A few of the most common recessional songs include the “Wedding March” by Felix Mendelssohn or “Allegro Maestoso” (from Water Music Suite) by George F. Handel. However, many brides choose to walk down the aisle to more modern music – whether instrumental or vocal. See below for some of our favorite picks.
1. “1, 2, 3, 4” – by Plain White T’s
In February 2009, “1, 2, 3, 4” reached a peak of No. 34 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart, becoming the band’s biggest after “Hey There Delilah.” This bubbly romantic tune has simple yet meaningful lyrics: “It’s easy as 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4/There’s only one thing/To Do/Three words/For you/(I love you) I love you.”
2. “Fallin’ For You” – Colbie Caillat
“Fallin’ For You” is from Caillat’s second studio album Breakthrough (2009). Caillat has said the song is about falling in love with a friend, and the music video reflects that premise. If your relationship evolved from friendship first, this might be the perfect recessional song for you!
3. “God Gave Me You” – Blake Shelton
This song was written and originally recorded by American contemporary Christian music singer Dave Barnes but is most widely known by the Blake Shelton cover from his 2011 album Red River Blue. Shelton said he heard Barnes’ version of the song on a contemporary Christian station and that it inspired him to propose to then-girlfriend Miranda Lambert (now ex-wife).
4. “She Is Love” – Oasis
“She Is Love” is a song by English rock band Oasis, written and sung by guitarist Noel Gallagher. Gallagher claims it was written in the Buckingham Gate Hotel in London in only 30 minutes. But don’t let the “rock” label put you off; the song has beautiful lyrics: “She is love/And her ways are high and steep/She is love/And I believe her when she speaks/Love/And her ways are high and steep/She is love/And I believe I do believe her when she speaks.”
5. “Lemonade” – Chris Rice
“Lemonade” is from the 2007 album What a Heart is Beating For by Chris Rice. The poppy, punchy song directly references a proposal: “So go ahead and ask her/For happy ever after/’Cause nobody knows what’s coming/So why not take a chance on loving/Come on, pour the glass and tempt me/Either half-full or half-empty/’Cause if it all comes down to flavor/The glass is tipping in my favor.”
To discuss the songs you’d like to hear at your wedding, or specifically recessional songs, contact Sound Precision Entertainment at (216) 870-4513 or scott@spedj.com.
You can also listen to SPE’s Recessional Songs playlist on Spotify by clicking here.