Music Ideas to Help with Planning

Ceremony Music

• Prelude for Guest Arrival:

  • Instrumental or classical music sets a welcoming tone

  • Typically soft piano or other instrumental songs

• Processional (Before the Ceremony)

  • Family

  • Bridal Party: 

    • Ideas: ​

      • ​"Canon in D," by Johann Pachelbel

      • "If I Could Fly," by One Direction

  • Bridal Entrance:

    • Romantic and meaningful songs that reflect your personal taste

    • Ideas:

      • ​"A Thousand Years," by Christina Perri

      • "Marry Me," by Train

• Other: Unity Candle, Cord of Three Strands

• Recessional (After the Ceremony):

  • Joyful, celebratory, upbeat pop songs to mark the start of your celebration

  • Song Ideas:

    • "Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder

    • "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne

    • "Aint No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye

    • "Love Never Felt So Good" by Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake

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Reception Music

(Include any songs you don't want played or songs you definitely want played.)

• Cocktail Hour

• Dinner Time:
• ​Grand Entrance​​
  • ​Bridal Party & Newlyweds (can be the same song or different)
    • Song Ideas:​

      • “Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna

      • “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

      • “Accidentally in Love—From Shrek 2" by Counting Crows

      • "All I do Is Win" by DJ Khaled

      • "Apache" by The Sugarhill Gang

      • "Beatuiful Day" by U2

      • "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors

      • "Bring Em Out" by T.I.

      • "Good Feeling" by Flo Rida

      • "We Found Love" by Rihanna

      • "What I Like About You" by The Romantics 

• First Dances​
  • Bride & Groom​
    • Song Ideas:
      • "Can't Help Falling in Love," by Elvis​​​
      • "Better Together" by Luke Combs

      • "I Get to Love You," by Ruelle

      • "All of Me," by John Legend

  • Bride & Father
    • "I Loved Her First" by Heartland​
    • "Butterfly Kisses" By Bob Carlisle
    • "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack
  • Groom & Mother
    • "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts​
• Cake Cutting​
  • Song Ideas: ​
    • "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" by James Taylor​
    • "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" by Four Tops
    • "Cake By the Ocean" by DNCE
    • "Sugar, Sugar" by The Archies
• Open Up the Dance Floor
• Boquet and/or Garter Belt Toss
  • Ideas:​
    • ​"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," by Beyoncé
    • "Dear Future Husband," by Meghan Trainor
    • "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper
• Photo Song
• Last Song
• Other

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Other Resources & Checklists

Botanical Paperworks Music Song Chart/Checklist