Wedding 101: The Complete Guide to Your Wedding Day

Planning your wedding day is one of the most exciting yet overwhelming experiences. With so many details to consider, it’s easy to feel a bit lost. Understanding what happens at each stage of the day can help you feel more prepared and confident. This guide breaks down every moment of your wedding day, so you know exactly what to expect and can enjoy each part to the fullest.

1. The Prelude

The prelude is the time before the ceremony begins when your guests are arriving and taking their seats. Typically lasting 15 to 30 minutes (5-10 songs depending on length of the songs), the prelude sets the tone for the day with soft, welcoming music that creates a calm and inviting atmosphere. This is a perfect time to play some of your favorite classical pieces or instrumental versions of popular songs, making sure your guests feel relaxed and ready for the celebration.

• Popular Music Choices for Prelude

  • If I Ain't Got You - Alicia Keys

  • Somewhere Over The Rainbow -Christina Perri

  • My Way - Frank Sinatra

  • Clair de Lune - Claude Debussy

  • Air on the G String - Johann Sebastian Bach

  • Salut d'Amour - Edward Elgar

  • Meditation - Jules Massenet

  • Gymnopédie No. 1 - Erik Satie

  • Arioso - Johann Sebastian Bach

  • Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Johann Sebastian Bach

  • Canon in D - Johann Pachelbel

  • A Thousand Years - Christina Perri

  • You Are The Reason - Calum Scott

  • At Last - Etta James

  • All of Me - John Legend

  • Perfect - Ed Sheeran

  • Make You Feel in Love - Adele

2. The Processional

The processional marks the official start of your ceremony. It’s the moment when the wedding party walks down the aisle, followed by your grand entrance as the bride. The order of the processional is typically as follows:

• Seating of Family Members:

  • Grandparents of the bride

  • Grandparents of the groom

  • Parents of the groom

  • Mother of the bride (often escorted by a close male relative or a groomsman)

    
    

• The Wedding Party:

  • Officiant (if they are part of the processional)

  • Groom (sometimes walks with the officiant or may enter from the side)

  • Best Man

  • Groomsmen (often paired with bridesmaids, but can also walk separately)

  • Bridesmaids (paired with groomsmen or walking individually)

  • Maid or Matron of Honor (the last of the bridesmaids to walk)

    
    

    • Popular Songs for The Processional (Click here to see Blog)

• Special Attendants:

  • Flower Girl(s)

  • Ring Bearer(s)

• The Bride:

  • The bride, escorted by her father or another significant person in her life, makes her grand entrance, creating one of the most memorable moments of the day.

    
    

    • Most Popular Songs for Bridal Entrances in 2024 (Blog Post)

When it comes to music for the processional, you have the flexibility to choose what best suits your style and the atmosphere you want to create. You can either select one piece of music to play continuously throughout the entire processional, building anticipation as each group makes their entrance, or you can opt for different songs for each segment, highlighting the significance of each entrance. Either way, the music should reflect the grandeur and emotion of this special moment, making it one of the highlights of the ceremony.

3. The Ceremony

The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, where you and your partner exchange vows and become officially married. While each ceremony is unique, here are some common elements you might include:

• Welcome/Opening Remarks: The officiant welcomes your guests and sets the tone for the ceremony.

• Readings: Selected readings from religious texts, poems, or literature add depth and meaning to your ceremony.

• Exchange of Vows: You and your partner recite your vows to each other, promising to support and love one another.

• Exchange of Rings: The symbolic exchange of rings as a sign of your commitment.

• Unity Ceremony: Some couples choose to include a unity ceremony, such as lighting a unity candle or mixing sand, symbolizing your union.

• Pronouncement: The officiant declares you married, and you share your first kiss as a married couple.

4. The Recessional

The recessional is the celebratory exit after the ceremony. It follows the pronouncement of marriage and your first kiss as a married couple. The music during the recessional is typically upbeat and joyful, reflecting the happiness of the moment as you and your new spouse walk back down the aisle together, followed by your wedding party.

5. The Cocktail Hour

After the ceremony, the cocktail hour serves as a relaxed transition to the reception. During this time, your guests can mingle, enjoy drinks and appetizers, and start celebrating while you and your family take formal photographs. Light background music keeps the atmosphere lively without overpowering conversation.

6. The Grand Entrance

The grand entrance is your formal introduction as newlyweds at the reception. Accompanied by upbeat, celebratory music, you and your wedding party make your way into the reception venue, greeted by cheers and applause from your guests. This moment sets the tone for the rest of the evening and kicks off the celebration.

7. The First Dance

Your first dance as a married couple is a traditional and cherished moment during the reception. You’ll share this dance to a song that holds special meaning for you both. It’s a beautiful way to symbolize the beginning of your new life together. Afterward, the dance floor usually opens for all your guests to join in the fun.

8. The Toasts

Toasts are an opportunity for your closest friends and family members to share their love and well wishes. Typically, the best man, maid of honor, and sometimes your parents will give toasts, offering their congratulations and advice. These heartfelt speeches are often accompanied by a celebratory drink and are a touching part of the evening.

9. The Dinner

Dinner (or the reception meal) is when your guests are served food, and you may take a moment to thank everyone for coming. Whether you opt for a formal sit-down dinner or a buffet, this part of the day gives everyone a chance to relax, enjoy their meal, and continue the celebration.

10. The Cake Cutting

The cake cutting is a symbolic moment where you and your partner cut the first slice of your wedding cake together. This tradition represents your first task as a married couple. After you’ve shared the first slice, the cake is typically served to your guests as dessert.

11. The Bouquet and Garter Toss

These playful traditions involve the bride tossing her bouquet to the single women in attendance, while the groom tosses the garter to the single men. It’s a fun way to keep the energy high and involve your guests in the celebration.

12. The Dancing

After the formalities, the rest of the evening is dedicated to dancing and celebration. The DJ or band will keep the music going, and the dance floor is open for everyone to enjoy. This is often one of the most memorable parts of the wedding, as your guests of all ages come together to celebrate.

13. The Send-Off

The send-off marks the end of your wedding day and the beginning of your new life together. Guests typically line up to wish you well as you make your exit. Whether you choose sparklers, bubbles, or another festive send-off, this moment is the perfect conclusion to your celebration.

Understanding each part of your wedding day can help you feel more in control and allow you to fully enjoy every moment. Whether you’re working with a planner or coordinating the details yourself, this guide is designed to ensure that your special day is as smooth and joyful as possible.

Ready to make your wedding day truly special? Let us help you create the perfect musical backdrop for every moment. Reach out to our team to discuss how we can bring your vision to life with beautiful live music tailored to your unique celebration.

BOOK NOW