Just like styling elements, dress code and florals, music creates the mood of your wedding. With so much to choose from how do you select which songs to use for some of the more important moments of your day? 

Image: Heartbreak Hotel

It's important to select songs that are relevant and meaningful to you and your lover but also consider your guests when selecting your songs and make sure they are suitable for all guests (young and old) to be listening to. Not to say you can't have some steamy hits while you and your lover kick up your heels on the dance floor but perhaps they're better suited to later in the night when the kids and grandparents have gone to bed.

Walking down the aisle - Traditionally called the procession, this song will be the soundtrack to the moment you and your lover first see one another on your wedding day. This song will set the tone for your ceremony. 

We recommend selecting a slower song, more romantic song for this moment. Choose a song that is special to you and your fiancé. Want to use a song that you think might not suit the beginning of your ceremony? Consider asking an acoustic musician to play a slower paired back version or ask a harp player to play a beautiful instrumental version.

Walking out - Also called to recessional this song will play just as your celebrant announces you married, you share your first kiss as a married couple and you walk out together to the congratulations of your guests.

Choose a song that reflects your joy in this moment, something celebratory and upbeat. 

Bridal Party Entry - Your bridal party entry can be as unique as you and your lover like! Some couples opt to have their bridal parties walk in to a different song for the bridesmaids to the groomsmen and encourage their parties to bust a few moves as they find their seats. Others opt to have their parents introduced into the room also or just have themselves enter as the married couple.

This song is an opportunity to set the tone for your reception. Chose a song that will reflect how you and your partner want your guests to enjoy your reception. 

First Dance - Of all the songs you select for your wedding day this is the song that will always be remembered.

Before choosing this song think about the type of first dance you want to have. Whether choosing a traditional waltz, a choreographed hip hop number or a sweet two stop in each others arms make sure your song suits. Above all we recommend this is a love song, you just married the love of your life after all!

Father Daughter or Mother Son Dance - Some couples choose to leave this tradition out of their reception but if you choose to have a Father Daughter Dance or a Mother Son Dance, it's a really great way to tie in a song from your childhood, or a favourite that you, your mum or your dad share.

Need more help creating your wedding playlist?

If you need any extra help choosing your wedding songs or wedding playlist it's a great idea to speak to your band or DJ. They tend to know exactly which sounds are the floor fillers and which aren't so fun.

We have an excellent range of wedding bands, musicians, DJs and performers to choose from here or speak to our stylist Alanah.

Cover image: Luke Yeaman