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Song ideas to round off your wedding ceremony in style
Once you've finally tied the knot with the love of your life in front of all your nearest and dearest, it's time to play the perfect exit music for your return journey up the aisle - and to narrow down your search, we've put together our list of over 100 of the best wedding recessional songs.
Why are recessional songs so important?
As important as wedding processional songs are for marking that moment the bride and groom first lay eyes on one another in all their finery, your recessional song will be the soundtrack to you taking your first steps as a newlywed couple. Whether you're looking for pop songs, rock songs, love songs or party songs, it's important that you find a recessional song that really means something to you both.
Use this list of wedding songs to find the perfect music to take your new husband or wife by the hand to, as you head back up the aisle to your beautiful new future together.
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Modern Recessional Songs
We all love a good dance song at weddings - so why wait until your wedding reception to get your guests bopping in their seats? These chart-toppers all feature either hooky-as-heck choruses, irresistible beats or a winning combination of the two - the perfect way to get your wedding party started in style whilst showing everyone you're crazy in love:
Run - Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version)Play
Smiling All The Way Back Home - Tom OdellPlay
Quietly Yours - BirdyPlay
Nervous - John LegendPlay
Adore You - Harry StylesPlay
Best Day Of My Life - American AuthorsPlay
Sky Full Of Stars - ColdplayPlay
Grow Old With Me - Tom OdellPlay
Happy - Pharrell WilliamsPlay
Came Here For Love - Sigala, Ella EyrePlay
Firework - Katy PerryPlay
Perfect - Ed SheeranPlay
Treasure - Bruno MarsPlay
Love Story - Taylor SwiftPlay
Classical Recessional Songs
If you're planning a traditional white wedding, it stands to reason that you'd want to walk back down the aisle to a classical recessional song or piece of music which has stood the test of time - as we're sure you as a couple will too! Here are some of our favourite choices for classical recessional songs which will give your ceremony a real sense of occasion:
Ode To Joy - BeethovenPlay
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Posthorn-Serenade - MozartPlay
Hallelujah Chorus - George F. HandelPlay
Spring - VivaldiPlay
Exultate Jubilate - MozartPlay
Waltz Of The Flowers (Nutcracker) - TchaikovskyPlay
- Andante From Divertimento No.1 - Mozart(Video) ▶️ Top 10 Wedding Bride and Groom Exit Songs | The Best Wedding Songs
Play
Gigue From Suite 3. In D Major - J.S. BachPlay
La Rejouissance - HandelPlay
Toccata In D Minor - WidorPlay
Indie
Are you a cool and edgy bride and groom who want to make sure every wedding song choice passes the hipness test? Look no further than our best ceremony exit songs from the indie genre - show your love for one another whilst retaining your street cred:
Dog Days Are Over - Florence & The MachinePlay
One Day Like This - ElbowPlay
Paradise - George EzraPlay
- True Love Way - Kings Of LeonSee Also65 Songs to Play Before Your Wedding Ceremony StartsHow Long Should Your Wedding Processional Song Be? (Guide)
Play
Rooting For You - London GrammarPlay
Electric Feel - MGMTPlay
Still Together - Mac DeMarcoPlay
Don’t Delete The Kisses - Wolf AlicePlay
Cornerstone - Arctic MonkeysPlay
Walking On A Dream - Empire Of The SunPlay
Read More: Top 100 Indie Wedding Playlist Songs
Rock
Looking for some music with a little more impact to shake everyone up after you've exchanged vows with your partner? Scroll through these head-banging rock recessional songs on this wedding playlist for some music to make you strut back up the aisle as your guests prepare to put the 'party' in 'wedding party':
Running Up That Hill - Kate BushPlay
Wait For Me - The AmazonsPlay
You’re The One - Black KeysPlay
Beautiful Day - U2Play
Crazy Little Thing Called Love - QueenPlay
Accidentally In Love - Counting CrowsPlay
On Top Of The World - Imagine DragonsPlay
I Believe In A Thing Called Love - The DarknessPlay
Livin’ On A Prayer - Bon JoviPlay
Heaven - Bryan AdamsPlay
The Middle - Jimmy Eat WorldPlay
Thunderstruck - AC/DCPlay
Forever - StratovariusPlay
Recessional songs for the one you love
Acoustic
The gentle tenderness of acoustic wedding music will make you never want to let go of your partner's hand again! If you have a rustic or DIY style wedding in mind, then the best recessional songs for you would come from a predominantly acoustic genre such as folk - or you could ask your wedding DJ for an acoustic cover version of a popular song, giving it that warm, intimate edge:
Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles (Acoustic Cover)Play
(Video) TOP 10 Songs For Walking Down The Aisle | BEST MODERN WEDDING ENTRANCE MUSIC 2021
This Love - Maroon 5Play
Little Bit Of Love - Tom GrennanPlay
Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra (Acoustic Cover)Play
Dancing In The Moonlight - ToploaderPlay
Today Was A Fairytale - Taylor SwiftPlay
Shotgun - George EzraPlay
Sweet Creature - Harry StylesPlay
Never Going Back Again - Fleetwood MacPlay
My Sweet Lord - George HarrisonPlay
Read More: 100+ Best Acoustic Wedding Songs
Country & Western
Some of the greatest love songs of all time come from the Country & Western genre, which makes each song on this playlist a prime candidate for a wedding recessional song. No one in attendance at your ceremony will be able to resist the toe-tapping rhythms - your first steps as newlyweds will have an undeniable spring in them:
The Rest Of Our Life - Faith Hill & Tim McGrawPlay
Unforgettable - Thomas RhettPlay
Millionaire - Chris StapletonPlay
Good As You - Kane BrownPlay
The Bones - Maren MorrisPlay
You Look So Good In Love - George StraitPlay
How Many Love Songs - The ShiresPlay
For Ever & Ever, Amen - Randy TravisPlay
Cowboy Take Me Away - Dixie ChicksPlay
Simple - Florida Georgia LinePlay
Romantic Wedding Songs
Let's face it - there are few things in this life more romantic than a love song, and there are few occasions more romantic than your wedding day, so this is a match made in heaven for you newlyweds! The lovelorn lyrics and soaring choruses on this list of wedding songs will help set that cosy, candlelit tone you've been searching for to make your dreams of a romantic stroll up the aisle come true:
Save The Last Dance For Me - Michael BublePlay
I Got You Babe - Sonny & CherPlay
My Baby Just Cares For Me - Nina SimonePlay
Greatest Day - Take ThatPlay
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin GayePlay
Love Is All Around - Wet Wet WetPlay
Woman - John LennonPlay
Maybe I’m Amazed - Paul McCartneyPlay
Conversations In The Dark - John LegendPlay
(Video) I Choose You {The Wedding Song} // Ryann Darling Original // On iTunes & Spotify
Endless Love - Lionel Richie & Diana RossPlay
Wedding exit songs to give everyone a good time
Unique
Nothing says 'I choose you' quite like a unique wedding recessional song - it's almost like a private joke between you and your love, only this time your friends and family are being allowed in on it! Give your wedding guests a glimpse into your world after you tie the knot with one of these surprising yet sweet wedding songs from our selection:
The Universal - BlurPlay
Cause I’m A Man - Tame ImpalaPlay
I Still Believe In You - FlytePlay
Outro - M83Play
Elephant Gun - BeirutPlay
Soulful Strut - Young-Holt UnlimitedPlay
Starlings - ElbowPlay
Still D.R.E. - Dr. Dre, Snoog DogPlay
Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You) - Bombay Bicycle ClubPlay
Carry You - The Teskey BrothersPlay
T.V. & Film
If you're a couple whose love story is something straight out of the Notebook or Love Actually, you'll want a ceremony exit song that'll make your walk up the aisle suitably cinematic. While the end credits may be rolling over your single lives, a wedding recessional song from our T.V. and film song list will show your friends and family that your story as a bride and groom is only just beginning:
Hakuna Matata - Lion KingPlay
We Go Together - John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John (Greece)Play
Jurassic Park Theme - John WilliamsPlay
Married Life - Michael Giacchino (UP!)Play
Mr Blue Sky - ELO (Guardians Of The Galaxy)Play
Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey (The Wedding Singer)Play
A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes - CinderellaPlay
Anyone Else But You - The Moldy Peaches (Juno)Play
City Of Stars - Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone (La La Land)Play
The Bear Necessities - The Jungle BookPlay
Golden Oldies
Everybody attending your ceremony will recognise these timeless wedding recessional songs, so you're bound to get a good response from your guests. Starting a new chapter at any stage in your life is bound to make you feel nostalgic - and these wedding songs from days gone by will capture that feeling perfectly as you walk back up the aisle:
All My Loving - The BeatlesPlay
Come Fly With Me - Frank SinatraPlay
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) - Stevie WonderPlay
This Will Be (An Ever Lasting Love) - Natalie ColePlay
Higher & Higher - Jackie WilsonPlay
Lovely Day - Bill WithersPlay
Happy Together - The TurtlesPlay
(Video) TEN BEAUTIFUL WEDDING SONGS for walking down the aisle | Bride Entrance (Piano & Strings)
You & Me - The WannadiesPlay
Good Vibrations - The Beach BoysPlay
Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & The WavesPlay
Funny Wedding Songs
Who says the best wedding recessional songs have to be serious? The only thing that matters is that everyone you've invited to your wedding has a seriously good time! Give your guests the gift of laughter after the emotional high point of saying 'I do' and show off your fun side as a couple with these funny wedding songs:
Love On Top - BeyoncePlay
We Are Family - Sister SledgePlay
Bye, Bye, Bye - NSYNCPlay
I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do - ABBAPlay
Oh Happy Days - Edwin Hawkins SingersPlay
Yellow Submarine - The BeatlesPlay
Someone You Loved - Lewis CapaldiPlay
You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DCPlay
Escape (The Piña Colada Song) - Rupert HolmesPlay
Get Lucky - Daft PunkPlay
We hope these playlists of the best wedding recessional songs help give you some ideas of how to round off your wedding ceremony and get your guests in the mood for the fun that awaits them at your reception - and we also wish you, the happy couple, all the best for the big day ahead!
If you're looking for more wedding song ideas, check out our list of first dance songs and father and daughter songs.
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FAQs
100+ Wedding Recessional Songs to Exit The Ceremony? ›
Mendelssohn's “Wedding March” and Beethoven's “Ode to Joy” are traditional wedding recessional songs, but you don't have to follow tradition on this one. We've gathered a list of both classic and surprising recessional wedding songs to spark your imagination with a few behind-the-scenes factoids.
What is the traditional exit song for the bride and groom? ›Mendelssohn's “Wedding March” and Beethoven's “Ode to Joy” are traditional wedding recessional songs, but you don't have to follow tradition on this one. We've gathered a list of both classic and surprising recessional wedding songs to spark your imagination with a few behind-the-scenes factoids.
What is a wedding exit song called? ›Wedding recessional songs are what are playing in the background as you exit your ceremony as a newly married couple. It's the song that will send you off while your loved ones are cheering, throwing rice or flower petals, or waving sparklers.
How many songs do you need to pick out for a wedding? ›How Many Songs Should You Pick? A good rule of thumb is 15 songs per hour. A typical wedding reception will see about 3 hours of dancing after dinner and all the formalities are over. That is just 45 songs.
How do you pull out of a last minute wedding? ›Let the couple know as soon as you can
Note that couples typically need to give a final guest count to the caterer a week or so before the nuptials, so if you back out at the last minute, they'll likely have to pay for your plate anyway. “As soon as you find out you have a conflict — and it better be a legitimate one!
Most wedding pronouncements end with the line, “You may now kiss the bride!” If that gives you the icks (and we totally get why it might), you don't have to include it. You can remove the line altogether or change it to: You may seal your promise/union/marriage with a kiss.
How long should wedding exit song be? ›The length of this uplifting or inspirational music piece should be the same as that for other interlude songs - two or three minutes. 14) Exit of the Bridal Party: The upbeat, celebratory music of the recessional should last as long as it takes for your bridal party and guests to leave the ceremony area.
What is the traditional wedding recessional? ›The recessional is the piece of music played as the newly married couple and their attendants walk back down the aisle at the end of the ceremony. This is generally an upbeat piece of music and often couples will choose 'their song' or a song that they feel sums up their relationship.
Does the groom get a walk out song? ›Ultimately, a groom will get the spotlight with a processional song as he strolls down the aisle.
What do you call the last line of song as the closing? ›An outro is the section that ends a song. Therefore, an outro can be considered the opposite of an intro, the section that begins a song. Although the song outro can contain elements that were introduced earlier in the song, it is a part of the song that is not repeated, unlike the chorus and the verse.
What is a closing song? ›
In music, the conclusion is the ending of a composition and may take the form of a coda or outro.
How many recessional songs do I need? ›Most civil ceremonies will have: One song during the processional (walk down the aisle / bridal entrance) Three songs during the signing of the register. One song during the recessional (exit of the married couple)
Do you need 2 processional songs? ›The number of processional songs you'll need depends on a few factors including the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. Usually people choose two processional songs—one for the family and wedding party, and then a more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional.
Does the bride walk down to a different song? ›Wedding music commences, either a separate song for the Bridesmaids to enter and a different song for the Bride. Alternatively, the entire wedding party can use just one song.
What do most brides forget? ›- Updating passports in time for the honeymoon.
- Veil or special jewelry.
- Vendor meals.
- Wearing a robe or button down shirt for hair and makeup.
- Wedding day emergency kit.
- Writing a “thank you” speech for the reception.
- To relax and fully enjoy the day!
Keep in mind that you have your groom, your parents, and your bestie, so you're all set. While you're still planning for your wedding, the expected wedding guest drop out rate is 20% to 25%, so accommodate for that in the beginning. If you are reading this as a guest, don't forget to reply to wedding invitation.
How many people cancel last minute wedding? ›"Couples should be prepared to pay for last-minute cancellations as venues and caterers normally ask for a final guest count at least a week in advance." Anticipate around 4-5 guests having to cancel last-minute.
Who goes first in wedding recessional? ›The bride and groom are the first to exit during the recessional. They are then followed by the flower girl and the ring bearer. The maid of honor and best man will then make their way down the aisle, followed by the remaining bridesmaids and groomsmen. The bride and groom's parents will then exit.
What is a grand exit wedding? ›What is a Wedding Grand Exit? A wedding grand exit can range from a simple coordinated farewell, or a full blown send off at the very end of the Reception. It's usually the last line item in the Time Line. The main idea is for wedding guests to gather as the bride and groom leave the party in a special or symbolic way.
What can I say instead of I now pronounce you husband and wife? ›Alternatives include, 'I pronounce you a married couple' or 'partners for life' or 'husbands together' or 'wife and wife. ' “Each couple knows what they want and it's up to the officiant to honor that,” Rev. Renteria says.
Should the last song at a wedding be slow or fast? ›
If you want a private last dance with just your partner, choose a slow song to create an intimate moment and re-focus the attention on you, the couple. If you'd rather go out with a bang, especially if you're having an after-party, pick a high-energy tune for all your guests to enjoy.
When should I start recessional song? ›A quick Wedding Ceremony 101 lesson… the recessional is when the bridal party exits at the conclusion of the wedding ceremony. So the recessional song will generally begin right as the bride and groom are introduced by the officiant as “Mr. & Mrs.” to the guests.
How much silence should be at the end of a song? ›I've generally done 0.5 seconds at the beginning and 1.5-2 seconds at the end when I've done my own mastering. The gaps at the end dictate how long it will before the next track plays, which is a creative decision and will vary from song to song on an album.
Who walks out first in recessional? ›Wedding Recessional Order at Jewish Ceremonies
At the conclusion of a Jewish ceremony, the newlyweds exit first. They are followed by: The bride's parents. The groom's parents.
Your recessional song should be one that's up-tempo, happy, and primed to get the party started. After all, you've just tied the knot. Pick a song that will make you want to dance down the aisle, and will have your guests singing along. Go for a surprise here, too.
What is formal exit after wedding ceremony? ›A formal exit takes place immediately following the reception. Traditionally, after the last song is played, guests usher the bride & groom off to their getaway car and send them off on their honeymoon.
Who does the groom dance with after the first dance? ›The groom dances with his mother, and then the groom's parents dance together. The dance floor then opens up to the bridesmaids and groomsmen. At many weddings, each groomsman dances with the bride, and the bridesmaids take turns dancing with the groom. After that, it's a free-for-all.
Who does the groom normally walk with? ›The Groom: The groom proceeds to walk down the aisle accompanied by their parents, with his father on the left and his mother on the right. The Bridesmaids: The bridesmaids then proceed in pairs, starting with those standing farthest from the bride. The Maid or Matron of Honor: The bride's right-hand woman walks alone.
Is the groom supposed to watch the bride walk down the aisle? ›The tradition that the groom should not look back up the aisle is an extension of not seeing each other before the day. By not seeing the bride at all until she reached the altar, he had no time to leave the building.
What is the first line of a song called? ›Intro. This is an easy one – it is found at the beginning and sets up the song, establishing many of the song's important elements, such as the key, tempo, rhythmic feel and even its energy and attitude. You will find that the intro is often the same music without singing over it as the verse or even the chorus.
What is an example of an outro in music? ›
Four great examples of outros in famous pop songs, are Journey's "Faithfully", Prince's "Purple Rain", Coldplay's "Adventure Of A Lifetime" and The Beatles' "Hey Jude". In "Faithfully" and "Purple Rain", the outro is based around the verse of the song.
What is it called when a song slows down at the end? ›Ritardando - slowing down, holding back.
Can you end a song with a verse? ›Although sometimes Songwriters repeat a verse for artistic effect near the end of the song, most often, verse lyrics are different each time while the melodies stay the same. Verses are the prelude to the chorus.
What is the bar at the end of a song called? ›Types of bar lines
Note that double bar refers not to a type of bar (i.e., measure), but to a type of bar line. Another term for the bar line denoting the end of a piece of music is music end. Typically, a double bar is used when followed by a new key signature, whether or not it marks the beginning of a new section.
Postlude refers to the closing piece of music that is usually played at the end of a performance, meeting, or church service.
What is a good dance it out song? ›- 'Like a Prayer' by Madonna. ...
- '1999' by Prince. ...
- 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)' by Beyoncé ...
- 'Gonna Make You Sweat' by C+C Music Factory. ...
- 'Call Me Maybe' by Carly Rae Jepsen. ...
- 'Hey Ya!' by OutKast. ...
- 'Poison' by Bell Biv DeVoe. ...
- 'Rock with You' by Michael Jackson.
- HandClap by Fitz and The Tantrums.
- Another One Bites the Dust by Queen.
- Let Me Clear my Throat by DJ Kool.
- Old Town Road by Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus.
- You're My Best Friend by Queen.
- Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N' Roses.
- The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson.
At a wedding reception, the Grand Entrance (also known as a Grand March) is one of the highest energy parts of the event. The song that you walk in to helps set the tone for the evening, so think of fun, upbeat songs.
Should recessional songs be upbeat? ›The songs playing during your processional may perhaps be a classical number, something slow and emotional. So your recessional song should be an upbeat tune that gets everyone moving. It's the best way to walk back down the aisle, we think.
Do you need a recessional song? ›Why are recessional songs so important? As important as wedding processional songs are for marking that moment the bride and groom first lay eyes on one another in all their finery, your recessional song will be the soundtrack to you taking your first steps as a newlywed couple.
How many songs can you release as a single? ›
Your music will be classified as a single if: The release is under 30 minutes. The release has three or fewer tracks.
Who goes first in processional? ›From walking down the aisle first to last, the traditional order is: Mother of Bride, Mother of Groom, Grandparents of Bride, Grandparents of Groom, Groom, Officiant, the Wedding Party, Maid of Honor and Best Man, Ring Bearer, Flower Girl and lastly the Bride and her Father.
How many slow songs should be played at a wedding? ›Something to keep in mind is that too many slow songs can bring down the mood of a wedding reception. A good rule of thumb is to have one slow song for every five fast songs. Guests typically need a rest from dancing after about 20-30 minutes, which equals about five fast songs.
Can you walk down the aisle to the same song as first dance? ›Well, let's start things off with wedding songs to walk down the aisle to. You can use the same one for the first dance or use separate tracks to make the bride's entrance more dramatic.
Does the maid of honor walk first or last? ›After those people take their places, the best man and the groomsmen traditionally walk down the aisle, in order to protect the groom from evil spirits or attackers. Then the bridesmaids make their way down the aisle, followed by the maid of honor.
What is the song called when the bride and groom leave? ›Wedding recessional songs, better known as wedding exit songs, are played as the couple walk back down the aisle as newlyweds and the guests clap wildly. Happy, celebratory and bursting with love, your wedding recessional song should reflect the excitement you're feeling inside.
Who seats the mother of the groom? ›5 minutes prior to ceremony: The groom's mother is escorted to her seat by the head usher, a son, or the groom. The groom's father follows and sits next to her. The wedding processional follows. Read more about the wedding processional order here.
How does the wedding party exit? ›Typically, the wedding party will exit in pairs even if they enter separately, followed by the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer and then the parents and grandparents. It's important to make sure that each couple that exits the ceremony leaves enough room between themselves and the couple in front of them.
What is the best song for wedding entrance? ›- Canon in D - Pachelbel. Play.
- At Last - Etta James. Play.
- Songbird - Fleetwood Mac. Play.
- Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles. Play.
- A Thousand Years - Christina Perri. Play.
- Somwhere Over The Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'Ole. Play.
- Make You Feel My Love - Adele. Play.
- Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder.
The average song is 3 minutes long. It can take 20 seconds for a couple to prepare and get from the entrance to their seats or the dance floor. As you increase the number of introductions, add on another song.
Who are the last to leave a wedding? ›
The last person to leave is usually close family or friends who have been allocated to take gifts and any leftover items home with them.
Who walks out during the recessional? ›The maid of honor and the best man. The bridesmaids and groomsmen. Immediate family, usually led by the parents of the bride and groom. Officiant.
What do people do at the end of the wedding? ›After your officiant pronounces you wed, you and your wedding party will recede down the aisle in a custom (unsurprisingly) called the recessional. At this time, you will take your first steps as newlyweds and symbolically mark the beginning of your lifelong journey together.
Does the groom walk out to music? ›The groom, followed by his groomsmen, can walk down the aisle to a song that's just for them. The groom, followed by his groomsmen, can come in from stage left (the guests right) and get into place to a song just for the guys.
Who walks the mother of the bride down the aisle? ›The mother of the bride is traditionally escorted by her son if she has one. Otherwise, any close male relative, the best man, or a groomsman walks with the mother of the bride during the procession.
Who walks down the aisle and in what order? ›From walking down the aisle first to last, the traditional order is: Mother of Bride, Mother of Groom, Grandparents of Bride, Grandparents of Groom, Groom, Officiant, the Wedding Party, Maid of Honor and Best Man, Ring Bearer, Flower Girl and lastly the Bride and her Father.