How to pick wedding music: checklist and song suggestions

Selecting wedding music can feel like one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—parts of pulling together your big day. From the moment guests arrive at the ceremony to the last song on the dance floor, music sets the mood, guides the flow of events, and so much more. The good news? Whether you’re working with a professional DJ, hiring a live band, or building a DIY playlist, this checklist can help you create a soundtrack that feels seamless and personal.

“The music at your wedding not only creates an overall vibe, but is the number one way to tell your story as a couple,” says Nicole Otero, DJ and owner of TCM DJ Events. “Since music can evoke so many memories and emotions, the music you choose can really set the tone for your overall wedding aesthetic.”

To help you navigate the process, we asked wedding music professionals to share their best advice. In this guide, we’ll break down the types of music you’ll need to plan for—from ceremony moments like the processional and recessional to reception favorites like the first dance and party hits—and then share expert do’s and don’ts for how to create a wedding playlist.

You’ll hear wedding song checklist tips from Nicole as well as Erik Marshall, managing partner at Hank Lane Music and bandleader of the Erik Marshall Band, and Hollon “DJ Bigg H” Yarborough, owner of AMP’D ENTERTAINMENT. Together, they’ve seen it all and are here to help you make your big day unforgettable. 

How many songs do you need for your wedding?

When you sit down to think about wedding music, it quickly becomes clear: you’ll need more than just a first dance song and a killer party playlist. From the walk down the aisle to the last song on the dance floor, each moment deserves its own soundtrack. Knowing how to pick wedding music that fits the flow of your day will help you create a playlist that feels thoughtful, cohesive, and fun for your guests.

“Music not only has the power to elevate the overall experience of your wedding, it sets the mood and feel for your timeline,” Nicole says. “Your dinner playlist has the power to either put your guests in a deeper coma after eating or have your guests singing along at dinner and moving slightly in their chairs, inevitably setting them up for a fun dance floor experience.”

Below, you’ll find a wedding song checklist of the key moments where music makes all the difference—plus expert tips on how to choose the perfect track for each.

Prelude music

Prelude music sets the scene as guests arrive and take their seats, usually playing for about 30 minutes before the wedding ceremony begins. Couples often choose reserved, traditional selections—think classical, jazz standards, Motown, or soft ballads—to create an elegant atmosphere.

Songs to consider: 

• “Air on the G String” by Johann Sebastian Bach
• “Moon River” by Audrey Hepburn (from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”)

Wedding party processional music

 

Processional ceremony music accompanies your wedding party as they walk down the aisle, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, and close family members. Couples often favor reserved, traditional selections, but soft pop cover instrumentals, singer-songwriter tracks, and classic jazz ballads also work beautifully to set a graceful, welcoming tone.

Songs to consider: 

• “Spring” from “The Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi
• “Better Together” by Jack Johnson (instrumental or acoustic version)

Bride processional music

The bride’s walk down the aisle is one of the most memorable moments of the wedding ceremony, so choose music that feels sweet, sentimental, and reflective of your love story. This is your spotlight moment—make it personal and emotional.

Songs to consider: 

• “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel
• “A Thousand Years” (Instrumental) by Christina Perri

Recessional music

Recessional music marks the joyful exit of the newlyweds from the ceremony. Typically, the bride and groom lead the way, followed by the wedding party and guests. Couples often choose upbeat yet elegant selections—from classical pieces to soft pop instrumentals or jazz standards—to celebrate the moment and set a lively, celebratory tone.

Songs to consider: 

• “Ode to Joy” by Ludwig van Beethoven
• “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder

Cocktail hour music

Cocktail hour sets the tone as guests mingle and unwind after the ceremony. If you’re wondering how to create a wedding playlist for this moment, aim for upbeat yet subtle tracks that keep the energy light without pushing people onto the dance floor quite yet. Jazz, classic rock, R&B, chill house, and fun remixes or mashups work perfectly for roughly an hour of background music.

Songs to consider: 

• “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae
• “Electric Feel” by MGMT

Reception entrance music

Reception entrance music kicks off the celebration as the newlyweds make their grand entrance. Choose upbeat, energetic tracks that immediately get guests excited and set a lively tone for the party ahead. This is your moment to shine and make a fun first impression on the dance floor.

Songs to consider: 

• “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
• “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

Dinner music

Dinner music should provide a pleasant, upbeat backdrop while guests eat and mingle—roughly 1–2 hours of laid-back tunes that won’t put anyone to sleep. For tips on how to pick wedding music for your dinner portion, we recommend sticking to one or two complementary themes, like Motown, classic jazz, Latin, or R&B, to keep the vibe cohesive and enjoyable.

Songs to consider: 

• “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra
• “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

First dance music

 

Your first dance as a married couple is one of the most memorable moments of the day. Choose a song that reflects your relationship and feels intimate, romantic, and meaningful. It’s the soundtrack for a memory you’ll cherish forever.

Songs to consider: 

• “At Last” by Etta James
• “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran

Father-daughter dance music

The father-daughter dance is a heartfelt moment that celebrates the bond between a bride and her father or father figure. Choose a song that’s sentimental, joyful, and timeless—something that will resonate for years to come and create a memorable experience for both of you.

Songs to consider: 

• “My Girl” by The Temptations
• “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder

Mother-son dance music

The mother-son dance is a touching moment honoring the relationship between the groom and his mother. Go with a song that feels heartfelt and meaningful—one that reflects your bond and creates a lasting memory for this special part of the day.

Songs to consider: 

• “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
• “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart

Dance floor music

Now it’s time to party! Curating a versatile mix that appeals to all tastes and ages keeps the energy high throughout the reception and is a key part of knowing how to create a wedding playlist that flows seamlessly. If you want to bring your guests in on the playlist action, consider adding an open-ended Guest Question to your wedding invitation and collecting song requests ahead of time.

Songs to consider: 

• Dancing Queen by ABBA
• “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees
• “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z
• “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas
• “Levels” by Avicii

Grand exit music 

Grand exit music sets the tone for your final send-off—whether it involves sparklers, a confetti toss, or hopping into your getaway car. Choose upbeat, celebratory tracks that leave your guests cheering and create a memorable finale to your big day.

Songs to consider: 

• “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates
• “Marry You” by Bruno Mars

Wedding music do’s and don’ts

 

Do: Set the tone with your music

If you’re wondering how to pick wedding music, start broadly by considering the overall vibe you want for your big day. Think about how your selections will mesh with the venue, whether it’s an elegant ballroom, rustic barn, or outdoor garden. From there, you can refine your choices and begin creating a wedding playlist that feels cohesive, seamless, and perfectly suited to your space and aesthetic.

Do: Hire someone you trust

When planning your wedding music, it’s essential to work with someone you trust—whether that’s a DJ or live band. Selecting wedding music starts with hiring someone who understands your vision and communicates clearly. 

As Hollon advises, “Do not hire someone who you feel doesn’t understand what you want.” Check reviews, ask for referrals, and listen to samples. Once you’ve found the right fit, keep them involved as you create a wedding playlist and make adjustments that elevate the experience. “That will help to keep the months leading up to your wedding stress-free and fun and ensure a great wedding,” Erik says.

Do: Let the pros do their thing

When planning your wedding music, it’s important not to overthink every song or sequence. Bands and DJs are professionals for a reason—they know how to read the room, incorporate your tastes, and create seamless transitions throughout the day. It’s all about collaboration, not micromanaging. 

“The first thing we tell our clients is don’t self-censor,” Hollon says. “Don’t get caught up in trying to figure out what will work at a wedding and when to play it. That’s why you hire a pro! We would much rather know everything you like, and then we’ll figure out where it works best.”

Do: Mix it up

Variety keeps your wedding music engaging for everyone. “No matter how great one style of music is, too much of it will eventually get boring to someone,” Erik says. “Changing musical styles from when your guests arrive to the ceremony and then the cocktail reception can take your guests on a journey before the party even starts.”

Once your playlist is crafted, consider sharing it with guests in a Links Block in your wedding invitation so they can relive the fun once it’s all over.

Do: Choose music that makes you happy

Your wedding music should reflect you as a couple. “Don’t hold back on songs that you love because you don’t think it’s wedding-friendly music,” Nicole says. “I always tell my couples that if they think they have weird taste in music, we can always fit in these songs during dinner and cocktail hour when the music is just background anyway.”

And remember, you don’t have to avoid the classics. “Anyone who has been to several weddings knows that there are a few dozen songs you hear on every single dance floor,” Hollon says. “For some people, that is exactly what they came for. For others, it can be a total cringe. Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with those songs—they are classics for a reason.”

Following this approach ensures your wedding song checklist and selections feel personal and authentic while still keeping guests happy.

Do: Take advantage of an emcee

“Some people really underestimate how much a DJ actually does at a wedding,” Nicole says. Beyond spinning music for your first dance or the reception party, a professional DJ or bandleader often doubles as the emcee, keeping the event running smoothly. They make announcements, guide guests through the timeline, and ensure everyone knows what’s happening next. Most venues don’t provide a PA system, so having a DJ or band manage both music and announcements simplifies logistics. Leveraging these emcee skills helps you focus on enjoying the day while maintaining the flow of your music and timeline.

Don’t: DJ your own wedding

Or at the very least, think twice about it. It can be tempting to handle the music yourself, but DJing your own wedding can quickly become overwhelming. “The biggest mistake we see couples make is trying to do too much and forgetting to be in the moment on their special day,” Hollon says. “It’s already so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind and forget to be present. The last thing you want to do is create more distractions for yourself.”

Working with a professional lets you enjoy your day fully while still having input on song choices. It also makes creating a wedding playlist simple and stress-free, ensuring your music is executed perfectly.

Plan your wedding with Paperless Post

Creating the perfect soundtrack for your big day doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this wedding song checklist and learning how to pick wedding music and how to create a wedding playlist, you can ensure every moment—from the processional to the dance floor—is memorable and meaningful.

Planning your wedding also means sending invitations that match the wedding style you’re aiming for. (Need inspiration? Check out our wedding style quiz.) With Paperless Post, you can choose from a wide range of customizable, stylish wedding invitations and send them entirely online, making it simple to manage RSVPs and share details while setting the tone for your celebration.