Your wedding playlist isn’t just background noise. It’s the soundtrack to one of the biggest days of your life. Years from now, you’ll hear your first dance song and instantly be back in that moment.
So, how do you get it right? Let’s break down the key moments and figure out what actually works.
First Dance: Set the Tone
Everyone’s staring, but the secret is to forget about them for a minute. This song needs to be about you two. Maybe it was the song playing during that road trip where you knew things were getting serious. Maybe you’ve danced to it barefoot in your kitchen at 2 a.m. Perhaps the words just nail exactly how you feel about each other.
Here are some ideas to kickstart your brainstorm:
Wedding Classics
Sometimes, you can’t beat the originals. These songs have been making people fall in love for decades:
- At Last – Etta James
- Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You – Frankie Valli
- L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole
Modern Romance
Want something that feels more like you? These newer tracks still hit those romantic notes:
- Ordinary – Alex Warren
- Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
- Beautiful Things – Benson Boone
- Lover – Taylor Swift
- Beyond – Leon Bridges
- Until I Found You – Stephen Sanchez
Country Love Songs
Country music gets love songs that make you feel something:
- Forever After All – Luke Combs
- From the Ground Up – Dan + Shay
- When You Say Nothing At All – Alison Krauss & Union Station
- You’re Still the One – Shania Twain
Off the Beaten Path
Not everyone wants the obvious choice. Some couples want to dig deeper for more unique song choices:
- You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
- Real Love Baby – Father John Misty
- Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys
- Don’t Wanna Be Without Ya – Penny & Sparrow
Our biggest tip is to pick a song that actually means something to you two. Not what sounds good on paper.
Time to Party
Now that dinner’s done and speeches are over, it’s time to really celebrate. This is where your playlist can make or break the energy. You want songs that get people moving – even the groomsman who swears he won’t dance.
- Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
- Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars
- Dancing Queen – ABBA
- Mr. Brightside – The Killers
- September – Earth, Wind & Fire
- I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston
- Hey Ya! – Outkast
- Levitating – Dua Lipa
- Yeah! – Usher
- Super Freak – Rick James
Mother Dance
This dance is a moment to acknowledge this important person and relationship. It doesn’t need to be overly sentimental or traditional. Just choose a song that reflects your connection.
- Humble and Kind – Tim McGraw
- Simple Man – Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Forever Young – Rod Stewart
- My Wish – Rascal Flatts
- You’ll Be in My Heart – Phil Collins
Don’t overthink this one. Even 90 seconds of dancing together says everything.
Father Dance
This dance is about honoring the relationships that have shaped you and your partner. At its core, it’s about connection and appreciation – whatever that looks like for you.
- Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
- Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
- Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman
- I Loved Her First – Heartland
- The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
- Sweet Child of Mine – cover by Music Travel Love
Whether you both cry or laugh the whole time, just make it yours.
Grand Entrance: Make a Statement
You’re married now! Your grand entrance is your chance to start the party. This entrance sets the tone for the rest of the night. So, choose a song that matches your energy and lets everyone know. It’s time to celebrate!
- Marry You – Bruno Mars
- Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder
- Accidentally In Love – Counting Crows
- This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
- Feel So Close – Calvin Harris
- Forever – Chris Brown
The Secret Last Dance
This is something many couples are doing now. After everyone leaves for the send-off, you get one more dance in with no audience. Some replay their first dance song. Others pick something completely different – maybe that weird indie track only they understand.
Whatever you choose, it’s your moment to breathe. To look around at the empty dance floor and realize you actually did it.
The Real Talk
When people think back on your wedding day, they’re not going to remember whether or not the flowers were perfectly arranged. They’ll remember how fun the celebration of your union was. Don’t stress over all of the details on your wedding day, just focus on beginning your life with your partner.
Work With Us
If you’re planning your wedding at Ainsworth House, you’re already working with a space that keeps the focus on what matters – people, atmosphere, and beautiful moments.
Get in touch today! We’d love to help you create the wedding of your dreams.
