Music has this magical ability to transport us…. to moments, to memories, and to all the good feelings in between. So when it comes to your wedding day, curating the perfect soundtrack isn’t just a task on your checklist: it’s one of the most fun and personal parts of the whole planning experience.
Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic string quartet or a full-on dance party with ‘90s throwbacks, picking your songs should feel like setting the vibe for the best day ever (because it is). In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the music moments you’ll want to plan for, how to set your DJ up to totally crush it, and how to turn this process into a celebration all on its own.
🎵 First, Here Are All the Songs You (Probably) Need to Plan
Before you just hand your DJ a Spotify playlist titled “wedding vibes lol,” let’s break down every moment you’ll want to score with the perfect track.
Ceremony: The Romance Starter Pack
These set the tone—literally—for your wedding day. Even if you’re eloping on a mountain or saying “I do” in a candlelit barn, these music moments matter.
- Prelude Music (Guests Arriving) – 15-30 mins of soft, ambient music while guests take their seats. Think instrumental covers, acoustic favorites, or string versions of pop songs.
- Processional (Family + Wedding Party) – One song or a couple for your family members and wedding party to walk down the aisle.
- Bride/Groom Entrance – Your big moment. Go classic (Canon in D) or unexpected (Turning Page by Sleeping At Last).
- Interlude (Optional) – For ceremonies with a unity candle, sand pouring, etc.
- Recessional (You Did It!) – A joyful, upbeat song for your walk back up the aisle. Think You Make My Dreams Come True or Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to inject your personality here. Want your bridal party to walk in to Game of Thrones or Bridgerton style covers? Do it.
Cocktail Hour: The Mingle Mood
Now’s the time for cool, classy, but fun background music. You don’t need a specific song list for this, but give your DJ a genre or vibe: “jazzy with a sprinkle of John Mayer,” “chill indie pop,” or “Spotify’s ‘Feel Good Dinner’ playlist kind of energy.”
Reception Intros: Let’s Get This Party Started
These moments are worth planning so your entrance (and your bridal party’s) doesn’t fall flat:
- Wedding Party Entrance Song – Something fun and energetic. Uptown Funk, Can’t Stop the Feeling, or your personal hype anthem.
- Up to you if you want to do different songs per group or keep it with one!
- Couple’s Grand Entrance Song – This is YOUR moment! Go dramatic (All I Do is Win), romantic (This Will Be by Natalie Cole), or silly (The Office theme, anyone?).
Dinner Music: Chill Vibes Only
Again, this can be left general. Just be sure to tell your DJ:
- No sad breakup songs (RIP to Someone Like You).
- Nothing too hyped (save that for dancing).
- A couple of your fave artists, albums, or Spotify playlists for inspiration.
The Special Dances: Cue the Tissue Box
These songs matter, and they deserve some emotional thought.
- First Dance
- Parent Dances (Mother-Son, Father-Daughter, etc.)
- Anniversary Dance (Optional) – A sweet way to honor long-married couples.
Need ideas?
Think of songs that:
- You danced to on your first date.
- You sing in the car together.
- Remind you of your relationship (even if it’s a weird song like Africa by Toto: if it’s special to you, it counts).
Party Time: The Dance Floor Hits
Here’s where your DJ shines, but they need a little guidance. Provide:
- Do Not Play List – Every couple has one (Macarena, anyone?).
- Must-Play Songs – A shortlist of your favorite dance songs. Aim for 10–15, maximum.
- Cultural or Family Traditions – Hora? Line dancing? Cumbia? Let them know.
Other Music Moments: Bonus Points If You Plan These Too
- Cake Cutting Song
- Bouquet/Garter Toss Song (if doing it)
- Last Dance Song – This one is underrated! Do you want to end the night with everyone jumping around (Mr. Brightside) or slow dancing in a circle (Can’t Help Falling in Love)?
🎧 How to Set Your DJ Up For Rockstar-Level Success
You could have Beyoncé’s discography, but if your DJ is confused, the vibes will be off. Here’s how to help them help you:
✅ Give Them a Cheat Sheet (if they don’t already have a great questionnaire)
Make a document with:
- Your song choices (clearly labeled).
- A timeline of the day.
- Names + pronunciations for intros.
- Notes on any musical cues (like “start the recessional song right after our first kiss”).
✅ Communicate Your Vibe, Not Just Your Songs
Are you going for “all-night rave,” “elegant garden party,” or “backyard family reunion but fancier”? Describe the mood and trust your DJ to build the soundscape around it.
✅ Appoint a Music Liaison
You don’t want to be asked 17 times on your wedding day if the saxophone cover is okay. Give your planner, best friend, or cousin music authority.
✅ Let the DJ Read the Room
Give them flexibility to pivot. If your 90s R&B playlist isn’t getting people up, let them mix it up.
BE SURE to make it clear how much emcee-ing you want your DJ to do. Just announcements? Entertain the crowd? Say nothing only play tunes?
💃 How to Make Music Planning FUN (Like, Actually Fun)
Okay, now that you know all the what and how, let’s make the doing part feel less like homework.
🍷 Make It a Date Night
Cue up a Spotify playlist, pour your favorite drinks, and dance around the living room. Call it “wedding music research.” Bonus points if you order takeout and rate songs with goofy scorecards.
🎤 Host a “First Dance Song Draft”
Not sold on just one option? Narrow it to your top five and invite a few trusted friends for a “song tasting night.” Play each one, vote anonymously, tally the results. Instant party.
🧠 Use Your Memories
Go on a nostalgic journey: What song was playing when you first kissed? What was your high school jam? What did you dance to at your first concert together?
💅 Get Inspired by Celebrity Weddings
Did you know Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds had Florence + The Machine perform? While most of us can’t book live artists, you can steal the soundtrack.
🎁 Bonus: Our Favorite Wedding Playlist Additions for 2025
Need a few current hits and timeless bangers to add to your must-play list? Try these:
- “Levitating” – Dua Lipa (forever a party starter)
- “September” – Earth, Wind & Fire (the ultimate multi-generational jam)
- “Marry You” – Bruno Mars (on the nose, but perfect)
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake (sunshine in a song)
- “Dancing Queen” – ABBA (the girls, gays, and grandmas will love it)
- “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon (no explanation needed)
- “A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri (hello, Twilight nostalgia)
- “You Are the Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne (great for a first dance)
- “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” – Whitney Houston (end-of-night perfection)
✨Your Wedding Soundtrack Is a Story
When the night’s over and your feet hurt and your cheeks ache from smiling, it’ll be the songs that bring you back to this moment. You’ll hear your first dance song in a grocery store three years from now and be instantly transported.
So yes, make the spreadsheet, talk to your DJ, and choose the right tracks, but also, enjoy the process. Laugh, cry, dance in your pajamas. Because this isn’t just a to-do item.
It’s your love story, set to music.
Happy Planning!
The Find Your Wedding Planner Team
findyourweddingplanner.com