There’s no doubt about it – music can make or break a wedding. The right playlist can set the perfect tone for your big day, creating memories that live on long after the last dance.
But curating that ideal soundtrack takes thought and planning. Your wedding music songs should reflect your personalities as a couple and the kind of atmosphere you want to create – romantic, fun, or completely unforgettable.
To help you make the process smoother (and a lot more fun), we’ve put together the ultimate guide on how to choose your tunes – plus handpicked song ideas for every part of your celebration.
Finding the Right Tunes
If you’re not sure where to start, social media and music streaming platforms are your best friends.
Here’s where you can find endless inspiration:
- Spotify and Apple Music – Browse through pre-made wedding playlists.
- TikTok and Instagram – Explore trending wedding hashtags for ideas from real couples.
Pro Tip: When creating your playlist, always plan for more music than you think you’ll need.
You never know when the party will stretch out, so add an extra hour or two of tracks beyond your estimated time. It’s better to have too much music than not enough!
Create a Perfect Genre Mix
Every wedding crowd is unique – and so are their music tastes!
Pop might be the safe bet, but a diverse playlist keeps everyone on the dance floor.
Think about including a bit of everything:
- Pop hits that everyone can sing along to
- Classic rock for timeless energy
- Dance and club tracks to keep spirits high
- Romantic ballads for slow moments
Fun idea: Surprise your guests!
Throw in an iconic song they’ve forgotten about — the kind that makes everyone gasp and rush to the dance floor. These unexpected moments often become the night’s biggest highlights.
Mind the Language
This one’s easy to overlook but incredibly important – especially if kids or older relatives are attending.
We’re all used to hearing explicit lyrics, but during your wedding, it’s best to keep things family-friendly.
What to do:
- Ask your DJ or band for “radio edit” versions of songs.
- Double-check lyrics before adding them to your playlist.
- Avoid awkward moments – no one wants an F-bomb during the cake cutting!
Consult Your Band or DJ
Even the most perfectly curated playlist needs a pro touch. That’s where your DJ or live band comes in.
Before the big day:
- Share your must-play list and your do-not-play list.
- Discuss your overall vibe – romantic, upbeat, relaxed, or a mix of all three.
- Ask for their advice. They’ve likely played at countless weddings and know exactly what works for a UK wedding crowd.
Pro Tip: If you trust your band or DJ’s experience, give them some freedom to read the room. Sometimes, their instinctive song choices turn out to be the best moments of the night.
Wedding Music Songs for Every Moment
First Dance Songs
The first dance is one of the most magical moments of the entire day. It’s your chance to pause, breathe, and soak in the love around you.
Whether you want something timeless, emotional, or modern, here are our top picks that never fail to move a crowd:
- Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
- The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
- Make You Feel My Love – Adele
- Better Half of Me – Tom Walker
- Better Together – Jack Johnson
- Tenerife Sea – Ed Sheeran
- At Last – Etta James
- L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole
- Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor & John Legend
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli
- Everything – Michael Bublé
- How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
- Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars or Barry White
Tip: Try practising your first dance with the song before the wedding. It helps you feel more relaxed and ensures the timing feels natural on the day.
Wedding Ceremony Songs
Your ceremony music sets the tone for the most meaningful part of your day – the moment you officially become newlyweds.
You’ll need at least three to four songs to cover key moments:
- The bridal party entrance
- The signing of the register
- The photo moments
- Your exit as a married couple
Here are some beautiful choices that blend modern emotion with timeless romance:
- At Last – Etta James
- Turning Page – Sleeping at Last (perfect for Twilight fans!)
- A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
- All You Need Is Love – The Beatles
- When I Fall in Love – Nat King Cole
- Your Song – Elton John
- This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
- Canon in D Major – Johann Pachelbel
- You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
- Kissing You – Des’ree
Tip: Consider having instrumental versions of some songs – they add an elegant and cinematic feel to your ceremony.
Reception & Dance Floor Anthems
Once the formalities are over, it’s time to let loose!
This is when you can truly express your personalities as a couple and get everyone dancing.
Here are a few crowd-pleasing ideas to keep the energy alive:
- Old-school hits: “Dancing Queen,” “September,” or “Sweet Caroline.”
- 90s and 2000s throwbacks: “Wannabe,” “Hey Ya!,” or “Mr. Brightside.”
- Current chart-toppers: Anything upbeat from Lizzo, Dua Lipa, or Harry Styles.
The secret to a great party? Balance the sentimental songs with fun, fast-paced ones. Give your guests reasons to sing, sway, and stay on the dance floor until the very end.
A Few Extra Planning Tips
To make sure your music experience goes smoothly, remember:
- Confirm setup and sound check times with your DJ or band.
- Make sure your venue has the right acoustics (especially for live bands).
- Prepare a backup playlist on your phone or USB, just in case.
- Don’t forget to include songs for special moments like bouquet tosses, cake cutting, and last dance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can we include our cultural backgrounds in the music selection?
If you both come from different cultural backgrounds, it’s a great idea to incorporate songs that reflect your heritages. Work with your DJ or band to mix traditional songs and modern tracks that celebrate your cultures, making it a memorable experience for everyone.
What should we do if we have specific song requests from guests?
It’s common to receive song requests from guests, and while you want everyone to have a good time, prioritise your curated list. You can create a “song request” box at your wedding to gather guest requests early on, and discuss with your DJ about including some of them if they fit the vibe.
Choose The Right Tunes for Your Big Day
When you plan your wedding music songs with intention, you’re doing more than creating a playlist – you’re crafting the emotional rhythm of your love story.
The right tunes will bring laughter, tears, and unforgettable memories. And when paired with stunning photography, those moments become timeless.
At Big Day Productions, we work with a carefully curated network of UK wedding photographers and videographers who specialise in documenting your celebration beautifully – from that slow, romantic first dance to the joyous final song of the night.
Our rates remain consistent across the UK, whether you’re in London, Edinburgh, Oxford, or anywhere else, ensuring every couple receives the same quality, creativity, and care.
Contact us for more information!
