Lyla Dejesus
Music is one of the most essential elements of a wedding. It can enhance each moment and make it unforgettable. The right wedding playlist strikes a balance between classic hits and modern tracks to keep all generations entertained. The number of songs you need depends on the length of your wedding reception, but it's important to consider each milestone throughout the evening and choose songs that create the right atmosphere and mood.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs for guests entering and taking seats | 3-10 |
| Number of songs for the processional song (bridesmaids and bride entrance) | 1-2 |
| Number of songs for signing the register | 2-3 |
| Number of songs for the recessional | 1 |
| Number of songs for the first dance | 1 |
| Number of songs for the bridal party entrance | 1 |
| Number of songs for dinner | 10-15 |
| Number of songs for the bouquet toss | 1 |
| Number of songs for the last dance | 1 |
| Total number of songs for the reception | 70 |
| Number of songs per hour | 15 |
| Number of hours of dancing | 3 |
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What You'll Learn
Prelude music: 5-10 songs to set the mood while guests are being seated
Prelude music is the first music your guests will hear at your wedding, so it's an important part of setting the mood for the whole day. It's a good idea to play some music while guests are being seated, about 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. This gives your guests something to listen to as they arrive and creates a nice ambiance.
The number of songs you'll need for your prelude playlist will depend on the length of the songs you choose, but as a rule of thumb, you should aim for between five and 10 songs for this part of the day. You don't want to play anything too energetic that will overpower your guests' conversations, so choose songs that are mellow and won't bring too much energy to the environment. Soft acoustic songs and instrumental tracks are usually a good choice, but you can also choose songs with lyrics if you prefer.
If you're having a religious ceremony, you might want to choose wedding prelude songs that reflect your faith. There are plenty of Christian wedding songs to choose from, whether you're getting married in a church or elsewhere. You could also consider classic, romantic, or popular wedding prelude songs, or even something more modern. If you're having a rustic wedding in nature, contemporary acoustic songs can be a great choice, while a traditional ceremony might call for mostly classical, instrumental music.
- "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo
- "Everything" by Michael Bublé
- "Yellow" by Coldplay
- "Water Music Suite No.3, HWV 350" by George Frideric Handel
- "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven
- "Sheep May Safely Graze" by Bach
- "All of My Days" by Louis Armstrong
- "Concerning Hobbits/Lord of the Rings theme"
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Processional music: 1-3 songs to accompany the bridal party entrance
Music is an essential element of a wedding. A perfect melody can enhance each moment and make it unforgettable. The number of songs you need for your wedding can vary based on the length of your wedding reception. For a bridal party entrance, you will need 1-3 songs. Here are some ideas for choosing the right songs for the bridal party entrance:
If you're planning a formal affair, you may want to stick with traditional, classical wedding processional songs that are familiar to everyone. Canon in D is a popular choice, as it is familiar, beautiful, and has a light, romantic atmosphere. Other classical options include "Over the Rainbow," which is perfect for younger members of the bridal party like the flower girl and ring bearer.
If you want to break tradition, you can explore unique wedding processional songs. For example, you can play a fun, upbeat track like Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" for the bridesmaids and groomsmen's entrance. You can also play a sentimental song by the groom's favourite band for his entrance.
No matter what songs you choose, be sure to make them special for those who have supported you tirelessly on your journey. You can also get creative and choreograph a fun dance for the bridal party entrance to personalize your celebration even further.
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Signing songs: 2-3 songs for signing the register
Signing the register is a key moment in the wedding ceremony when you make your marriage official. The song(s) chosen to accompany this moment should reflect the couple's personality, their love story, or simply provide beautiful background music.
There are no hard and fast rules about how many songs to choose for this part of the ceremony, but most sources suggest 2-3 songs. If you're worried about the songs being too short, you can always instruct your DJ or musician to play a few more verses or choruses if needed, or to stop at a natural endpoint if you finish early.
When choosing your signing songs, it's important to remember that this will be a lasting reminder of your special day, so choose wisely! Pick songs that you and your partner enjoy, whether they are contemporary, traditional, or somewhere in between. You could also consider having a Must Play and Play If Possible list for your DJ, with your top choices on the "Must Play" list.
If you're having a civil ceremony, remember to double-check that your songs don't contain any religious content, as this is not allowed and the definition of what counts as religious can vary from area to area.
Finally, consider the length of your songs and how long the signing will take. You don't want a short song playing on repeat while you pose for photos, so choose something long enough or be prepared to loop a few songs together.
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Recessional music: 1 song for the exit
Wedding music is about more than just the first dance. It's important to consider the music for the whole day, including the recessional song, which is the first song you'll hear as a married couple.
The recessional song is played at the end of the ceremony when the newlyweds and wedding party walk up the aisle. It's a chance to choose something thoughtful and romantic, whether it's a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a recessional song, so feel free to pick something that reflects your personal style and taste. You might want to go with a traditional song like "Wedding March" or opt for a contemporary choice by Beyoncé or Harry Styles.
If you're looking for something unique, consider "You're the One That I Want" from Grease, or "Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves. For a fun and upbeat vibe, try "The Fire That Keeps You Warm" by Dolly Parton, or "It All Feels Right" by Washed Out.
Remember, the recessional song is a chance to celebrate the start of your married life, so choose something that speaks to you and your partner.
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First dance: 1 song to kick off the reception
The first dance song is one of the most important and personal decisions you will make ahead of your wedding reception. It's a special moment that you and your partner will share, and it should feel authentic to who you are as a couple.
When choosing your first dance song, consider the lyrics and how they reflect your love story. You might opt for a slow ballad that is inherently romantic, or something more upbeat and lighthearted. The pace of the song is also important, as you should consider your ability to dance to it. If you're nervous about dancing in front of your guests, don't worry—you don't have to be a skilled dancer to make this moment powerful. The classic first dance style is "the sway," but you can also choose to waltz or foxtrot, or even create an original choreographed dance.
- "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley
- "At Last" by Etta James
- "Joy of My Life" by Chris Stapleton
- "Life With You" by Kelsey Hart
- "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
- "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes
- "Oh, It Is Love" by Hellogoodbye
- "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran
- "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" by Iron and Wine
- "It's Your Love" by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
- "L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole
- "La Vie En Rose" by Emily Watts
- "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons" by Nat King Cole or Ella Fitzgerald
- "I Will Follow You Into The Dark" by Death Cab For Cutie
- "Always" by Blink-182
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Frequently asked questions
The number of songs you need depends on the length of your wedding reception and ceremony. Typically, you may need between one and three songs for key moments like the first dance and additional tracks for background music during dining or socializing.
Prelude music usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes prior to but no later than 20 minutes before the beginning of the ceremony. You'll need between five and 10 songs for this pre-ceremony period.
The number of processional songs you'll need depends on the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. You can use the same song for each member of the wedding party or change the song when the bride enters to add drama.
You'll need two or three songs for the signing of the register.
The cocktail hour is about creating a light and enjoyable atmosphere without overpowering conversation. Plan for 1-2 hours of continuous music.
