wedding music

Music

Wedding Music: The Ultimate Oldies Playlist

Music sets the tone for a wedding reception, so if you're hoping to get the party going with some classic songs, we've pulled the best oldies hits to play on your big day.

Music sets the tone for a wedding reception, so if you're hoping to get the party going with some classic songs, we've pulled the best oldies hits to play on your big day. With a mix of sweet slow songs for first dances, memorable Motown numbers, and rock 'n' roll dance hits, these picks from the '50s, '60s, and '70s are sure to get your guests on their feet. Take a look at the top hits for the ultimate oldies wedding playlist!

Music

Wedding Music Guide: The Tunes You Need to Pick Out For the Big Day

Music is a big part of most weddings, and if you've already started planning one, you know there are more than a few decisions to be made.

Music is a big part of most weddings, and if you've already started planning one, you know there are more than a few decisions to be made. Whether you decide to hire a band or a DJ or provide the wedding's soundtrack with your own iPod, we have a wedding music guide to help you through. Below, you'll find all the major categories for music you'll need to figure out, as well as other parts of the day you may not have thought of yet.

Check out the list for guidelines on music you need to think about, whether you're an indie rock bride or a country Western couple, after the jump.

Music

The Ultimate Indie Rock Wedding Playlist

If you're the type of person whose music tastes are a little more eclectic, chances are you're looking for some indie rock songs to play at your wedding.

If you're the type of person whose music tastes are a little more eclectic, chances are you're looking for some indie rock songs to play at your wedding. Luckily, we've got you covered so you don't have to search through Spotify to compile the perfect guide. Here, check out love tunes from your favorite bands and some lesser-known names you might not be familiar with. Some are romantic enough for the first dance, and others are a bit more upbeat for other parts of the event. Click through for ideas and to listen to each song.

budget tips

7 Tips For Saving Money on Wedding Music

In college, figuring out music for your party was as easy as picking a playlist on your MP3 player.

In college, figuring out music for your party was as easy as picking a playlist on your MP3 player. But when you're planning your wedding, it can be more complicated than choosing a menu. Between string quartets, cover bands, and DJs, determining the entertainment appropriate for your event — and how to pay for it — is sometimes like muddling through a Chopin mazurka in your first piano lesson. But have no fear — the band will play on if you follow our seven tips for saving on your wedding music!

  • Be your own DJ. You'll be busy with many other details on your big day, but if you know the tunes that can cause your guests to cut a rug, then grab an iPod and create your own playlists beforehand. For the ceremony, choose songs for the processional, recessional, and the bride's big entrance. For the reception, you'll need a song or two for the bridal party introductions, then some mellow tunes to dine by, the first-dance music, and a long playlist to keep your guests dancing into the night. Have a friend be responsible for DJ and emcee duties while you enjoy the evening with your sweetie!
  • Hire a limited engagement. If you simply can't do without your town's cover band of the moment but an entire night of live music won't jive with your budget, then see if they are willing to play just one set during your reception. You can bookend their appearance with a DJ or a playlist on your MP3 player, and you can advertise the evening's headliner to your guests ahead of time.
  • Seek a friendly tune. If the phrase "I'm with the band" has become your weekend mantra, then you might have cheaper wedding music at your fingertips. Ask your cousin at Juilliard to help you down the aisle at the ceremony and your pal on the nightclub circuit to make an appearance at your reception. At my wedding, my brother's band played a set after dinner, and the final song featured a guest drummer: my dashing groom! Your guests will love the live music, and you'll always remember rocking out to your friend's melodies on your big day.

Keep reading for four more tips.

Music

The Ultimate '80s Wedding Reception Playlist

Whether you grew up in the '80s or not, one thing's for sure: the music from that decade features plenty of upbeat tunes to get down to, especially if you have a wedding — and wedding reception playlist — to plan.

Whether you grew up in the '80s or not, one thing's for sure: the music from that decade features plenty of upbeat tunes to get down to, especially if you have a wedding — and wedding reception playlist — to plan. If you're looking to bring a good time (and some dance-offs) to your big day, then we've got the ultimate playlist for you. From "Mickey" to Madonna and Michael Jackson classics, check out the songs that are guaranteed to get guests up off their feet all night long.

Music

Wedding Music: 50 Father Daughter Dance Songs

With wedding season upon us, we're giving you inspiration for the big day, and here, we're tuned in to the music.

With wedding season upon us, we're giving you inspiration for the big day, and here, we're tuned in to the music. We recently gave you 100 first dance songs, and this time we're giving you ideas for the father daughter dance. It's not the easiest one to pick, but we're hoping that you'll be able to find the perfect one for you among our 50 suggestions.

Music

100 Wedding First Dance Songs

There are plenty of details to consider when planning a wedding, not the least of which is the music.

There are plenty of details to consider when planning a wedding, not the least of which is the music. The first dance is often the first song decision many couples make, because it's the centerpiece of the reception, with the newlyweds dancing for the first time with all eyes on them. If you're on the hunt for the perfect tune for the first dance, we're here to help. From rock to classic to pop, here are 100 song suggestions sweet enough for a first dance.

Music

The Ultimate Country Wedding Playlist

Hoping to bring some honky-tonk personality to your wedding?

Hoping to bring some honky-tonk personality to your wedding? With a mix of new and classic hits by Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, and more, we're highlighting the best country songs to play for a fun, memorable reception. First dance options, father/daughter ideas, must-play dance tunes — you'll find a range of song picks to give your party some country flair. Take a look at these 89 songs for your ultimate country wedding playlist!

Advice

Turn It Up: 5 Music Tips to Make Sure Your Reception Feels Like a Party

The quickest way to a blah reception is an empty dance floor, but with a few simple steps, you can make sure your wedding music creates a fun, energetic atmosphere.

The quickest way to a blah reception is an empty dance floor, but with a few simple steps, you can make sure your wedding music creates a fun, energetic atmosphere. Your venue, your DJ, and your guest list are key factors in throwing an unforgettable party, but during The One wedding event at Mandarin Oriental San Francisco, Niall Stevenson of Four Leaf Entertainment shared five tips every couple can follow to improve the vibe:

  1. Think modern. Whether you choose to hire a band or a DJ, the tone of the music is largely up to you, and before you provide your vendor with a list of your favorite songs, it's important to think about the age and personality range among your guests. According to Stevenson, it's great to include a few classic wedding songs to liven up your guests, but most couples are requesting a variety of Top 40 songs and hip-hop hits to bring the energy.
  2. Write a "do not play" list. The vendor knows what kind of music you like, but does he or she know which songs you really don't like? To avoid hearing "Macarena" or, worse, the song you shared with an ex, Stevenson suggests compiling a short "do not play" list for your vendor.

Keep reading for more wedding music advice.

Music

Sugar Bride Guide: Sentimental Songs

Some of the toughest decisions you have to make when planning a wedding revolve around the music.

Some of the toughest decisions you have to make when planning a wedding revolve around the music. First, you have to decide if you're going with a band or a DJ; then you have to choose the songs for the guests' arrival, the reception, and the cocktail hour; and most importantly, you have to pick the songs for the processional, recessional, grand entrance, first dance, father/daughter dance, mother/son dance, and exit. It can get overwhelming! So to help you out, we went to our fellow brides and brides-to-be at Sugar HQ to find out what songs they used or are planning to use on their big days. In this second post of our Sugar Bride Guide series — be sure to check out the first one with proposal stories — we get the inside scoop from Sugar brides on what songs they chose and why they are so special to them.