A quick guide of the different types of music to play at your wedding ceremony and reception. Choose what
best wedding music that suits you, your partner, and your guests.
Music has an important role in a wedding; creating that romantic ambiance and filling the air with harmonious sounds. Choosing the best music for your special day is key in establishing a memorable experience for everyone to cherish. Music is not only for the purpose of removing dead air but it should have meaning that can move a person emotionally. Here is a breakdown on planning the best music for your ceremony and reception.
Wedding music – Live Band or DJ?
It actually depends on the couples’ preference. The other things to consider is the space of the event and the budget. You can have either:
- A string quartet, saxophonist, or pianist if you want that romantic instrumental vibe.
- A live band that plays and sings your selection of songs.
- A DJ that you can hand over your selected songs for him to play.
You can either choose one to play for the whole event from the ceremony to the reception or a combination of two kinds. A more romantic vibe on the ceremony and a casual reception, or the other way around. Make sure to book them ahead to make sure you have the best wedding music. If you had less time for planning this, you can opt to assign a close friend to play the music for you.
There are mainly 3 parts in a wedding event the couple should consider in selecting the best songs that fit – the ceremony (more formal), the reception (semi-formal/casual), and the dance after the reception (casual).
Here are some top song suggestions that won’t fail you on your wedding day.
The Ceremony
It is best to check with the church coordinator, Priest, Minister, Pastor or Marriage Celebrant and get the rule about what is adequate especially with the processional song.
Processional
- Can’t Help Falling in Love – Kina Grannis (with vocals); The Piano Guys (instrumental)
- A Thousand Years – Christina Perri (with vocals); The Piano Guys (instrumental)
- Marry Me – Train (with vocals); J. Benjamin (instrumental)
- Take My Hand (The Wedding Song) – Emily Hackett ft. Will Anderson
- All of Me – John Legend
- Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel (probably the most classical music for a wedding procession)
Recessional
- Ready for Anything – Landon Austin
- Marry Me – Jason Derulo
- Marry You – Bruno Mars
- Home – Phillip Phillips
- Forever Starts Today – Tim Halperin
The Reception
In the first part of the reception where guests are still coming finding their seats, the music should be soft that won’t meddle with conversations. This style of music should continue all through the wedding feast and among toasts and talks.
Newlywed Entrance
- Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake
- Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars
- Forever – Chris Brown
- Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
First Dance (Bride & Groom)
- Perfect – Ed Sheeran or Endless Summer cover
- Stay With You – John Legend
- Best Part – Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R.
- Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
- What It Beats For – Jared Lee
- Fraction – ALIUS, Rasmus Hagen
- How Deep Is Your Love – Bee Gees (Brother Stone & The Get Down cover)
- How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You – Marvin Gaye
- Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
- I Like Me Better (NYC Studio version) – Lauv
Father & Daughter Dance
- Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
- Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman
- You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins
- Everything – Michael Buble
- My Wish – Rascal Flatts
- What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
- The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
Mother & Son Dance
- A Song For Mama – Boyz II Men
- Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
- The Perfect Fan – Backstreet Boys
- Mother Like Mine – The Band Perry
- I Turn To You – Christina Aguilera
Bouquet Toss
- Single Ladies – Beyonce
- Dear Future Husband – Meghan Trainor
- Worth It – Fifth Harmony
- Trumpets – Jason Derulo
- Bang Bang – Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj
Garter Removal
- Earned It – The Weeknd
- Pony – Ginuwine
- Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
- Versace On The Floor – Bruno Mars
- Bom Bidi Bom – Nick Jonas, Nicki Minaj
Wedding Party
- September – Earth, Wind & Fire
- Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice
- Hey Ya! – Outkast
- Happy – Pharrell Williams
- Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera
- Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- Bicycle Ride (Soca Remix) – Vybz Kartel, Bunji Garlin
- Get Ur Freak On – Missy Elliott
- Sorry – Justin Bieber
Those are the most important parts in the reception that needs to have specific songs that are to be selected by the couple. For the dining part, games, speeches, and dancing, you can either request for other songs, plan a playlist of songs to be played, or let the people that you chose to hire, pick the songs for you. When you plan on having a dance after everything, just make sure to pick some songs that make people want to
Conclusion
There are a lot of songs to choose from but it is up to the couple to decide what to play on their special day. Having the best music for your ceremony and reception can make the event more fun and unforgettable. The most important thing is that everyone is having a blast, most especially the bride and the groom.
His Expertise Includes:
- 8 years working in the wedding industry
- Owner of USA DJ a wedding service provider URL: https://usadj.org
- Former groom with first-hand experience planning his own wedding
For the better part of the last decade, Jason has personally helped countless couples create successful wedding.
Since 2018 he has devoted much of his time to creating Smartest Brides with his wife Rachel. His mission is to help remove the stress and anxiety that normally comes with wedding planning by making the process simple.
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