Your wedding music is the soundtrack to your some of your life’s most cherished moments. From the unmatched importance of your ceremony to the joy of your first dance as a married couple, you deserve to have music that reflects your personality, relationship, and style.

Choosing the right songs for this unparalleled moments ensures that your big day feels uniquely “you” and gives your guests an experience they’ll never forget.

CEREMONY MUSIC

The ceremony is the most emotional and significant part of your day, and your music can play a role that elevates each special moment. 

It’s important to be aware that secular ceremonies and venues often have restrictions on the lyrical content of the songs (i.e. no religious content), so it’s best to check your choices with the venue and registrars beforehand. 

Like the first dance, songs that have special meaning to you are strong contenders here, and you may want to consider the flow of the ceremony as each part lends itself to particular feelings, moods and tone.

Here’s how to get it just right:

1. Prelude Music: Setting the Tone

As guests arrive, soft background music creates a welcoming atmosphere that allows guests to briefly catch up, get settled and prepare for what’s coming up. Acoustic or instrumental tracks work beautifully here, with popular choices like Clair de Lune or acoustic covers of modern hits.  Somewhere in the region of 20-30minutes works well for pre-ceremony music.

2. Processional Music: Walking Down the Aisle

Your processional music sets the stage for one of the most memorable moments of your life. Choose something that builds anticipation and reflects your style. Classical options include Canon in D by Pachelbel, while contemporary choices might include All of Me by John Legend or an instrumental cover of A Thousand Years.

3. Interlude or Signing Music: Special Moments

During quiet moments like the signing of the register or lighting of a unity candle, soft background music keeps guests engaged, and provides a pleasant backdrop for them to have conversations while you sign the legal documents.  Some couples prefer instrumentals like River Flows in You by Yiruma or acoustic versions of their favourite songs, but this is a nice opportunity to personalise your ceremony with more of your character. 

It’s typical that one song would be sufficient here – especially if your live musician is adept at improvising and extending or shortening a piece appropriately in a musical fashion – however it’s definitely sensible to have two or three songs selected (particularly if they’re being played from a playlist) so that there are no awkward silences.

4. Recessional Music: Your Joyful Exit

As you make your exit as newlyweds, it’s time to make another statement about your taste and character.  A lot of couples opt for a celebratory track – upbeat, happy songs like Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) by Stevie Wonder or You Make My Dreams by Hall & Oates work perfectly, but equally some slow and sophisticated pieces can add a touch of class to proceedings.  See if you can visualise yourself leaving the ceremony to your song candidates, how you might feel as everyone cheers as your leave, and how your guests might respond to it.

Top Ceremony Song Suggestions

Here are some suggestions for each ceremony moment:

• Prelude/Guest Arrival: Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole; The Scientist (Instrumental) – Coldplay
• Processional/Entrance: Canon in D – Pachelbel; Marry Me – Train
• Interlude/Register Signing: Hallelujah (Instrumental) – Leonard Cohen; River Flows in You – Yiruma
• Recessional/Couple Exit: Happy – Pharrell Williams; Best Day of My Life – American Authors

YOUR FIRST DANCE SONG

The first dance is one of the most anticipated moments of any wedding reception, but it can also be one of the most nerve-wracking – couples either look forward to it or can’t wait to get it over with!  

All eyes are on you as you take to the dancefloor for the first time as a married couple, and it’s a great opportunity for your band or DJ to maintain the momentum you create and get the dance floor packed from the start, but it’s also common for couples to want their friends and family to join them as quickly as possible! 

Don’t worry – whatever your vision for the first  dance, we have some tips for you.

Here’s how to make it unforgettable:

1. Choose a Song with Meaning

Did you hear a particular track on your first date or on a day out? Or do you both love a certain artist? A meaningful song adds a personal touch and makes your first dance all the more special.  It doesn’t have to be a romantic song necessarily – just something that means something to you.  It could be as simple as “we just like it”.  If you can’t think of one, don’t worry!  Read on…

2. Consider the Mood

The vibe you want to create can really help with your song choice. Do you picture a romantic slow dance to At Last by Etta James, or something playful and fun like You Make My Dreams by Hall & Oates? You could have something well-known that gets more guests involved more quickly, something up-tempo that gets the groove going, or something from when you were a teenager that your friends will really resonate with! Let your desired mood guide your choice. 

3. Match Your Dance Style

If you’re confident dancers or taking lessons, you can choose a song for a choreographed routine.  If you do, make sure you work with someone to coordinate a bespoke version of the song (either with a live band or recording) so that you can be confident the music you dance to on the day is going to be the same as what you’ve practised with.  This is a really fun way to truly put your stamp on your wedding, and get your guests talking about it for years to come – you can really set the bar with a custom dance! 

Don’t worry if you don’t have time to prepare something like this, or if you or your partner think you have two left feet!  A slower, simpler song might be a better fit and have similar impact. Songs like Perfect by Ed Sheeran are popular for their versatility and timeless appeal.

4. Having a Band?  Think About Their Strengths

Live bands can often customise your first dance song to make it even more special. Whether it’s a stripped-down acoustic version or a mashup of two favourites, talk to your band about how they can personalise the performance for you.  It’s not uncommon to have a slower song to start with (the first verse and chorus) before moving to something more upbeat that gets everyone moving! 

Equally, you may want a song that is synonymous with a particular instrument that isn’t present in the band you’ve booked.  A great band will be able to recommend an approach or version of the song that closely matches what they will sound like playing it, or they will suggest having the original version of the song played so that you get exactly what you want and expect. 

Another great reason to have a quality live band is that they can adapt to requests like these and give you honest feedback to help you make sure this special moment is as perfect as can be – after all, you deserve it.

Top First Dance Song Suggestions

Here are some crowd-pleasers and timeless classics to inspire you:

• Romantic Classics: Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley; Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
• Modern Favourites: A Thousand Years – Christina Perri; Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
• Upbeat Choices: I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston; Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
• Indie Picks: You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne; Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

FINAL TIPS FOR YOUR WEDDING MUSIC

• Work with Professionals: A professional musician or live band adds a special energy to your day and gives you peace of mind during one of the most complicated and potentially stressful days of your life.  Working with a team who are familiar with your venue, have a broad repertoire and understand what it takes to give you the best experience is worth every penny.  A quality band will make every moment more meaningful and guarantees a standard of quality you can rely on so you can concentrate on enjoying every moment. Share your ideas with your band – they can help refine your choices and even suggest unique arrangements.  Trust their recommendations as these will be time-tested.
• Customise Your Playlist: Don’t be afraid to mix genres or request special songs that reflect your relationship, but make sure you give your DJ or band license to adjust the set list if required.  While you may love certain songs and style, there’s a good chance a significant percentage of your guests may not share this, and the last thing you want is an empty dance floor!  Premium bands or DJs should be able to incorporate your preferences, but also have something for every age to feel comfortable on the dance floor, while also building the night to a crescendo!  It’s a much harder job than you might initially think!
• Communicate Early: Give your band or musicians plenty of notice about your choices so they can prepare or suggest adaptations.  It’s always really useful to send them YouTube or Spotify links to specific versions so everyone is working from the same page and there aren’t any surprises on the day!  Being as specific as you can be will really help your musical team make your day as perfect as possible.
• Stay True to You: Your music should reflect your personality as a couple. Choose what feels right to you – even if it’s unconventional – but do keep in mind that the dance floor should be accessible by everyone.

LET US HELP CREATE YOUR PERFECT SOUNDTRACK

We are not in the music business – we’re in the MEMORIES business.  We are specialists in crafting unforgettable musical moments for couples and have performed at hundreds of ‘happy ever afters’!  

Whether it’s a romantic acoustic performance for your ceremony, a customised version of your favourite song for your first dance or keeping your guests on the dance floor until the very last song, we’re here to make your day as unique as your love story.

Get in touch today to discuss your vision – together, we’ll create a soundtrack that you and your guests will remember forever.

Featured bands:

Music Music Music
https://musicmusicmusic.co.uk/

Ukes of Hazzard
https://www.ukesofhazzardband.co.uk/

Mumfudden Suns
https://mumfuddensuns.co.uk/

George Zebra
https://georgezebra.co.uk/

The post 8 SOLID GOLD RULES FOR PERFECT WEDDING MUSIC first appeared on George Zebra - The Indie Folk Band.

Music is the heartbeat of any wedding day, from the romantic tones as you walk down the aisle, to the infectious beats that keep your guests dancing late into the night. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of seeing first-hand how music transforms a celebration, and there are so many ways to do it! 

Here’s our roundup of the Top 10 Wedding Music Trends that UK couples are embracing in 2025, complete with ideas to make your day truly unique:

1. Acoustic Ceremony Performances

An acoustic performance during your ceremony is guaranteed to create a beautiful, intimate atmosphere. Live renditions of songs like Ed Sheeran’s Perfect or John Legend’s All of Me can bring your ceremony to life. Create an unforgettable, personalised moment, and one that live music makes even more magical.

2. Modern Alternatives To String Quartets

String quartets have evolved far beyond traditional classical music. They’re now performing acoustic covers of modern hits like Harry Styles’ As It Was or Coldplay’s Fix You. Breaking from tradition, acoustic quartets can include other instruments such as guitar, soft percussion and ukulele – if you love the elegance of an acoustic sound but want to keep things contemporary, this is the perfect blend.  You can also use this as a way of following a less-traditional approach to ceremony music, choosing something even more unique, interesting and entertaining.

3. Live Band & DJ Hybrids

Can’t decide between a live band or a DJ? You don’t have to! One of the hottest trends is combining both. Picture a crowd-pleasing band performing live with a DJ set between – or even a live saxophonist or percussionist joining the DJ and performing on the dancefloor. It’s an electrifying way to keep the energy high and the dance floor full of guests, and something very few of them will have seen before.

4. Themed Music Playlists

Themed playlists are taking over weddings, and it’s no surprise why! Whether you’re fans of the Bridgerton string quartet sound or a 90s Britpop revival, your wedding music can reflect your favourite era, TV series, or vibe. We love curating themed setlists tailored to your tastes, blending live and recorded elements seamlessly.

5. Surprise Musical Moments

Want to wow your guests? A surprise musical performance is the way to go. Imagine us kicking off a secret flash mob with your bridal party or performing an upbeat, unexpected track after the first dance. These surprise moments create memories that your guests will talk about for years.  Some people consider having a ‘Love Actually’ ceremony experience, or singing waiters to interrupt food service too – all lots of fun and things to make your day even more memorable!

6. Indie & Alternative Favourites

For couples looking to break away from tradition, indie and alternative music are trending. Think of bands like Arctic Monkeys, Florence + The Machine, or Mumford & Sons – their unique sound creates a cool, edgy vibe. We love putting our spin on these favourites for a bespoke feel, and you can guarantee a packed dance floor.

7. Silent Discos for Late-Night Fun

Silent discos aren’t just for festivals anymore! They’re perfect for venues with sound restrictions or couples who want to keep the party going into the early hours. We can work with your DJ to include a live element alongside the headphones – so your guests have the best of both worlds.

8. Mashup First Dances

First dances are evolving beyond one slow song – couples are often opting for mashups that start slow and transition into something lively, letting you combine romance with fun.  This is particularly good with a choreographed first dance that shows two sides of you, or if you want your guests to dance with you sooner you may opt to move from the romantic to the rock and roll after the first chorus.  If you’d like help arranging a unique version of your first dance track, we’d love to make it special for you.

9. Unique Live Bands

Stand out with a live band that offers something different. From a folk-inspired acoustic setup to steel pan bands or jazz trios, there’s a style to suit every wedding. Our groups love adapting their sound to fit your vision, whether it’s soulful ballads, high-energy hits, or even a multicultural celebration.  We’re not shy of learning special songs for you too – let us know what your vision is!

10. All-Day Live Music Experiences

Why limit live music to just the evening? Couples are opting for all-day entertainment, with live music accompanying every stage of the celebration. From soft acoustic vibes during your drinks reception to full-band energy on the dancefloor, we can help create a continuous flow of music tailored to your day.

Why Choose a Live Band for Your Wedding?

A quality live band brings unmatched energy, authenticity, and excitement to your wedding day. With a professional band, you can customise your playlist, enjoy a performance that adapts to the crowd, and makes your celebration truly unique. Plus, live music creates those goosebump moments that a playlist just can’t replicate.

We specialise in creating unforgettable memories with bespoke live performances. Whether you want acoustic elegance for your ceremony or a full party atmosphere for your evening reception, we’ll bring your vision to life.

We’d love to chat about how we can make your wedding music unforgettable. Contact us today to discuss your ideas and let’s create a soundtrack that will have your guests talking about your wedding for years to come!

Featured bands:

Music Music Music
https://musicmusicmusic.co.uk/

Ukes of Hazzard
https://www.ukesofhazzardband.co.uk/

Mumfudden Suns
https://mumfuddensuns.co.uk/

George Zebra
https://georgezebra.co.uk/

The post THE 10 WEDDING MUSIC TRENDS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS first appeared on George Zebra - The Indie Folk Band.