LOOKING FOR THE BEST WEDDING SONGS?
Music streaming has revolutionised the way couples curate their wedding playlists, making it easier than ever to pull together the perfect soundtrack at the click of a button. Gone are the days of painstakingly mixing tapes, burning CDs, or uploading tracks to an iPod—now, your dream playlist is just a few taps away. But before you simply hit shuffle and check “music” off your to-do list, take a moment to personalise your choices. Tailoring your playlist to reflect your unique musical style will make your wedding feel even more special.
Top Tip: Consider including a song request section on your RSVP cards—it’s a great way to get guests involved and discover some unexpected (or nostalgic) hits along the way!
You’ll need wedding playlists that will cover the following times:
- Getting Ready (optional… but may help ease nerves!)
- Pre-Ceremony (something sweet, light, and soothing)
- Post-Ceremony (a little more up-tempo and celebratory)
- Cocktail Hour (classics that don’t compete with lots of chatter)
- Reception (background dinner music)
- Dancing (songs to get the party started)
You’ll also want to choose specific songs for these significant wedding moments:
- Processional (walking down the aisle)
- Ceremony Signing (when you’re signing the wedding certificate)
- Recessional (walking back up the aisle)
- Reception Entrance (make a grand entry!)
- First Dance (whether sweet and simple or a choreographed masterpiece)
- Father-Daughter Dance (if applicable)
- Dance Floor Opener (crowd pleaser that will send guests running to the d-floor)
Top Wedding Ceremony Songs
Choosing the perfect wedding ceremony songs sets the tone for one of the most memorable moments of your special day. From the emotional walk down the aisle to the heartfelt signing of the register and the joyful recessional, music plays a vital role in creating the atmosphere you envision. Whether you prefer timeless classics, modern love ballads, or acoustic renditions of your favorite songs, selecting meaningful tracks will add a personal touch to your ceremony. Below is a list of the top wedding ceremony songs to help you find the perfect soundtrack for your “I do” moment.
Processional Songs (Walking Down the Aisle)
- Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley / Kina Grannis (modern acoustic version)
- Perfect – Ed Sheeran
- A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
- Somewhere Only We Know – Lily Allen / Keane
- How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
- Better Together – Jack Johnson
- XO – John Mayer
- Latch (Acoustic) – Sam Smith
- Turning Page – Sleeping At Last
- You Are The Reason – Calum Scott & Leona Lewis
Signing of the Register (Romantic Interlude)
- Stand by Me – Ben E. King / Florence + The Machine
- Lover (First Dance Remix) – Taylor Swift
- Yours – Russell Dickerson
- Make You Feel My Love – Adele
- I Get to Love You – Ruelle
Recessional Songs (Walking Back Down the Aisle)
- Best Day of My Life – American Authors
- This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
- Love on Top – Beyoncé
- Happy – Pharrell Williams
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder
Top Wedding Reception Songs
The wedding reception songs you choose will set the mood for an unforgettable celebration, from your grand entrance as newlyweds to the final dance of the night. Music has the power to bring people together, whether it’s a romantic first dance, a heartwarming father-daughter moment, or a packed dance floor filled with guests singing along to party anthems. A well-curated playlist should include a mix of classic hits, modern favorites, and crowd-pleasers that will keep the energy high and the memories flowing. Below is a list of the top wedding reception songs to help create the perfect soundtrack for your big day.
Grand Entrance Songs (Couple & Bridal Party)
- Can’t Stop the Feeling! – Justin Timberlake
- Marry You – Bruno Mars
- Crazy in Love – Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z
- We Found Love – Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
- Shut Up and Dance – WALK THE MOON
First Dance Songs
- Perfect – Ed Sheeran
- Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
- Beyond – Leon Bridges
- You & Me – James TW
- From This Moment On – Shania Twain
Father-Daughter Dance Songs
- My Girl – The Temptations
- I Loved Her First – Heartland
- Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
- You’ll Be in My Heart – Phil Collins
- Dance with My Father – Luther Vandross
Dance Floor Openers
- Dancing Queen – ABBA
- I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston
- Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- September – Earth, Wind & Fire
- Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
Party Anthems & Crowd Favorites
- Mr. Brightside – The Killers
- Valerie – Amy Winehouse & Mark Ronson
- Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
- Love on Top – Beyoncé
- Footloose – Kenny Loggins
Modern Love Songs
Choosing a latest release love song or a newer track for your wedding music is a great way to make your celebration feel fresh, unique, and deeply personal. While classic love songs will always have their place, incorporating a recent hit can set your wedding apart and create a modern, meaningful moment that reflects your relationship today. A newer song might not yet be overplayed at weddings, making it even more special and memorable for you and your guests. Plus, every time you hear it in the future, it will take you right back to the joy of your big day.
- Love of My Life – Harry Styles
- Weathervane – Hunter Metts
- On My Love – Zara Larsson & David Guetta
- Life at First Sight – Alexander Stewart
- Life With You – Kelsey Hart
- ALL MY LOVE – Coldplay
- I See the Light – Bailey Rushlow
- Beautiful Things – Benson Boone
- I Choose You – Adam Melchor
- Carry You Home – Alex Warren (ok, yes, it’s a cover of an oldie but so good!)
Spotify Playlists
Here to give you a head start on curation, are two of Spotify’s playlists: Wedding Songs and Wedding Party. From timeless instrumentals to modern chart-toppers, from heartfelt first dances to lively wedding party anthems, the options for your wedding playlist are endless. So turn up the volume and start curating the perfect soundtrack for your special day!
Head Hurting more than Banging?
If choosing the right music feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional. DJs and live musicians bring an energy and atmosphere to your ceremony and reception that simply can’t be matched. Alternatively, pick a friend who you know loves music (and has good taste!). Chat to them about what’s important to you and see if they’d be willing to assist in curating a playlist.
We invite you to view our rustic industrial wedding venue, and chat with our team about music options for your ceremony and reception. Get in touch with us today!
Images by Hawthorne Creative