Wedding Music Planning Cheat Sheet

Music is the heartbeat of any wedding celebration. It sets the tone for every momentfrom walking down the aisle to the last dance of the night. Planning your wedding music carefully can transform your day into an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. This cheat sheet provides an easy-to-follow guide to help you craft the perfect soundtrack for your wedding day.

1. Understand the Role of Music in Your Wedding

Music accompanies and enhances many critical moments during your wedding day. Each segment typically requires different musical styles and moods.

• Ceremony: Often classical or instrumental, creating a solemn or romantic atmosphere during the processional, signing, and recessional.
• Reception: Background music during cocktail hour or dinner, and lively tunes during the dance party.
• Special Dances: First dance, parent dances, and bouquet/garter toss songs often require specific selections that hold special meaning.

2. Early Steps: Define Your Music Style & Preferences

Start by discussing with your partner what kinds of music reflect your personalities and the vibe you want for your wedding.

• Do you prefer classical, jazz, pop, rock, folk, or a mix?
• Are there any cultural or traditional pieces you want to include?
• Would you like live music, a DJ, or a hybrid?
• Do you want upbeat dance songs, slow romantic songs, or both?

Make a list of must-have songs and any you wish to avoid. This initial groundwork ensures your music selection feels uniquely you.

3. Key Moments & Music Suggestions

Planning music for distinct moments ensures smooth transitions and sets proper moods.

Ceremony Music

• Prelude: Played as guests arrive and are seated. Typically soft instrumental or classical tunes.
• Processional: Music as the bridal party and bride walk down the aisle. Iconic songs include Pachelbels Canon in D, Wagners Bridal Chorus, or contemporary pieces like A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.
• Interlude: Optional moments like a unity candle or sand ceremony.
• Recessional: Energetic, celebratory music to exit to. Examples include Mendelssohns Wedding March or upbeat pop tunes.

Cocktail Hour & Dinner

Choose background music that is pleasant and airy, allowing guests to converse easily.

• Soft jazz, acoustic guitar, or instrumental covers work well.
• If you have a live band, request a mellow set list for these periods.

Reception & Dancing

This is the time to get everyone up and moving!

• Start with the first dance song carefully chosen for its meaning to you as a couple.
• Follow with dances for parents and special guests.
• Mix upbeat dance floor hits with slower romantic songs to pace energy.
• Include crowd-pleasers and popular hits that appeal to a wide range of ages.

4. Choosing Between a DJ, Band, or Playlist

DJ

• Advantages: Wide music selection, ability to seamlessly mix songs, taking requests.
• Considerations: Make sure they are experienced with weddings and have good references.

Live Band

• Advantages: Unique atmosphere, live energy, can provide customized arrangements.
• Considerations: Band size can impact venue space and budget. Ask if they know wedding timing requirements.

Self-Curated Playlist

• Advantages: Budget-friendly, full personal control.
• Considerations: Requires someone responsible and reliable to manage the music on the day.

5. Create a Music Timeline

Outline the songs and types of music for each part of the day to coordinate with your venue, DJ, or band.

Time/Segment	Music Style/Purpose	Example Songs/Types
Guest Arrival / Prelude	Soft, instrumental, relaxing	Classical guitar, piano solos
Processional	Romantic, meaningful, anticipatory	Canon in D, Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Signing / Interlude	Relaxed, soft background	Instrumental covers or favorite love songs
Recessional	Joyful and triumphant	Wedding March, up-tempo modern pop
Cocktail Hour	Chill, conversational background	Jazz standards, acoustic sets
Dinner	Soft instrumental, light mood	Classical, smooth jazz
First Dance	Personal, romantic	Song that means something special
Parent Dances	Sentimental and heartfelt	Classic oldies, country, pop ballads
Open Dancing	Upbeat, fun, energetic	Top 40 hits, dance classics, party anthems
Last Dance	Meaningful, closing the night	Slow dance or signature song

6. Communicate Clearly with Your Music Providers

Whether working with a DJ, band, or solo musician, clear communication is essential to ensure your vision is realized.

• Share your timeline and detailed song list in advance.
• Discuss cues and special moments like introductions, cake cutting, or speeches that may require music changes.
• Address any do not play restrictions politely but firmly.
• Ask about sound equipment, setup times, and any venue restrictions.

7. Backup Plans & Sound Checks

Weddings rarely go perfectly according to plan, so its important to prepare for contingencies.

• Have a backup music source or playlist ready in case of technical difficulties.
• Schedule a sound check before the ceremony and reception to adjust volumes and acoustics.
• Ensure your venues sound system and any outside musicians equipment are compatible.

8. Keep Your Guests in Mind

While the day is about you, keeping your guests enjoyment in mind will ensure everyone has a great time.

• Include recognizable songs to encourage dancing and engagement.
• Vary music tempos to accommodate different energy levels and age groups.
• Plan for breaks in the music to allow guests to socialize and rest.

9. Sample Song Ideas for Different Wedding Moments

• Processional: A Thousand Years (Christina Perri), Here Comes the Sun (The Beatles instrumental), Marry Me (Train acoustic)
• First Dance: At Last (Etta James), All of Me (John Legend), Perfect (Ed Sheeran)
• Parent Dance: My Girl (The Temptations), What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
• Upbeat Dance Hits: Uptown Funk (Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars), Shut Up and Dance (Walk The Moon), Cant Stop the Feeling (Justin Timberlake)
• Romantic Slow Songs: Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran), Make You Feel My Love (Adele)

10. Final Checklist for Wedding Music Planning

• Discuss music style and preferences with your partner.
• Create a preliminary playlist and do not play list.
• Decide on DJ, band, or playlist & book early.
• Provide clear and detailed music timeline to providers.
• Confirm sound equipment and venue policies.
• Plan for backup music and sound checks.
• Communicate special moments requiring music cues.
• Prepare for diverse guest tastes with a variety of music genres.

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." Victor Hugo

With these guidelines, your wedding music will elevate your celebration, create lasting memories, and keep the joy alive from your walk down the aisle to the final dance. Now, let's get planningand dancing!