How many songs do I need in my wedding ceremony?
Updated: Nov 8, 2018
A popular question from couples who are planning the layout of their wedding ceremony: How many songs or pieces of music do I need for my wedding ceremony?
The answer varies a lot, depending on the type of ceremony you are having, i.e. a religious, civil, spiritual or humanist etc. It also depends on your own preference and your input from your celebrant/priest/minister who will be performing your ceremony.
Religious Wedding Ceremony Music
If you have selected to have a religious wedding ceremony, I recommend selecting eight songs & three instrumentals. These can vary depending on your preference of course but more often than not this is the format:
Processional (Entrance Song) - One Song
Individual Candles - Instrumental
Psalm - One Song (Or this can be spoken by your reader)
Gospel Acclamation - Shine Alleluia
Unity Candle - Instrumental
Offertory - One Song
Sign of Peace - Instrumental
Communion - Two Songs
Signing of Register - Two Songs
Recessional (Exit Song) - One Song
Civil/Spiritual or Humanist Wedding Ceremony Music
If you have selected a civil, spiritual or humanist wedding ceremony the usual number of songs to select would be four to five songs.
Entrance - One Song
During Ceremony - Two Songs
Signing Register - One/Two Songs
Exit - One Song
Another idea would be to have some songs sung while your guests are being seated prior to your ceremony start - this can help to create a relaxing ambience for your wedding guests and your partner who may be waiting anxiously for your arrival!
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