🎶 How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Music: A Musician’s Guide for Every Moment

Music is more than just background noise at a wedding — it’s the emotional thread that weaves every moment together. From the first note as guests arrive to the final song of the night, music has the power to set the tone, tell your love story, and create memories that last forever.

As a wedding musician, I’ve had the privilege of performing at countless ceremonies and receptions, and I’ve seen how the right music choices can completely transform the atmosphere. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a full-scale celebration, this guide will walk you through how to choose music for every stage of your wedding day.

💒 Ceremony: Setting the Emotional Tone

Your ceremony music should feel personal, meaningful, and true to your style. There are typically four key moments to plan music for your ceremony:

1. Arrival of Guests

This is what plays as guests are being seated — it sets the tone and builds anticipation.

Ideas:

• River Flows in You – Yiruma

• Can’t Help Falling in Love – Instrumental

• Le Onde - Einaudi

• Soft acoustic versions of your favorite songs

  
  

2. Bridal Entrance

This includes music for your bridal party and your own walk down the aisle. Some couples choose one song for everyone, while others pick two distinct pieces, one for the bridesmaids and one for the bride.

Ideas:

• Canon in D – Pachelbel (classic)

• A Thousand Years – Christina Perri (modern romantic)

• Somewhere Only We Know – Keane (acoustic version)

• Ocean Eyes - Bridgerton

3. Signing of the Register

Whilst you are signing the legal documents and taking photos in your ceremony, background music adds meaning without distraction.

Ideas:

• Perfect - Ed Sheeran

• At Last - Etta James

• Sign of the Times - Bridgerton

  
  

4. Recessional

Time to celebrate! The exit song should be upbeat, joyful, and full of energy.

Ideas:

• Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder

• Accidently in Love - Counting Crows

• Marry You – Bruno Mars

  
  

🍸 Cocktail Hour: Keep the Vibes Flowing

After the ceremony, guests mingle, sip, and snack. From upbeat tunes to relaxed social conversational tunes, depending on the vibe you're looking for.

Music that work well:

• Everytime we touch - Cascada

• From Now On - The greatest Showman

• Dancing Queen - ABBA

  
  

Tip: This is a great time to include a few of your personal favorites that didn’t quite fit the ceremony.

🍽️ Dinner: Background With Personality

During dinner, music should be subtle enough to allow conversation but still enhance the mood. Think soft, romantic, and elegant, Bridgerton vibes.

💃 The First Dance (and Parent Dances)

These are your spotlight moments — the songs you’ll remember forever. Choose something that reflects your relationship, not just what’s trendy.

🎉 Reception & Dance Floor

This is where your DJ or band can really shine. Choose songs that will get everyone on the dance floor — and maybe throw in a couple of personal anthems or surprise choices.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix eras and genres — the goal is fun and flow.

🎉 Reception & Dance Floor

This is where your DJ or band can really shine. Choose songs that will get everyone on the dance floor — and maybe throw in a couple of personal anthems or surprise choices.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix eras and genres — the goal is fun and flow.

🎤 Live vs. Recorded: Which Should You Choose?

There’s no right or wrong answer — just what fits your vision and budget.

Live Music

• Elegant and immersive

• Customizable to your preferences

• Creates a unique, memorable vibe

  
  

Recorded Music

• More flexibility in song choice

• Often more cost-effective

• Great for dancing and high-energy sets

  
  

Some couples combine both — live music for the ceremony and cocktail hour, and a DJ for the reception. As a wedding musician, I offer live acoustic sets for ceremonies and cocktail hours, and I love helping couples curate a seamless musical experience from start to finish.

🎶 Final Thoughts

The perfect wedding music isn’t about what’s trending — it’s about what moves you. Think about the moments you want to highlight, the memories you want to create, and the songs that already mean something to you as a couple.

Whether you’re into classical, indie, soul, or acoustic pop, there’s a way to create a wedding soundtrack that feels completely you.

💌 Let’s Make It Magical

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need help bringing your musical vision to life, I’d love to help. I offer live music services for weddings, as well as personalized consultations to help couples choose music that fits their ceremony and story.

📧 https://www.bushsarahmusic.com to start planning your perfect wedding soundtrack.