20 Modern Songs To Add To Your Wedding Playlist

Whether you've got musicality running through your veins or don't know your Beach Boys from your Backstreet Boys, music at weddings is a super important part of any memorable big day. Music sets the scene, creates a mood or atmosphere, brings people together, AND encourages your guests to get up and dance, so what you choose to play and when throughout the day should be seen as important as what's on the menu. So grab your headphones and lose yourself in this blog, as we've not only defined what parts of your big day you could play music at but also a list of modern songs we think you should add to your playlist. First up, what stages of the day would benefit from a bit of music, and why?

While guests are taking their seats during the ceremony

Even if you've planned the perfect ceremony timeline, your wedding guests will most likely have some time to kill before your wedding begins. Instead of forcing your aunts, uncles, grandparents and childhood friends to wait in silence or make awkward small talk, play some pre-ceremony wedding music to keep them entertained and set the scene for the day ahead. Keep this music light (and even current), and save the dance anthems for later in the evening.

Processional music

One of the most important parts of your wedding day timeline is walking down the aisle. Expect a few tears when your partner sees you for the first time and a few more when your guests catch their first glimpse of your wedding day look, but it's your choice of tunes to walk the aisle to, which can heighten emotions even further - everyone knows the wedding fun truly begins when that walking down the aisle wedding song starts playing. All eyes on you can be scary, so choosing a familiar song to walk down the aisle to will comfort you and set the pace for your walk. Don't forget to practice this ahead of the big day - especially if you want to play a particular part of the song - there's nothing worse than rushing down the aisle and only hearing the intro!

Signing the register

The signing of the wedding register is the formalisation of your marriage. You and your witnesses will remain at the front of the wedding ceremony to sign the register and have your photos taken. It's crucial to have signing the register music playing during this time to create a beautiful ambience in the room and avoid awkward silences. After all, it's a happy, celebratory occasion that begs for an uplifting ballad or a sweet acoustic love song which is why this is the perfect opportunity to personalise your ceremony by selecting songs for signing the register that are meaningful to you both.

While you may want to stay with something classical for your walk down and back up the aisle, there are no guidelines about what songs are appropriate for signing the register. Slow, quick, heavy metal, gospel, modern, traditional, or upbeat? Let your hair down! There are even some funny songs for signing the register, so go with what feels right to you.

Recessional music

After you and your partner exchange vows, say your 'I dos', and share your first kiss as a married couple, your friends and family will line the aisle to see your recessional, the time when the newlyweds and their wedding party members walk back up the aisle. You'll want the vibe to be just right when your guests clap, throw rice, flower petals, or confetti, or simply wave you two into cocktail hour and the reception. To that end, you must ask yourself a critical question: What song do you envision playing in the background to cap off the happiest moment of your life?

The wedding recessional is all about celebrating your union and going out with a bang. You're now officially married, so it's natural that you'll want to get the party portion of the day to get started!

Wedding reception songs

Technically, your wedding ceremony, that special time when you tie the knot, is the most significant part of your big day, but it's your wedding party playlist that will bring the fun and make guests want to dance all night - it's the ultimate wedding guest entertainment. Everyone secretly anticipates the reception and a good one means excellent entertainment to set the perfect tone and bring your dance floor to life.

There's nothing like having all of your favourite people in one room, dancing and singing, which is why you need an awesome playlist bursting with wedding party songs. For an electrifying party atmosphere, blend crowd-pleasers, singalong ballads, air guitar-worthy rock anthems, hip-hop beats, endearing romance favourites, and cherished golden oldies.

First dance

The first dance is a romantic, personal, and exciting part of the wedding tradition; it signals that the party is about to begin. Guests flock to observe a couple's first dance as a married couple. But, let's be honest, picking the perfect first dance wedding songs - something memorable and reflective of you as a couple - is not an easy task. You don't want to listen to the same music as everyone else while also creating an exceptional moment with your sweetheart. So, which song is best for you?

The first thing to consider is the mood you want to convey. For some couples, a sweet and romantic song with a choreographed slow dance routine is required; for others, it may be all about the spectacle of developing a hilarious routine with friends; and for others, it may just be about rocking out and getting everyone up and dancing.

You could think outside the box and have your wedding band perform something acoustic or stripped-back; it's a great way to make the song even more personal to you. The bride and groom might dance together first, followed by everyone else on the dance floor. Traditionally, the father-daughter dance happens straight after the first dance, so if you're planning to have that special time with your dad, think about how you would like to honour your relationship and pick a song to reflect just that.

20 modern songs to add to your wedding playlist

The soundtrack to your big day is completely your choice and highly dependent on your taste and the atmosphere you want to convey throughout the day, but we've listed 20 songs to start you off with when curating your perfect wedding playlist:

1. Perfect -- Ed Sheeran

2. Marry You -- Bruno Mars

3. Uptown Funk -- Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars

4. Make You Feel My Love -- Adele

5. All of Me -- John Legend

6. Lover -- Taylor Swift

7. 1+1 -- Beyoncé

8. I Would Die For You -- Miley Cyrus

9. All My Love -- George Ezra

10. Riptide -- Vance Joy

11. Make Me Feel -- Janelle Monae

12. Still Falling For You -- Ellie Goulding

13. You've Got The Love -- Florence + The Machine

14. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours -- Stevie Wonder

15. We Found Love -- Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris

16. Greatest Gift -- Jorja Smith featuring Lila Iké

17. By Your Side -- Sade

18. Like A Star -- Corinne Bailey Rae

19. Beyond -- Leon Bridges

20. Sweet Disposition -- The Temper Trap