Written by Theresa BarberYour wedding day is one of the most significant and important days in your life and you want it to be magical. One of the key elements to creating a memorable atmosphere for both you and your guests is choosing the right music.
From pre-ceremony music to reception tunes, there are lots of decisions that need to be made when selecting music for your special day. It's not just about picking songs that have sentimental value but also understanding factors such as genre, tempo and mood which can affect how well people respond on the dance floor or during more solemn moments.
In this blog post, we'll provide tips on making these important choices while avoiding common pitfalls such as playing overly sentimental songs or tunes that won't get people up dancing!
Understanding the importance of choosing the right music for your special day
Music has been known to evoke certain emotions and create an atmosphere that can be the perfect backdrop for your special day.
When it comes to selecting music for your special occasion, you want to choose something that will capture the essence of the moment, while still allowing your guests to have an enjoyable time.
It is important to make sure that whatever musical selections you choose find balance between captivating the audience and delivering a pleasurable experience.
The music should also seamlessly mix from one genre or style to another in order to provide a unique ambiance for your guests. Understanding how music can affect the atmosphere of your event will ensure that you create a truly magical experience on your special day.
Pre-ceremony music
Selecting the perfect pre-ceremony tracks to accompany your special day can be tricky, but with the right tips you can have confidence that all your guests will arrive in an enchanted atmosphere.
Make sure to choose music that reflects your style and the formality of your occasion, such as classical pieces by Bach or Mozart. Avoid anything too upbeat or dramatic; try to create an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement bubbling under the surface.
Here's a list of some of the most popular pre-ceremony wedding songs of 2022:
- I Do – Susie Suh
- (Today I Met) The Boy I’m Gonna Marry – Darlene Love
- You Got What I Need – Joshua Radin
- Still Fallin – Hunter Hayes
- Crazy in Love – Daniela Andrade
- Making All Things New – Aaron Espe
- God Only Knows – Jillian Edwards
- XO – John Mayer
- Perfect – Ed Sheeran
- Time After Time – Iron & Wine
Click on the link for the full pre-ceremony wedding playlist.
At some points in the ceremony where an emotional moment may occur, consider having someone sing a song from one of these same genres in an appropriate key that truly captures the sentiment at hand.
With these tips and tricks, you can make sure that everyone who enters your wedding venue walks into an ambiance that expresses your unique “couple personality” and promises a magical evening full of joyous memories.
Reception music
Picking just the right music for your wedding reception can be as important as picking out your dress! The right mix of songs creates the perfect ambiance needed to make the evening enjoyable, whether it’s a soulful ballad that graces the dance floor or an upbeat classic that will bring guests to their feet.
When deciding on a playlist for your special day, take into account the location and atmosphere. If you’re looking to create an elegant atmosphere, consider mellow instrumentals and soft jazz standards which will set a sophisticated mood.
Here's a list of some of the most popular wedding reception music for 2022:
- I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
- Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
- Can't Stop the Feeling! Justin Timberlake
- Crazy in Love – Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z
- I’ll Be – Edwin McCain
- Cha Cha Slide – DJ Casper
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston
- Happy – Pharrell Williams
- Higher Love – Kygo and Whitney Houston
- Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO feat. Lauren Bennett and GoonRock
Click on the link for the full playlist on Brides.com.
If you’d like a fun-filled party vibe, pop hits from different decades will surely get guests up and dancing. Finding the perfect playlist is all about setting the mood of celebration and joy that will linger long after your big day.
Ideas for getting people up dancing!
If you're looking to make your special event livelier with music, but still stay away from anything corny, there are a few creative ways to get your guests on their feet.
Consider blending together some of your favorite old songs and more modern beats for an interesting mix. For example, play the familiar old-school phrase at the beginning of each song, then transition into something more contemporary.
If remixing songs doesn't appeal to you, why not go for a genre mash-up instead?
Take different tracks from hip-hop, electronic dance music and even reggae – as long as they fit with the vibe of your celebrations – and blend them all together for one upbeat party tracklist.
Whatever kind of music you decide to go for, be sure to keep it fresh and playful. That way everyone will be having a great time.
Final words of advice
Choosing the perfect music for your special occasion is essential to creating a magical and memorable experience. With the right combination of pre-ceremony, reception, and dance floor tunes, you can create an enchanting atmosphere that reflects both your style and formality.
Whether it’s classical pieces or modern remixes, understanding how different genres of music affect mood will ensure your event is one that guests won't soon forget!
By blending together old-school tracks with contemporary beats, or mixing up hip hop with electronic dance music for a genre mash-up – there are plenty of creative ways to get everyone out on the dancefloor.
So have confidence in selecting just the right mix of songs; after all – they'll be part of what makes this day truly unforgettable!