The Ultimate Wedding Soundtrack

FEATURED PHOTO BY The Tinsley Co. 

What is the soundtrack to your love story? Choosing songs for your wedding can either be super exciting or completely overwhelming. It is, however, an important step in establishing the vibe and sound that will make your wedding unique.

(If you haven’t hired your DJ yet – search our favorite local companies here!)

THE RULES

When it comes to your wedding, there are no rules. But, if you’re looking for some musical guidance, here are some helpful things to consider:

• Keep a Spotify or Apple Music playlist so that whenever you hear a song you both like, you can remember it by adding it to the playlist.
• Create your list of “must play” songs so that your favorite tunes make a cameo on your favorite day.
• Create your list of “do not play” songs. You might not want to hear some songs on your wedding day, if they hold bad memories or you just don’t like them!
• Tailor your choices to your own favorite genres and use music as a storytelling device. Personalize your wedding soundtrack by including artists you’ve seen in concert together, “your song” and even covers of classics done by contemporary artists.
• Make sure to pick songs that fit special events of the day (entrances, cake cuttings, first dances), keeping in mind the song tempo and thematics.
• Think ahead: Is there a certain part of the song you want played at a particular moment? Things can happen quicker than you anticipate, so if there’s a particular part of a song you want played during a specific moment, be sure to tell your sound operator so that they can edit or cue up when appropriate.
• Don’t let your favorites miss out. If some of your favorite songs don’t fit into the dancing portion of the evening (not every song is danceable!), those songs can be used during dinner or cocktail hour.

When it comes to planning music choices for those important wedding moments, the most important thing to consider is if the songs are important to you. Mixing in different genres and eras, here are some tracks to add to your “must play” list:

PROCESSIONAL

Duh-Duh-Duh-Dunnnnn. Whether traditional melody or a contemporary tune, this is a track you’ll remember for a lifetime. Look for songs that have a anticipatory swelling or a romantic overture – the right music will guarantee some happy tears.

1. “Young and Beautiful” by Ashot Dumanyan
2. “Wildest Dreams” by Duomo
3. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Kinna Grannis
4. “Canon in D” by The Chillest
5. “Yellow” by Brooklyn Duo
6. “A Thousand Years” by The Piano Guys
7. “Hippípolla” by Sigur Rós
8. “Somewhere Only We Know” by Lily Allen
9. “Holocene” by Bon Iver
10. “Enchanted” by Piano Tribute Players

RECESSIONAL

“It is my honor to present for the first time…” You’re married! Time to exit the ceremony with big smiles and an extra pep in your step.

1. “First Day of My Life” by Brooklyn Duo
2. “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
3. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder
4. “I’m In Love with You” by The 1975
5. “Paper Rings” by Taylor Swift
6. “Here Comes Your Man” by Vitamin String Quartet
7. “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap
8. “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors
9. “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
10. “I’m A Believer” by The Monkees

GRAND ENTRANCES

When you enter your reception for the first time as a married couple, you’ll want to make a statement. Plus, you have to introduce your wedding party in style. Set the tone for the reception ahead and get the party started!

1. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
2. “Levels” by Avicii
3. “Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis
4. “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” by Harry Styles
5. “Shut Up and Dance” by WALK THE MOON
6. “Archie, Marry Me” by Alvvays
7. “Love On Top” by Beyoncé
8. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
9. “Beggin’”by Måneskin
10. “INDUSTRY BABY (feat. Jack Harlow)” by Lil Nas X

PARENT DANCES

1. “Gracie” by Ben Folds
2. “Like My Father” by Jax
3. “Sweetest Devotion” by Adele
4. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
5. “You’ve Got A Friend” by Carole King
6. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
7. “I Loved Her First” by Heartland
8. “Mom” by Meghan Trainor
9. “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
10. “Shiny” by Sara Barielles

FIRST DANCE

If there’s any moment for mushy, lovey sentiments, this is it. Your wedding day will be full of hustle and bustle, but this is a quiet moment you’ll have with just you and your partner. When choosing a song, think about longevity (how you’ll remember the song for years to come) and ease of danceability. If you’re the type to get nervous dancing in front of everyone, opt for a song that has a simply, swaying melody.

1. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
2. “Love” by Lana Del Rey
3. “Lover (First Dance Remix)” by Taylor Swift
4. “Baby I’m Yours” by Arctic Monkeys
5. “Sea of Love” by Cat Power
6. “God Only Knows” by She & Him
7. “The Wonder of You” by Villagers
8. “Heartbeats” by Jose González
9. “Beyond” by Leon Bridges
10. “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds

GUARANTEED BOPS

These are songs that are sure to pack the dance floor and get your guests on their feet! No matter your age or where you come from, these are undoubtedly wedding classics for the ages.

1. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
2. “Levitating” by Dua Lipa
3. “About Damn Time” by Lizzo
4. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
5. “I Love It (feat. Charli XCX)” by Icona Pop
6. “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado
7. “Gimme More” by Britney Spears
8. “Valerie” by Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse
9. “Come On Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners
10. “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” by Shania Twain

SLOW SONGS THAT WON’T CLEAR THE DANCE FLOOR

We all know it, slow songs have a tendency to clear off the dance floor. But what’s a wedding without some romantic croons? These hits are sure to get your guests finding SOMEONE to slow dance with.

1. “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star
2. “These Arms of Mine” by Otis Redding
3. “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez
4. “Moon River” by Frank Ocean
5. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
6. “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
7. “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson
8. “Dream” by Priscilla Ahn
9. “The Joker and the Queen” by Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift
10. “Wild Horses” by The Sundays

LAST SONG

After a long day of festivities, it’s time to finally clear the dance floor. Here’s to one last jam before the day comes to a close.

1. “XO” by Beyoncé
2. “Closing Time” by Semisonic
3. “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
4. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes
5. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
6. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
7. “Take Me Home Tonight” by Eddie Money
8. “One More Time” by Daft Punk
9. “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Hall & Oates
10. “Just Can’t Get Enough” by Depeche Mode

AFTER PARTY

After Grandma and Grandpa leave is when the real wedding reception starts come out. We’re talking cursing, PG-13 subject matter, and bumpin’ & grindin’. These tracks are for turning your venue into a club and breaking it down with your besties.

1. “Super Freaky Girl” by Nicki Minaj
2. “I Like It” by Cardi B, Bad Bunny, J Balvin
3. “2Die4”byToveLo
4. “Pony” by Genuwine
5. “Purple Hat” by Sofi Tukker
6. “WHOLE LOTTA MONEY” by BIA
7. “Paper Planes” by M.I.A.
8. “Rumors (feat. Cardi B)” by Lizzo
9. “7 Rings” by Ariana Grande
10. “Doses & Mimosas” by Cherub