Wedding songs can be classical, contemporary, jazz, rock, pop and any other genre. Having played at weddings and events for many years, I have a song for every occasion—and every part of every occasion. I have wedding songs for solo piano, which are ideal for the ceremony and cocktail party. Even more, when I play with cellist Samantha, or cellist/double-bass player/jazz singer Phyllipa. Even more when I’m playing with the Dordogne’s own rock/pop wedding band, SouthWest.
Wedding ceremony music
When you sit down to plan the music for your wedding ceremony, these are the times you will need to consider:
- Five to 10 minutes while your guests are getting settled
- The Processional (a short piece, depending on the size of the room or garden)
- A short interlude during the signing of the Register
- The Recessional (after which the guests file out)
Ceremony music often includes classical pieces, like Bach’s Bach’s Prelude in C, or C Minor, or Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, and the ever-popular Canon in D by Pachelbel. A contemporary classic, like Comptine d’un autre été by Yann Tiersen is also ideal, or Gymnopédie Nº1 by Eric Satie.
The Processional or Recessional song is often a special request with great meaning for the Bride and/or Groom. If there’s a song that’s not on the setlist, I will happily learn it for you at no extra charge (time allowing). Additional pieces carry a reasonable additional charge.
Wedding songs for the reception
Here are the songs I prepared for wedding receptions in 2019. (Instant French lesson: The drinks party is called the “Vin d’honneur” here.) I went for a mix of beautiful contemporary songs and jazz standards, with a focus on and romance. This music is designed to provide a loving ambience for you and your guests. Singalongs are not unknown. And sometimes, dancing.
If you are booking me as a solo pianist, I am yours for the whole day. I will play up to 2.5 hours and am happy to change locations—usually once, and occasionally twice. Ask for more details when you email me in a moment.
La vie en rose
Come away with me
Comptine d’un autre été
Perfect Day
More than words
The nearness of you
Me and Mrs Jones
Take 5
My baby just cares for me
Georgia on my mind
She’s always a woman
Don’t know why
Summertime
Dream a little dream of me
Sympathique
Tu verras
The girl from Ipanema
The look of love
All of me
I get a kick out of you
Autumn leaves
Cantaloupe Island
Promenade sentimentale
Gymnopédie Nº 1
Fly me to the moon
Can’t help falling in love
All of me
Thinking out loud
I wish I knew how it would feel to be free
It must be love
Killing me softly
Perfect
Chasing cars
Somewhere only we know
We are the champions
Don’t stop me now
Your song
Can you feel the love tonight
You’ve got a friend in me
Blackbird
In my life
All the things you are
As time goes by
Ain’t no sunshine
At last
One flight down
Left bank two
From Russia with love
We have all the time in the world
A thousand years
Life on Mars
What a wonderful world
Jazz(ish) wedding songs in a duo
When playing with either Phyllipa or Samantha, we can draw on an even wider selection of music. Sometimes playing alone, sometimes together. Availability can be limited, as we are all professionals with commitments to multiple projects. So the earlier you book, the better.
Rock/pop wedding songs with an all-live band
I have written a blog post with my solo piano set list for weddings, for 2021 and beyond. Feel free to leave a public comment there to let me know what I’m missing. I’m using that post as a notebook for my reference, because… you know… pieces of paper. (I have a ridiculous number of envelopes with songs written on the back. This will be tidier.)