Wedding Music: What to Play and When to Play It

Yes, music is a big part of your wedding day! From the time you wake up and start prepping, all the way to the dance party at the reception, music plays a key part in your day. (Can you imagine walking down the aisle in complete silence? Trust us, music is something you shouldn’t leave to the last minute or heaven forbid, forget!) So to help you out, we’ve made a list of times when playing music is appropriate, and we also listed down some sample songs you might want to try out. Get your speakers or earphones ready, and take note of your faves!

 

The Wedding Preps. It’s always nice to have your favorite song to help get you into the mood. If you want something different, go for something with a nice upbeat and generally happy tune. You want to quell those fluttering butterflies and bring excitement to the forefront!

You can try:

Best Day of My Life by American Authors Love on Top by Beyonce Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader Walking on Sunshine by Aly and AJ Hold My Hand by Jess Glynne

You can check out our complete wedding preps playlist here.

 

Walking Down The Aisle. Walking down the aisle is the moment. So you gotta make sure to pick the right song. Go with something soft and romantic. You can also opt for something instrumental too, if you want to be safe.

You can try:

Can’t Help Falling In Love by Ingrid Michaelson Make You Feel My Love by Adele Heaven by DJ Sammy I Get To Love You by Ruelle So Close by Jon Mclaughlin

Still not sure? You can check out our list of songs perfect for walking down the aisle–part one and two.

 

The Recessional. The moment where the bride and groom walk back down the aisle as a married couple and their families and friends throw flower petals in celebration, is definitely worthy of some music, don’t you think? You can go with something sweet and happy–something that says “We’re happy to be married!”

You can try:

I Do by Colbie Caillat Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap All You Need Is Love by The Beatles Happy Together by The Turtles Treasure by Bruno Mars Safe and Sound by The Capital Cities On Top Of The World by Imagine Dragons

 

The Reception Entrance. When the bride and groom are formally introduced as Mr. and Mrs. in their grand entrance at the reception, play something fun and lively. (It’s a celebration after all!) Or you can go with a song that describes you as a couple (your own couple’s anthem).

You can try:

Crazy In Love (feat. Jay-Z) by Beyoncé The Sweet Escape (feat. Akon) by Gwen Stefani Feel So Close by Calvin Harris Let's Get It Started by The Black Eyed Peas Uptown Funk (feat. Bruno Mars) by Mark Ronson Cake By The Ocean by DNCE My Type by Saint Motel The Sound by The 1975

 

The Reception Dinner. To help mask the sound of lots of voices chatting, play some music during your reception dinner. Choose something romantic and sweet, but not too slow either. You don’t want your guests to fall asleep right after they’ve had their bellies filled.

You can try:

Little Bit by Perrin Lamb Sway by Michael Bublé Sunday Morning by Maroon 5 Fly Me To The Moon by Frank Sinatra Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey Livewire by Oh Wonder

Here’s our full list of romantic songs you can play at your reception dinner.

 

Your First Dance. If there’s ever a time for slow romantic songs, it’s during your first dance.

You can try:

Like I’m Gonna Lose You (feat. John Legend) by Meghan Trainor Terrified by Katharine McPhee and Zachary Levi XO by John Mayer How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat

Our ridiculously romantic playlist can give you some ideas–check out part one and two!

 

The Father-Daughter Dance. Here’s another sweet moment that just has to have music. You can be a bit more flexible with your song choices here. It can be sweet, romantic, or fun–whatever you and dad feel most comfortable dancing to is best.

You can try:

My Girl by The Temptations Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle The Way You Look Tonight by Tony Bennett How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by James Taylor My Little Girl by Tim McGraw

If you need some extra help, view our list of sweet father-daughter dance songs here.

 

The Dance Party. So here’s where the party really starts picking up! Choose party and dance music, or something to keep everyone moving and on their feet.

You can try (or suggest your DJ to play):

A Sky full of Stars by Coldplay Rather Be (feat. Jess Glynne) by Clean Bandit Red Lights by Tiesto Lean On (feat. MØ) by Major Lazer and DJ Snake Perfect Strangers (feat. JP Cooper) by Jonas Blue This Girl by Kungs vs. Cookin' on 3 Burners Hold Me Up by Conrad Sewell Sugar by Maroon 5

 

Already know what songs you want? Or do you still need to hear them out? You can find most of these suggestions in our Spotify account, here. Happy listening!

 

Featured photo provided by Story Amour.

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