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WANT A COMPLETE LIST OF WEDDING SONGS NEEDED FOR EVERY MOMENT OF YOUR BIG DAY?
The first step in knowing what songs you’ll need, is to determine which moments will take place on your big day.
In this post, I’m going to show you every moment that could possibly take place on your wedding day, with a complete list of wedding songs needed, and song ideas to help you find your favorite tunes.
First, we’ll start with your wedding morning and ceremony music. And then, we’ll move on to your reception music. But, before we begin, be sure to grab my FREE Wedding Song Checklist so you can follow along and keep track of which songs apply to your wedding.
Let’s get started!
1. WEDDING MORNING SONGS
When you wake up on your wedding day it's safe to say that you'll be filled to the brim with happiness and excitement.
There will be so much to look forward to, and the perfect way to ease into everything is with music that will relax you and set the mood for the rest of your special day.
Decide which wedding morning moments you want or need music for:
As you wake up
During hair and makeup
The car ride to the ceremony
In the dressing room as you wait to walk the aisle
etc.
Check out these wedding morning song ideas >>> Top Wedding Songs For The Morning Prep
WONDERING WHICH SONGS ARE NEEDED FOR YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY?
To figure out how many songs you’ll need, determine which moments you’ll be including in your ceremony.
2. PRELUDE SONGS
Playing prelude music is a wonderful way to welcome your guests to the ceremony as they arrive and take their seats.
Happy and peaceful songs will help everyone relax after their travels, set the mood, and provide a nice build up of anticipation for your walk down the aisle.
Your prelude music should begin no later than twenty minutes before your ceremony begins.
Decide what type of prelude songs you want to play:
instrumental music
songs with lyrics
Check out these prelude songs >>> Beautiful Prelude Songs To Welcome Your Guests To The Wedding
3. PROCESSIONAL SONGS FOR YOUR WEDDING PARTY
Your ceremony is about to begin, which means that it's finally time for your mothers, grandparents, wedding party, ring bearer and flower girl to walk the aisle.
When choosing your processional music, try to pick a song (or songs) that not only flow nicely with your prelude music, but also changes up the mood a bit to represent the start of your ceremony.
Depending on how big your wedding party is, you may need two to three songs (or more) to cover the amount of time it will take for them to walk down the aisle and get in position. In this case it's better to have too many songs picked out than not enough, or you can choose to repeat one song.
Decide what type of processional songs you want to play:
instrumental music
songs with lyrics
Check out these processional songs >>> Perfect Processional Songs For Your Wedding Party To Walk The Aisle
4. PROCESSIONAL SONGS FOR THE BRIDE
It's the moment everyone's been waiting for.
The moment when you’ll finally get to marry the man of your dreams, and all eyes will be on you as you walk down the aisle to take your vows.
This is hands down the most anticipated, heartwarming, and emotional moment of your ceremony.
When choosing the song that you'll walk the aisle to, think of the past, present, and future of your relationship for inspiration...
Decide what type of processional song you want to play as you walk the aisle:
instrumental music
song with lyrics
Check out these processional songs to walk the aisle >>> Perfect Wedding Ceremony Songs For The Brides Walk Down The Aisle
5. UNITY CEREMONY SONGS
The unity ceremony is a beautiful representation of two loving souls becoming one. And when you add a song that reflects your union as a married couple it will make the moment feel even more memorable and special.
When choosing your music for the unity ceremony it may help to take another look at your walk the aisle songs.
If there was a song that you ended up not using from that list, it might be a perfect fit for your unity ceremony, especially since both of these moments represent you and your husband's love story.
Decide what type of unity ceremony song you want to play:
instrumental music
song with lyrics
Check out these unity ceremony songs >>> Beautiful Wedding Songs For Your Unity Ceremony
6. RECESSIONAL SONGS
Hooray, you're married! You and your hubby have tied the knot and you're ready to exit your ceremony, and walk back down the aisle as a married couple.
Where the beginning of your ceremony may have felt more serious and emotional, your recessional offers a more lighthearted and fun vibe.
Choosing recessional songs that are upbeat and lively will reflect you're happiness and create a joyous and celebratory atmosphere for you and your guests.
Decide which type of recessional songs you want to play:
instrumental music
songs with lyrics
a mix of both instrumental music and songs with lyrics
Check out these recessional songs >>> Upbeat Recessional Songs For A Fun Wedding Ceremony Exit
7. POSTLUDE SONGS
You're guests have just witnessed your joyous ceremony and will remain seated until they're given a queue to exit.
Continuing to play music will keep everyone entertained and relaxed while they wait to be excused, and it will also create a smooth transition to the very end of your ceremony.
When picking out your postlude music, make sure to choose enough songs to cover the entire time, from the moment your recessional ends, until your guests leave the ceremony.
In this case, too many songs are better than not enough.
Decide what type of postlude songs you want to play:
instrumental music
songs with lyrics
a mix of both instrumental music and songs with lyrics
Check out these postlude songs >>> Happy Wedding Postlude Songs For Your Guests To Exit The Ceremony
HOW MANY SONGS DO YOU NEED FOR YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION?
The amount of songs you’ll need for your wedding reception will all depend on how many unique moments you plan on including throughout your evening.
Below, you’ll find every moment that could possibly take place during your reception. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to download my FREE Wedding Song Checklist so you can follow along and keep track of which songs apply to your wedding.
Determining which moments you plan to include in your reception will help you figure out how many songs you’ll need.
8. COCKTAIL HOUR SONGS
Your cocktail party will bridge the gap from your ceremony to reception while keeping your guests entertained as they wait for your arrival. Playing background music during this time will add to the ambiance while bringing a relaxed and happy vibe to the room.
When choosing your cocktail hour songs, the possibilities are endless. You can either continue with wedding themed love songs or change things up with songs from your favorite artist. The sky's the limit.
Check out these cocktail hour songs >>> Relaxing Music For Your Wedding Reception Cocktail Party
9. GRAND ENTRANCE SONGS FOR YOUR WEDDING PARTY
Your wedding party's entrance into the reception is a chance to put them in the spotlight and build anticipation before you make your grand entrance.
When choosing your music look for entrance songs that will help everyone loosen up and have fun. That way your guests will be energized and excited to cheer you on as you enter the room.
First, decide how your wedding party will enter the room:
As couples
As groups (girls group and boys group)
As individuals
If everyone is introduced by couples, you'll likely need just one entrance song.
If everyone is walking in as a group, you may want two themed entrance songs (one for the boys, and one for the girls)
If everyone is walking in as individuals, it might be fun to let them choose their own theme song to show off their personality (similar to how they do it in major league baseball)
Check out these grand entrance songs for your wedding party >>> Fun Reception Entrance Songs For Your Bridal Party
10. GRAND ENTRANCE SONGS FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM
Your entrance into the reception as husband and wife is your time to let loose, have fun and kick off your celebration in style.
When choosing your music look for songs that will set the tone for your evening, and showcase you as a couple.
Decide how you want to walk into the room when making your grand entrance:
A lot of energy to get everyone pumped up
More laid back to show off your swagger
A little humor to loosen up the room and make everyone smile
This info will help determine what type of grand entrance song to pick out.
Check out these grand entrance songs >>> Top Reception Entrance Songs For The Bride And Groom
11. WEDDING DINNER SONGS
Similar to your cocktail music, the songs that play during your dinner hour will provide a peaceful ambiance as everyone finishes their meal, and will keep your guests relaxed and happy as you make your rounds to each table.
When choosing your dinner songs, the possibilities are endless. You can play:
Classic love songs
Dinner themed songs
Change things up with songs from your favorite artist.
Don’t hesitate to put your own twist on it.
Check out these wedding dinner songs >>> Classy Wedding Reception Songs For Your Dinner Hour
12. CAKE CUTTING SONGS
The cake cutting ceremony is a traditional way to kick off the dessert portion of your dinner hour.
This moment can be formal and classy by simply feeding each other a small bite of cake, or funny and messy by surprising your partner with cake to the face.
When choosing your cake cutting song, you can either choose a themed or non-themed song.
For themed music, look for songs with the word "cake", "sweet", or "sugar" in the lyrics.
For non-themed music, you can't go wrong with one of your favorite songs, or simply continuing your dinner music.
Check out these cake cutting songs >>> Super Sweet Songs For The Cake Cutting Ceremony
LOOKING FOR UNIQUE FIRST DANCE SONGS?
To find the perfect first dance song, use your love story as inspiration.
13. FIRST DANCE SONGS
Your first dance as husband and wife is your time to shine on the dance floor in front of your friends and family. And, it's also an intimate moment to enjoy each other and reflect on your beautiful day.
When choosing your first dance song, use details from the past, present and future of your relationship for inspiration.
When you first met and became an engaged couple (ex. a song that was playing during your first date).
When you'll take your vows and become husband and wife
The happy life you'll create together as a married couple
Choosing a first dance song that reflects one, or all aspects of your love story will make it feel even more special and meaningful.
Check out these first dance songs >>> Top Country Wedding Songs That Are Sweet As Pie
14. FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE SONGS
Although your wedding day is all about you and your partner, we can't forget about Dad.
The father daughter dance is a special way to honor the first man in your life, and reflect on the special bond and memories you've share through the years.
When choosing your music, think of the type of relationship you have with your Dad and the type of dance you want:
Happy and lighthearted
Sentimental and emotional
Fun and joyful
This will help determine what father daughter dance song you choose.
Check out these father daughter dance songs >>> Top Wedding Songs For The Father Daughter Dance
15. MOTHER SON DANCE SONGS
There’s nothing like the bond between a mother and a son, and now it’s time to honor her in the most special way possible.
The idea is to find a song that warms her heart and shows her how much she is loved and appreciated.
When choosing your music, think of the type of dance you want:
Happy and lighthearted
Sentimental and emotional
Fun and joyful
This will help determine what mother son dance song you choose.
Check out these mother son dance songs >>> Mother Son Wedding Dance Songs That Will Warm Your Heart
16. BOUQUET TOSS SONGS
Your wedding day may have a few serious moments, but this is definitely not one of them.
Fun will be had by all as your single ladies strut their stuff to the dance floor in hopes of being the lucky one to catch your bouquet.
When choosing your bouquet toss song, have fun with it and look for songs that help describe the moment in a fun way.
Here's what to look for:
Songs about girls (ex. Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper)
Competitive songs (ex. Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar)
Any song with lyrics that talk about being single (ex. Single Ladies by Beyonce)
Check out these bouquet toss songs >>> Fun Bouquet Toss Songs That Represent Girl Power
17. GARTER DANCE, TOSS AND RETRIEVAL SONGS
Even though it's an older tradition, you still see some couples incorporating the garter dance into their wedding reception.
If you plan to include it, keep in mind that the garter dance has three parts, which will need three different songs.
GARTER REMOVAL: (groom removes garter from bride)
you can't go wrong with a smooth song that helps him get his groove on
GARTER TOSS: (groom throws garter for single guys to catch)
a competitive song to pump up your guys is a smart choice here
GARTER PLACEMENT: (optional - guy who caught garter places it on girl who caught the bouquet)
choosing a humorous song to lighten the mood is a good idea since this moment can get uncomfortable, especially if they don't know each other
Check out these garter dance songs >>> Garter Removal Songs To Help Him Get His Groove On
And, these garter toss songs >>> Best Garter Toss Songs To Pump Up The Guys
And, these garter placement songs >>> Garter Placement Songs For A Funny Moment
18. OTHER RECEPTION SONGS
There are a number of special dances and fun moments you can add to your reception. Here are some ideas to choose from:
SPECIAL DANCES:
Bridal Party Dance
One at a time, your DJ will invite each couple from your wedding party to join you on the dance floor. This is a great way to fill the dance floor after your first dance and parent dances.
Snowball Dance
You will start with one couple (or a few couples) on the dance floor. Then, your DJ will instruct you to go pick out another couple to join you on the dance floor. This will continue, until every guest is dancing. This is a great way to fill the dance floor and would work the best after your bridal party dance.
Anniversary Dance
Your DJ will invite everyone onto the dance floor. Then, he will slowly eliminate couples based on how long they’ve been married, starting with those who have been married the least amount of time. The idea is to end up with one couple on the dance floor who have been married the longest. This is a great way to make your older guests feel special.
Check out these anniversary dance songs >>> Anniversary Dance Songs That Stand The Test Of Time
Dollar Dance
This is an older tradition that used to be very popular at almost every wedding. But today, there are very mixed feelings about it. If you choose to include it, you and your husband would walk onto the dance floor and separate. Your guests would form two lines based on who they want to dance with. One for the bride, and one for the groom. The idea is that each guest will pay one dollar for each dance.
FUN MOMENTS:
Dollar Dash
Like the dollar dance, there are mixed feelings about whether or not the dollar dash game is appropriate for a wedding. I will let you decide that for yourself. But, if you choose to include it, your DJ would ask your guests to hold up dollar bills. Then, there would be a set amount of time for you and your husband to run around the room to see who can collect the most amount of money. Whoever has the most is the winner.
Shoe Game
You and your husband would sit in chairs facing away from each, back to back, on the dance floor. Next, you would hand your husband/wife one of your shoes. Then, your DJ or a member of your wedding party would begin to ask you questions (read from flash cards created in advance by your wedding party, or filled out by your guests) that start with “Who” (ex. who is a better cook?) Next, you and your husband/wife would answer each question by holding up the shoe that represents your answer. This is a fun way to entertain your guests and help everyone relax before you kick off the dancing portion of your evening.
When choosing music for these types of dances and activities, pick out reception songs that go with the moment. For instance, music about loving someone through the years is perfect for the anniversary dance. And the song from Jeopardy is great for the shoe game when you and your partner are answering questions.
19. LAST DANCE SONGS
The last dance is a memorable way to end your wedding on a magical note, and wish your guests farewell as they make their way home for the evening.
As everyone gathers on the dance floor one last time, think about choosing a song that expresses your appreciation for helping you celebrate your big day.
Look for last dance songs with the the following lyrics:
friends
thank you
home
good night
Your guests will pick up on the message in your music and appreciate the thoughtful gesture.
Check out these last dance songs >>> Last Dance Wedding Songs To Wish Your Guests Farewell
NEED MORE WEDDING SONG IDEAS?
Check out my Perfect Wedding Playlist Planner, where you’ll find a wedding song library of song ideas and everything you need to create a perfect playlist of music you love for every moment of your big day.
Check it out and start building your custom playlist here >>> Perfect Wedding Playlist Planner
Your Perfect Wedding Playlist Planner + Workbook
Get everything you need to build the perfect playlist and fill your wedding day with songs you love for every moment!
