Music plays an important role in setting the mood and vibes of your wedding day. The right wedding music can bring people together to celebrate your love. Today, we will discuss how to thoughtfully curate the musical elements of your wedding. You'll find tips for choosing songs to soundtrack each event alongside your vendors to create an atmosphere of joy, unity, and romance.
Choosing the Proper Songs for Each Part
The proper wedding music selection at each stage helps smoothly guide the event’s flow. The ceremony is an important event. Choose classical instrumental prelude pieces to gently transition guests from mingling to being seated. Next, Opt for classic processional and recessional songs for the bride and groom’s entrances and exits. During cocktail hour, carefully pick upbeat and lyrical songs to allow guests to socialize. Meanwhile, soothing instrumental or vocal pieces set the romantic tone during dinnertime. Finally, save a sentimental song for your first dance as husband and wife to symbolize your love.
Hiring a Live Band vs. a DJ
A live band offers the appeal of real-time music throughout your reception. They can adeptly play various song requests to keep guests entertained. However, bands are often more expensive to book due to both equipment and musicians’ fees. A DJ provides flexibility to seamlessly blend countless songs from their library into a perfect playlist. While prerecorded, they are more affordable and ensure on-schedule transitions between sets. Therefore, consider your budget, desired atmosphere, and venue’s needs to determine if a band or DJ is the best fit for energizing your event. Whether a live band or a DJ, their role is integral to set the dance party tone after “I dos”.
Creating a Memorable Wedding Playlist
Carefully crafting your wedding playlist is paramount. Reflect on songs that hold meaning for your relationship together. Include an eclectic mix of classic slow dances, popular hits from your dating years, and new songs representing your lives now. Besides, consider including a few unexpected tunes your guests will love. Test the sequence well in advance, adjusting tempo balances between high-energy and romantic selections. Provide the final playlist weeks beforehand so your DJ or bandleader can review and seamlessly flow between melodies. A thoughtfully curated selection of wedding music will have your guests enjoying the dance floor long into the night, making for memories to last a lifetime.
Some Classics and Popular Love Songs
- Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley – A classic love song that is always a crowd-pleaser.
- A Thousand Years by Christina Perri – A beautiful ballad that works well for a first dance.
- Latch by Disclosure (feat. Sam Smith) – A romantic electronic track that’s danceable.
- Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars – A high-energy fun song to get people moving.
- Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur – Sentimental but upbeat for a father-daughter dance.
- Marry Me by Train – A Feel-good song with meaningful lyrics for the reception.
- Dance With Me Tonight by Olly Murs – An inclusive track that’s easy to line dance to.
- Crazy In Love by Beyoncé – A timeless 2000s song for an energetic vibe.
- All of Me by John Legend – A Lovely mid-tempo love song for later in the night.
- Lover by Taylor Swift – Its romantic yet joyful lyrics celebrate commitment between partners, making it perfect for a first dance.
- Shape of You by Ed Sheeran – A popular more recent hit that guests will sing along to.
Your wedding music also provides the opportunity to showcase your bond and shared loves to all celebrating with you. Taking the time to strategically curate songs, musicians, and timelines ensures everything flows seamlessly from the ceremony through the dances. With the proper selections, your soundtrack transforms each moment into a memory. Most importantly, don’t forget to simply enjoy every joyful note as husband and wife on your special day!
