Wedding songs: 78 suggestions for you to put together the perfect setlist

For many couples, marriage is a dream come true; and the ceremony and party, a milestone in this new phase. So the idea is that everything goes perfectly well on the “big day”!

The church, the location of the party, the menu, the guest list, the costumes, the music… Every choice deserves a lot of attention, as these, among many others, are the factors that will determine what this unique celebration in the couple’s life will be like.

The songs, by the way, have an essential role, both in the ceremony and in the reception, and deserve to be highlighted, as they are responsible for giving the touch of emotion and/or joy/relaxation to each moment of the event.

The music literally sets the tone for the ceremony, awakening and intensifying emotions. “She completes the scenario, sensitizes people, connecting them at that moment”, comments Claudia Camargo, from Claudia Camargo Eventos, a company that operates in the events market, providing consultancy in planning and organization, in addition to the ceremonial service for the big day. .

“Music drives our emotion. In a ceremony, music makes the moment more emotional at certain times and makes us celebrate at others”, highlights Estênio Azevedo, marriage consultant.

“We just need to be aware when choosing the setlist so that it is suitable for each situation, so that there is no risk of breaking people’s emotions or stimulating sensations that do not match the moment. Crying music, at an appropriate time to cry; otherwise it’s just joy, with happy songs”, adds the marriage consultant.

There are no rules, because the ideal is that the wedding has “the face of the bride and groom”. But there are, yes, more appropriate songs for each moment, especially in the case of the religious ceremony.

78 great wedding songs

Below, professionals Estênio Azevedo and Paulo Salvador, director of the Orquestra Magistrale, cite some songs that are widely used in different moments of a wedding.

Parents’ entry

Azevedo comments that there are few cases in which parents enter separately from their godparents, with an exclusive song. “When this happens, I notice that, for the most part, we hear ‘How great is my love for you’, by Roberto Carlos”, he says.

Entrance of the godparents

“For godparents, I usually recommend a soft, slow, romantic song, but not emotional”, comments Azevedo.

Groom’s entrance

Azevedo explains that many couples choose specific songs, which are important to him for some reason. “Therefore, this moment of the ceremony is the most varied in terms of songs. I think this freedom to be at ease in ‘your moment’ is important. I just take care not to overdo it,” he says.

Entrance of the pages, maid of honor and bridesmaid

According to Azevedo, the moment calls for a song that refers to childhood, not necessarily childish, but that has to do with the protagonists.

bride’s entrance

Paulo Salvador highlights that Mendelsson’s Wedding March is the most traditional and performed in 97% of weddings.

In addition to the traditional Wedding March, you can check out other songs that brides can choose from:

exchange of alliances

Azevedo points out that the blessing and exchange of rings always varies according to the religion of the ceremony. “I notice that Catholics don’t usually give up the ‘Ave Maria’ in several instrumental and sung versions, just as some evangelicals choose ‘How big is my God – Soraya Morais’, but here it also varies a lot”, he explains.

Greetings and exit from the ceremony

Azevedo comments that, at the time of greetings, it is time to let the tears flow, “since many people have held back their emotions until now and need to unload it in order to celebrate everything else with great joy”.

Entrance of the bride and groom to the ballroom

“And the party continues, so the entrance to the hall must be as joyful or more than the exit from the ceremony! It is there that the couple will be received by all the people who handpicked to honor this moment”, highlights Azevedo. But it is worth noting that it is possible to choose any song that has significant value for the couple. But the ideal is for it to be a joyful sound, which encourages the guests even more with the entrance of the bride and groom.

Dinner

“It’s important to remember that the party has already started and we can’t let people’s stimulus fall, even if dinner is a light and peaceful moment, balance is needed”, highlights Azevedo.

In addition to the current ones, it is customary to put, at this moment, songs, both national and international, known by people of all ages. So that everyone feels familiar and comfortable with the party.

Prom

Check out a selection of songs – from the oldest to the current ones – that are usually played throughout the party, with the proposal to make the guests dance.

It is worth noting that there are a multitude of songs that can be played at weddings. Also, new things keep coming up! A couple that loves country music, for example, will certainly want some songs of this style (new or old) to play at their party. The same happens with those who love samba and so on!

13 tips to help you choose songs

Azevedo emphasizes that the sound environment is super important in any situation, especially in a moment that is already remarkable in itself. “This means that every time you remember that moment, a certain song will come to your mind so you can feel the same feeling you had, through a memory,” he says.

“Usually, when I meet with the couple to discuss the music for the event, I try to extract as much information from them as possible so that, together, we can draw up a setlist that imprints their personality and musical taste. Some couples already have set songs or personal desires; others arrive quite lost. One thing that is also very worthwhile is to hear the opinion of the music professionals hired for the event. The guys live in the musical world and manage to transmit news and versions that match what we want”, adds the marriage consultant.

“I usually say that there are no rules when it comes to producing a marriage. The advisor has the duty to make the bride and groom’s dream come true, doing what they dream and desire, of course, with a lot of common sense. Often an idea just needs to be polished to become the highlight of the event. It is necessary to know how to hear even what the bride and groom cannot say, feel what they imagine and expect from the big day, and when we manage to do that, we are sure that it will not be just the songs that will stay in memory”, highlights Azevedo.

Check out some practical tips that will probably help you when setting the wedding songs:

1. Include in your repertoire songs that you like and that are part of your story.
2. Don’t forget that the party is also for the guests! Just because you like samba, for example, doesn’t mean you should play just that at your wedding. Think of an eclectic repertoire that everyone can enjoy.
3. For the religious ceremony, two issues are important: “the songs must have to do with the characteristics of the couple. And the second issue is not to forget that, as it is a religious ceremony, there are some care in choosing the songs. Especially if the place is a church with established rules”, highlights the musical group Ânima.
4. “When choosing international songs, try to know the translation so you don’t run the risk of having a beautiful melody talking about subjects that don’t match the moment”, explains Claudia Camargo.
5. “Imagine listening to the songs chosen for the big day 10 years later. The classics (both erudite and popular) are usually always remembered with the same enchantment years later”, comments the Ânima group.
6. The sound needs to be of good quality. Whether you choose a DJ, a band or orchestra, etc., look for reliable suppliers.
7. Don’t “test” your marriage. Try to hire professionals that you have already seen play at least once or, at least, who have a good indication.
8. When deciding between DJ or band for the party, carefully study the pros and cons of each.
9. At the first meeting with the supplier (either a DJ, a band or an orchestra), make it clear what the couple’s style is, the wedding they are planning and list the points that are most important to you. For example, if you absolutely don’t want me to play a certain style of music at the event, say so.
10. In the case of the band, especially, ask if they are willing to make small changes to the repertoire, if that is important to you.
11. In the case of the DJ, plan the setlist a few days in advance and avoid asking for changes on the day of the event.
12. Remember that some moments of the wedding call for songs that provide emotion; others, joy, relaxation. “Both the religious ceremony and the feast have their dynamics. The religious ceremony begins with softer music; announces the entrance of the groom with a little more ‘pomp’ and reaches the climax with the entrance of the bride, the most awaited moment. Ladies and pages ask for relaxed music that matches the spontaneity of children. The blessing of alliances is an introspective and emotional moment. The greetings call for soaring songs, which match the emotion of the godparents and parents. The bride and groom’s departure is already the beginning of the party”, says Claudia.
13. Once you’ve presented your wishes regarding your wedding music and chosen a supplier, trust his work. He will certainly work to make sure everything goes according to plan.

Choosing a good supplier and presenting the couple’s wishes regarding the soundtrack of the big day, you and your guests will certainly enjoy the event in the best possible way: with emotion in the right measure and lots of joy!