Creating The Perfect Wedding Ceremony Playlist

Music is an integral part of a wedding, from the ceremony prelude to the last dance of the night. It sets the tone, showcases the couple's personality, and creates an atmosphere. When it comes to making a playlist for your wedding ceremony, here are some tips to help you get started:

- Visualise your dream wedding and think about the music that would complement it.

- There are no rules when it comes to selecting music for your wedding. Pick songs that you and your partner enjoy, whether they are contemporary, traditional, or a mix of both.

- Consider the different parts of the wedding, such as the aisle walk, cocktail hour, first dance, and recessional. Choose songs that fit the mood and energy of each moment.

- Create a mix of popular love songs, upbeat party starters, and songs that have personal meaning to you and your partner.

- Think about your guests' preferences and include a variety of genres and eras to cater to different tastes and ages.

- If you're hiring a DJ, communicate your musical preferences and work with them to create a must-play list and a do-not-play list.

- Start making your playlist early and use tools like Spotify, iTunes, or Shazam to organise your songs.

- Don't forget to include some crowd-pleasers! Songs like I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney Houston or Dancing Queen by ABBA are sure to get your guests on the dance floor.

Choosing a DJ vs. DIY

There are several factors to consider when deciding between a DJ and a DIY approach for your wedding music. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of each option:

Hiring a DJ

A professional wedding DJ can offer several benefits that may enhance your wedding ceremony and reception.

Advantages:

• A DJ will take care of the logistics, timing, MC'ing, and other technical aspects, reducing stress and workload for you.
• They have a vast selection of music and can quickly adapt to the mood of the crowd, ensuring a seamless flow of music.
• They bring experience and expertise in reading the crowd and creating the right atmosphere, which can be especially beneficial if you want a "completely killer dance party."
• They can provide tips on dance floor setup, volume control, and music flow for the entire event.
• A good DJ will work with you to create a "must-play" list and take into account any songs you want to avoid.
• They will handle the setup and troubleshooting of sound equipment, ensuring the right volume levels for speakers, music, and microphones.

Disadvantages:

• Hiring a DJ can be expensive, and you may need to book them well in advance to secure their services.
• You will need to find a DJ whose personality and style match your vision for the wedding.
• If you have very specific music choices or strong opinions about the songs you want, a DJ may not be able to accommodate all your requests.

DIY (iPod/Laptop)

Creating your own wedding playlist gives you complete control over the music selection and can be a fun and cost-effective option.

Advantages:

• You have total freedom to choose the songs that reflect your taste and the energy you want at your wedding.
• It can be more affordable than hiring a DJ, especially if you're on a tight budget.
• You can create separate playlists for different parts of the day, such as the pre-ceremony, processional, recessional, cocktail hour, dinner, first dance, and dancing.
• Using streaming services like Spotify allows for collaborative playlists, giving family and friends the opportunity to contribute.

Disadvantages:

• You or someone you assign will be responsible for managing the playlists and ensuring a smooth flow of music throughout the event.
• Technical issues may arise, and you'll need to have backup devices and power cords ready.
• Creating a playlist that caters to diverse musical tastes and keeps the energy high can be challenging.
• You may need to purchase songs for the ceremony to ensure high-quality audio and avoid licensing issues.

Ultimately, the decision between a DJ and DIY depends on your priorities, budget, and how much control you want over the music selection. Both options can result in a fantastic wedding celebration, so choose the one that best fits your vision and ensures your guests have an unforgettable time.

Must-play songs

Music is an integral part of a wedding ceremony, and the songs chosen can set the tone for the entire event. Here are some must-play songs to include in your wedding playlist:

Ultra-Romantic Tunes

These songs are perfect for walking down the aisle or playing while your guests get seated. They are sure to tug at the heartstrings and create a dreamy atmosphere.

• "Real Love Baby" by Father John Misty
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
• "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele
• "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes
• "Everything" by Mary J. Blige
• "River" by Leon Bridges
• "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
• "Lover" by Taylor Swift
• "You Are the Reason" by Callum Scott & Leona Lewis

Fun and Adorable Songs

If you're looking for a relaxed and joyful vibe, these songs will bring a touch of glam and put a smile on your guests' faces.

• "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne
• "Everything" by Michael Bublé
• "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors
• "Love" by Matt White
• "Chapel of Love" by The Dixie Cups
• "How Sweet It Is" by Marvin Gaye
• "Golden" by Harry Styles
• "Dear Future Husband" by Meghan Trainor
• "You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins
• "You're the One That I Want" by John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

Non-Traditional and Alternative Songs

If classic wedding music isn't your style, opt for these unique and modern alternatives.

• "I'll Be Your Mirror" by The Velvet Underground and Nico
• "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young
• "Shallow" by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
• "Heroes" by David Bowie
• "Come Live With Me Angel" by Marvin Gaye
• "Higher Love" by James Vincent McMorrow
• "Modern Nature" by Sondre Lerche
• "Happy" by Ashanti
• "Wedding Song" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• "The Book of Love" by Magnetic Fields

Upbeat and Joyful Songs

Get your guests in the mood to celebrate and dance with these fun and upbeat tunes.

• Best Day of My Life by American Authors
• "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers
• Today Was a Fairytale by Taylor Swift
• All You Need Is Love by The Beatles
• Greatest Love of All by Whitney Houston
• Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader
• Death Do Us Part by Nick Jonas
• Just The Two of Us by Grover Washington Jr. ft. Bill Withers
• Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
• Heroes by David Bowie

These songs are just a starting point—feel free to add your favourite tunes and create a playlist that reflects your unique style and personality. Happy planning!

Do-not-play songs

When it comes to your wedding playlist, it's important to remember that the music you choose will shape your guests' experience and spark memories for a lifetime. While it's ultimately up to you and your partner to decide on the songs that reflect your tastes and preferences, there are certain songs that are commonly considered inappropriate or overplayed for a wedding celebration. Here are some tips and suggestions for songs to avoid on your big day:

• Overplayed and Annoying Songs: Songs like "Single Ladies" by Beyonce, "Macarena" by Los Del Rio, "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang, "Happy" by Pharrell Williams, and "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson (ft. Bruno Mars) have been overplayed at weddings for years and might be considered annoying or cliché by your guests. Opt for more unique and personalized choices.
• Line Dances and Group Dances: Songs such as "The Chicken Dance," "Electric Boogie (The Electric Slide)," "Cupid Shuffle," "Cha-Cha Slide," and "The Hokey Pokey" often evoke strong feelings of love or hate among guests. While some people enjoy the choreography and participation, others may find these songs polarizing and prefer to avoid them.
• Negative and Inappropriate Themes: It's essential to be mindful of the lyrics and themes of the songs you choose. Avoid songs that glorify infidelity, such as "Gold Digger" by Kanye West, "Dancing With A Stranger" by Sam Smith & Normani, or "Treat You Better" by Shawn Mendes. Also, stay away from songs that reference death, suicide, stalking, or explicit content. Examples include "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, "Somebody's Watching Me" by Rockwell, "Jumper" by Third Eye Blind, "Love Stinks" by J. Geils Band, and songs with explicit lyrics by artists like Bon Jovi and Bruno Mars.
• Breakup and Heartbreak Songs: Steer clear of songs that talk about cheating, breakups, or heartbreak, such as "drivers license" by Olivia Rodrigo, "Break Up With Him" by Old Dominion, "Grenade" by Bruno Mars, "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division, and "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson. These songs can create an unintended somber atmosphere during your celebration.
• Personal Associations: Avoid songs that hold negative memories for you or your partner. If a particular song reminds you of an ex or a painful experience, add it to your "do-not-play" list. This includes songs like "Your Song" by Elton John and "My Best Friend's Girl" by The Cars.
• Inappropriate Tempo or Energy: While it's important to include a mix of fast and slow songs, be mindful of the overall energy and flow of your playlist. Some songs, like "Get Low" by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz (ft. Ying Yang Twins) or "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO, may be too high-energy or intense for certain moments of your wedding. Similarly, overly sentimental or slow songs like "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers or "You're Beautiful" by James Blunt can bring down the mood too much.
• Overly Sentimental or Sappy Songs: While it's normal to want to evoke emotions during your wedding, be cautious of songs that might be too sentimental or sappy. Examples include "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith, "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele, and "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran.
• Songs That Don't Reflect Your Musical Tastes: Ultimately, your wedding music should represent you and your partner's personalities and preferences. If you dislike a particular genre or artist, don't feel obligated to include them just to please your guests. For example, if country music isn't your style, skip songs like "All My Ex's Live in Texas" by George Strait.

Remember, this is just a general guide, and you can always adapt it to fit your unique vision for your wedding. Creating a "do-not-play" list will help ensure that your wedding playlist aligns with your tastes and creates the right atmosphere for your special day.

Song selection and list size

Music is an integral part of a wedding, helping to set the tone, express the couple's tastes, and create an atmosphere. When selecting songs for your wedding, it is important to choose music that reflects your personality and tastes while also considering your guests' preferences to ensure they enjoy the celebration. Here are some tips for song selection and list size:

Variety is Key:

It is essential to offer a diverse selection of music genres to cater to the varied tastes of your guests. Include a mix of classic love songs, modern dance hits, and songs from different genres such as pop, country, rock, and hip-hop. This will ensure that there is something for everyone, regardless of their age or musical preference.

Know Your Audience:

Consider the demographics of your guest list and try to include songs that will appeal to different generations and groups. You can include songs that are special to you and your partner, but also think about including songs that are popular or have a special significance to your friends and family. This will create a well-rounded playlist that makes everyone feel included.

The Right Tempo:

It is important to vary the tempo of the songs you choose. A good rule of thumb is to play one slow song for every five upbeat songs. This will give your guests a chance to rest between energetic dances and ensure that the energy of the party doesn't burn out too quickly.

Length of the Playlist:

A typical wedding reception includes about 3 hours of dancing, which translates to approximately 45 songs. However, it is recommended to have a few extra songs prepared in case the event runs longer than expected. A good rule of thumb is to select 15 songs per hour, giving you some flexibility while ensuring your guests don't get bored.

Must-Play and Do-Not-Play Lists:

Create two separate lists: one with your must-play songs and another with songs that you absolutely do not want to hear. These lists will guide your DJ or band and ensure that your preferences are respected. The must-play list should include your top 15 favourite songs, while the do-not-play list can include specific songs or entire genres that you want to avoid.

Collaborate with Your Partner:

Remember that the wedding is about both of you, so collaborate closely with your partner when selecting songs. Discuss your favourite songs, any special meanings or memories associated with certain tracks, and any songs that hold significance for your friends and family. This will ensure that your playlist reflects both of your tastes and creates a personalised celebration.

Music for different parts of the ceremony

Music is a crucial part of any wedding and can be used to set the tone for the entire day. Here are some ideas for music to play at different parts of the ceremony:

Pre-Ceremony

Background music before the ceremony begins can help guests relax and set the initial atmosphere. This can be themed—for example, Christmas wedding songs or film scores. Alternatively, you could simply choose songs that reflect the theme of love.

Aisle Walk

The music for the aisle walk is often a popular love song, but it should be something that means something to you. It could be your favourite movie score, your favourite song, or a song that holds a special memory for you both. If you want something upbeat and fun, you could even enter to a WWE wrestler's entrance music!

Post-Ceremony

Once the ceremony is over, a joyous song can be played while the newlyweds kiss and walk away. This could be something happy and upbeat or, if you want to be unconventional, a song with joyful instrumentals but sombre lyrics.

Cocktail Hour

The music during the cocktail hour can be more relaxed and chilled, or you could go for an elated vibe. Play songs that bring back happy memories for you and your partner, or songs that are simply fun and upbeat.

Dinner

Most people opt for classic Frank Sinatra-style music during dinner, but you could mix it up with some of your favourite songs, whether that's adult contemporary, alternative rock, classic rock, reggae, or Top 40 hits.

First Dance

The first dance is a chance to play a song that means something to both of you. Think about songs that are important to both of your musical tastes, or songs that remind you of memorable concerts you've attended together.

Dancing with Parents

If you plan on having a dance with your parents, talk it over with them and choose a nice slow song that fits.

Dancing with Guests

When it's time to open up the dance floor to all your guests, include a mix of your favourite songs and songs that will appeal to your other guests, especially the older generation. A good rule of thumb is to include one slow song for every five upbeat songs.

Frequently asked questions