Recently on the blog we tackled song suggestions for the Bridal Entrance so today we’re taking a look at some awesome wedding ceremony exit songs (or Recessional songs as they’re also known) for the grand exit – whoop! Like the bridal entrance, the song you walk back down the aisle to as newlyweds will forever remind you of that amazing feeling. A happy, upbeat song works really well – you’re on a high, the guests are delighted for you so it makes sense to have something fun and energetic to reflect this happy stage of the day.
You can’t go wrong with classics like Mendelssohn’s Wedding March and if you’ve a feel good song you and your partner love, this could work perfectly. But if you’re struggling and are looking for some inspiration, look no further. We asked Irish ceremony musicians Anne-Marie Powderly, Claire Malone, Something Blue Acoustics and MusicMaster.ie to share some popular songs they’ve played over the past year. Here are 20 brilliant songs for your wedding ceremony exit…
Anne-Marie Powderly – View Profile
Listen to some of Anne-Marie’s samples here
Over the years the exit song was often a slow exit down the aisle but in recent times the exit song is very upbeat and geared towards not only getting the couple almost bopping down the aisle but also the guests singing and clapping along. Popular choices would include old classics like the Beatles and Monkees numbers. These never seem to get old and they are truly enjoyed. But the general theme is lively, catchy and happy!!! Recently I was asked to sing a Rihanna song, ‘We Found Love in a Hopeless Place’. The guests literally danced out of the room and it really set up the theme for the drinks reception and day ahead. My 5 most popular requests:
1. The One – Kodaline
2. Happy – Pharrell Williams
3. Love is All You Need – The Beatles
4. I’m a Believer – The Monkees
5. Best Day of Our Lives – American Authors
Kelly from Something Blue Acoustics – View Profile
Listen to some of Something Blue Acoustics’ samples here
The top 5 suggestions from Something Blue Acoustics would be:
1. For Once in My Life – Stevie Wonder
2. All I Want is You – Barry Louis Polisar
3. Lovely Day – Bill Withers
4. Higher and Higher – Jackie Wilson
5. Signed Sealed Delivered – Stevie Wonder
Sean from Wedding Piano Player – MusicMaster.ie – View Profile
Listen to some of Sean’s samples here
My top 5 song choices are…
1. Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba – Handel
2. Let There Be Love – Nat King Cole
3. One Day Like This – Elbow
4. Rather Be – Jess Glynne
5. Wings – Birdy
Claire Malone – View Profile
Listen to some of Claire’s samples here
I regularly perform the following songs for the bridal exit:…
1. Higher and Higher – Jackie Wilson
2. You’ve Got the Love – Florence and the Machine
3. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – Starship
4. It Must Be Love – The Beatles
5. You are the Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder
Photo from Melissa & Ralph’s real wedding by Algarve Weddings by Rebecca