Play that Song Again!

A list of the best wedding songs

Right next to tipping etiquette… this is one thing my couples continually come back to me with…

“I don’t know what songs to use, do you have any ideas?!”

And of course I do, but at that moment in the middle of our timeline meeting I can’t think of a single song to save my life. So I’ve put together this moderately comprehensive list of awesome songs. Some are from my own wedding, some from friends and family, and a handful I snagged from various internet sources over the years. But hopefully this list can get those gears turning and point you down the right YouTube/Spotify rabbit hole that will lead you to your perfect song!

PSST: Always check out YouTube’s recommendation list on the side… literally found my entrance song on that list!

Pre-Ceremony Music

This is for while people are getting seated and mingling. Although not entirely necessary, it is nice for outdoor weddings or situations where there might be a delay. Something similar to cocktail hour music.

Soft Jazz… Music with No Lyrics… Instrumental Strings or Piano

We played Mario Brother’s music at our wedding… people loved it. Also just found a musician that creates music digitized to sound LIKE Mario Brother’s theme song music. Look up 8 Bit Universe on Spotify!! You won’t be disappointed.

Bridal Party Entrance - Processional

Air from The Water Music by Handel

Air a Dancer by Penguin Cafe Orchestra (that's what we walked to at my wedding!)

I Get to Love You by Ruelle

A Thousand Years by Christina Perri

Bride’s Entrance

Canon in D by Pachelbel

Can't Help Falling in Love by Haley Reinhart

Do you Realize? by The Flaming Lips (maybe a little odd? I just love the Lips)

Bridal Party Recessional Jams

All you need is Love by The Beatles

I'm Yours by Vitamin String Quartet

Five Years Time by Noah and the Whale (our wedding again... goofy but fun!) 

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by the Darkness

Everyday by Buddy Holly

Cocktail Hour Ideas

This one is tough, because I always say, “Play with you’re into!” It should be light, casual, not heavy or loud, and just sort of set the tone for later in the evening when the party really gets started. DJ’s are a great resource for casual music like this… don’t over think it.

Soft jazzy music is always good

Frank Sinatra 

Franki Valli

Ben E King

Familiar soundtracks with no lyrics

80's pop music

Introductions

Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves

Chelsea Dagger (Chicago fav... and what we did at our wedding... our Michigan Family did not approve, haha)

For Once in my Life by Stevie Wonder

I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas

Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana, and Nicki - depending on your crowd

Don't Stop Me Now by Queen

Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars

A-Punk by Vampire Weekend

Riptide by Vance Joy

*Needs to be something a little fun to dance a bit to... you want your party to come in ready for the par-tay!

First Dances

The way you look Tonight by Frank Sinatra (classic)

With a girl like You by The Troggs

Baby I'm Yours by the Arctic Monkeys

I'll Melt the World with You by Nouvelle Vague remix

The One by Kodaline

I won't give Up by Jason Mraz

Better Together by Us the Duo

Just the Two of Us by Bill Withers

Father / Daughter Dances

Wonderful Word by Louis Armstrong (classic)

My Girl by The Temptations (mine)

Forever Now by Buble

Stand by Me by Ben E King

Isn't she lovely? by Stevie Wonder

Mother/Son Dances

Easily the hardest one on the list… everyone struggles here, so don’t feel bad. This is why you start early, so you have some time to hash it out. M and his mom changed at the last minute!

You'll be in My Heart by Phil Collins

Forever Young by Rod Stewart

Sweetest Devotion by Adele

Home by Philip Phillips

How Sweet It Is by James Taylor

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Last Song Ideas

This song HAS to be one that everyone knows… they need to know the words or the dance or whatever… it’s aimed to get everyone out on the floor ONE last time before the night is over.

Come on Eileen by Dexy’s Midnight Runners

Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes (yes, from Dirty Dancing!)

Don’t Stop Believing by Journey

Hey Jude by The Beatles

Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen

Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond

Closing Time by Semisonic (mine!)

Hope this list helped give you some ideas for songs! If nothing else, just deep dive into YouTube videos until you have a list of a dozen songs you like… then listen to them a week later and see if you still like them. Your DJ or entertainment provider should be able to take the short list you’ve created and turn it into a evenings worth of music!! They just need a little shove in the right direction.

Congrats! Let’s get the party started!!