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Unexpected Recessional Songs

Posted on March 28 by Denise Potter

Music is a key ingredient for any fabulous party. So, when it comes to your wedding, it’s important to let your music choices set the tone for the celebration. But don’t be fooled: The reception isn’t the only place to get the party started. This year, personalized ceremony recessional music is the hottest new trend.

While most couples tend to err on the side of more formal processional music (like a string quartet or some version of “Here Comes the Bride”), it’s becoming more and more common to think outside the box for recessional song options.

Wave goodbye to Mendelssohn’s Wedding March! There are a ton of unexpected romantic songs ready to take its place. After all, the end of your ceremony marks the beginning of the party, so it’s best to keep it upbeat and true to your personal style.

Tony Tee Neto of SCE Event Group in West Long Branch always encourages his clients to break traditional boundaries with their recessional selections. “It’s okay to give up the violins once you say ‘I do,’” he says. “Often, a couple’s choice for recessional song ties into their personality and is potentially an indication of how they’ll react on the dance floor later,” he says. “If they’re on the more contemporary side and choose ‘Best Day of My Life,’ by American Authors or ‘Let’s Get Married,’ by Jagged Edge, they will need very little coaxing to get the party started later on!”

Michael Bedkowski, owner of Posh Entertainment in Cranford, confesses that his recent clients played ‘Paint It Black,’ by The Rolling Stones for their walk up the aisle. The unexpected choice was on-theme for their Halloween-inspired wedding, and both surprised and impressed guests. “Nowadays, couples keep it real and fun,” he says. “It doesn’t have to be so serious.”

If you find yourself in need of a little inspiration, here is a list of 50 unexpected recessional songs that are bound to get your guests on their feet and looking forward to the next phase of your celebration. Whether you go with an “oldie,” a chart-topper of today or a retro one-hit wonder, the important thing is to stay true to your everyday style and just have fun with it!

Deborah Ann Photography

Songs for Your Recessional:

  1. “A Sky Full of Stars,” Coldplay
  2. “Safe & Sound,” Capital Cities
  3. “You Get What You Give,” New Radicals
  4. “Don’t Stop Me Now,” Queen
  5. “We Are Young,” Fun. Janelle Monáe
  6. “Another One Bites the Dust,” Queen
  7. “On Top of the World,” Imagine Dragons
  8. “I Feel Good,” James Brown
  9. “Now That We Found Love,” Heavy D and The Boyz
  10. “Marry You,” Bruno Mars
  11. “Crazy In Love,” Beyoncé ft. Jay Z
  12. “Is This Love,” Bob Marley
  13. “We Found Love,” Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
  14. “The Way You Make Me Feel,” Michael Jackson
  15. “September,” Earth, Wind, & Fire
  16. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours),” Stevie Wonder
  17. “Love on Top,” Beyoncé
  18. You Make My Dreams Come True,” Hall & Oates
  19. “Best Day of My Life,” American Authors
  20. “Do You Believe in Magic,” The Lovin’ Spoonful
  21. “Happy Together,” The Turtles
  22. “Gimme Some Lovin’,” The Spencer Davis Group
  23. “Boom Clap,” Charli XCX
  24. “For Once in My Life,” Stevie Wonder
  25. “Home,” Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
  26. “Dog Days are Over,” Florence + the Machine
  27. “I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” The Darkness
  28. “All You Need Is Love,” The Beatles
  29. “Sweet Disposition,” The Temper Trap
  30. “Dancing in the Moonlight,” Toploader
  31. “Just the Two of Us,” Bill Withers
  32. “Accidentally In Love,” Counting Crows
  33. “Beautiful Day,” U2
  34. “I Want Crazy,” Hunter Hayes
  35. “City of Blinding Lights,” U2
  36. “Magic Carpet Ride,” Steppenwolf
  37. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” The Beach Boys
  38. “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head,” Dean Martin
  39. “Everlasting Love,” Love Affair
  40. “Feel Again,” OneRepublic
  41. “Can’t Stop The Feeling,” Justin Timberlake
  42. “Hey, Soul Sister,” Train
  43. “Two Princes,” Spin Doctors
  44. “I Gotta Feeling,” The Black Eyed Peas
  45. “Riptide,” Vance Joy
  46. “Some Nights,” Fun.
  47. “Never Gonna Give You Up,” Rick Astley
  48. “Steal My Sunshine,” Len
  49. “When Love Takes Over,” David Guetta ft. Kelly Rowland
  50. “Let’s Get It Started,” The Black Eyed Peas

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