Your wedding day is sure to be one that you will look back on with fondness for your whole life, so choosing the perfect wedding ceremony songs is essential. Get the tone wrong, and the entire atmosphere of your special day can be ruined. When it comes to choosing the right music, you need to bear in mind a number of factors. While your own tastes and preferences are, of course, paramount, you also need to remember to think about your chosen venue, the overall theme and style of the occasion, and the type of guests that you have invited. For example, a church wedding will usually require a more religious tone than a civil ceremony, and a large, formal occasion with a wide range of ages and types of guest will require a more sophisticated and conservative song selection than an informal event with just your intimate circle. While some people opt for songs that are unusual and offbeat to set the tone of their special day, most people tend to favour the classics, simply because these are tried and tested favourites that have stood the test of time. If you are looking for some inspiration to help you find the perfect wedding ceremony songs for your celebration, this collection of some of the most popular tunes may point you in the right direction.

Sticking With the Traditional

If you are having a church wedding, it is possible that you may want to stick with the traditional organist and classic wedding music that has been associated with nuptials for generations. Wagner's Bridal Chorus, best known as “Here Comes The Bride”, is as synonymous with weddings as throwing the bouquet, and makes the ideal choice for traditional brides who want a classical feel to their ceremony. If you like the idea of using this piece of music, but with a more modern twist, you could always opt for a more contemporary version played on the piano instead of the organ for less drama but all of the effect. Alternatively, still sticking with the classical music theme, Pachelbel's Canon in D is another commonly selected choice, but again you could go with a more up to date overhaul, perhaps by having it played on an acoustic guitar instead.

Modern Love Songs

Especially appropriate if you are marrying in a secular venue, why not choose a modern love song for your wedding ceremony? You could either opt for a live vocalist, a recorded track, or even an instrumental version played by a violinist, pianist or flautist to ring the changes. Light, subtle songs such as Christina Perri's “A Thousand Years”, “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane or Journey's “Don't Stop Believing” will be instantly recognisable to your guests but not too overwhelming, and will nicely capture the romantic essence of the occasion.

Opting for Movie Themes

The world of film has introduced many iconic tunes into our everyday repertoire, so why not use some of these famous songs as part of your big day? It is the perfect way to introduce a personal touch to your celebration and to give a nod to your favourite movie at the same time. Instrumental music, such as the “Glasgow Love Theme” from Love Actually is ideal for expressing emotion while still remaining appropriate to the event. Alternatively, if you would like to use the services of a live vocalist, a classic tune like “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” is sure to bring a tear to the eye of your guests.

Songs for a Choir

If you are considering having a choir as part of your wedding ceremony, there are many wonderful songs that you can choose from that will make the most of the soaring, multi-part harmonic sound. For a religious ceremony, classic tunes like “Panis Angelicus” or “The Lord Is My Shepherd” are an ideal choice, while those who are looking for a more upbeat, gospel sound, could choose something more lively such as “I Will Follow Him”, “Oh Happy Day” or “Amazing Grace”. You could even go for a choral version of a modern classic such as The Beatles' “All You Need Is Love” or Stevie Wonder's “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” to get your guests' toes tapping.