Songs at weddings; All the key moments you need the right songs at your wedding!

Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, from the nervous excitement of the ceremony to the unbridled joy of the reception.

And what helps tie it all together? Music, of course! But with so many key moments, it can be tough to know exactly where music is needed and how to choose the right songs at weddings, especially the right songs for your wedding day!

Fear not, lovebirds!

This guide will be your musical compass, navigating you through the essential moments that require the perfect soundtrack to your love story.

1. Setting the Stage: The Ceremony

Overvivew:

• Prelude: As guests arrive and take their seats, soft, calming music sets the tone for the ceremony. Think instrumental pieces, acoustic guitar, or even a string quartet for a touch of elegance.

• Processional: This is your grand entrance! Choose a piece that reflects your style and personality. It could be a classic wedding march, a modern pop song, or even something completely unique for your song to walk down the aisle to!

• Recessional: Celebrate your new union with a joyful, upbeat song! This is your chance to let loose and show off your love to the world. Think upbeat pop, Motown classics, or even a fun dance number for your wedding recessional song.

Here’s some inspiration for songs to walk down the aisle to: 

1. Can't Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley

2. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri

3. Ho Hey - The Lumineers

4. Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles

5. All You Need Is Love - The Beatles

6. Clair de Lune - Claude Debussy

7. Marry You - Bruno Mars

8. She Walks in Beauty - Lewis Capaldi

9. How Long Will I Love You - Eric Clapton

10. Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Judy Garland

11. I Get to Love You Today - Bonnie Tyler

12. Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen

13. You Are the Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder

14. At Last - Etta James

15. What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

16. Can't Smile Without You - The Beach Boys

17. A Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay

18. God Only Knows - The Beach Boys

19. Better Together - Jack Johnson

20. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) - Marvin Gaye

2. Let the Celebrations Begin: The Cocktail Hour

Overview:

This is the background buzz.

Keep the mood light and lively with a mix of genres and tempos. Think jazz standards, acoustic covers, or even upbeat instrumental pieces.

Can’t decide? Check out this list: 

1. Happy - Pharrell Williams

2. Uptown Funk - Bruno Mars

3. This Must Be Love (Taking Chance on a Dream) - The Temptations

4. September - Earth, Wind & Fire

5. Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

6. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours - Stevie Wonder

7. Don't Stop Believin' - Journey

8. Mr. Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra

9. Just the Two of Us - Bill Withers

10. Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli

11. You Make My Dreams (Come True) - Hall & Oates

12. Build Me Up Buttercup - The Foundations

13. I Got You (I Feel Good) - James Brown

14. Dancing Queen - ABBA

15. Shut Up and Dance With Me - Walk the Moon

16. Cha Cha Slide - Mr. C The Slide Man

17. Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison

18. Lovely Day - Bill Withers

19. Riptide - Vance Joy

20. The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson

3. The Party Starts Now: The Reception

Overview:

• Grand Entrance: Make a dramatic entrance with a high-energy song that gets the party started. This could be a current chart-topper, a classic dancefloor anthem, or even a surprise mash-up!

• First Dance: This is your special moment, so choose a song that's meaningful to you and your partner. It could be a slow ballad, a romantic pop song, or even a fun and upbeat tune that reflects your personalities.

• Parent Dances: Honor your parents with special dances to songs that express your love and appreciation. Choose classics like "My Way" or "Thank You for Loving Me," or opt for something more personal that reflects your relationship with each parent.

  • The father and daughter dance is a special one to earmark as well. Dad and daughter dances are always a whirlwind of emotion as his little girl has officially grown up, making the daughter and dad song choice a particularly important one. See below for some ideas, but equally make it personal, something special between a father and his daughter for their dance.

• Party Time!: Keep the energy high with a mix of dancefloor hits, crowd-pleasing classics, and even a few slow songs for couples to steal away for a romantic moment. Consider incorporating your guests' requests for a truly inclusive experience.

Here are some of the most popular choices to help you decide:

First Dance & Parent Dances (Intimate Moments):

1. All of Me - John Legend

2. Perfect - Ed Sheeran

3. You're All I Need to Get By - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

4. At My Best - Stevie Wonder

5. Can't Take My Eyes Off of You - Frankie Valli

6. Tenerife Sea - Ed Sheeran

7. A Song for My Father - Stevie Wonder

8. My Girl - The Temptations

9. Thank You Mom - Goodnight Kiss

10. The Circle Game - Joni Mitchell

11. What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

12. My Wish - Rascal Flatts

13. You'll Never Walk Alone - Gerry & The Pacemakers

14. I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack

15. Forever Young - Alphaville

16. What a Man Gotta Do - Jonas Brothers

17. My Cherie Amour - Stevie Wonder

18. You've Got the Love - Florence + The Machine

19. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) - Marvin Gaye

20. You Are the Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder

Party Time! (Dance the Night Away):

1. Crazy in Love - Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z

2. Can't Stop the Feeling! - Justin Timberlake

3. Uptown Funk - Bruno Mars

4. Mr. Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra

5. Happy - Pharrell Williams

6. Shut Up and Dance With Me - Walk the Moon

7. This Is America - Childish Gambino

8. Get Lucky - Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams

9. I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) - Whitney Houston

10. We Found Love - Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris

11. Yeah! (Crasher) - Usher feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris

12. Blame It on the Boogie - The Jackson 5

13. Jump (For My Love) - The Pointer Sisters

14. September - Earth, Wind & Fire 1

15. Le Freak - Chic

16. Celebration - Kool & The Gang

17. Can't Get You Out of My Head - Kylie Minogue

18. Dancing Queen - ABBA

19. I Got You (I Feel Good) - James Brown

20. We Are Family - Sister Sledge

Bonus Tracks:

• Blinding Lights - The Weeknd (modern hit)

• I'm Coming Out - Diana Ross (classic dance floor anthem)

• Can't Hold Us - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (energetic crowd-pleaser)

• You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC (rock and roll twist)

• This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole (romantic singalong)

Want a downloadable version - CLICK HERE

Bonus Tip:

Don't forget the power of live music when playing the right songs at weddings! Hiring a band or DJ can add an extra layer of energy and excitement to your reception. Just be sure to choose musicians who fit your style and budget. Check out this link for more about Band vs DJ.

Remember, these are just suggestions for the right songs at weddings.

Feel free to personalise this list of songs at weddings with your favourite tunes, consider your guests' preferences, and don't be afraid to throw in some surprises to keep the dance floor packed all night long.

Have fun, celebrate your love, and let the music guide you through your unforgettable wedding day

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