Happy Wedding Songs

Isn’t it amazing how when someone asks you to think of a song you like, your mind goes blank? (I often experience something similar because I have quite a lot of diet limitations; people ask “so what do you eat in that case!?” And I can never think of a single thing in response. I assure you I do eat though!)

So it’s only natural that many people struggle when asked what songs they’d like for their ceremony – and, in particular, which song to walk down the aisle to. Because you will always remember the music sung at your ceremony, it can feel like a rather momentous decision, so I think people put themselves under pressure with this as well. Let’s see if we can help.

Well, if you’ve chosen something a little different such as The Gospel Project – and not, for example, a church organist –  you probably have something celebratory in mind. So here’s the thing we’re asked about the most; what kind of upbeat songs are allowed in a church? Of course, if yours is a Humanist, Spiritual or Civil ceremony, then you needn’t worry about this; you’re free to have upbeat music right through the ceremony. If yours is a church ceremony then there are some rules to be followed, but don’t assume that hymns are the only option. Yes, there are particular points in the Catholic ceremony, notably the Offertory and Communion, where the music must be liturgical – our recent post on this topic might be helpful to you as well – but at others, such as the Entrance, Signing of the Register, and the Exit, most celebrants will allow more flexibility. To give an idea, all of the songs below are ones we’ve sung in churches before, with no objections from the priest.

We often sing this one as the bride walks down the aisle. Nothing sets the tone for a happy day like having your gospel ensemble sing, well, Oh Happy Day!

Or how about Ashford + Simpson’s You’re All I Need to Get By? It’s a very good tempo to walk to, it has energy but it’s not too fast –

If you like The Beatles (and who doesn’t?!), either of these great tunes should appeal to you –

This one, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, is one of my personal favourites for the signing of the register. It always seems to get guests smiling.

Elbow’s One Day Like This is another fantastic choice for the Signing of the Register:

You’ve said ‘I do’,  signed the register and all that remains is to get the party underway. Some suggestions for the final song of your ceremony –

You can’t go wrong with Jackie Wilson’s Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher. Instant hand-clapping guaranteed.  

These are just some of the great songs available to you for your celebration, but don’t forget we can learn almost* any song especially for your wedding, so if you have special requests, don’t be afraid to ask. We’re here to make your day really special.

Cathy

*Realistically, if it’s Black Sabbath you want, we may not be the right group 🙂