Singing Your Wedding Vows - How to Add Music to the Heart of Your Ceremony

Finally found that special someone that makes your heart sing? 

 

For those who’ve been given the gift of song (or who at least appreciate a well-placed bass line or pop ballad), adding music to a wedding ceremony is a pitch-perfect choice. 

 

Many couples take great care in choosing the right prelude music to play while their guests are being seated, or when deciding on a processional or recessional song to play while walking down the aisle. 

 

But some couples take an even bolder approach -- and find ways to incorporate music into their vows! 
 

Whether you want to sing your vows, or add a musical interlude before or after those promises, here are a few creative ways to incorporate meaningful music into this part of your ceremony. 

 

 

1. Write an original song 

 

Blake Shelton just wrote an entire song for his new bride Gwen Stefani in place of traditional wedding vows, but he’s certainly not the first! Other celebrities to choose this personalized approach include country couple Haley & Michaels in 2015, Midwest star and The Voice contestant Casi Joy in 2018, and Us the Duo (a folk duo), back in 2012. 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Cover a classic 

 

But you don’t have to be a rockstar or lyrical genius to serenade your sweetheart during your vows. Sometimes, you just have to find the right song, and let the lyrics speak for you! Remember when Patrick sang part of his vows to David -- choosing Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby”? Yep, just another time Schitt’s Creek moved us to tears. For an added personal touch, you can always change a few words to suit your tastes (while sticking with the original melody). 

 

 

 

 

3. Lip sync for a loving laugh

 

If you can’t hit a note to save your life, but still want to express your eternal love musically, consider lip-syncing the most romantic song you know or create a love song mash up, like this groom did! This approach probably works best for upbeat and lighthearted weddings, especially when combined with an already-funny wedding script so that guests have an idea of what to expect. 

 

 

 

 

4. Go instrumental 

 

Sometimes a song’s melody says more than the words… For musicians who don’t sing, an instrumental song in place of (or along with) spoken vows can really resonate. This unconventional approach works well for those who truly share their emotions through music.

 

Just make sure you don’t play music over any speaking parts, as this will be more distracting and confusing than romantic. Instrumental music also works well as an interlude between parts of the ceremony (for example, right after the vows and before a unity ritual). 

 

 

Sheku Kanneh-Mason plays No Woman, No Cry (Arr. Cello) 

 

 

Whatever you decide, make sure to let your wedding officiant, DJ, videographer, photographer, and other vendors know your plan in advance. This is especially good advice when your performance will be a surprise to your spouse-to-be, because it helps ensure there’s a microphone ready, the right music is cued up, and someone in place to capture your unique vow exchange! 

 

 

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