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Even in 2021, it’s hard to find gender-neutral wedding songs, let alone a gender-neutral wedding playlist. The world is so binary, especially in the mainstream media. But you’re on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and as such, you want/demand/hope for something that is a bit more unique. As a transhuman, I want to help others find ways to celebrate their love and commitment together, while not feeling awkward as your first dance song plays, singing about a gender that neither you nor your partner identify with!
This playlist was built with pronouns, or the lack-there-of, in mind. As such, a significant amount of modern and even past songs are scratched off the list. These songs can be great for your first dance or even a dance with another significant other such as a parental unit!
However, as a wedding photographer, I’m also avoiding some popular songs because of their insane overuse at weddings. Sorry Bruno Mars, but today just simply isn’t your day. Uhm, if you chose this song, my deepest apologies. I’ve just been to way more events than you have, I guarantee.
But ignore my hypocritical ass, because I love the shit out of “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. Makes me choke up every time. I’m also a massive sucker for “Fools Rush In,” by any singer. That is probably my favorite and my skin is covered in goosebumps every time I hear it! It does mention, “men,” but I take it in abstract form. I’m sure you’ll find something to love on this LGBTQIA+ wedding playlist. These gender-neutral wedding songs are on repeat for me!
If you want to be traditional, you’ll have “Here Comes the Bride” (aka Wagners’ “Bridal Chorus“) for the processional at your wedding and Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” for the recessional.
But if you don’t want to be traditional, we’ve got ideas for you! As an Offbeat Bride, you have plenty of alternatives to “Here Comes the Bride.” But what about finding a unique recessional song? You don’t want Mendelssohn, but it’s not as though there are lots of obvious alternative choices for recessional songs.
In fact, what’s a recessional song?
When you come into your wedding space, you process. This part of the wedding often gets a lot of thought. Will someone walk you down the aisle, and if so, who, and how do you want to finesse the giving away symbolism? Will you walk to your partner or with your partner? Will you even walk? Maybe a shimmy is more your style.
But when you recess, you’re walking out of the space. This will traditionally be a walk back down the aisle with your partner, out of the ceremony venue.
Not every wedding will have an actual recessional, though. You might stroll to the other side of the room and sit down for dinner, you might stay and dance, or you might move on to a special unity ceremony. This might be the time to mingle, and you may be planning to stay in one room till the cows come home.
If you’re going to recess, though, a unique recessional song or instrumental should create just the right feeling.
You want something happy — even triumphant — that wraps up the ceremony. This should be music that lets guests know that it’s time to head outside so they can throw rice or blow bubbles, or whatever you have cooked up for your departure. The tempo should allow an energetic pace.
That doesn’t mean you have to have organ and trumpets. The list of recessional songs below includes sweet songs, grand symphonic pieces, and great dance music. One of them will be just right for kicking off your life together with the support of your friends and family.
The happy couple can stride out together, flanked by their guests tossing birdseed or confetti, and drive away to start their honeymoon. But that’s not the only option. Check out some real weddings that did something different:
One Aussie couple put on skis for their recessional.
A Seattle couple handed out kazoos and asked their guests to play along to their Star Wars theme recessional.
A Canadian couple got the whole wedding party to dance out with them.
