Wedding Planning Guide
Jewish Wedding Music — A Complete Guide to Every Musical Moment
From the Badeken through the last dance, what music is played when at a Jewish wedding, and how to choose the right songs for each moment.
Planning the music for a Jewish wedding can feel overwhelming; there are so many moments, so many song options, and every family has different traditions. This guide walks you through each musical moment of the wedding in order, explains what typically happens, and gives you a sense of what songs are commonly chosen. Whether you're a Chosson and Kallah preparing for your big day, or a family member helping with planning, this is your roadmap.
Section 1
Before the Chuppah
Badeken
The Badeken is the veiling ceremony where the Chosson goes to the Kallah and covers her face with the veil before the chuppah. A song plays during this moment — the most common choices are Vayehi Bishurun Melech and Od Yishoma, though some families choose a slow, warm niggun or another meaningful piece. It is one of the more emotional moments before the ceremony begins.
Pre-Chuppah processional
As guests settle and the chuppah ceremony is about to begin, soft background music sets the atmosphere. Common choices include Shir Hamalos, Koh Echsoif, Shir Hamalos by Shalsheles, Bossie Legani, Boee Beshalom, Tefilas Ha'neiros, and similar traditional or contemporary Jewish pieces. Some families choose something specific; others leave it to the wedding musician's judgment.
Section 2
The Chuppah
Chosson walking in
The Chosson walks to the chuppah to a song, usually something very meaningful. Common choices include songs like Odeh/Ekev, Birchas Habonim, Machnisei, Liros Bunim, and many others.
Mi Adir
Traditionally sung as the Chosson stands under the chuppah waiting for the Kallah. There are many versions, some traditional, some contemporary. Common versions: Mordechai Shapiro, Eli Gerstner, Yaakov Shwekey, Itzik Dadya, Yoni Z, and Aish.
Kallah walking in
The most emotional moment of the chuppah — the Kallah walks in to her own song, separate from the Chosson's. Many families choose something deeply personal here — a song that has meaning to the Kallah or her family. There is no single standard Kallah song, which makes this moment particularly special and individual.
Mi Bon Siach
Traditionally sung as the Kallah goes around the Chussen under the chuppah. Like Mi Adir, there are multiple well-known versions. Common versions: Shalsheles, Lev Tahor, Yaakov Shwekey, Ohad Moskowitz, Simcha Leiner, Derech Achim, and Gur.
Other processions — who walks to what
Each family member typically walks in to a specific song. You can assign the same song to a few or choose different songs for: Chosson's grandparents, Kallah's grandparents, Chosson's siblings, Kallah's siblings, Chosson's parents, Kallah's parents, and the flower girls.
Im Eshkochech
A traditional song sung under the chuppah right before or after the breaking of the glass. There are many beloved versions. Common versions: Shlomo Carlebach, Yaakov Shwekey, Shloime Dachs, Shlomo Yida Rechnitz (most popular today).
Post-Chuppah / Od Yishoma
The song played as the couple walks out together, joyful and celebratory. Od Yishoma is the traditional choice, but even for Od Yishoma, there are different melodies for options. Some couples choose something else.
Section 3
The Meal
Dinner music
Background music during the meal sets the tone. Your wedding musician will choose appropriate songs, but if there are specific songs you'd love to hear during dinner, this is the place to mention them.
Intro(s)
Some couples have a special entrance into the reception hall with a specific song. If you'd like an intro, let your wedding musician know what song you have in mind.
Section 4
Dancing
Dance sets
Jewish wedding dancing is divided into sets. At most weddings there is a first dance set, then either a meal break or a short pause, and then a second dance set. Not every wedding has a full split meal — some go straight into a second dance after a short break. You don't need to plan every song — your wedding musician reads the room and builds energy naturally. Sharing a few songs you'd love to hear for sure, and any songs you'd prefer to avoid, gives the wedding musician everything they need to make the dance floor work.
Ketzad Merakdim
Ketzad Merakdim (literally "how does one dance") is one of the most joyful and anticipated moments of a Jewish wedding. The couple sits together on chairs in the center of the dance floor while friends and family take turns performing in front of them — funny dances, acrobatics, costumes, choreographed skits, juggling, and anything else they can dream up. The goal is pure joy: fulfilling the traditional mitzvah of making the Chosson and Kallah happy. The couple sits back and watches as their loved ones go to great lengths to make them laugh. The wedding musician plays the traditional Ketzad Merakdim song throughout — virtually every Jewish wedding uses the same well-known melody for this moment. If a Ketzad is planned, let your wedding musician know in advance so the timing is coordinated.
Mezinka
If either set of parents is marrying off their last child, the Mezinka dance is performed. The Mezinka typically happens toward the end of the dancing. It is announced to guests and the couple's parents are brought to the center of the dance floor. Your wedding musician will know exactly how to handle this moment — just make sure they know in advance whether a Mezinka is planned and for which set of parents.
Do Not Play
If there are any songs you specifically don't want played at your wedding, make sure to mention them to your wedding musician.
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