Making the Ultimate Wedding Playlist + Perfect "First Dance" Song

Ever since I saw “27 Dresses,” I have forever been thinking about how I want my own wedding to look like. Wedding planning is a lot of elements coming together and it can be both tedious and exhilarating. Of course the bride needs to pick out her perfect dress, nominate bridesmaids, find them their dresses (Leading Ladies LA can help with that…) and all of the little things that come with dressing up for the ultimate occasion: the Wedding! That goes without saying that the venue has to be picked out-- with the dates, and the whole set up of its decoration, color coordination, and food items. But all is not complete without  music to set the mood throughout the event. I know, I know… everyone has different music tastes so I have compiled a list of songs for every part of the Wedding and maybe a few bonus tracks if you want to get real specific!

THE FIRST DANCE

This is probably the most highly anticipated part of the wedding-- well, maybe after when the Bride walks down the aisle, and after we see the teary-eyed Groom, and after the vows, and okay, after the kiss-- the first dance is one of the top moments of the ceremony and all eyes are on the stars of the night: the Bride and the Groom. This song is important to them, it’s “their song” after all. So, this might be different case by case but here are my few favorites to set the mood:

Can’t Help Falling In Love (literally any version you like, it’s a top-notch song)

Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran)

She (Elvis Costello)

Every Breath You Take (The Police)

When A Man Loves A Woman (Percy Sledge)

THE FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE

I remember the moment when I realized which song I would have for this dance with my dad whenever my big day comes. I remember watching Parent Trap with my dad and Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E” came on and I fell in love with the song immediately. Then my dad showed me Nat King Cole’s other song, “Unforgettable.” That song has a version mastered later on after Nat King Cole’s death and it’s a duet with his daughter Natalie Cole. The discovery of this song has ingrained so deeply in my memory with my dad (he has incredible taste in music!). So ladies, this one’s for the first man of your life; after all, can you imagine how hard it is for him to give you away? 

Unforgettable (Nat King Cole duet with Natalie Cole)

How Deep Is Your Love (Bee Gees)

Hero (Mariah Carey)

My Love, My Life (ABBA)

You Raise Me Up (Josh Groban)

You’ll Be In My Heart (Phil Collins)

THE BESTIES/THE BROS/THE GANG

Never forget those girlfriends and bros that were by your side. These are the people who have gone through thick and thin with you. So here’s a huge nod to those who take part in your life!

Good As Hell (Lizzo)

Single Ladies (Beyonce)

I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Whitney Houston)

Treasure (Bruno Mars)

DINNER PARTY BEATS

Spice up the dinner vibe with some upbeat music that keeps the rhythm flowing even when you are sitting down. Here’s a fun idea, play these songs in order for a gradual effect of the party going from classy dining and ramping up to dancing n’ dining. 

Fly Me To the Moon (Frank Sinatra)

Close To You (The Carpenters)

L-O-V-E (Nat King Cole)

Sugar (Maroon 5)

Can’t Stop the Feeling! (Justin Timberlake)
Raise Your Glass (P!nk)

AFTER-PARTY TRACKS

This is where the beats turn up for those party animals who would like to continue on with the festivities. We got all the party favorites from various decades and these beats will get everything singing and dancing all night long.

Everytime We Touch (Cascada x Cash Cash Remix)

Smack That (Akon)

DJ Got Us Falling In Love (Usher)

Don’t Stop The Music (Rihanna)

Mr. Brightside (The Killers)

Hips Don’t Lie (Shakira)

WEDDING NIGHT JAMS

A special list for the Bride and Groom (and anyone that’s getting lucky tonight-- yes I saw you leave with Greg, Jasmine!). Some tunes to set the mood and then you know the rest! 

Let Me Love You (Mario)

Chasing Cars (Snow Patrol)

Back At One (Brian McKnight)

As You Are (The Weeknd)

BONUS LOVE SONGS WE LOVE

Don’t be fooled- just because it says “bonus” doesn’t mean it’s optional! These are definitely getting played at the party!

Just The Way You Are (Bruno Mars)

Right Here Waiting (Richard Marx)

Flying Without Wings (Westlife)

Everytime I Look At You (Il Divo)

If I Could Fly (One Direction)

The First TIme Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)

I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing (Aerosmith)

Trying to figure out your own playlist? Here are some tracks that can get you started. I’m a sucker for 80’s and 90’s love songs so maybe that can be a jumping point. All that truly matters is picking those specific songs that have a significant meaning to you. Afterall, this is your big day and what better way to remember it than with music that you love deeply?