7 Wedding Songs You Need For An Unforgettable Day
You've envisioned a wedding that's anything but ordinary. A celebration that reflects your unique love story, creates an elevated ambience for you and your guests, and leaves a lasting impression. But with countless details to organize, figuring out what wedding songs you need to create the perfect song list can feel overwhelming.
Imagine this: every musical moment, from the guests' arrival to your first dance, seamlessly intertwines with your love story and creates an unforgettable experience. It's your big day.
Your Music Should Reflect Your Dream Vision
Here are 7 essential wedding songs you need to curate a seamless soundtrack to your unique wedding day.
1. Guest Arrival (Sets the Mood)
Your first impression starts a half an hour before your ceremony. As guests arrive, the music filling their ears will shift them into just the right mood for your wedding. Since songs average between 3:30-4:00 minutes, pick out 6-8 songs just in case to carry you through your guest arrival. Some personal favorites can be found here on this “Song Ideas for Weddings and Events” Spotify playlist.
2. Seating of the Family (A Touch of Sentiment)
Walking grandparents or parents of the couple down the pathway to their seats can be a perfect moment to honor them with an intentional song. Focus the music on something you know they’ll love or has a special connection to your relationship with them. If your parents love Motown music, a good option would be something by the Temptations, maybe “My Girl.”
3. Wedding Party Processional (Sets the Stage)
Whether your groomsmen will be accompanying the bridesmaids or meeting them at the altar, choosing a song for the wedding party procession can be a beautiful way to prepare everyone for the bride or groom’s entrance. Consider picking a verse (or two) and a chorus from a song since you most likely won’t make it through the entire song. “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles is an all time favorite for this moment.
4. Walk Down the Aisle (Your Grand Entrance)
This is the moment everyone’s been waiting for. Waiting sometimes months to see you in your wedding attire and to catch the glance between the bride or groom, and their companion. This song marks your introduction to being married more than any other on this day. You may select a traditional wedding song, like “Canon in D” or a gorgeous rendition of a song that means the world to the two of you. Select a verse and chorus as this song will pass by particularly fast. Slow it down for a sense of awe and to set a pace to get the most out of your moment approaching your love. Here are 5 Timeless Walk Down The Aisle Songs to give you a place to start.
5. Tradition (A Personalized Touch)
Many couples like incorporating a tradition or special moment into their ceremony. The lighting of a unity candle or singing of a few worship songs are a couple of examples. You could even create your own tradition, such as planting a tree together alongside a memorable song to remind you of this moment starting your new life together.
6. Recessional (Celebrate the New Beginnings!)
This is your first moment together as newly-weds, soak it up! Choose a song that invites everyone to cheer and celebrate as you leave the altar with your forever partner in crime. An upbeat, joyful song will do just the trick. A favorite is “You are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne. Check out the Top 10 Recessional Songs for Unforgettable Memories.
7. First Dance (A Song for Your Love Story)
Overwhelming, all-encompassing, slow-motion, simply delightful — all of these could describe your first dance together as a newly united couple. You want this song to not only further connect you two as you sway simultaneously; you want it to be intimate in heart as well. Instead of choosing just a song you both love, select one you can play on future anniversaries to remind you of the words in your vows. Tie those two together through song, and you’ll never forget! Enjoy these Top 10 Romantic First Dance Songs To Reflect Your Love Story.
Beyond the Essentials: Tailoring Your Wedding Music To You
Your wedding song list extends beyond these key moments. Here are some additional songs to consider:
Cocktail Hour Music (Light & Upbeat): Here’s your chance to entertain your guests as you take your time taking photos and delighting for a few minutes in being married just the two of you. Opt for light and upbeat music that encourages mingling and conversation. Think upbeat pop, classic soul, or chill tunes. Have a look at these Top 10 Cocktail Hour Songs for an Unforgettable Wedding.
Dinner Music (Setting the Ambiance): Entering the dinner hour you have the chance to really designate the ambience to be a relaxing and elegant experience. Some couples love incorporating a more laid-back feel with a playlist of big band or jazz music. You could also go in a more smooth direction by picking slow-tempo R&B songs to embrace all the feels. Acoustic covers of R&B faves might be just the thing. Take a look at how you can tailor your wedding music to Elevate Your Wedding Dinner Ambiance.
Reception Music (Make It Intentional): Though most have an idea of the types of dances to expect during a reception, I’ve seen some unique takes on traditional elements that add such a tasteful flavor of personality. A favorite is having the bride and groom share a dance with their parents at the same time. Having an intentional song that unites both of them at the same time really takes the pressure off either. It also allows them to delight together in the newly formed connection between their families.
Remember, your wedding music is a powerful tool to set the mood, tell your love story, and create lasting memories. So when it comes time to identify what wedding music you need, walk through these steps and you’ll be all set.
If you want to match your wedding ceremony songs to your love story’s theme, see How to Choose Wedding Ceremony Music that Reflects Your Love Story.
Create An Unforgettable Ambiance With Enchanting Live Music
Imagine your wedding day unfolding with music that perfectly complements each joyous moment. As you walk down the aisle, heartwarming melodies set the stage for your love story to come alive with every minute of your wedding day custom tailored to you. This is the magic that award-winning Orlando wedding musician Aloha Erica creates for couples.
Picture this:
A romantic ceremony filled with enchanting melodies
An elegant cocktail hour where guests can mingle to beautiful music
An unforgettable first dance that sets the tone for a lifetime of love
Aloha Erica curates a personalized soundscape to perfectly capture the essence of your special day.
As a renowned musician, Aloha Erica's talent and passion have captivated couples not only in Orlando but across the globe. With performances in 16 states and 8 countries, including Australia, Turkey, Spain, and Thailand, she brings her expertise to create unforgettable experiences.
Let your love take center stage. If you envision a wedding filled with music that reflects your unique love story and creates lasting memories, take a look at these wedding music packages and inquire with Aloha Erica today. Let her orchestrate the soundtrack to your happily ever after.