The ultimate guide for choosing the perfect wedding songs

It could either be the easiest choice or one of the hardest choices you’ll make for your wedding day. Whether you’re trying to create a magical first dance or searching for the perfect song that will have everyone in tears as you walk down the aisle, you’ve come to the right place! Below is a list of songs that we have loved singing/playing for wedding ceremonies and receptions over the years.

The ceremony

Processional (known as the entrance song)

This is the big moment, all eyes on you! For your entrance song, I highly recommend something slow paced with reflective lyrics of love. Remember, with how quickly people walk down the aisle, musicians may only get through part of the song, which is why we often recommend telling us which part of the song is your favourite. Here are some of my favourites:

Signing of the Register (when you sign your wedding papers)

I always recommend a more uplifting song for this part of the ceremony. The amount of time spent signing the register varies greatly so we understand why many celebrants recommend selecting two songs. However, with live music we can completely customise the song to be however long we need, even if it means including a beautiful instrumental section. Therefore, we only recommend selecting one song for this part of the ceremony when having live music. Here are some ideas:

Recessional (known as the exit song)

This is the moment when you walk back down the aisle, hand in hand, as your guests cheer and rejoice. For this part of the ceremony, I always recommend an upbeat song that evokes a deep sense of happiness. Here are some I love to sing:

The reception

The entrances / Cutting of the Cake

It’s party time! Your entrance to the reception can help set the exciting atmosphere so I always suggest a house/pop/disco song for this first part of the evening. Our couples often cut the cake straight after entering the reception, which we believe is the perfect way to complete this formality. Therefore I have put these songs in the same category.

First Dance

Everyone is different when it comes to their first dance. Some want a soft acoustic tune, others want a classic power ballad, and then there are those who want a happy, upbeat song they can really move to. Whatever the case, I have included a mix of songs below:

Father-Daughter / Mother-Son Dances

I am completely aware that not everyone likes to do these dances anymore, or may not be able to (if that is the case, I’m so very sorry). But for the purpose of this ultimate wedding playlist, I have listed some of my favourite heartfelt songs below that are appropriate for a dance with your mum/dad.

Last Dance / Farewell Archway

The night is over! Can you believe it? All that planning and it went by like a flash. I’m certain it was one of the best days of your life and now the exciting journey awaits. Not everyone likes to do a farewell archway, but I do think it is one of the best ways to say a quick goodbye to everyone. If the archway isn’t for you, I still recommend choosing one final song to symbolise the end of the reception. Enjoy this last part of the night with one of these classics:

Final Words

Well there it is - your ultimate guide for choosing the perfect wedding songs! All of the songs listed in each section are completely interchangeable; the categories are simply my own recommendations. As for song selections, forget about what’s trending and choose the songs that either already have a special meaning to you and your partner or songs that you really love the lyrics to. If singing at weddings for the past 15 years has taught me anything, it’s that the best wedding songs are the ones that you personally connect with the most.

Photo credit: Dan Evans Photography