Music is one of the most important elements of a wedding. Music helps set the mood and support the emotions of the day and accompanies the most significant events. The music you choose for the wedding ceremony and the first dance will create memories that last forever.
Among the available options, the piano is a classic choice that is often used for its charm and versatility. The piano has such a wide range of dynamics and emotion and can convey joy, love, and intimacy like no other instrument.
Let’s explore some of the ways piano music for weddings can create the perfect ambiance. Whether you are the pianist performing or the bride or groom planning, piano music can be the perfect addition.
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The importance of piano music in weddings
Piano music for weddings has a long and rich history, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries when classical composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven wrote pieces specifically for weddings.
These compositions were often performed in grand churches and elegant ballrooms, giving a sophisticated tone for the celebration. Over the years, the use of piano music in weddings has evolved, incorporating modern and popular songs while retaining its timeless appeal.
Emotional impact
The piano’s ability to evoke deep emotions makes it an ideal choice for wedding music. Its wide range of tones and dynamics allows it to convey everything from tender love and serene happiness to exuberant joy and heartfelt passion.
Wedding songs on piano can create a seamless flow of emotions throughout the wedding ceremony and reception, enhancing the overall experience for both the couple and their guests.
Personal anecdotes and quotes from couples who chose piano music for their weddings often highlight how the music added a magical and unforgettable touch to their special day.
Top wedding songs on piano
Whether you are getting married or are a pianist looking to add some easy piano songs to your repertoire for weddings, check out the suggestions below for some of the most popular piano songs for weddings.
Classical wedding piano songs
Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel
This timeless piece is one of the best piano songs for wedding processions. Its repetitive and soothing melody creates a serene and elegant atmosphere as the bride walks down the aisle.
Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy
A beautiful and dreamy piece that can add a touch of romance and sophistication to any part of the wedding, especially during the ceremony or as background music during dinner.
Ave Maria by Franz Schubert
This classic piece is often chosen for its spiritual and uplifting qualities, making it perfect for religious ceremonies or special moments like the lighting of the unity candle.
Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn
Traditionally used as a recessional song, this joyful and triumphant piece celebrates the newlyweds as they exit the ceremony.
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Johann Sebastian Bach
A graceful and serene piece that can be used during the pre-ceremony as guests are being seated or during the ceremony itself.
Contemporary wedding piano songs
A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
This modern love song has become a wedding favorite, with its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody making it perfect for the bride’s entrance or the first dance.
Perfect by Ed Sheeran
A popular choice for weddings, this song’s romantic and sweet lyrics paired with a lovely piano arrangement make it ideal for the first dance or during the ceremony.
All of Me by John Legend
Known for its emotional depth and beautiful piano accompaniment, this song is perfect for expressing the couple’s love during the ceremony or the first dance.
River Flows in You by Yiruma
A contemporary instrumental piece that has a gentle and flowing melody, ideal for various parts of the wedding, including the processional or background music during the reception.
Marry Me by Train
This modern ballad captures the excitement and joy of a wedding, making it a great choice for the processional or the first dance.
Romantic wedding piano songs
Your Song by Elton John
This classic love song with its touching lyrics and beautiful piano arrangement is perfect for a romantic atmosphere, whether during the ceremony or the reception.
Make You Feel My Love by Adele
A soulful and heartfelt song that can add a deeply emotional touch to any part of the wedding, especially during the ceremony or as the couple’s first dance.
The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra
This timeless song with its elegant piano accompaniment is perfect for a romantic first dance or as background music during dinner.
At Last by Etta James
Known for its powerful vocals and romantic lyrics, this song can create a magical moment during the couple’s first dance or as a special dedication during the reception.
Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers
A classic love song with a beautiful piano arrangement that can add a touch of romance and nostalgia to the wedding ceremony or reception.
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Have a listen to some of these popular piano songs to play on your wedding day as compiled by Paul Hankinson on YouTube.
Choosing the right piano songs for weddings
Pre-ceremony music
As guests arrive and take their seats, pre-ceremony music sets the tone for the event. Choose gentle and calming piano pieces to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Examples include “Clair de Lune” by Debussy and “River Flows in You” by Yiruma. These pieces help guests settle in and anticipate the ceremony.
Processional music
The processional music marks the entrance of the wedding party and the bride. For a classic and timeless feel, consider “Canon in D” by Pachelbel or “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. These songs create a sense of anticipation and emotion as the bride makes her way down the aisle.
Ceremony music
During the ceremony, piano music can be used to highlight key moments such as the exchange of vows, the lighting of the unity candle, or a special reading. “Ave Maria” by Schubert and “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach are excellent choices for these moments, adding a touch of spirituality and grace.
Recessional music
The recessional music celebrates the newlyweds as they exit the ceremony. Choose upbeat and joyful songs like “Wedding March” by Mendelssohn or “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran to capture the happiness and excitement of the moment.
Reception music
Piano music can also enhance the reception, especially during the couple’s first dance, the father-daughter dance, and other key moments. “All of Me” by John Legend and “Your Song” by Elton John are perfect for the first dance, while “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra adds a touch of elegance to the father-daughter dance.
If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, say for a more informal wedding event, you can get recommendations from other people from forums, such as this Reddit thread. Here, you will get various recommendations, from the Champions League Anthem, Disney-themed tunes, Pokemon soundtracks, and more.
Tips for incorporating piano music into your wedding
Let’s explore some tips and suggestions for how you can incorporate piano music into your wedding.
Live pianist vs. pre-recorded music
Deciding between a live pianist and pre-recorded music depends on your budget and the ambiance you want to create. A live pianist can add a unique and personal touch, adapting the music to the moment and creating an intimate atmosphere.
However, pre-recorded music offers consistency and can be a more budget-friendly option. Consider your venue and the overall vibe you want for your wedding when making this decision.
Working with your pianist
If you choose a live pianist, plan to meet with your pianist well in advance to discuss your song choices and the flow of the event. Provide a list of must-have songs and any special requests.
Trust their expertise on how to play the piano and allow them to suggest pieces that fit your vision. Clear communication will ensure that the music enhances your wedding day.
Sound and venue considerations
Ensure that the piano music sounds great in your chosen venue. Visit the venue with your pianist to assess the acoustics and determine the best placement for the piano. If there is no piano at the venue, you will have to decide how to acquire one.
Consider renting a high-quality sound system if needed, especially for larger spaces or outdoor settings. Good sound quality will ensure that the music is heard clearly and beautifully throughout the event.
Customizing your wedding piano music
Make your wedding music truly unique by choosing songs that reflect your personal love story. Consider songs that are meaningful to you as a couple, such as the first song you danced to or a song that reminds you of a special moment in your relationship. Personal touches like these will make the music even more memorable and special.
For a creative twist, ask your pianist to create medleys or mashups of your favorite songs. Combining multiple pieces into a seamless arrangement can add a unique and personalized touch to your wedding music. This approach works well for processional or recessional music, as well as special moments during the reception.
Don’t be afraid to include less traditional or unique songs that have special meaning to you. Whether it’s a favorite movie theme, a song from a video game, or a unique classical piece, incorporating these personal choices can make your wedding music stand out. Discuss these special requests with your pianist to ensure they can be beautifully integrated into your wedding day. Just make sure you don’t request too many of the hardest piano songs at the last minute!
Sample playlists
Creating sample playlists can help you envision the flow of your wedding music. Here are some examples:
Pre-Ceremony
- Clair de Lune by Debussy
- River Flows in You by Yiruma
- Your Song by Elton John
Processional
- Canon in D by Pachelbel
- A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
- Perfect by Ed Sheeran
Ceremony
- Ave Maria by Schubert
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach
- Make You Feel My Love by Adele
Recessional
- Wedding March by Mendelssohn
- Marry Me by Train
- All of Me by John Legend
Reception
- The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra
- At Last by Etta James
- Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers
Make the day truly memorable
Piano music can add the perfect touch to any wedding and help to create an atmosphere of romance, elegance, and joy. The right piano songs can enhance every moment. As you plan your wedding or engage with wedding planners as a piano performer, consider these tips and recommendations to make your event perfect.
If you are a piano performer or a student interested in performing piano at your wedding or another, consider using Skoove, an online piano learning platform. Skoove offers a wide range of lessons and tutorials to help you learn and play beautiful piano music, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced pianist. With Skoove, you can confidently prepare and perform the perfect piano songs for your wedding.
Author of this blog post:
Susana Pérez Posada
With over seven years of piano education and a deep passion for music therapy, Susana brings a unique blend of expertise to Skoove. A graduate in Music Therapy from SRH Hochschule Heidelberg and an experienced classical pianist from Universidad EAFIT, she infuses her teaching with a holistic approach that transcends traditional piano lessons. Susana’s writings for Skoove combine her rich musical knowledge with engaging storytelling, enriching the learning experience for pianists of all levels. Away from the piano, she loves exploring new places and immersing herself in a good book, believing these diverse experiences enhance her creative teaching style.
Published by Lydia Hovan from the Skoove team
