Wedding Songs for Your Recessional

Music is a huge part of the wedding experience. The songs that you play on your wedding day will forever remind you of your nuptials, so choose them wisely. There are so many times throughout the ceremony and reception where the perfect song choice can really enhance the situation that it makes sense to focus on each separately. Here are a few songs that we think are perfect for walking down the aisle for the first time as a married couple.

Dave Matthews, You & Me
The DMB gets a bad rap for being bro-rock or dad-rock, but there’s no denying that ol’ Dave knows his way around a love song. This one starts off simply, then builds to a giddy chorus that should have everyone in the audience singing along by the end of it.

Sample lyric: “You and me together, we can do anything/ You and me together, yes, yes.”

Lick the Tins, Can’t Help Falling in Love
The most famous version of this incredibly romantic tune is Elvis Presley’s crooning slow-jam cover. But we much prefer the infectious energy of this track from Celtic band Lick the Tins. Complete with pennywhistle and adorable vocals from Allison Marr, it’ll have you practically skipping down the aisle.

Sample Lyric: “Take my hand, take my whole life, too / ‘cause I can’t help falling in love with you.”

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You
Speaking of songs that start slow but build to a huge climax, this Frankie Valli song is practically two different tunes. The first one is a romantic murmur, and then the horns and strings kick in as Frankie practically shouts his love to the heavens.

Sample Lyric: “At long last love has arrived, and I thank God I’m alive, you’re just too good to be true, can’t take my eyes off of you.”

Buddy Holly, “Every day”
For a quieter, sweeter recessional, consider Buddy Holly’s slight but beautiful song. With its gentle guitar and twee little glockenspiel accompaniment, it’s as charming as it is minimal. If you’d like the guests to hush and wipe away tears when you walk down the aisle, it’s a perfect choice.

Sample Lyric: “Every day it’s getting closer /coming faster than a roller coaster / love like yours will surely come my way.”

Beatles, “I Will”
The Beatles are masters of the romantic song, especially once they hit their peace-and-love mid-60s stride. If you have an army of musician friends you can recruit, a la Love Actually, then you can consider “All You Need is Love.” But we still prefer the more laid-back vibe and gorgeous harmonies of this tune.

Sample Lyric: “Who knows how long I’ve loved you / you know I love you still / will I wait a lonely lifetime? If you want me to, I will.”

The music you play during your wedding recessional can put a lovely capper on the whole proceeding and serve as a transition into the celebration portion of the day. Whatever song you choose, make sure it’s one that has special meaning for you and your partner.