Who of us have not had lengthy discussions about what songs will chronicle their supposed 'most important day'? My friends and I have long tossed up and down and in great detail what will do when we make our proverbial entrance down the aisle. The dress, cake and affairs all of course hold tremendous importance when we map out what we're looking for. But the song? The momentous occasion where toe meets tarmac. The chronicling of the rite, immortalised in song form. It's a defying task. But luckily for you, we've combed through our own archives to get you to where you need to be. Below, these are the best songs for every wedding occasion. Listen and weep.
For the aisle....
Mystery of Love, Sufjan Stevens
A delicious combination of heartfelt sentiment and longing.
Salut D'amour, Edward Elgar
A classical entry appropriate for any bride of a more old-fashioned sensibility. The strums of the violin at the end are the perfect angel's kiss.
Flightless Bird, American Mouth, Iron & Wine
If it's good enough for Bella Swan, it'll do for us.
Lakme Flower Duet, Judith Rees
Flower Duet is slow enough that any wedding jitters and left feet can be put to the rest. Tony Scott's score is a lilting entry lifted straight out of a fairy tale.
By Your Side, Sade
Slow, sensual and the perfect side by side accompaniment for intertwined souls.
Young & Beautiful Orchestral Version, Lana Del Rey
It was difficult to make a decision but this likely would be the song I would pick for myself. It is unlikely that I'll make it all the way down the procession line without bursting out in jubilant song, but I'll do my best to try. This version of Del Rey's OST is one that is so fabled for its regalia. In orchestral form, no less.
Miroirs Une Barque Sur L'ocean, Ravel
Miroirs (French for "Mirrors") is a five-movement suite for solo piano written by French composer Maurice Ravel between 1904 and 1905. This song would be the perfect wedding accompaniment for a summer wedding in the south of France. If your nuptials look like Simone Porte Jacquemus', we'd recommend going for this.
Born To Die Orchestral Version, Lana Del Rey
Feet don't fail me now. Take me to the finish line. I mean, it's embedded into the lyrics.
For the reception...
La Foule, Edith Piaf
A fun, cheery descent into bacchanalian excess for the first sinking of champagne. We think it's appropriate.
On the radio, Donna Summer
Donna Summer is perfect for just about any occasion, but her exultant tones on On The Radio make it an essential for any afterparty.
Lovers in the Parking Lot, Solange
In the mood for something just slightly more uptempo? 'Lovers in the Parking Lot' is synth-cool and perfect for the post-wedding jitters.
AGITATIONS TROPICALES, L'Impératrice
