In 2017, wedding recessional music continued its shift toward personalized soundtracks that reflect the couple’s style while keeping guests energized for the exit.
Ceremony musicians, DJs, and playlist curators refined their approach to timing, genre mixing, and crowd flow, making the recessional a highlight of the celebration.
| Song Title | Artist | Genre | Mood | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shut Up and Dance | Walk the Moon | Indie Pop | Upbeat, Joyful | Casual, Modern Weddings |
| Can't Stop | Red Hot Chili Peppers | Funk Rock | Energetic, Confident | Outdoor or Boho Themes |
| Happy | Pharrell Williams | Pop | Feel-Good, Universal | Crowd-Pleasing Exit |
| Treat You Better | Shawn Mendes | Pop | Romantic, Gentle | Intimate, Garden Ceremonies |
| Believer | Imagine Dragons | Alternative Rock | Bold, Anthemic | Dramatic Grand Exits |
Top Recessional Trends in 2017
Live Bands Versus DJ Sets
Many 2017 weddings chose live bands for a dynamic, responsive performance, while others preferred seamless DJ transitions that kept energy consistent from processional through recessional.
Genre Blending for All Ages
Curators mixed pop, indie, funk, and light rock so that grandparents to teenagers would recognize at least one recessional cue and feel invited to clap or dance along.
Timing and Choreography
Planners refined minute-by-minute mapping of the recessional, ensuring photographers captured exit shots while the band or track naturally supported movement toward cars or a getaway setup.
Creating Your 2017 Recessional Playlist
Start with Your First Dance Song Vibe
If your first dance was mellow, choose a slightly more upbeat recessional track to signal a joyful transition without shocking guests.
Balance Familiarity and Discovery
Include one widely known hit for instant reaction and one lesser-known favorite that says something authentic about your shared story.
Test Volume and Venue Acoustics
Run a soundcheck in the actual space so the recessional feels powerful outdoors, in chapels, or in banquet halls without overwhelming conversation during mingling.
Music Selection by Wedding Style
Venue themes strongly influenced 2017 recessional choices, with rustic barns favoring folk-rock and urban lofts embracing indie or electronic textures.
Classic Church Ceremony
Organ or piano arrangements of modern hits worked well, offering reverence while still giving the couple a contemporary send-off.
Beach or Garden Reception
Lighter percussion and breezy melodies matched the relaxed atmosphere and encouraged playful exit photos without feeling rushed.
Urban Rooftop or Gallery Event
Curated indie playlists with strong rhythm sections matched sleek design aesthetics and kept the energy sleek yet celebratory.
Final Takeaways for 2017 Wedding Recessional Planning
- Match the recessional energy to your ceremony tone and venue.
- Test sound and timing in the actual space before the day.
- Mix a chart-topping hit with a personal favorite for broader appeal.
- Coordinate cues with photographers and the emcee for smooth exits.
- Keep the volume and length guest-friendly to encourage participation.
FAQ
Reader questions
How long should the recessional song be in 2017?
Most planners selected tracks between two and three minutes, which was long enough to cover the full exit and photographer opportunities without dragging.
Can we use the same song for processional and recessional in 2017?
Yes, many couples did in 2017 by varying the arrangement, starting the song softly during the processional and turning it up for a vibrant recessional send-off.
What if our venue has poor acoustics for loud music?
In 2017, sound teams often balanced live instruments with ambient playback and positioned speakers to cover key areas without creating harsh feedback.
Should the DJ announce the recessional start?
Clear announcements helped guests follow the cue, and many DJs in 2017 framed the moment with brief, upbeat comments that built excitement for the exit.