Creating the most epic playlist for your reception
The key to any great party is the environment and the key to the best wedding environment is a killer playlist. Without the perfect playlist your wedding reception risks becoming a total bore. You might have the decorations, the cake, a wonderful fiance, and even the perfect outfit, but what will you play during your first dance? When you walk down the aisle? When you cut the cake? This is the essential list for all your playlist needs.
The First Dance
1- The Tear Jerker: This is a song that guarantees a weepy eye. Maybe it’s the first song you ever listened to as a couple. Maybe it’s, a song from a movie that perfectly captures your dream wedding. Whatever it is, the only thing that matters is that you have attached sentimental feelings to this song. It should speak to your soul and echo the vows you took earlier in the day.
My suggestions: Only You by Yazoo, XO by John Mayer (original performance by Beyonce,) or Can’t Help Falling in Love by Hailey Reinhart (original performance by Elvis Presley.)
2- The Fun Couple: For those who have already reached their limit of tears for the day, or those who forgot to buy waterproof mascara, this is the choice for you. Choose a song that you both love to jam out to. Instead of a slow dance, show your guests that you have the moves and let your song choice reflect it.
My suggestions: Forever, Always by Judah and The Lion, You and I by Lady Gaga, or Hot n Cold by Katy Perry.
3- What’s Trending: Maybe you don’t want to tread a worn path. Maybe you would rather set the trends than follow them. In that case, find a new song that totally embodies the now. Live in the moment so that when you think back, you’ll remember exactly what song you chose because that song was popular on your wedding day.
My suggestions: Landslide by Chrissy Metz (from the This Is Us: Season One soundtrack, originally performed by Stevie Nicks,) I Don’t Know What Love Is by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (from the A Star Is Born soundtrack,) or Girl Like You by Maroon 5.
Down the Aisle
1- The Cinematic: Everyone knows the big moment is when the happy couple first sees each other from opposite ends of the aisle. This is the moment everyone will remember, especially you. Why not choose a song that emulates the feelings you want to feel from a movie?
My suggestions: Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron and Wine (From the Twilight Saga,) You Matter to Me by Sara Bareilles and Jason Mraz (from Songs from The Waitress,) or Can’t Help Falling in Love by Kina Grannis (from the Crazy Rich Asians soundtrack, originally performed by Elvis Presley.)
2- The Traditional: Let’s face it, not everyone wants to hear lyrics during their wedding march. Sometimes we want to let the music do the speaking, and that’s okay. If you choose traditional music, your wedding will automatically be that much more fancy. Kudos to you.
My suggestions: Canon in D by Johan Pachelbel, Clair De Lune by Claude Debussy, or The Wedding March by Queen (from the Flash Gordon soundtrack.)
3- What’s Trending: Spotify released their 2018 list of “Most Played Wedding Songs” and maybe you can take inspiration from that. I looked at the list so you don’t have to.
My suggestions: Marry You by Bruno Mars, A Thousand Years by Christina Perri, or Marry You by Train.
The Dances
1- Dancing with Dad: For this dance you will want to blend a little bit of old and new. Try to capture the feeling of being young. Be reminiscent.
My suggestions: For You by Genevieve, Unforgettable by Sia, Lava by Kuana Torres Kahele
2- Dancing with Mom: Go old school with this song. Your mom will appreciate a throwback and you can take the time to thank your mother for everything she has done for you.
My suggestions: Eternal Flame by The Bangles, Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce, or Fooled Around and Fell in Love by Elvin Bishop.
3- The Last Dance: You’ve had an entire night of sad songs. Do you go for one more? Do you go for a party song? The choice is yours,
My suggestions: End of the Day by One Direction, I’m Yours by Jason Mraz, or According to You by Orianthi.
The Party Songs
1- The Hits: Be sure to include some songs that all of your guests are sure to know. Anything from your high school years is a must. Feel young again.
My suggestions: This Moment by Katy Perry, Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon, AND Dear Future Husband by Meghan Trainor.
2- The 80’s: Who doesn’t want to relive one of the greatest decades of the last century?
My suggestions: Believe by Cher, Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners, or Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond.
3- What’s Trending: Just have fun with it. Choose songs that you like or songs that everyone likes. Be sure to tell the story of your life.
My suggestions: It Ain’t Over by Rupaul, Mr. Brightside by The Killers, Dancing Queen by ABBA.
Whatever songs you decide to add to your wedding playlist, remember that this day is about you. Make the playlist about you too.
—erickwood97@gmail.com
@GrahamWoodMedia