Image credits: Joanna Brooks Photography
If that question has crossed your mind, you’re in exactly the right place. In those first few days (or weeks!) of being newly engaged, there’s so much excitement, mixed with the feeling of where on earth do we begin? This guide walks you through the very first steps of planning your wedding music, long before you’ve booked a venue or secured a date.
Whether you’re marrying in South Wales, the Cotswolds, Hertfordshire, London or beyond, this post will help you understand what you can do right now to make the whole process feel effortless later on. From gathering inspiration to choosing ceremony songs, you’ll finish this guide feeling prepared, inspired, and confident about the music that will shape your day.
Start With Inspiration (Before You Even Book Anyone)
When you first get engaged, you’re likely still choosing your venue, exploring dates, and getting a feel for the type of celebration you want. Because of that, you won’t be in a position to book your wedding musicians just yet, and that’s completely normal.
This stage is all about research and inspiration.
Begin by making a list of the types of musicians you might love:
- A pianist (like our team at HMH Piano Collective)
- A string quartet
- A harpist
- A guitarist
- Or a combination of different styles
Then, start following musicians on Instagram or TikTok so you can hear their playing and get a sense of their style. Come and follow us @hmhpianocollective on both platforms, where we share performance clips and ceremony ideas.
Create a Running List of Songs You Love
One of the most helpful things you can do right now is begin a list of songs that feel special to you.
Open the Notes app on your phone and create headings for the key ceremony moments:
- Entrance (walking down the aisle)
- Signing of the register (usually 2–3 songs)
- Exit music (your walk back up the aisle as a married couple)
Whenever you hear something you love, whether it’s on Instagram, TikTok, in a café, on a playlist, add it to your list. Duplicate songs across categories if you aren’t sure where they belong yet. This list doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to act as a reminder of the songs that move you.
If a song makes you tear up a little? That’s usually a very good sign – it means you have an emotional connection with the sing, and it could be a perfect fit for one of the key wedding ceremony moments.
Identify Your Non-Negotiables
As your list grows, you may find that a few songs stand out as essential. These are your non-negotiables.
When you eventually speak to a potential musician, it’s incredibly helpful to bring these non-negotiables to the conversation. They’ll be able to tell you whether certain arrangements are possible and how the music can be shaped to fit your ceremony.
At HMH Piano Collective, we include up to five bespoke song requests in every wedding ceremony booking. These are pieces we’ll learn especially for you, beyond our existing repertoire, so you have complete freedom to create the ceremony you imagine.
Gather Song Inspiration Early On
If you’re struggling to think of ideas, don’t worry, this is where browsing comes in.
Our Instagram and TikTok accounts have dozens of videos featuring real ceremony song ideas, including modern love songs, classical-inspired pieces, and unique aisle entrances. Listening to real piano interpretations can make it much easier to imagine what might suit your own walk down the aisle.
Once Your Venue and Date Are Booked… get in touch
When you finally have a confirmed venue and date, you’ll be ready to take the next step: contacting musicians to check availability.
It’s always worth arranging a short call, either by phone or Zoom, to get a feel for the person behind the music. You’ll want to know:
- Do they understand the atmosphere you envision?
- Do you feel comfortable with them?
- Does their style resonate with you?
- Can you trust them to deliver beautiful music on the day?
Your musician will be part of some of the most emotional moments of your wedding, so that sense of connection matters.
Conclusion
If you’ve just got engaged and you’re wondering, “Where do we even start with choosing our wedding music?” – begin with inspiration, not pressure. Collect songs you love, explore different styles, follow musicians whose playing speaks to you, and take your time. This early groundwork will make the decision-making process feel natural once your date and venue are confirmed.
For more ideas, come and join us on Instagram or TikTok @hmhpianocollective. And if you’d like an even deeper dive into ceremony music planning, you can download our free Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Ceremony Music. It’s packed with song suggestions for each part of your ceremony.
Your wedding music should feel personal and connected to your story. This is the very beginning of creating it.
It’s never too early to start gathering ideas. Even before you’ve booked your venue or chosen a date, you can begin creating a list of songs you love and exploring different musicians online. This early inspiration stage makes the final decisions much easier later on.
Yes. Most couples start shortlisting ceremony songs long before their venue is confirmed. Your venue won’t affect your song choices, although it may influence whether you want live music or recorded tracks.
You’ll usually choose music for three key points: your entrance down the aisle, the signing of the register (typically 2–3 songs), and your exit as newlyweds. Focusing on these moments early helps shape the feel of your ceremony.
A great aisle song feels calm, emotional, and connected to you. If it gives you a lump in your throat or makes you pause, that’s a good sign it will work. A pianist can also adapt most songs to flow beautifully for your entrance.
Most professional musicians can, but it’s always worth checking. At HMH Piano Collective, your ceremony booking includes five bespoke requests, meaning we’ll happily learn new music especially for your day.
That’s completely normal. Start by listening to different musicians and saving the songs you naturally gravitate towards. Over time, a theme or style will begin to emerge on its own.
Either option is fine, but live music adds warmth, atmosphere, and a beautifully personal touch. A live pianist can time your entrance perfectly to your walking pace, something recorded music can’t adjust for.
Enjoyed this post? Here’s some more like this, to help with your wedding ceremony planning:
- Wedding Ceremony Exit Songs: How to End Your Ceremony on the Perfect Note
- The Moment Before You Walk Down the Aisle That Changes Everything
- Here Comes the Sun Wedding Aisle Song: Why It’s So Popular, And How to Make It Unique To You
- How to Turn a Short Walk Down the Aisle Into a Moment You’ll Never Forget
- I’m nervous about my aisle walk. What music will help calm my nerves?