Advice for the Stumped Bride: Wedding Music Made Easy
Choosing wedding ceremony music can feel overwhelming - but it doesn’t have to be! Check out my curated timeless choices for processional, recessional, and prelude suggestions
For the Bride Who’s Frozen at “What’s Your Favorite Song?”
If you’re the type of gal who freezes when someone asks your favorite song, stares blankly when handed the aux at a party, or has 300 saved playlists but none for your own wedding - don’t panic. You just need an opinionated little organist pianist hybrid to tell you what you want.
I’m the chill church organist who’s helped dozens of couples pick the perfect mix of traditional, elegant, and “that’s-so-you” music for their ceremony. I’ve played for over 20 weddings, and fun fact: I’m also a divorcee! I’ve been through this quite intimately, I know what works and I definitely know what doesn’t work.
So if your brain is fried from floral arrangements or your inner bridezilla needs a five-minute break - this Substack post is for you. Let me do the thinking for you for your church based wedding.
Prelude Music (Seating or Guest Arrival)
Think of the prelude as the musical welcome mat - gentle, inviting, and not too dramatic. It sets the tone while guests are seated.
Top picks:
Air from Water Music – Handel
The Swan – Saint-Saëns
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach
Meditation from Thaïs – Massenet
You want something light, gentle and calming for when Aunt Gertrude can’t find her seat and your bridesmaids are stabbing themselves on accident with floral pins on the groomsmen’s boutonnières.
Processional Music (Bridal Party + Bride Entrance)
This is your main character moment. Whether you want something grand or graceful, this is where your entourage of ladies welcome you. You can extend longer selections like Canon in D or Jesu, Joy of a Man’s Desiring for this.
Classic favorites:
Canon in D – Pachelbel (works beautifully for both bridal party and bride)
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach
Bridal Chorus (“Here Comes the Bride”) – Wagner
Don’t get your heart too set on Wagner’s Bridal Chorus, however - in my experience, some priests have completely rejected the choice due to it being too ubiquitous and the moral character of Richard Wagner himself (I am not exaggerating).
Ceremony Interlude or Unity Candle Music
If you’re doing a unity candle, communion, or moment of reflection - you’ll want something serene and steady.
Options:
Largo (from Xerxes) – Handel
Ave Verum Corpus – Mozart
The Prayer – Sager/Foster (for mixed classical-contemporary vibe)
Recessional (Exit as a Married Couple)
This is your victory lap - hurrah! One way or another, we all survived the wedding. We need to have some joyous music to celebrate. Upbeat, joyful, and celebratory.
Top choices:
Wedding March – Mendelssohn
Hornpipe (from Water Music) – Handel
Ode to Joy – Beethoven
Sheep May Safely Graze – Bach
Bonus: Postlude / Exit Music for Guests
After you’ve exited, guests linger and chat — so keep the good vibes going!
Some of my favorite “guest exit” options include:
Trumpet Tune in D – Purcell
Rondeau (from Masterpiece Theatre) – Mouret
Pro Tip from Your Organist/Pianist
Don’t overthink it - the best ceremonies balance beauty and flow. Mix one or two classical staples with something that feels personal, and you’ll never go wrong.
If your church has restrictions, check with your officiant - but everything here is tried-and-true typically approved.
If you’re a bride or event planner looking for custom wedding music guidance, or if you want to learn how to communicate better with your pianist or organist — subscribe to my Substack for more tips, playlists, and musician insights!