins
Trumpet Tune by Purcell
Trumpet Tune by Charpentier
I Was Glad by Parry
Hornpipe from the Water Music by Handel
The Rejoicing from Music for the Royal Fireworks by Handel
Morning from Peer Gynt by Grieg
Spring from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi
Winter from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi

The Signing of the Register
During the time spent in the registry, the organist will be willing to play any suitable music of your choice.

More Wedding Music Ideas

Ave Maria by Gounod
Air on the G String by Bach
Sheep May Safely Graze by Bach
Canon in D by Pachelbel
Ave Verum Corpus by Mozart
Flower Duet from Lakmé by Delibes
Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach
Exultate Jubilate by Mozart
Three Clock Pieces by Haydn
Clair De Lune by Debussy
Air from the Water Music by Handel
The Lord Bless You And Keep You by Rutter
Ave Verum Corpus by Mozart

The Recessional
As you leave the registry and walk arm-in-arm down the aisle as husband and wife, you will want the organ to bellow out music that is triumphant, joyful and celebratory. Wedding March from a Midsummer

Night's Dream by Mendelssohn
Toccata from Symphony No 5 by Widor
Trumpet Voluntary (Prince of Denmark's March) by Clarke
Overture from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart
Pomp and Circumstance March No 4 by Elgar
The Rejoicing from Music for the Royal Fireworks by Handel
Bridal March by Hollins
Hornpipe from the Water Music by Handel
Carillion De Westminster by Vierne

Popular Wedding Songs & Music Ideas