A Perfect Party Playlist: Songs for Your Wedding!
What Types of Songs do I need to Choose for My Big Day?
Music is a key element in creating the perfect atmosphere for your wedding day. From the moment your guests arrive to the final farewell, each musical selection plays a unique role in setting the tone and enhancing the overall experience. Whether you're envisioning a classic, traditional ceremony or a modern, energetic celebration, understanding the different musical moments will help you craft a soundtrack that reflects your style and personality. Here’s a guide to the essential wedding songs and when they should be played, ensuring every note aligns with your special day.
1.Prelude
The prelude music will be one of the first things your guests will notice at your wedding. Generally, prelude music is light background music that is played while guests are being seated. Though you can request specific songs, your DJ, ceremony musician, or wedding planner will most likely have a list of songs to fit your wedding style.
Here are some that we love A Sky Full of Stars by Vitamin String Quartet, A Thousand Years by Christina Perri, Beautiful Crazy - Acoustic by Luke Combs, Better Together by Jack Johnson
2. Processional
The processional song is played while the wedding party enters the ceremony. This also includes parents and grandparents. Traditionally, instrumental music is played during this time. Though, if you wanted to switch things up, you could have a processional style!
I'm Yours by Vitamin String Quartet, Just the Way You Are by The Piano Guys, Like I'm Gonna Lose You by Vitamin String Quartet
3. Bridal Processional
“Here comes the bride…!” This is the moment you have been waiting for. The moment where everyone will gasp at the beauty of the bride and marvel at the look on the groom’s face. Choose a bridal processional song that will highlight your arrival to the ceremony.
Turning Page by Sleeping At Last, You And Me by Lifehouse, You Are the Reason by Calum Scott, Amazing Grace by Bridesmaids Quartet, At Last by Etta James
4. Recessional
The recessional song is played when you exit the ceremony as husband and wife. This song should be happy and lively! While this can also be an instrumental song, it is becoming more popular to have a fun recessional song or even a dance routine! I definitely recommend my personal favorite – Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder.
You Are the Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne, Everlasting Love by Natalie Cole, Best Day of My Life by American Authors, You Make My Dreams by Daryl Hall & John Oates
5. Reception Entrance
The party has arrived! The reception entrance song is played when you…enter the reception. (I know that was a tough one to figure out.) Start the reception with a bang and choose a rockin’ entrance song!
Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake, Crazy Love by Beyonce, Marry You by Bruno Mars, Party in the USA by Miley Cirus
6. First Dance
Your first dance as a couple can be a very sentimental moment. If you have a song that is already your favorite or ‘your song’, this can be a great pick for a first dance. If not, brainstorm some of your favorite songs at the moment and listen to the lyrics to see if any of them stand out.
Better Together by Jack Johnson, Forever Like That by Ben Rector, Photograph by Ed Sheeran, All of Me by John Legend, Forever After All by Luke Combs
7. Father/Daughter Dance
Parent dances usually follow the first dance at the reception. A father daughter dance song should be sweet and sentimental! No matter what, you’ll always be your daddy’s little girl.
I Loved Her First by Heartland, My Wish by Rascal Flatts, Three Little Birds by Bob Marley, You are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder, Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
8. Mother/Son Dance
While mother son dances can also be soft and slow, they can also be fast and upbeat! A swing dance, foxtrot, or waltz between a groom and his mom will awe all the guests.
What a Wonderful World by Louise Armstrong, The Perfect Fan by The Backstreet Boys, That’s What Mommas are For by Chris Lane, Can She Have this Dance by Jason Aldean
9. The Party-Starter
Everybody report to the dance floor – it’s time to get the party started! Every reception needs that one song that will get everyone out of their seats to bust a move. Pick one of your all-time-favorites as a couple.
Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars, Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon, Blinding Lights by The Weeknd, Let’s Get it Started by The Black Eyed Peas, Yeah! by Usher, Shake It Off by Taylor Swift
10. The Last Song
Before you run through a sea of sparklers, glow sticks, or bubbles, end the reception on a good note and play one of your favorite songs. The last song will give everyone one last chance to show off their dance moves.
Yeah! by Usher, 24K Magic by Bruno Mars, Closing Time by Semisonic, The Final Countdown by Europe, Don’t Stop Believing by Journey, I’ve Had the Time of My Life by The Dirty Dancing Soundtrack.
Choosing the right music for each part of your wedding day can transform moments into lasting memories. From the serene prelude to the joyous recessional, and from the heartfelt first dances to the lively finale, each song adds its own touch to your celebration. By thoughtfully selecting the music for these key moments, you’ll create an unforgettable experience for both you and your guests. As you plan your wedding playlist, let your personal tastes shine through, and enjoy the process of crafting a musical journey that perfectly complements your love story.
The dancing is over, now what? Keep the party going with some of these ideas!
