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Advice for Creating Your Wedding Day Soundtrack

5.26.22

Music takes your wedding day to a completely different level. Especially when you hire a professional Orlando wedding DJ. There are so many options to choose from that at times it can feel overwhelming. We want to help you put together the perfect wedding soundtrack by giving some advice in this blog.

What Do You Need a Wedding Soundtrack For?

You’ve hired an Orlando wedding DJ who will read the room and create the perfect wedding soundtrack, so why create playlists? There are a few times when a music soundtrack is absolutely necessary for your wedding. You may want to be the one to decide. Certain times during the ceremony and reception requires a soundtrack to be picked. Even though you can leave it up to the DJ, we’re sure you’re going to want to be the one to decide on these songs.

The Ceremony

During the ceremony, you’ll want three or four songs. Choose one for the processional (wedding party walking down), one for the bridal entrance, one for the recessional, and one for the unity ceremony if you have one planned. There are a few options you can choose from when it comes to music style during your ceremony.

Forever, people have used classical music for their ceremonies (ex – Canon in D). However, lately, couples have chosen to find music that’s important to them. They will then find either an instrumental or all strings version of the song so that the song becomes much more appropriate for your wedding ceremony.

Popular Wedding Soundtrack Choices

  • Pachelbel’s Canon in D (by multiple artists)
  • Marry You by The O’Neill Brothers Group
  • Any Vitamin String Quartet Songs
  • You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall & Oats

Cocktail Hour

The cocktail hour is a fairly light-hearted and fun time during your wedding that unfortunately is a time that the couple is often not around for. However, that shouldn’t prohibit you from creating a fun playlist that you enjoy. After all, the wedding should be a reflection of your interests. Plus, oftentimes, the music you like will be what your family and friends like! After all, there’s a reason they are your family and friends.

During the cocktail hour you can go one of three ways. Big band/jazz, modern but laid back, or upbeat and fun. The big band/jazz music will give the cocktail hour an upscale feel. Meanwhile, the modern laid-back will give the cocktail hour a fun yet relaxed feel. Lastly, the upbeat and fun playlist will give it a, well, upbeat and fun feel!

Here are some songs you can use as jumping-off points for all styles:

  • Big Band/Jazz: Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darrin, At Last by Etta James, and Yes Sir, That’s My Baby by Frank Sinatra
  • Modern and Laid Back: Gravity by John Mayer, Crush by Dave Matthews Band, and Better Together by Jack Johnson
  • Upbeat and Fun: Riptide by Vance Joy, Ho Hey by The Lumineers, and Shape of You by Ed Sheerin

Important Reception Songs

The reception is what most people think of when it comes to finding a DJ for your event. What’s important, however, is to prioritize the songs that you’ll remember years later. For example, many couples might want to throw a banger party so they neglect certain things like what songs will stick with them.

For a wedding reception, there are five songs you should prioritize. The introduction song, first dance song, mother/son song, father/daughter song, and the last song or sweetheart dance. These five songs will mean something to you forever, therefore, you’ll likely want to be picky on each. Most importantly, the first dance song is what you’ll want to focus on most!

Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing but keep in mind, that you’ll want to pick what means the most to YOU!

  • Introduction Song: Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO, Yeah! by Usher, and Bring ‘Em Out by T.I.
  • Mother/Son Dance: Mother Like Mine by The Band Perry, Home by Jack Johnson, and Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
  • Father/Daughter Dance: The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra, Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle, and My Girl by The Temptations
  • First Dance and Sweetheart Dance: We really can’t in good conscience give any advice here because the truth is, these song choices should be favorites of YOURS, not ours. We simply advise you to be as thoughtful as possible when deciding on these songs.

There is plenty of thought that should go into each decision on your wedding day. Hopefully, we’ve given you enough to think about to help with your decision-making process when it comes to finding the right wedding day songs.

Complete Weddings + Events Orlando, Florida

If you ever need help finding the right playlist or soundtrack, we’re happy to help and give our input! Feel free to contact us today to learn about how we can help you plan your dream wedding or to learn more about our DJ, photography, videography, photo booth, and coordination services.

Complete Weddings + Events, Orlando’s leading provider of event and wedding photography, videography, lighting, coordinationDJ services & photo booth rental.

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