Wedding Music Checklist

A complete checklist of all the “special” songs you will need to pick out for your special day.

1. Seating Music. This is the music that is played as your guests arrive, and settle into their seats.
2. Family and Bridal Party Entrance. A song that speaks to you. Something traditionally, slow, to keep the walk slower for everyone so the photographer can grab good pictures.
3. Bride’s Walk. You can go traditional and use “Canon in D” or go with something that, also, speaks to you.
4. Exiting Ceremony. Something fun and a little more upbeat. Everyone will be clapping and whoo-hooing because youre married!
5. Cocktail Hour. This is the music that is played in between the ceremony and dinner/reception. The music should set the mood and put people in good spirits, but you aren’t trying to get anyone to dance yet.
6. Dinner. It is usually good to play slower music during dinner, maybe even a classical playlist without vocals. You still aren’t trying to get anyone to dance yet.
7. Reception Grand Entrance. A celebratory song to mark the couples entrance into the reception and set the tone for the party. If you plan to introduce your wedding party first, be sure to choose a separate song for them (or one that is long enough to cover everyone entering).
8. The First Dance. A song that is meaningful to the bride and groom.
9. Father and Daughter, Mother and Son Dances. Traditionally, the father dances with his daughter after the first dance between the bride and groom. Some couples also have a mother/son dance or simply integrate that into the father/daughter dance at the end.
10. Reception Party. Even if you give the DJ or wedding musicians complete freedom with the song selections, it is still a good idea to make a “do-not-play” playlist of songs that you want to avoid hearing.
11. Cake Cutting. Pick an upbeat song for this sweet part of the evening.
12. Bouquet Toss. An upbeat, lively song is played for this entertaining part of the wedding. The same applies to the garter toss.
13. The Last Dance. It is up to you whether you want something slow and sentimental or something fun and buoyant. Just be sure to end the night by making a statement!

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