The dramatic and cinematic bridal walk is a definite moment to remember during the wedding ceremony.
The anticipation that builds up as the bridesmaids, groomsmen, sponsors, parents and groom walk the wedding aisle leading to the bride's beautiful, breathtaking and tear-jerking entrance makes everyone hold their breath for a moment.
With all these emotional moments in the wedding ceremony, everyone's hearts deserve a break after---from wiping tears because of the sentimental bridal entrance to wiping sweats because of dancing, from hands on the chest because of the heart-tugging bridal walk to hands up in the air because of overjoying from the fun music, from sounds of silent crying during the wedding ceremony to loud shrieks of laughter during the wedding reception party.
And what better way to let the hearts of everyone dance and jump for joy during the wedding reception party? Start the grand entrance with an upbeat, banging, and energetic song.
What Is the Grand Entrance at the Wedding?
The DJ or host of the wedding reception party asks the guests to leave the cocktail area and turn their attention to the spot where the bride and groom will enter.
Usually, this spot, adorned or not by a curtain, door installation or wedding arch, is at the back of the wedding venue.
To the beat of a song chosen by the bride and groom, the bridesmaids and groomsmen (who may or may not enter in pairs) kick off the party with lively dance moves. The sponsors and parents will follow them.
The highlight of the grand entrance then happens. The DJ or host of the wedding reception party cues another song and announces the arrival of the bride and the groom. The newlyweds appear as an official couple for the first time during the grand entrance.
The grand entrance can also be shorter.
Instead of having the entire wedding entourage, sponsors, and parents, fewer people, such as the parents only, will enter before the newlyweds.
For a minimalist and much more intimate wedding, the bride and groom can enter directly to the song for their first dance.
Shortening the grand entrance is also a way to manage the time of the program, especially if it is behind schedule or if there are more surprises to come.
How To Choose a Grand Entrance Song?
There are typically two songs used for the grand entrance at the wedding. One for the members of the wedding party. Another for the newlyweds.
Many musicians blessed the music scene with wedding grand-entrance-worthy songs.
But before any bride or groom gets excited, they need to consider a couple of things before giving the DJ the song titles.
First, they need to decide the number of people joining the grand entrance.
Will the bridesmaids, groomsmen, sponsors, and parents be there too? Will the parents be the only ones who will enter the dancefloor before the newlyweds? Will there be a flash mob instead? Will the bride and groom go directly to their first dance?
The bride and groom need to determine this to estimate the length of time the grand entrance will take.
The second thing the newlyweds need to consider is the ages of the wedding guests.
The bride and groom want everyone to dance and enjoy with them during the grand entrance. Knowing the ages of the wedding guests will give them the idea of the songs that are familiar to them.
If only very few wedding guests know the songs, you cannot expect a full-on fun grand entrance.
The last thing to consider is the tempo of the songs.
Songs that are upbeat, lively, and energetic are ideal for the grand entrance.
The Best Wedding Entrance Songs
Ultimately, the two grand entrance songs should fill the time of arrival of the members of the wedding party, should be familiar enough to the majority of the guests, and be upbeat.
Bride and Groom Entrance Songs
Mark your first public appearance as an official couple with songs that remind your wedding guests how great it is to be in love. Couple these songs with a short but sweet choreography with your partner to make your guests dance and swoon.
- I’m Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and The Waves
- Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake
- On Top of The World by Imagine Dragons
- Best Day of my Life by American Authors
- Brighter Than the Sun by Colbie Caillat
- Somebody Like You by Keith Urban
- I Got a Feeling by Black Eyed Peas
- Everything by Michael Bublé
- Happy by Pharrell Williams
- Forever by Chris Brown
Best Men Wedding Entrance Songs
Take your wedding guests on a trip down memory lane with boyband songs from the 90s and mid-2000s. Unleash the inner boyband from your groomsmen with this playlist featuring songs loved by many. This boyband groomsmen playlist has songs serenading about a girl they like, about confidence in oneself and about having fun.
- She Looks So Perfect by 5 Seconds of Summer
- What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction
- Step by Step by New Kids on The Block
- Larger Than Life by Backstreet Boys
- I’m Glad You Came by The Wanted
- Wild Heart by The Vamps
- Everybody by Backstreet Boys
- Picture of You by Boyzone
- Mmmbop by Hanson
- Ready or Not by A1
Bridal Party Entrance Songs
This bridal party playlist features songs for the sweet girl, the empowered woman, the hopeless romantic lady, and the girl of every man's dream from your bride squad. Make them rock and bust their moves out freely to the beat of these upbeat songs.
- Dear Future Husband by Meghan Trainor
- Independent Women by Destiny's Child
- Run the World by Beyoncé
- Confident by Demi Lovato
- Wannabe by Spice Girls
- Uptown Girl by Westlife
- Salute by Little Mix
- Power by Little Mix
- Roar by Katy Perry
- Classic by MKTO
Wedding Entrance Songs for Invitees
Make everyone get off their seats, jump for joy and dance their hearts out these songs that remind you of the word, party. Turn the mood and switch gears from an emotional wedding ceremony to a fun wedding reception party with this playlist of fun songs.
- Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera
- Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon
- DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love by Usher
- Don't Stop Believin’ by Journey
- Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
- Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars
- Marry Me by Jason Derulo
- 24k Magic by Bruno Mars
- Firework by Katy Perry
- Hey Ya! by Outkast
Wedding Entrance Songs for Parents
Let your parents show everyone how it is to be in love even after all these years. These classic love songs from the 70s to early 90s will make your parents and everyone dance. You can mix the song versions with those from the original singers and revivals to ensure the older and the younger generations can relate to each other.
- (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson
- I’ve Had the Time of My Life by Jennifer Warnes and Bill Medley
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours by Stevie Wonder
- How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) by James Taylor
- This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen
- You Make My Dreams by Hall & Oates
- For Once in My Life by Stevie Wonder
- Best of My Love by The Emotions
- L. O. V. E. by Michael Bublé
Final Thoughts
Sweet words from your loved one are already music to your ears. Sincere messages of gratitude and appreciation can already evoke emotions. But a generous helping of fun and upbeat songs takes your wedding tone and mood to the next level.
Everyone at your wedding can use some dancing to shake off and lighten their mood from the emotional wedding ceremony.
So make sure to fill your wedding day with classic hits and trendy songs to make everyone swoon, groove, and even act (for once) foolish on the dance floor. You might even get one-for-the-books memories from all the dancing.
