The Best Wedding Songs for Every Moment
If there’s one wedding detail you and your guests will remember without realizing it, it’s the music. Long after the celebration ends, certain songs can instantly bring you back to those moments. From walking down the aisle to your last dance, every part of the day has its own soundtrack.
Here in the Albany and Capital Region, our DJs have the opportunity to celebrate at incredible venues ranging from elegant downtown ballrooms to rustic barns throughout Saratoga, the Hudson Valley, and the surrounding countryside. One thing every wedding has in common? The right playlist keeps guests engaged from the first arrival to the final sendoff.
If you’re building your wedding playlist, we’ve rounded up the best wedding songs for every moment worth celebrating, including many of the songs our Albany DJs hear requested weekend after weekend.
Getting Ready
Your morning sets the tone for everything ahead. Choose songs that help everyone relax, laugh, and soak it all in. Some couples love upbeat pop hits. Others prefer slower acoustic favorites. The best getting-ready playlists feel fun, personal, and full of excitement.
- “Chapel of Love,” by The Dixie Cups
- “Birds of a Feather,” by Billie Eilish
- “Here Comes the Sun,” by The Beatles
- “Dreams,” by Fleetwood Mac
- “Put Your Records On,” by Corinee Bailey Rae
- “Brazil,” by Declan McKenna
- “Loving Is Easy,” by Rex Orange County
Ceremony Processional
Walking down the aisle deserves music that feels true to you. Traditional instrumentals remain timeless, while acoustic versions of modern love songs are equally beautiful. The right processional song helps create one of the day’s most emotional moments.
- “Joy of My Life,” by Chris Stapleton
- “Beyond,” by Leon Bridges
- “Heartbeats,” by Jose Gonzalez
- “To Build A Home,” by The Cinematic Orchestra
- “Turning Page,” by Sleeping At Last
- “All I Want,” by Kodaline
Recessional
You just got married, so this is your chance to celebrate. Your recessional song should feel joyful, energetic, and full of excitement as you head back up the aisle together. This is often one of the happiest songs you’ll hear all day.
- “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” by Stevie Wonder
- “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
- “Home,” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
- “You Are the Best Thing,” by Ray LaMontagne
- “Real Love Baby,” by Father John Misty
- “Dog Days Are Over,” by Florence + The Machine
- “Something Just Like This,” by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
- “Be My Baby,” by The Ronettes
Grand Entrance
Your reception entrance is the perfect opportunity to show your personality. Whether you want high energy, something playful, or a nostalgic favorite, your entrance music should get everyone excited for the celebration ahead. These songs are also great for wedding party entrances:
- “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” by Stevie Wonder
- “Can’t Hold Us,” by Macklemore
- “Hereos (We Could Be),” by Alesso & Tove Lo
- “Crazy In Love,” by Beyonce & JAY-Z
- “Bring Em Out,” by T.I.
- “Don’t Stop the Party,” by Pitbull & TJR
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Music
Dinner playlists deserve more attention than they often receive. Soft background music helps conversations flow while creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. A relaxed mix keeps the energy comfortable while guests enjoy the meal.
- “Fly Me to The Moon,” by Shoby and Izzie Naylor
- “Just the Two of Us,” by Yann Muller
- “Lover,” by Taylor Swift
- “Baby I’m Yours,” by Arctic Monkeys
- “Adore You,” by Harry Styles
- “Butterflies,” by Kacey Musgraves
- “Back on 74,” by Jungle
First Dance
Your first dance song tells your story. It does not have to be trendy or expected. The best choice is simply one that means something to both of you. Years from now, hearing that song should bring you right back to this moment.
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” by Elvis Presley
- “I’m Gonna Love You,” by Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood
- “There’s the Sun,” by Zach Top
- “Die With a Smile,” by Lady Gaga
- “From the Ground Up,” by Dan + Shay
- “Perfect,” by Ed Sheeran
- “Ordinary,” by Alex Warren
- “At Last,” by Etta James
- “In Your Love,” by Tyler Childers
- “I Cross My Heart,” by George Strait
Open Dancing
Once dinner ends, it’s time to pack the dance floor. A great mix keeps every generation involved and the energy high throughout the night. This is where your biggest party songs can really shine.
- “Dancing Queen,” by ABBA
- “Mr. Brightside,” by The Killers
- “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” by Whitney Houston
- “September,” by Earth, Wind & Fire
- “Unwritten,” by Natasha Bedingfield
- “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” by ABBA
- “Doses & Mimosas,” by Cherub
- “All the Small Things,” by Blink-182
- “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” by Backstreet Boys
- “Crazy In Love,” by Beyonce
Complete Weddings + Events Albany DJs
The right song has a way of making every wedding moment feel even more meaningful. While choosing great songs is important, having the right DJ to bring those moments to life matters just as much.
At Complete Weddings + Events Albany, our DJs do much more than press play. We help build customized timelines, coordinate with your photographer and venue team, make smooth announcements, and keep the celebration flowing naturally from one event to the next.
Whether you’re celebrating at one of Albany’s historic venues, a Saratoga Springs ballroom, or a beautiful barn in the Capital Region, our DJs know how to read the room and create a soundtrack that reflects your style while keeping guests of every age on the dance floor.
Looking for even more wedding inspiration? Check out our:
Ready to create the perfect soundtrack for your wedding day? Contact Complete Weddings + Events Albany to learn more about our DJ services and check your wedding date availability.
