Planning out your playlist is a big part of your wedding day. It sets the tone for the entire day and the music is what will truly make the party a blast! Take some time to plan your playlist ahead with your band or DJ, and ask your wedding party or close friends for help if you’d like to make sure your reception will be epic. From the procession to the final dance song, here is a list to get you started. 

Procession

This sets the tone for the entire ceremony. Think about that walk down the aisle you’ve always dreamed of and the vibe you want for it.

• “Salted Wound” by Sia
• “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
• “Canon in D” by Pachelbel
• “Hymne” by The O’Neill Brothers Group
• “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Kina Grannis (Cover of Elvis Presley)
• “Speechless” by Dan + Shay

Recession

Not to be confused with the procession, the recession is when the married couple walks back down the aisle after the ceremony. 

• “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
• “I Choose You,” by Sarah Bareilles
• “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne
• “A Sky Full of Stars,” by Coldplay

Grand Entrance

For your wedding party, maybe there is a song that reminds you of times you have shared together. You could also ask members of your wedding party for suggestions too, but it’s best to just choose one song for the entire wedding party to come out to. For you and your spouse, choose a song that can serve as ‘the anthem’ for your reception. 

• “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
• “Raise Your Glass” by P!nk
• “Good as Hell” by Lizzo
• “We Found Love” by Rihanna and Calvin Harris

Cake Cutting

The cake cutting represents the first act the newlyweds do as a married couple. Choose a song that is fun and light-hearted and is meaningful to both you and your spouse. 

• “Love on Top” by Béyonce
• “Adore You” by Harry Styles
• “Anyone” by Justin Bieber
• “Best Day of my Life” by American Authors

Special Dances

Parent dances, whether it be father-daughter, mother-son, mother-daughter, father-son or a dance with a sibling or other loved one, it’s an emotional part of the reception. Picking the right song will make it even more special. 

• “American Honey” by Lady A
• “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
• “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
• “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
• “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw

First Dance

This really sets the tone for the dance floor for the rest of the reception, and is one of the most special song selections of the night. 

• “Come Away with Me” by Norah Jones
• “Butterflies” by Kacey Musgraves
• “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
• “From the Ground Up” by Dan + Shay
• “All of Me” by John Legend
• “Forever Afterall” by Luke Combs
• “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley

First song to start the party

After a couple slow songs, you will need an absolute banger to get the party started! 

• “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” by Whitney Houston
• “Twist and Shout,” by The Beatles
• “Dancing Queen,” by ABBA
• “You’re the One That I Want” by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
• “Don’t Stop Believin’,” by Journey

Bouquet/Garter toss

Choose a really upbeat and fun song to get all your single ladies and men out on the dance floor. 

• “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” by Beyoncé
• “Hollaback Girl,” by Gwen Stefani
• “Wannabe,” by Spice Girls
• “Best Life,” by Cardi B featuring Chance the Rapper
• “Oops, I Did it Again,” by Britney Spears
• “Dear Future Husband,” by Meghan Trainor

Last song of the night

As much as you want your wedding night to last forever, it has to come to a close eventually. Finish off the night with a banger that will get everyone on the dance floor. 

• “Bye Bye Bye,” by ‘NSNYC
• “Africa,” by Toto
• “(I’ve had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
• “Closing Time,” by Semisonic
• “Sweet Caroline,” by Neil Diamond

If you want to make sure your wedding is an ABSOLUTE BANGER here are some more ideas and tips to party all night long!!