What are Recessional songs? Well, Recessional wedding songs, sometimes called wedding exit music, are the songs that play after you've said “I do”, after you have your first kiss, and right after you have been officially introduced as husband and wife, or wife and wife or husband and husband. You are about to walk back down the aisle hand in hand and this is the point where you exit your ceremony in the glow and loving glare of your friends and family.
Choosing the right song will make your exit as memorable as your entrance. That said, there isn't a right or wrong choice but picking a piece of music that suits you as a couple is the most important factor. This is the perfect time to celebrate your newly wedded status, and another chance (especially with a Celebrant-led ceremony) for you to let your personality shine, so be sure to pick a song that reflects you as these are your first steps as a married couple. Recessional wedding songs can be traditional or classic wedding songs, contemporary, modern or alternative. With a Celebrant, the choice is yours.
Here are some of my favourite songs that work brilliantly, but are any of them the right fit for you?
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Stevie Wonder) – An absolute classic and one to always get the crowd going. And the rousing reprise of “Ooh baby, here I am, Signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours” is perfectly apt given the commitment you’ve just made.
I Do I Do I Do I Do (ABBA) – The title says it all and this tune will have them swaying and singing in the aisle. But make sure you avoid the first verse!! “Love me or leave me” probably isn’t the first set of words you want to hear as you embark on your new life together.
Paper Rings (Taylor Swift) – A fun up-tempo number from Taylor which features cute lines like “I like shiny things, but I'd marry you with paper rings” as well as “I hate accidents except when we went from friends to this”. Especially fitting if you are having a ‘Bo-ho’ style wedding! #Romantic
A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay) – This track has an amazingly anthemic and euphoric feel and will have you swept along in the moment. It has a wishful, wistful quality to it that is also romantic.
I Got You Babe (Sonny & Cher) – A duet between two star-crossed lovers singing about their love and commitment to each other against the odds. Even if it is not a spring wedding, lyrics like “I got flowers in the spring I got you, to wear my ring” add to the joy and romance of it all.
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) (Natalie Cole) – This joyful jazzy number perfectly captures the mood of excitement and love as the happy couple look forward to a life together. And the words are perfect for a
wedding celebration. Lyrics like “Loving you is some kind of wonderful,
because you showed me just how much you care, You've given me the thrill of a lifetime And made me believe you've got more thrills to spare” could even double up as part of your declaration of love!
I Gotta Feeling (Black Eyed Peas) – A total party anthem that nods towards the imminent festivities and the fun that you and your guests are in store for. The tongue in cheek among you might even use it a cheeky reference to your first night as a wedded couple! Either way this feel-good track is guaranteed to further energise your guests and put a smile on everyone’s face.
Happy (Pharrell Williams) – Another sunshine track that is sure to bring joy even if it is a rainy day. The happy lyric including “Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth” and “Clap along if you know what happiness is to you” as well as the refrain ‘Because I’m Happy’. With the happy couple’s beaming faces and the happy tune in the background, how can your guests be anything but….well, happy I guess!
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher (Jackie Wilson) – This classics song has a ‘shout it from the rooftops’ kind of sentiment as Jackie sings “Your love, lifting me higher, than I've ever been lifted before”. Having shared your love story and stated your vows, it’s a perfect song to show your friends and family what your love means to you both.
Feel Again (One Republic) – Maybe not as well know as some of the other songs on this list but this rousing track is a testament to how special the love you have found is. Lyrics include “I'm feeling better ever since you know me, I was a lonely soul but that's the old me” as well as the heartfelt ‘But with you, I feel again”. And the clap-along chorus will have everyone joining in!
If you want more tips or want to talk about having ME as your celebrant, drop me a message at emailme@daveoctavecelebrant.com.