Song Choices
They say music sets the tone, so let’s make it a happy, intimate party because after all, it is YOUR DAY! This is a list of all the specific times you need songs during your big day (for a more traditional wedding). Obviously, you can pick and choose which ones you want to keep and which you don’t. We also provided a couple of examples for each, but these are really moments to make the day authentically you. If there is a song you and your boo love to jam out to then play it! You don’t have to play what everyone else does.
All photos by Timberline Photography
These songs will definitely set the tone for your big day. You can start out the morning slow and then amp it up as the ceremony gets closer. Throw on some dance music for fun, getting ready photos, or keep it chill if you're a little anxious.
Love Story by Taylor Swift, Wannabe by Spice Girls, Firework by Katie Perry, We Found Love by Rihanna and Calvin Harris.
PRO TIP: If she isn’t too busy, have your maid of honor put this playlist together or share it with all of your girls and have them add songs.
2. Prelude
These are the songs playing while guests are getting seated and before anyone starts walking down the aisle. Most DJs already have a bunch of great songs to choose from. These songs are great for setting the overall mood of the ceremony- serious, loving, fun, light-hearted.
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
3. Processional
These songs are played while your parents and grandparents walk down the aisle, all the way to your bridal party and flower girls. Depending on how many people you have in your party, you might need to find an extended song or a couple of different songs to play while they walk down the aisle.
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
4. Bridal Processional
THIS IS IT! The moment when everyone turns and looks at you while you walk to the love of your life. When you picture that moment, what music is playing in your head? Instrumental country song, classical, or folksy?
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, Yellow by Coldplay
5. Recessional
This is the song that plays when you exit as a married couple! This one usually has vocals, but can definitely still be instrumental. This should be happy and celebratory and make you want to dance!
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
6. Cocktail Hour
You’ll want some fun music for this time as you and your honey take pictures and your guests get situated in the area. The playlist above has lots of really fun examples, but it totally depends on your vibe. A lot of people also choose to have live music at this time, which always has a nice, personal feel.
7. Reception Entrance
The PARTY HAS ARRIVED! You get to have a mini dance party as you make your way to your seat. What do you wanna dance to? Pop, romantic folk, or country?
Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake, Crazy Love by Beyonce, Marry You by Bruno Mars, Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus
8. Reception
People are chatting and eating, so you don’t want anything too loud or attention-grabbing because it will distract your guests from getting to know each other and you trying to mingle. You can go back to instrumental or just slower-paced music.
9. First Dance
Your first dance as a couple can be a very sentimental moment. You can play “your song” if you have one. 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
10. Mother/Son Dance
Parent dances usually follow the first dance at the reception. 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
11. Father/Daughter Dance
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
12. Kick Off the Party
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
13. Dancing Songs
You know your vibe and you know your people. What makes you want to dance? What gets your people on the dance floor?
14. An Epic finale
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.
15. Last Dance
This is another sweet, intimate moment for you and your new spouse to take a moment to calm down and soak in the day. When is the next time you are going to get a whole dance floor to yourself with no one watching?! Play a song that brings you closer to your love; it can still be fun and upbeat, but you should have a massive smile on your face.
Home by Michael Buble, Speechless by Dan and Shay, Slow Dancing in The Dark by Joji, Die a Happy Man by Thomas Rhett, Change Your Name by Brett Young, and The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra.
