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Wedding songs for every part of the day

Songs for the moments that matter, a short do-not-play list, names said right, and one page for your DJ or band. Hear a song, add it to your plan, share it.

Pick the songs for the moments that matter, say what must never play, and give your DJ one clear page. Hear a song before you choose it. Everything saves as you go.

About your day

Three quick answers make the notes and checks fit your wedding. Skip any you like.

A civil ceremony has rules about religious music, and your registrar checks the list. We add a note beside your ceremony songs.

Counting everyone who walks, you included. Each person takes about 20 seconds.

  1. Guests arriving

    Times come from your day timeline

    Music while guests arrive and take their seats. At a civil ceremony this music is yours to choose.

    No song yet.

    For example: quiet while we sign. They see this beside the moment.

  2. Entrance

    Times come from your day timeline

    Walking in. We work out the walk time from how many people walk.

    No song yet.

    For example: quiet while we sign. They see this beside the moment.

  3. Signing the register

    Times come from your day timeline

    About four to five minutes. Most couples pick two or three pieces, and a spare.

    No song yet.

    For example: quiet while we sign. They see this beside the moment.

  4. Exit

    Times come from your day timeline

    Walking out, confetti time. Most couples pick something upbeat.

    No song yet.

    For example: quiet while we sign. They see this beside the moment.

  5. Drinks reception

    Times come from your day timeline

    Mood, not songs: often strings or acoustic. Say what you like to talk over.

    No songs here, just the feel.

  6. Into the wedding breakfast

    Times come from your day timeline

    Into the room for the wedding breakfast. The names go in order below, each with how to say them.

    No song yet.

    For example: quiet while we sign. They see this beside the moment.

  7. Wedding breakfast

    Times come from your day timeline

    Mood, not songs: quiet enough to talk.

    No songs here, just the feel.

  8. First dance

    Times come from your day timeline

    Usually the start of the evening reception. Say if your family joins part-way, and whether a band plays it live or the DJ plays the record.

    No song yet.

    For example: quiet while we sign. They see this beside the moment.

  9. The evening

    Times come from your day timeline

    Your must-play, play-if-it-fits and do-not-play songs below shape the evening. Say if there is a band set or a ceilidh.

    No songs here, just the feel.

  10. Last song of the night

    The last song of the night. Everyone in a circle for Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish habit that has spread.

    No song yet.

    For example: quiet while we sign. They see this beside the moment.

  11. Carriages

    Times come from your day timeline

    Leaving at the end of the night: carriages, or whatever you have planned.

    No song yet.

    For example: quiet while we sign. They see this beside the moment.

Add a moment

Take a moment out, or add one of your own.

Saved in this browser. Sign in and it moves into your wedding, shared with your partner.

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How to plan your wedding music

  1. Start with the moments. Guests arriving, the entrance, signing the register, the first dance, the last song. Each has a place for a song, and the ones you do not need can come out.

  2. Hear a song before you choose it. Search for a song, paste a Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube link, or type the title. Add up to five ideas to a moment, and pick one.

  3. Keep a short do-not-play list. A handful of songs and a plain rule or two is enough. It sits in its own box on your DJ's or band's page.

  4. Say the names right. Put the names to announce in order, each with how to say it, so the entrance to the wedding breakfast goes smoothly.

  5. Check it, then send one page. A quick check finds a walk that is longer than the song, a hymn at a civil ceremony, or a song on two lists. Then send your DJ or band a single page.

What your DJ or band needs from you

  • Six to twelve must-plays, not sixty. DJs say a short list works better than a long one.
  • A short do-not-play list, and what to do when a guest asks for one of those songs: smile and say it is not tonight.
  • Names to announce, in order, each with how to say them, for the entrance to the wedding breakfast.
  • Three plain choices: explicit lyrics, guest requests and who may use the microphone.
  • Anything the band has to learn, asked about at least eight weeks before the wedding.

Frequently asked questions

Can we have religious music at a civil ceremony?
In England and Wales a civil ceremony cannot include religious music, and your registrar usually checks your list, often a week or more ahead. Music before the ceremony starts is yours to choose. Religious and humanist ceremonies set their own rules, and Scotland and Northern Ireland differ, so check with your registrar or celebrant.
How many songs for signing the register?
Signing takes about four to five minutes, so most couples choose two or three pieces and a spare. Mostly instrumental or gentle songs work well.
When is the first dance?
At many UK weddings the first dance opens the evening reception, after the wedding breakfast and the speeches. Often the family join in part-way through. Some couples dance earlier, so ask your venue what suits the evening.
Will our band learn our first dance?
Many bands learn one song for free, some charge, and some need about eight weeks' notice. Ask early, and say in your plan if a song needs learning so the reminder is there.
What is a ceilidh, and do we need a caller?
A ceilidh is a social dance where a caller teaches each dance and everyone joins in, with no experience needed. A ceilidh band usually brings its own caller. Say in your plan if you want a set.

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