Choosing the right music is essential for setting the tone of your wedding ceremony. As a Cantor with years of experience guiding couples, I understand the importance of music that resonates with you and your partner while honoring the significance of your special day. Whether you envision a traditional Jewish ceremony or a more contemporary celebration, selecting the perfect Wedding Wedding Songs for your procession and recession is a key element in creating a memorable and meaningful experience. This guide explores a variety of musical options, from classic Jewish melodies to modern love songs, to help you find the ideal soundtrack for your walk down the aisle.
Couple in Spotlight
Many couples focus heavily on reception music, but the ceremony music deserves equal attention. It’s the soundtrack to your vows, your first steps as a married couple, and the emotional heart of your wedding day. Often, couples I work with have already chosen their processional and recessional music by the time we connect. While I’m happy to offer advice at any stage, the earlier you consider your ceremony music, the more personalized and impactful it can be. If you’re just beginning to explore wedding wedding songs for your ceremony, let me offer some insights and ideas to spark your creativity and add an extra layer of romance and beauty to your celebration.
Processional Wedding Songs: Setting the Stage
Before the ceremony officially begins, “milling around” music creates a welcoming atmosphere as guests arrive. While this prelude music can hint at the ceremony’s tone, most guests aren’t yet fully focused. However, the moment the processional begins – the cue for everyone to take their places – attention sharpens. Keep in mind that the processional, even with a large wedding party, moves swiftly. You’ll likely only have time for one song to accompany the wedding party before the entrance of the bride or groom. Here are some suggestions for processional wedding songs, suitable in both instrumental and vocal arrangements:
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Erev Shel Shoshanim (Evening of Roses): This beloved Israeli folk song is a staple at Jewish weddings. Its romantic melody and evocative lyrics, translating to “Evening of Roses,” make it a timeless choice, especially for sunset or evening ceremonies. Its familiarity and beauty ensure it resonates with guests of all ages.
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Dodi Li (My Beloved is Mine): Inspired by the Song of Songs, this text, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved’s is mine,” is inherently romantic and perfect for a wedding. Cantor Steven Sher’s contemporary setting of Dodi Li brings a fresh yet reverent feel to this ancient text, making it a meaningful and beautiful processional option.
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Scalerica De Oro (Little Golden Stairs): For couples with Sephardic heritage or those seeking a unique and culturally rich processional song, Scalerica De Oro is an enchanting choice. This Sephardic folk song in Ladino, a blend of Middle-Spanish and Hebrew, offers a delightful alternative. The lyrics, wishing the couple joy and prosperity, add a heartfelt blessing to the ceremony.
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Kumi Lakh (Arise, My Love): Another gem from the Song of Songs, Kumi Lakh, meaning “Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away,” speaks of new beginnings and leaving the past behind. Michael Isaacson’s musical setting beautifully complements these words, creating a processional song that is both uplifting and deeply romantic.
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Anah Dodi (I am my Beloved’s): This is yet another beautiful option drawn from the Song of Songs. Anah Dodi offers a more classical and traditional feel. Its timeless message of love and devotion makes it a fitting choice for the processional, emphasizing the sacred bond being formed.
These suggestions provide a starting point for incorporating specifically Jewish wedding wedding songs into your ceremony. However, don’t hesitate to explore “Jew-ish” or even secular options. The key is to choose music that reflects your personalities and the tone you want to set for your wedding. While your ceremony should be joyful, it should also retain a sense of solemnity befitting the momentous occasion. Therefore, it’s generally best to avoid novelty or overly whimsical songs that might detract from the ceremony’s gravity.
Entrance of the Bride (or Groom, or Honored Individuals) Wedding Songs
The entrance of the bride, or groom, or any honored individuals, marks a particularly special moment in the ceremony. Whether you’re following the traditional bride’s entrance or creating a unique approach as a couple, this is an opportunity to incorporate a second meaningful song into your processional. This song can be deeply personal – perhaps a melody from your childhood, a song that defined your early relationship, or something sentimentally significant to you both. Consider having this song sung, rather than just played instrumentally, to add an extra layer of emotion. We can discuss options together to find music that perfectly complements the mood and significance of this moment.
Circling Ceremony Wedding Songs
If you choose to include the circling ceremony, a beautiful Jewish wedding tradition, you’ll have the opportunity for a third song within your ceremony. For the circling, you might consider revisiting one of the processional songs listed above. The circling ceremony often carries a more traditional Jewish feeling, so a familiar and thematically appropriate song from the processional list can work seamlessly here.
Recessional Wedding Songs: Celebrating Your Union
The recessional music serves as an exuberant release of emotion and joy at the culmination of your ceremony. Following the vows, the kiss, and the breaking of the glass, the recessional song should be celebratory and uplifting. Here are some recessional wedding songs ideas:
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Siman Tov Mazal Tov (Good Sign, Good Luck): This quintessential Ashkenazi Jewish folk song is a classic recessional choice for many. “Siman Tov” translates to “good sign,” and “Mazal Tov” means “good luck” or “congratulations.” The song’s upbeat tempo and celebratory lyrics perfectly capture the joyous spirit of the moment, announcing to everyone that you are married!
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(Khassen Kaleh) Mazal Tov (Congratulations to the Bride and Groom): Closely related in popularity to Siman Tov, (Khassen Kaleh) Mazal Tov is another traditional Yiddish song ideal for a recessional. Khassen means “groom” and Kaleh means “bride.” This lively klezmer tune is infectious and fun, ensuring your exit is filled with celebratory energy.
Modern Wedding Song Ideas
Perhaps traditional Jewish music isn’t your primary influence, or you simply prefer a more contemporary sound. Over the years, I’ve encountered countless romantic songs used in wedding ceremonies. While trends come and go (like the popularity of the “Ice Castles” theme song in the 1980s!), the best wedding wedding songs are timeless and meaningful to you. You’re not limited to generic “top 100 wedding songs” lists. It’s about choosing music that feels authentic and appropriate for your celebration. Here are some modern song suggestions for processionals or recessionals that can enhance your Big Day:
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Canon in D (Pachelbel): Often jokingly called the “Taco Bell Canon” due to its ubiquity, Canon in D is undeniably a classic. Its recognizable and elegant melody makes it a popular choice, though it might be considered slightly overused by some.
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At Last (Etta James): A timeless classic, At Last is a soulful and deeply romantic choice, perfect for expressing the joy of finding lasting love.
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Can’t Help Falling in Love with You (Elvis Presley): The King of Rock and Roll delivers a tender and iconic love song that remains a favorite for weddings.
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That’s the Way of the World (Earth, Wind & Fire): For a groovy, 70s vibe, this song’s lyrics about “hearts of fire” and “love’s desire” bring a warm and soulful energy to your ceremony.
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In My Life (The Beatles): A poignant and reflective love song, In My Life beautifully captures the depth and significance of lifelong commitment.
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Grow Old With You (Adam Sandler): From “The Wedding Singer,” this song balances humor with genuine sentimentality, making it a charming and relatable option.
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All of Me (John Legend): A modern wedding staple, All of Me is heartfelt, romantic, and universally appealing.
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Something (The Beatles): Frank Sinatra famously called Something the greatest love song ever written, and its enduring popularity speaks for itself.
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All You Need is Love (The Beatles): Inspired by the movie “Love Actually,” All You Need is Love is an upbeat and joyful anthem celebrating the power of love.
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Perfect (Ed Sheeran): A contemporary favorite, Perfect is a beautifully written and romantic song that resonates with modern couples.
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Maybe I’m Amazed (Paul McCartney): This song, expressing awe and wonder within a relationship, works wonderfully as a recessional, conveying the exhilaration of starting your married life.
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How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) (James Taylor): An undeniably feel-good song, How Sweet It Is is perfect for a recessional, first dance, or any moment you want to infuse with pure joy.
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For Once in My Life (Stevie Wonder): Stevie Wonder’s songwriting genius shines in this celebratory and uplifting song, ideal for a joyful recessional.
A Wedding Song to Avoid
While there are countless wonderful wedding wedding songs, there’s one in particular I strongly advise against: Treulich gefuhrt ziehet dahin. You might recognize it better as the “Wedding March” or “Here Comes the Bride” from Wagner’s opera “Lohengrin.” The issue? Richard Wagner was a notorious anti-Semite. Even if you and your partner are unaware of this association, some of your guests likely will be. With so many beautiful and appropriate alternatives, there’s simply no need to include a song with such problematic associations.
Explore the Wedding Songs Playlist
To help you further in your search for the perfect wedding wedding songs, I’ve created a Spotify playlist featuring many of the songs mentioned above. Click below to listen and get inspired! If you have any suggestions to add, Jewish or otherwise, please email me – I’d love to include them!
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If you’re looking for more personalized guidance in choosing your wedding ceremony music or for a Cantor to officiate your wedding, please reach out. I’m here to help you create a ceremony that is both meaningful and musically beautiful.
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