There’s a lot to reflect on when it comes to your wedding playlist. When selecting your music you have to consider: the progression of the day; all areas where music is needed; the audience’s tastes; expressive tunes for highlighted moments and certain songs you definitely don’t want playing during your special day. Decision one is whether you would like to go with a DJ or a band. Cost is one of the biggest factors here but you also need to consider the tone of your event. When looking at your music playlist and consulting with your DJ or live band there are some key moments during your day you’ll have to keep in mind.
Pre-Ceremony Music
These songs and music are often overlooked but can be extremely important considering they are the first thing your guests will hear arriving at your ceremony location. It is always good to start off on the right foot with your guests. Pre-ceremony songs are usually subdued and calm. Churches are usually the ceremony location so having music that fits the environment is key.
Processional
When it’s time for the processional to begin you wants a change in music that will grab everyone’s attention and hush the room. While the bride’s grand entrance is extremely important allowing each member of the processional to have their moment to shine is also important too.
Bridal Entrance
A lot has changed over the years in weddings and music is no exception. We all know the classic entry music for a bride right? For little over a century a portion of Wagner’s Lohengrin work, often called “Here Comes The Bride”, has been the most used processional and bridal entrance music and has become a wedding classic. However modern brides are opting with different entry tunes from some of their favorite songs.
Recessional
Choosing more upbeat and playful songs for when your group makes their way back down the aisle has become extremely common. Depending on how you choose to do your walk back, religious traditions and other considerations the recessional music may need to be longer or shorter so bringing this to the attention of you musician or DJ is crucial.
Cocktail Hour
It’s common practice to pass the reigns of your cocktail hour playlist to the music professionals. While you will be off being photographed its usually the music and bar that become the center of attention until you are back.
Reception Entrance
When photos are over it is time for the second grand entrance of the day. This is the moment your friends and family will meet you as a newly wedded couple. The reception entrance is often more fun and playful for guests. Some brides opt to get help from those who will be walking for music selections here, choosing to represent those coming in more then themselves this time around.
First Dance
This is usually the song every bride knows from the moment a ring is placed on their finger. If you don’t there is no need to worry. Look at the music you love, if you don’t think your style fits the mood of the first dance, branch out. Work with your musicians and DJs to find a song that both fits your style but is easy to do a classic first dance to.
Dinner Music
Depending on how you do dinner and how formal your reception is can alter the music played during dinner. If your reception is more casual, the music may be the same through out the evening. Dinners like these include casual buffet settings and heavy finger foods. If you are opting for a more formal sit down meal you might go for repeating or using similar music to the music played during your pre-ceremony.
Parent Dances
Second only to your first dance are the classic dances with your parents. Over the course of the evening it may be hard to have a moment where you can set aside with those close especially with your parents like this moment now. Cherish it, they will. You know who your parents, are they more subdued or laid back? The key to picking good music here is fitting it to your parents style and making it something they can dance to.
Dance Party
This is when the excitement begins! Music choices help liven the crowds and move them to the dance floor. Picking a diverse playlist that suits all those who attend your wedding can be rough. This is where working with a DJ or musician is key. Professionals have experience and they have seen what does and does not go over well at receptions and while they may not know your friends and families particular interests they do know what can stir up a crowd. This is also the time when allowing freedom to your guests is important. It has become common practice for guest to make special requests to the musical professionals. While its important to provide those options for guests also provide a list of ‘Definite Nos’ so if someone requests a song you do not want to hear that awkward situation can be ended before its begins.
You have not worn your dress every day. Most people don’t keep arrangements of live flowers in their home all the time. You usually cook your own meals or go out, working with a caterer just isn’t in your everyday budget. Music unlike all the other aspects of your big day can be some of the most personally reflecting pieces of your day so working with a professional while staying true to who you are as a person and who you are as a couple is one of the greatest things you can do when it comes to your playlist.
Spotify’s top 10 most popular wedding songs:
- “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
- “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
- “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
- “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston
- “All of Me” by John Legend
- “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars
- “My Girl” by The Temptations
- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
- “Marry Me” by Train
- “You Make My Dreams” by Daryl Hall & John Oates
Spotify’s top 10 most popular first dance songs:
- “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
- “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
- “At Last” by Etta James
- “All of Me” by John Legend
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
- “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
- “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz
- “How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding
- “Perfect Duet” by Ed Sheeran and Beyonc