A traditional wedding is likely to involve a religious wedding ceremony, although civil wedding ceremonies can be considered just as traditional.  Your choice of wedding songs for a traditional wedding need to be in keeping with the tone of the occasion and set a somber ambiance without being too downbeat.

A religious wedding ceremony is likely to insist on traditional wedding songs with a classical nature, although many religious venues are relaxing their views on other styles of music.  There are various stages in the wedding program that will call for music, such as the interlude, processional, recessional and various hymns throughout the service.

It is considered appropriate to choose music which is fairly somber at the beginning of the ceremony and to choose more joyful music at the end as you exit the venue as man and wife.  Your choice of hymns should also be fairly well known so that your guests can sing with gusto rather than confused mumblings because they don’t know the tune!

At your reception you will need to play some background music during your cocktail hour and wedding breakfast.  This could be a compilation of classical music or perhaps a live musician such as a string quartet or harpist.  Just make sure your choice of wedding songs here is quiet but melodic, enough to relax your guests but allowing them to talk amongst themselves without having to compete with the music.

Your wedding first dance requires a song that has been personally chosen by you both and you may well have a song that holds particular meaning to your relationship.  Avoid anything too quirky or obscure.  A traditional wedding follows a format that will be well known to your guests and they will probably be expecting a romantic love song or a well known classic.

When the evening entertainment kicks off then you shed the idea of traditional, classical music and instead go for tried and tested wedding disco classics!  It is important here that you choose music that will firstly get your guests up and dancing and secondly, keep them there!

A traditional wedding doesn’t need to become a formal and stuffy affair, by choosing your wedding songs with care and attention you can create an ambience that lets your guests know that traditional is the feel of the day, whilst also creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication into which your guests can relax and enjoy themselves.