When the "I dos" are said, and the rings are exchanged, the traditional wedding ceremony exits with a joyous and celebratory song. This musical culminating moment sets the tone for the rest of the day's festivities. But with so many wonderful options out there, how do you choose the perfect exit song? Let's delve into the world of traditional wedding ceremony exit songs – their history, popular choices, and how to pick the right one for your special day.
The exit song, also known as the recessional, has been a beloved tradition in weddings for centuries. It signifies the official end of the wedding ceremony and the beginning of the couple's life together. Historically, processional and recessional marches were both taken from sacred music, but over time, couples have embraced a wider range of genres and styles.
Traditional Classical Exit Songs
Classical music has been a staple in wedding ceremonies for generations. The grandeur and elegance of these pieces create a sense of occasion and formality.
Page'sorms ("Trumpet Voluntary" by Jeremiah Clarke) and The Wedding March ("Here Comes the Bride" by Richard Wagner) are popular classical choices for the bridal party procession. However, they can also be used as recessional hymns, creating a cohesive musical theme throughout the ceremony.
Pachelbel's Cannon
A Baroque period piece by German composer Johann Pachelbel, "Cannon in D" is a lively and engaging choice for a wedding recessional. Its familiar and uplifting melody sets a joyful tone as the couple exits the aisle.
To incorporate Pachelbel's Cannon into your wedding, consider its instrumental arrangements. A string quartet or solo pianist can bring the piece to life, and some couples even opt for a bagpipe version for a unique twist.
Vivaldi's Four Seasons
from "Summer" from Antonio Vivaldi's The Four Seasons is another classical option that adds a touch of elegance to your recessional. Its lively tempo encourages guests to clap along, creating a festive atmosphere as you leave the ceremony.
When choosing "Summer" by Vivaldi, consider the instrumentations available. Violin solos, string quartets, and even mandolin versions can all add a unique touch to your wedding recessional.
Popular Modern Exit Songs
In recent years, couples have moved away from traditional classical music and embraced a diverse range of genres and contemporary hits for their wedding exits.
Modern exit songs create a lively and upbeat atmosphere, setting a fun and celebratory tone for the rest of the day's events. They also allow couples to incorporate their personal tastes and musical preferences into their special day.
Pop and Rock Exit Songs
Popular and rock music offer a wide variety of upbeat songs perfect for your wedding recessional. From timeless classics to current chart-toppers, the options are endless.
For instance, "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas, "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, and "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors are all popular choices that encourage guests to sing along and celebrate the happy couple.
Country Exit Songs
Country music fans can choose from a vast selection of heartfelt and uplifting songs for their wedding exit. Many country tunes capture the sentiment and emotion of the day while keeping the energy high.
Some popular country recessional choices include "It's Your Love" by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, "I Hope You Dance" by LeeAnn Womack, and "Me and You" by Kenny Chesney featuring Patti Griffin.
Jazz and Swing Exit Songs
Jazz and swing music lovers can add a touch of sophistication and flair to their wedding recessional with songs like "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra, "It Had to Be You" by Harry Connick Jr., or "Beyond the Sea" by Bobby Darin.
These timeless tunes, performed by a live band or instrumentalist, create a classic and elegant atmosphere as you walk down the aisle together as a married couple.
When selecting your wedding exit song, consider the overall mood and theme of your wedding. Think about the atmosphere you'd like to create and how the music can enhance that vision. Most importantly, choose a song that reflects your personal tastes and brings you joy. After all, this is your special day, and your recessional should be a musical extension of your love and celebration.