Planning the perfect wedding is all about the details, and one of the most crucial elements is your playlist. Music sets the tone for each moment of your big day, from the first step down the aisle to the last dance of the night.
Crafting a playlist that captures the essence of your love story and keeps your guests entertained can be challenging, but with the right guidance, it can be a lot of fun. Here’s how to create the perfect wedding playlist for every moment of your celebration.
1. Pre-Ceremony: Setting the Mood
The pre-ceremony music is your guests' first taste of the atmosphere you want to create. While they wait for the main event, a carefully curated selection of songs can help set the tone. Opt for light, instrumental music or soft vocals to create a calm and inviting ambiance.
Song Suggestions:
“Clair de Lune” by Debussy – A classic and elegant choice that adds a touch of sophistication.
“A Thousand Years” (Instrumental) by Christina Perri – A beautiful, modern piece that feels timeless.
“Canon in D” by Pachelbel – A traditional favorite that exudes romance and serenity.
“Cover me up” by Morgan Wallen. A beautiful country love song that will bring tears to your guests eyes.
Processional: The Grand Entrance
The processional marks the bride’s or the couple’s grand entrance, so it’s essential to choose a song that’s both meaningful and reflective of the moment’s importance. Whether you prefer a traditional walk down the aisle or something a bit more unconventional, the music should complement the gravity and beauty of the occasion.
Song Suggestions:
“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles – A joyful and uplifting choice for a bright, outdoor ceremony.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Haley Reinhart – A soulful rendition of a classic love song, perfect for a heartfelt entrance.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole – A whimsical, hopeful tune that adds a touch of magic.
“When you say nothing at all” by Allison Krauss- The beautiful melody and lyrics will capture the love and tenderness of your special moment.
3. Recessional: Joyful Celebration
The recessional is a moment of pure joy as you and your partner walk back down the aisle as a married couple. The music here should be celebratory, reflecting the happiness and excitement of the moment.
Song Suggestions:
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder – A fun and energetic choice that gets everyone in a celebratory mood.
“You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates – An upbeat, feel-good song that perfectly captures the moment’s joy.
“All You Need is Love” by The Beatles – A classic anthem of love that’s perfect for the occasion.
“Somebody Like You” by Keith Urban- A fun and sweet song about being in love.
4. Cocktail Hour: Relaxed and Inviting
During cocktail hour, your guests will mingle, chat, and enjoy drinks and appetizers. The music should be upbeat yet unobtrusive, creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages conversation.
Song Suggestions:
“Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder – A smooth, jazzy tune that’s universally loved.
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars – A catchy, modern pop song that keeps the mood light and happy.
“Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra – A timeless classic that adds a touch of elegance to the evening.
“This Kiss” by Faith Hill - An upbeat love song that people love to sing along to.
5. First Dance: A Moment to Remember
The first dance is one of the most memorable moments of your wedding day. This song should be deeply personal, reflecting your relationship and the love you share. Whether it’s a song that holds special meaning for you as a couple or a timeless classic, make sure it’s a tune that resonates with your story.
Song Suggestions:
“At Last” by Etta James – A soulful and iconic choice that never fails to evoke emotion.
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran – A modern love ballad that has quickly become a favorite for first dances.
“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra – A romantic classic that adds a touch of old Hollywood glamour.
“More of You” by Chris Stapleton- a tender and heartfelt ode to love, expressing deep gratitude for a relationship that grows richer with time.
6. Dinner: Elegant and Enjoyable
As your guests sit down to enjoy their meal, the music should be a pleasant backdrop that enhances the dining experience without overpowering conversation. Opt for a mix of soft jazz, classical pieces, or mellow acoustic tracks.
Song Suggestions:
“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong – A gentle, uplifting tune that creates a warm atmosphere.
“Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat – A light, breezy song that’s perfect for a relaxed dinner.
“Your Song” by Elton John – A heartfelt ballad that’s both beautiful and unobtrusive.
“Springsteen” by Eric Church- The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and bittersweet remembrance.
7. Dance Party: Get the Party Started
After dinner, it’s time to get the party started! Your dance playlist should be a mix of crowd-pleasers, from old-school classics to current hits, ensuring that everyone, young and old, gets on the dance floor.
Song Suggestions:
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – A high-energy track that gets everyone moving.
“Shout” by The Isley Brothers – A fun, interactive song that’s a hit at any wedding.
“Dancing Queen” by ABBA – A timeless favorite that never fails to fill the dance floor.
“Country Girl (Shake it For me)” by Luke Bryan -an upbeat anthem celebrating rural life, with a catchy chorus that encourages country girls to dance and have a good time.
8. Last Dance: A Perfect Send-Off
The last dance is your chance to end the night on a high note. Choose a song that’s either a fun, upbeat finale or a slow, romantic tune that allows everyone to savor the final moments of the celebration.
Song Suggestions:
“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes – A fun and nostalgic song that gets everyone singing along.
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey – An iconic anthem that leaves everyone feeling uplifted.
“Closing Time” by Semisonic – A fitting, slightly cheeky choice for wrapping up the night.
“Take Me Home Country Road” by John Denver- With its memorable melody and evocative lyrics, it captures the longing for home and the comfort of familiar places.
Final Tips for Creating Your Wedding Playlist:
Consult Your DJ/Band: If you’re working with a DJ or live band, share your must-play songs and discuss the vibe you want to create. They can help you craft a playlist that flows seamlessly throughout the day.
Consider Your Guests: While your wedding day is about you, it’s also important to consider what will get your guests excited. Include a mix of genres and eras to ensure everyone has a great time.
Personalize It: Don’t be afraid to include songs that are special to you as a couple, even if they’re not traditional wedding fare. Your playlist should reflect your unique tastes and love story.
With the right playlist, your wedding day will be filled with unforgettable moments, each perfectly underscored by the music you’ve chosen. So turn up the volume, hit play, and let the celebration begin!
Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, we actively support our local economy. Consider selecting a locally owned venue for your special day. Here's a shout out to our fellow locally owned wedding venues nationwide!
