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It's time to choose the ceremony music for your beach wedding, but where should you begin? Although it might seem overwhelming, it's a crucial task. Don't worry—here's a handy guide to picking the perfect music for your coastal beach wedding. Whether you're organizing a Carolina Beach destination wedding or a wedding at a coastal venue, this guide will assist you in selecting your ideal beach wedding tunes.
Live Music or Recorded Music?
This is an excellent starting point for your selection. Both live and recorded music are often utilized on the beach to create distinct atmospheres for your wedding.
Live music is an exquisite choice if you desire a more refined and elegant ambiance for your beach ceremony. Imagine this: A violinist gently plays your bridal entrance music as you make your way down the beach walk at your stunning Carolina coastal venue in your beautiful wedding dress, with the notes blending seamlessly with the sound of the crashing waves ahead. Or a saxaphone playing your favorite chill vibes! Either way, it adds a magical touch to a simple beach wedding.
Recorded music is always a reliable option. The advantage of recorded music is its flexibility—you can tailor it to your liking, keeping it casual. Whether you prefer classic tunes, instrumental tracks, or even a playful vibe. Is your wedding party in a fun mood? You can have them dance down the aisle, the possibilities are endless with recorded music. All of our beach wedding packages at Soiree by the Sea include recorded music, as it is a highly popular choice for all styles and vibes.
Contemporary or Traditional Music? Instrumental or Vocals?
After choosing between live or recorded music, the next step is selecting a music genre. This could range from modern beats to classic instrumental pieces. this is the time for you to choose songs that are meaningful to you as a couple and set the mood for your beach wedding.
Contemporary hits are gaining popularity nowadays, featuring artists like Ed Sheeran and John Legend, whose music conveys romantic and longing emotions perfect for wedding love songs. Contemporary songs often feature well-known vocalists, making them a great option if you find the soothing voice of Etta James particularly moving. Instrumental versions of these songs are also widely available, offering the same melodious tunes without vocals.
Traditional classics remain popular and timeless, always holding a spot in wedding playlists. They are instantly recognizable and often legendary in their style and artists. The classical music genre offers a range of styles and iconic composers, providing an elegant and sophisticated tone that aligns with instrumental music. Choosing traditional classics ensures a timeless appeal, avoiding regrets even years later when trends change.
How many songs do I select?
After identifying your genre, you’ll find numerous song choices. Next, focus on your song count.
Start with prelude music for the moments before your beach wedding as guests arrive, setting the ceremony's mood. Guests typically arrive 15-20 minutes early, so choose 4-8 songs, depending on their length.
For the ceremony, include processional music for the wedding party and bride. Opt for 1-2 songs for the wedding party and 1 song for the bride to ensure a smooth procession.
Finally, select a recessional song for after the announcement of the new couple. This celebratory moment requires just one joyful song.
What music should we play for our wedding reception?
Once you've decided on your ceremony music, selecting reception music becomes easier. This is your time to relax, celebrate, and dance with friends. Your reception is a chance to gather loved ones—whether at a beach venue or on the beach itself—so make it enjoyable!
Reception music doesn't need a specific genre; a diverse selection can surprise and delight guests. Include songs meaningful to you, your spouse, family, and friends, along with favorite artists and current hits. Add throwbacks from the 70s or 80s for a classic vibe. Collect song requests from guests in advance to build excitement for your big day.
Your List
You may have pinpointed your style, genre, and all the details, yet starting can still be challenging. Don't worry! Below is a curated list of popular ceremony music choices to assist you in making your selection. Here is our top song recommendations tailored to your chosen genre for the ideal beach wedding ceremony music but remember.....it's your wedding! Play the songs that make you have the "feels"!
Traditional/Classical
Air on G String – Bach
Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel
Wedding March – Felix Mendelssohn
Bridal Chorus – Wagner
Ave Maria – Bach
Cello Suite No. 1 – Bach
Ode to Joy – Beethoven
I Giorni – Ludovico Einaudi
Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach
Modern/Contemporary
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri (The Piano Guys Cover – Instrumental)
Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
Marry You – Bruno Mars
All of Me – John Legend
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainer
The Only Exception – Paramore
Best Part – H.E.R. ft. Daniel Caesar
Photograph – Cody Fry
Golden Thing – Cody Simpson
Simply The Best – Billianne
You Are The Reason – Calum Scott
At Last – Etta James
Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo-ole
Country
“Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis
“Speechless” by Dan + Shay feat. Tori Kelly
“Nobody But You” by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani
“Die a Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett
“It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
“You Decorated My Life” by Kenny Rogers
“From This Moment On” by Shania Twain
“God Gave Me You” by Blake Shelton
“Making Memories of Us” by Keith Urban
“When You Say Nothing At All” by Alison Krauss
Always stay true to what feels genuine for you and your partner. Just because a tradition is commonly practiced and widely accepted as typical for weddings doesn't mean you have to include it in yours. You can fulfill all your destination wedding dreams with a stunning, uncomplicated, no stress Soiree by the Sea beach wedding customized for you and your love.
This is the day to celebrate your love for each other, and music is a wonderful way to begin.
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