Music plays a significant role in shaping the atmosphere for your big day! From beautiful, emotional walks down the aisle to the high-energy dance floor moments, the right soundtrack can elevate your celebration and create unforgettable memories.
For coastal weddings in New England, the oceanfront backdrop adds its own rhythm and romance. At venues like Wentworth by the Sea Country Club, couples often choose music that not only reflects their personalities but also complements the seaside setting – soft and elegant for the ceremony, lively and celebratory for the reception. Setting the mood with the perfect playlist is essential!
Why Your Wedding Playlist Matters
Music sets the emotional tone for your wedding. A well-curated playlist can:
- Create a memorable ceremony: The processional and recessional songs leave lasting impressions.
- Enhance the reception vibe: Upbeat tunes get guests dancing, while slower songs encourage intimate moments.
- Reflect your personality: Your music choices tell your love story in a way that words sometimes cannot.
- Keep the energy flowing: Strategically placing songs can help transitions feel seamless, from cocktails and dinner to dancing and grand exits.
Understanding the importance of music will help you build a playlist that feels authentic, timeless, and entertaining.
Ceremony Playlist: Emotional and Elegant
The ceremony sets the emotional foundation of your day. Here are some examples of songs recommended by The Knot and our expert Wedding & Events Team for your ceremony: that couples have been selecting for their big day:
Prelude
Music that is played as guests arrive, often instrumental or soft vocal pieces. This creates a calm, anticipatory mood.
- Canon in D – Pachelbel
- A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
- Lover – Taylor Swift
Processional
The song(s) for your bridal party and the bride’s entrance. Romantic, dramatic, or personally meaningful songs work best here.
- Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
- Everything – Michael Bublé
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
- Ordinary (Wedding Version) – Alex Warren
Interlude
Optional music for special moments like lighting a unity candle or signing the register.
- Ave Maria – Schubert
- All of Me – John Legend
- Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
Recessional
Upbeat and celebratory music for the exit – think triumphant and fun!
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder
- You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates
- You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
Tip: Choose songs that reflect your personality while keeping the ceremony mood heartfelt and meaningful.
Reception Music: From Dinner to Dance Floor
Reception music sets the tone for the party. Consider splitting your playlist into sections and taking inspo from this 155-song playlist and our top picks.
Cocktail Hour
Light, ambient music that allows conversation. Jazz, classics, acoustic covers, or soft indie tracks work well.
- What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
- Better Together – Jack Johnson
- Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
Entrance Song
Fun, memorable beats that showcase your personality as newlyweds.
- What Lovers Do – Maroon 5
- Crazy in Love – Beyonce & Jay-Z
- On Top of The World – Imagine Dragons
Dinner
Slightly more structured, classic songs that maintain a pleasant background without overwhelming guests.
- At Last – Etta James
- L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole
- Dream A Little Dream Of Me – Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong
First Dance
A deeply personal moment – choose a song that resonates with your relationship.
- Stand By Me – Ben E King
- Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
- Butterflies – Kacey Musgraves
- Beautiful Crazy – Luke Combs
Parent Dances
Traditional parent dances often highlight emotional or nostalgic tracks.
- My Girl – The Temptations
- What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
- Days Like This – Van Morrison
- Girls Just Want to Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
Dance Floor
High-energy songs, crowd favorites, and a mix of classics and contemporary hits to get everyone moving.
- Dance the Night – Dua Lipa
- Dancing Queen – ABBA
- HOT TO GO! – Chappell Roan
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder
- Man, I Feel Like a Woman – Shania Twain
Grand Exit
Say goodbye to your guests with one last song!
- Countdown – Beyonce
- All You Need is Love – The Beatles
- This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
- Closing Time – Semisonic
Pro tip: Think about transitions between these sections. Gradually ramping up tempo keeps energy flowing naturally
Balancing Genres and Generations
Weddings bring together friends and family of all ages, so a successful playlist often mixes genres:
- Classics from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s
- Contemporary pop and dance hits
- Acoustic, indie, or jazz for elegance and background music
- Cultural or regional favorites reflecting family traditions
Personalizing Your Playlist
Your playlist should reflect your story as a couple. Here are ways to add personal touches:
- Songs that tell your love story: First date, proposal, or favorite concert tracks.
- Inside jokes or shared memories: Fun songs that guests recognize.
- Surprise elements: Unexpected mashups or covers to delight guests.
Working with Your DJ or Band
If you are hiring a DJ or live band, communication is key. Share your playlist, preferred genres, and must-play (or do-not-play!) songs in advance. Even if you’re using a curated playlist on a streaming service, consider having a backup plan in case of technical issues. Experienced professionals can also create smooth transitions and adjust based on crowd energy.
A thoughtfully curated wedding playlist is more than background music. It’s a storytelling tool, memory-maker, and mood-setter. By including timeless favorites and balancing ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dance floor music, you can create a celebration that feels both personal and unforgettable. From the first step down the aisle to a grand exit under the stars, the ultimate wedding playlist ensures every moment is perfectly in tune with your love story.
Wentworth by the Sea Country Club
For couples planning coastal weddings in New Hampshire at Wentworth by the Sea Country Club, the right music enhances the oceanfront views and creates a celebration that feels unforgettable. Get in touch to start bringing your vision to life.
Photography Credit: Freebird, Angela Greenlaw, Halie Child, The Libbys, Kendal Beard, Katie Kiely