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. If you’re building your wedding playlist, we’ve rounded up the best wedding songs for every moment worth celebrating.

Getting Ready Songs

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 Corinne Bailey Rae
• “Brazil,” by Declan McKenna
• “Loving Is Easy,” by Rex Orange County

Ceremony Processional Songs

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 Songs

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 Songs

Your reception entrance is the perfect opportunity to show your personality. High energy, something playful, or a nostalgic favorite can all work, as long as your entrance music gets 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
• “Heroes (We Could Be),” by Alesso & Tove Lo
• “Crazy In Love,” by Beyoncé & 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 Songs

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 Beyoncé

Grand Exit Songs

Sparklers, bubbles, glow sticks, or a tunnel of cheering guests: your exit deserves its own soundtrack. End the night with a song that feels celebratory and leaves everyone smiling as you begin your next chapter together.

• “Cuz I Love You,” by Lizzo
• “Tongue Tied,” by Grouplove
• “Come on Eileen,” by Dexys Midnight Runners
• “Golden,” by Harry Styles
• “We Found Love,” by Rihanna & Calvin Harris
• “Electric Love,” by BØRNS

The best wedding playlist feels personal and reflects your story with every song you pick. For even more inspiration, check out our Spotify playlists with song ideas for every wedding day moment. Then visit our Instagram to see our DJs in action and catch behind-the-scenes moments from real weddings.

How Our NYC DJ Packages Cover These Moments

Several of these lists need a DJ at the ceremony as well as the reception. Our New York City DJ packages include 5 hours of DJ coverage, and Signature Plus adds 1 hour of ceremony music and extra ceremony equipment for your processional and recessional.

Every package comes with a professionally trained emcee who announces your grand entrance and wedding party, LED dance floor lighting for open dancing, and a wireless microphone for toasts. Request DJ pricing to check your date.

Complete Weddings + Events NYC 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, our NYC DJs do more than play music. They help guide your timeline, read the room, and keep the celebration flowing between moments. If you’re looking for a DJ who will help create the perfect soundtrack for your wedding day, contact us to learn more and check availability.