If you’re planning a beach wedding, but you’re a little bit stuck (aka completely baffled) as to what tunes you should choose for every special moment of your big day, we’re here to help! Below is a breakdown, as well as a guide to exactly what sort of music you need to create the right mood for your tropical wedding.

Processional

This is the part of the ceremony when the brides and bridesmaids make a grand entrance as they walk down the aisle. Here you can opt for a traditional song like “Here comes the bride” or “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley. A good tip to remember is to keep these songs timeless and mellow.

Some more music ideas are Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Wedding or Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years.

Recessional

This is the opposite of the processional and it’s when the bride walks up the aisle to exit the ceremony with her new groom. This is your chance to choose a more upbeat song – maybe a pop classic such as American Authors’ Best Day of My Life or The Lovin’ Spoonful’s Do you Believe in Magic?

Reception Entrance

This is your first official entrance as husband and wife, so it’s time to choose a tune that will put your guests in the mood to party. Just remember that this is the song that will set the mood for the reception, so get everyone grooving out to some feel-good hits.

We love pop songs like Love is the Seventh Wave by Sting and La Isla Bonita by Madonna.

First Dance

This is the most important dance you will have on your wedding day, because it is the first dance with your new husband. If you’re wanting to go traditional, try and keep the song slow and avoid any upbeat tempos (as it makes it easier to move to)! This is your chance to have a symbolic song, or a tune that is meaningful to you and your BAE. Some popular first dance songs are All of Me by John Legend and You are so Beautiful by Joe Cocker.

Father-Daughter Dance

The father-daughter dance is a special time in the evening when you spend a few minutes dancing with your dad. The song could be either something mellow like Make You Feel My Love by Adele or even something slightly upbeat like Growing Up by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Whatever decade the song may be from, expect some tears to be shed as you remind him you will always be his little girl.

Reception Music

This music symbolises the time in the reception when guests can let their hair down and get on the dance floor. If you have a DJ playing for your reception, choose some songs you want them to play first and make a list of songs you don’t want them to play. Some dancefloor classics including the Nutbush and the Macarena. If you have some cultural tunes, make sure you include these on the list, as they’re bound to get your family and friends moving!

A crowd favourite to end the night could be Glad You Came by The Wanted.

Bouquet Toss

This is a time for all the single ladies to gather around, so look for a song with ‘girl power’! We love Single Ladies by Beyoncé or Hit Me with Your Best Shot by Pat Benater.

Main image from Elise and Greg’s wedding. Photography by Liv Style Photography.