Top Wedding Songs for Every Moment of Your Big Day

Planning your wedding music feels overwhelming, right?

Between choosing the perfect song for your first dance and making sure Grandma Joan, Aunt Mary, and all your friends hit the dance floor. Not to mention all the other decisions to consider outside of selecting music. There is much to ponder when planning a wedding. But here’s the thing, music isn’t just background noise at your wedding. It’s the heartbeat of your entire celebration!

The right song can make your guests tear up during your ceremony, get everyone screaming the lyrics during dinner, and create those epic dance floor moments you’ll watch on repeat in your wedding video. Music sets the emotional tone for every single moment, from that nerve-wracking walk down the aisle to the final song of the night when you’re dancing with your new spouse, completely exhausted but totally blissful.

So let’s break down the perfect wedding soundtrack, moment by moment. Whether you’re going traditional or want to shake things up, we’ve got a few songs that we have heard over the last few years that can make your big day absolutely unforgettable.

Processional Songs: Setting the Stage

The processional is when your wedding party and family make their entrance, building anticipation for your walk down the aisle. Think of this as the warm-up act before the main event. You want something that creates atmosphere without stealing your thunder.

“Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel remains the ultimate timeless choice. It’s been the soundtrack to thousands of weddings for a reason. This classical masterpiece creates that perfect “here we go” moment that makes everyone sit up straighter and grab their tissues. Here is a recent version arranged and performed by Brooklyn Duo.

For couples wanting something more contemporary, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri hits all the emotional notes. It’s romantic, recognizable, and builds beautifully as your wedding party walks down the aisle. There are plenty of instrumental versions of this song, but there is one version in particular that stands out for good reason. A group made up of a professional pianist, cellists, a music producer, and a studio engineer who created “The Piano Guys”, one of the most successful YouTube instrumental music groups. Here is a version of Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” by The Piano Guys.

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole brings a completely different vibe. This ukulele version is soft, uplifting, and perfect for outdoor ceremonies or couples who want something a little more relaxed and joyful. This classic song also comes in many versions, including one by The Piano Guys.

Other standout processional choices include “Marry Me” by Train for its modern yet tender feel, “River Flows in You” by Yiruma if you want something purely instrumental and absolutely gorgeous, and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” in either Elvis Presley’s original version or Kina Grannis‘s beautiful cover version.

Bride’s Entrance: Your Moment to Shine

This is it! Your spotlight moment. Every single person in that venue is going to turn around and watch you walk toward your future spouse. The song you choose needs to feel powerful, emotional, and uniquely yours.

“Here Comes the Bride” (Bridal Chorus) by Wagner is the classic choice that never goes out of style. It’s what everyone expects, and sometimes traditions exist because they’re absolutely perfect.

But if you want something more personal, “All of Me” by John Legend has become a modern wedding standard. It’s soulful, romantic, and the lyrics are basically wedding vows set to music. Your spouse-to-be might actually start crying when they hear those opening notes. Looking for an instrumental? Rob Landes an award-winning, violinist, and Aubry Anne perform a beautiful cover of the song.

“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran is another classic and modern favorite that feels both contemporary and timeless. Ed wrote the song to be a timeless love song, and it shows. Written about his wife-to-be, Cherry Seaborn, whom he knew from school. The lyrics are pure romance without being overly sentimental.

“Speechless” by Dan + Shay brings that country-pop romance that’s been dominating wedding playlists, while “I Get to Love You” by Ruelle offers something deeply moving and less commonly chosen.

Recessional Songs: Celebrating Your “I Do!”

You did it! You’re officially married! The recessional is pure celebration time. This is when you want something upbeat, joyful, and fun as you practically float back down the aisle as newlyweds.

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder is pure joy in musical form. It’s impossible not to smile when this song plays, and your guests will probably start clapping along.

“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)“ by Natalie Cole brings that classic soul energy that gets everyone pumped up. It’s been a wedding favorite for decades because it perfectly captures that “we just got married!” excitement.

For a modern, romantic touch, “1, 2, 3, 4” by Plain White T’s perfectly captures the joy and simplicity of love. Its sweet, heartfelt lyrics make it an ideal choice for your walk back down the aisle.

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams might be a few years old now, but it’s still guaranteed to make everyone smile. “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates brings that perfect retro energy, while “Marry You” by Bruno Mars keeps things light and fun with lyrics that are literally about getting married.

Grand Entrance Songs: Getting the Party Started

Your grand entrance at the reception is when you officially kick off the party. This is the moment to get your crowd hyped and set the tone for an absolutely epic celebration. Go big or go home.

“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake is pure energy and guaranteed to get everyone on their feet. It’s been a wedding favorite since it dropped, and for good reason.

“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars brings that funk energy that’s impossible to resist. Your guests will be dancing in their seats before you even make it to your table.

“24K Magic” by Bruno Mars keeps the Bruno Mars party going with another high-energy hit that screams celebration. “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z brings that power couple energy that’s perfect for newlyweds.

“Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO might take you back to 2011, but it still absolutely destroys dance floors. And “Bring Em Out” by T.I. brings that serious hype energy for couples who want to make a statement.

Bridal Party Entrance Songs: Giving Your Squad Their Moment

If you’re doing individual bridal party introductions, your wedding party deserves their moment to shine, too. These songs are perfect for getting the crowd warmed up before your grand entrance.

“I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas is an excellent choice for setting a lively and energetic mood, encouraging movement, and creating a memorable party atmosphere.

“Raise Your Glass” by P!nk is literally about celebrating, making it perfect for this moment. “Yeah!” by Usher featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris brings that early 2000s energy that still hits different at weddings.

“We Found Love” by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris is a fantastic choice for maintaining a high-energy and lively atmosphere. This song’s vibrant and uplifting nature makes it perfect for keeping the party going and ensuring everyone stays energized and engaged.

Making It Personal: Your Unique Soundtrack

Looking for something Unique? Over the years, many couples have asked us to create special edits of their favorite songs, and we’re always excited to bring those ideas to life. Whether it’s:

• Shortened versions of songs to keep it short and sweet,
• Extended intros or loops to give you the perfect moment for your big entrance,
• Instrumental tracks for a smooth walk down the aisle, or
• Unique mash-ups that combine two (or more) songs into something totally personal…

We love working with our couples to make their music vision a reality. Your wedding day should sound as amazing as it feels, and we’re here to help create those one-of-a-kind moments that are special to you. 

Here’s the thing about wedding music: while these tried-and-true favorites work for a reason, the best wedding playlist tells your unique love story. Think about the songs that mean something to your relationship. That track from your first concert together, the song that was playing during your first kiss, or even that throwback jam that always makes you both smile and dance around your kitchen.

Don’t forget about special moments either. Parent dances, anniversary dances, and late-night party songs all deserve their own consideration. And if you’re working with a professional DJ (that’s where we come in at Raise The Roof DJs), they can help you create the perfect atmosphere. Keep the flow and read the room to keep the energy exactly where you want it.

Your wedding music is the soundtrack to one of the most important days of your life. Take time to choose songs that will make you smile every time you hear them for the rest of your lives together. After all, these are the songs you’ll be hearing in grocery stores and coffee shops for the next fifty years, instantly transporting you back to your perfect day.

So whether you stick with the classics or go completely rogue with your choices, make sure your wedding playlist feels like you. Because at the end of the day, your love story deserves its own unique soundtrack.