Country music has long been a favorite for weddings, thanks to its heartfelt lyrics, soulful melodies, and timeless appeal. If you’re a fan of twangy guitars, meaningful storytelling, and foot-tapping tunes, incorporating wedding country music into your special day could be the perfect way to create a memorable and unique atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a rustic barn wedding or simply love the vibe of classic country songs, we’ve got the perfect guide to help you pick the best country music for your wedding.
Why Choose Country Music for Your Wedding?
Country music is about love, life, and celebration, making it ideal for weddings. The genre offers something for every part of your wedding day—from the ceremony to the reception, there’s a country song to fit every moment.
Here are a few reasons to consider country music for your wedding:
- Storytelling: Country music is known for telling stories that capture real-life emotions and experiences, making it a perfect fit for personalizing your wedding day.
- Versatility: Whether you’re looking for a tear-jerking first dance song or upbeat party anthems for the reception, country music offers a wide variety of options.
- Timelessness: From classic artists like Johnny Cash to contemporary stars like Luke Combs, country music spans generations, ensuring your playlist will appeal to all ages.
How to Incorporate Country Music into Your Wedding
If you’re ready to fill your wedding day with the sounds of country music, there are several ways to seamlessly integrate it into your celebration:
- Custom Playlist: Work with your DJ or wedding band to create a personalized country playlist for every part of the day, from the pre-ceremony music to the reception’s last dance.
- Live Band: For an authentic country vibe, consider hiring a live country band to play during your reception. There’s nothing like hearing your favorite country tunes live!
- Line Dancing: Add some country flavor by hosting a fun line dancing segment during the reception. It’s a great way to get all of your guests involved, even those who may not normally dance.
- Themed Décor: If you’re going for a full-on country wedding, match your music with rustic décor like wooden signs, mason jars, and string lights to create the perfect country wedding atmosphere.
Classic Country vs. Modern Country: Finding Your Perfect Playlist
One of the best things about wedding country music is the variety within the genre. If you’re a fan of classic artists like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, or George Strait, you might want to include timeless hits that evoke nostalgia and romance. For a more contemporary vibe, artists like Luke Combs, Kacey Musgraves, and Maren Morris can add a fresh, modern touch to your playlist. Mixing classic and modern country can strike the perfect balance and cater to guests of all ages.
Top Country Music for Your Wedding Ceremony
When choosing country music for your wedding, it’s important to find songs that reflect your relationship and create a meaningful ambiance for your ceremony. Here are some popular picks:
For the Processional:
- “From the Ground Up” by Dan + Shay
A beautiful song about building a lasting love and partnership. - “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait
A romantic classic that sets the tone for a lifetime of commitment.
For the Bride’s Entrance:
- “Speechless” by Dan + Shay
A modern love ballad perfect for making a grand entrance. - “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts
A heartfelt song that speaks to finding love after a long journey. - “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis
A timeless country classic that captures the feeling of enduring love.
For a Unity Ceremony:
- “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain
This romantic ballad perfectly expresses the commitment being made during the unity ceremony, creating a touching atmosphere. - “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis
This classic love song highlights the promise of lasting love, making it an ideal choice for celebrating the couple’s unity.
For the Recessional:
- “Die a Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett
An upbeat, romantic song to celebrate your newlywed joy. - “Love Someone” by Brett Eldredge
The perfect tune to exit the ceremony with smiles and love in the air. - “Good as You” by Kane Brown
A sweet, upbeat song for a celebratory moment as you leave the aisle as newlyweds. - “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
This romantic duet will add a special touch as you exit, symbolizing your new life together.
Country Hits for Your Wedding Reception
Once the formalities are over, it’s time to kick up your boots and get the party started! Here are some wedding country music hits that will keep your guests on the dance floor all night long.
For the Reception Entrance:
- “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” by Luke Bryan
A fun and energetic song that will have everyone excited for the celebration. - “Here for the Party” by Gretchen Wilson
An anthem for any couple ready to get the festivities going. - “That’s My Kind of Night” by Luke Bryan
This energetic anthem makes for a great wedding party entrance, getting everyone hyped up and ready to celebrate with its catchy beat and fun lyrics. - “Here for the Party” by Gretchen Wilson
An anthem for any couple ready to get the festivities going.
For the Cake Cutting:
- “Sweet Love” by Russell Dickerson
A feel-good track that captures the sweetness of your special day. - “Make It Sweet” by Old Dominion
A perfect upbeat country song to celebrate the sweetness of your love and cake! - “Sweet Thing” by Keith Urban
An upbeat and joyful song perfect for cutting the cake with a smile.
Line Dances:
- “Cotton-Eyed Joe” by Rednex
This fun, fast-paced dance has been a favorite for generations, perfect for adding some lively fun to your wedding celebration! - “Boot Scootin’ Boogie:” by Brooks & Dunn
A lively dance that gets everyone on the floor, popularized by Brooks & Dunn’s song. - “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” by Luke Bryan
A perfect way to add some upbeat energy to your country wedding
For Dancing:
- “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks
A crowd-pleaser that will have everyone singing along with drinks in hand. - “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker
A laid-back country hit that’s perfect for getting everyone to sway and dance together. - “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band
This feel-good tune will have guests clapping and stomping their feet to the beat.
For Bride’s Bouquet Toss:
- “This One’s for the Girls” by Martina McBride
An empowering anthem that celebrates women of all ages, making it a fun choice for the bouquet toss. - “Any Man of Mine” by Shania Twain
This upbeat hit will bring excitement to the moment as the single ladies gather.
For the Father-Daughter Dance:
- “I Loved Her First” by Heartland
A touching tribute from father to daughter, expressing love and pride. - “God Bless the Boy” by Cody Johnson
A heartfelt song that reflects a father’s hopes and dreams for his daughter’s future. - “Daddy” by Abby Anderson
An emotional song that celebrates the special bond between a father and daughter.
For the Mother-Son Dance:
- “Boy” by Lee Brice
A touching tribute that reflects the journey of growing up and the bond between a mother and her son, perfect for capturing heartfelt memories. - “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
A beautiful reminder of the values a mother instills in her son, emphasizing love, respect, and kindness as he embarks on his new journey.
For the Last Dance:
- “My Best Friend” by Tim McGraw
End your wedding with a song that celebrates the beautiful bond you and your partner share. - “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
A classic song that everyone will love, perfect for a sing-along to close out the night.
Complete Weddings + Events
Choosing country music for your wedding adds a unique and sentimental touch to your big day. From romantic ballads as you walk down the aisle to upbeat country hits that keep the dance floor alive, this genre offers something for every moment. At Complete Weddings + Events, we’ve curated a special Spotify playlist to help you plan the perfect soundtrack for your wedding. Contact us to learn more about our DJ and videography services, and let us help make your country wedding dreams come true!