Every Wedding Playlist You’ll Ever Need

Feature Photo by Lauren Ashley Studios

What is the soundtrack to your love story? Choosing songs for your wedding can either be super exciting or completely overwhelming. It is, however, an important step in establishing the vibe and sound that will make your wedding unique.

THE RULES

When planning the music for your wedding, it’s important to remember that there are no hard and fast rules. But, if you’re looking for some helpful guidance, here are a few things to consider:

• Create a Spotify or Apple Music playlist so that whenever you hear a song you both like, you can quickly add it to the playlist to remember for later.
• Make a list of “must-play” songs to ensure that your favorite tunes are included on your special day.
• Create your list of “do-not-play” songs, which might include tracks that hold bad memories or that you simply don’t like.
• Tailor your choices to your own favorite genres and use music as a storytelling device. Personalize your wedding soundtrack by including artists you’ve seen in concert together, “your song” and even covers of classics done by contemporary artists.
• Consider the special moments of the day — such as entrances, cake cutting, first dances and the bouquet toss — and select songs that fit the occasion in terms of tempo and theme.
• Think ahead and communicate any specific requests to your sound operator. Things can happen quicker than you anticipate, so if there’s a particular part of a song you want played during a specific moment, be sure to let them know so they can edit or cue up the song accordingly.
• Finally, don’t be afraid to include your favorite songs, even if they don’t fit into the dancing portion of the evening. These songs can be played during dinner or cocktail hour to ensure that they don’t go unheard.

When it comes to curating your wedding playlist, the most important thing to consider is if the songs are important to you. As long as you feel connected to the music, it is the right choice. There are many classic wedding tracks to choose from, but don’t be afraid to mix things up by including tracks from different genres and eras. Here are a few suggestions to add to your “must-play” list:

PROCESSIONAL

1. “Young and Beautiful” by Ashot Dumanyan
2. “Wildest Dreams” by Duomo
3. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Kinna Grannis
4. “Canon in D” by The Chillest
5. “Yellow” by Brooklyn Duo
6. “A Thousand Years” by The Piano Guys
7. “Hippípolla” by Sigur Rós
8. “Somewhere Only We Know” by Lily Allen
9. “Holocene” by Bon Iver
10. “To Build A Home” by The Cinematic Orchestra

RECESSIONAL

1. “First Day of My Life” by Brooklyn Duo
2. “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
3. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder
4. “I’m In Love with You” by The 1975
5. “Paper Rings” by Taylor Swift
6. “Here Comes Your Man” by Vitamin String Quartet
7. “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap
8. “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors
9. “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
10. “I’m A Believer” by The Monkees

GRAND ENTRANCES INTO THE RECEPTION

1. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
2. “Levels” by Avicii
3. “Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis
4. “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” by Harry Styles
5. “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk The Moon
6. “Archie, Marry Me” by Alvvays
7. “Love On Top” by Beyoncé
8. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
9. “Beggin’” by Måneskin
10. “Industry Baby (feat. Jack Harlow)” by Lil Nas X

PARENT/NEWLYWED DANCES

1. “Gracie” by Ben Folds
2. “Like My Father” by Jax
3. “Sweetest Devotion” by Adele
4. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
5. “You’ve Got A Friend” by Carole King
6. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
7. “I Loved Her First” by Heartland
8. “Mom” by Meghan Trainor
9. “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
10. “Shiny” by Sara Barielles

FIRST DANCE

1. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
2. “Love” by Lana Del Rey
3. “Lover (First Dance Remix)” by Taylor Swift
4. “Baby I’m Yours” by Arctic Monkeys
5. “Sea of Love” by Cat Power
6. “God Only Knows” by She & Him
7. “The Wonder of You” by Villagers
8. “Heartbeats” by Jose González
9. “Beyond” by Leon Bridges
10.  “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds

PACK THE DANCE FLOOR: PARTY STARTERS

1. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
2. “Levitating” by Dua Lipa
3. “About Damn Time” by Lizzo
4. “I Love It (feat. Charli XCX)” by Icona Pop
5. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
6. “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado
7. “Gimme More” by Britney Spears
8. “Valerie” by Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse
9. “Come On Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners
10. “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” by Shania Twain

SLOW SONGS THAT WON’T CLEAR THE DANCE FLOOR

1. “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star
2. “These Arms of Mine” by Otis Redding
3. “Until I Found You” by Stephan Sanchez
4. “Moon River” by Frank Ocean
5. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
6. “Dream” by Priscilla Ahn
7. “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
8. “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson
9. “The Joker and the Queen” by Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift
10. “Wild Horses” by The Sundays

FOR AFTER GRANDMA AND GRANDPA LEAVE

1. “Super Freaky Girl” by Nicki Minaj
2. “I Like It” by Cardi B
3. “2Die4”byToveLo
4. “Pony” by Genuwine
5. “Purple Hat” by Sofi Tukker
6. “Whole Lotta Money” by BIA, Nicki Minaj
7. “Paper Planes” by M.I.A.
8. “Rumors (feat. Cardi B)” by Lizzo
9. “7 Rings” by Ariana Grande
10. “Doses & Mimosas” by Cherub

LAST SONG

1. “XO” by Beyoncé
2. “Closing Time” by Semisonic
3. “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
4. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
5. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
6. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
7. “Take Me Home Tonight” by Eddie Money
8. “One More Time” by Daft Punk
9. “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Hall & Oates
10. “Just Can’t Get Enough” by Depeche Mode

From processional songs to after party hot hits, click here to discover even more Spotify playlists for every wedding occasion.