Choosing a wedding song is one of the most personal and exciting parts of planning your big day. It’s more than just a tune-the soundtrack to your love story and the moments you’ll treasure forever.
The options are endless in Australia, where music is celebrated in all its diversity. From iconic Aussie artists to international classics, there’s a perfect fit for every couple and every wedding style.
This guide will help you pinpoint a song that captures your journey and complements the theme and mood of your celebration. Whether it’s a timeless ballad, a modern chart-topper, or a sentimental favourite, your wedding song can create a magical moment that stays with you and your guests long after the day. Let’s make it unforgettable.
Let’s get straight to the point
Choosing a wedding song is a deeply personal decision that sets the tone for your special day. Reflect on your relationship, wedding theme, and shared music preferences to find a song that captures your love story.
Key moments to consider include the processional, recessional, first dance, and reception. Focus on lyrics that celebrate love, and ensure the song aligns with your dance comfort level and resonates with guests.
Collaborate with your partner, consult with your DJ or band, and test how the song feels in your venue. Incorporate unique touches like local Australian artists for originality, and have a backup plan ready. Take your time to select a song that creates an unforgettable and meaningful moment.
Reflect On Your Relationship
Your wedding song should beautifully narrate your journey as a couple, reflecting your shared experiences and emotions. Think about how you met-was there a song playing or one that was popular at the time.
Consider the milestones in your relationship, such as your first holiday, a special date, or an unforgettable moment-these may be tied to a meaningful tune. Focus on lyrics that resonate with your love story, capturing your feelings and dreams. Australians might find inspiration in songs like Powderfinger’s My Happiness for its nostalgic romance or INXS’s Never Tear Us Apart with its soulful and passionate tone.
Consider Your Wedding Theme
Selecting a song for your wedding should reflect your special day’s overall theme and atmosphere. For classic and formal weddings, timeless choices like Etta James’ “At Last” or Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable” evoke sophistication.
Rustic or outdoor celebrations pair beautifully with folk or acoustic tunes, such as Angus & Julia Stone’s “Big Jet Plane” or Ben Howard’s “Only Love,” which resonate with natural surroundings. Beach weddings shine with breezy, uplifting melodies like Jack Johnson’s “Better Together” or reggae-inspired love songs. Modern and chic ceremonies can embrace contemporary hits like Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” or Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love.”
Collaborate With Your Partner
Selecting a wedding song is a meaningful decision to make as a couple. Dedicate time to discuss your shared and individual musical tastes:
Favourite Genres
Consider whether you gravitate towards jazz, indie, rock, classical, or something else entirely.
Sentimental Value
Reflect on songs that have special significance in your relationship.
Finding Common Ground
If your preferences differ, choose a song that resonates with both of you. Like Crowded House, an Australian favourite can provide a perfect middle ground with its timeless appeal.
Pro Tip
Collaboratively build a playlist, paying attention to tracks that evoke strong emotional responses, ensuring your choice feels personal and heartfelt.
Focus On The Lyrics
The lyrics of your wedding song are essential in conveying its emotional meaning. It’s important to avoid songs with sad or negative undertones, even if they sound beautiful.
For instance, while Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” is a timeless piece, its themes of loss and grief may not align with the joyous celebration of a wedding. Consider whether the lyrics celebrate love, commitment, or partnership and if specific lines resonate with your relationship journey.
Australian couples may find heartfelt and iconic tracks like Kylie Minogue’s “All the Lovers” especially fitting, as they combine relatability with a celebratory spirit.
Think About The Danceability
Choosing the perfect song for your first dance is essential to ensure it suits your comfort level and dance abilities. For a timeless and romantic option, consider slow ballads like Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” ideal for couples preferring a simple, graceful sway.
If you want to energise the moment and surprise your guests, upbeat tracks such as Bruno Mars’ “Marry You” or Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” create a fun, lively atmosphere. When selecting a song, prioritise one with a rhythm and tempo that feels manageable during rehearsals, making your practice sessions enjoyable and stress-free.
Consult With Your DJ, Band, Or Celebrant
Professionals like DJs, bands, or celebrants can offer valuable advice. They’ve likely seen a range of weddings and can provide insights into what works best:
- Live Band: If you’ve hired a band, ensure they can perform your chosen song and match the mood you’re aiming for.
- DJ Playlists: DJs can suggest options that flow seamlessly with your wedding programme.
- Acoustic or Instrumental Versions: Sometimes, a stripped-back rendition can add intimacy and elegance.
Australians often enjoy live music at weddings, so choosing a local band or musician can make the experience more personal.
Balance Tradition With Originality
While popular wedding songs have a timeless appeal, choose something unique. Consider lesser-known tracks or Australian artists to infuse your day with personal flair:
- Hidden Gems: Songs like Vance Joy’s “Georgia” or Gordi’s “Heaven I Know” offer emotional depth and originality.
- Cultural Influences: If your heritage is a part of your wedding, choose a song that reflects your cultural background.
Test The Atmosphere
Listen to your shortlisted songs in the context of your wedding. Imagine:
- Walking down the aisle to its melody.
- Dancing under fairy lights during your first dance.
- How it feels surrounded by loved ones.
Try playing the song in your wedding venue to see how it resonates there.
Factor In Guest Experience
While your wedding song should reflect your personal story, also consider how it will resonate with your guests:
- Universally Loved Songs: Choose a tune that’s meaningful to you but also familiar or enjoyable for your audience.
- Length: Avoid songs that are overly long or repetitive. Three to four minutes is ideal.
Plan Backup Options
It’s wise to have a backup plan, particularly for live performances:
- Ensure your DJ or band has the right version of your song.
- Test the audio equipment beforehand to avoid hiccups.
- If your first choice doesn’t work out, prepare a secondary song.
Incorporate Local Australian Flair
Embrace your Australian roots by choosing songs from iconic or emerging Aussie artists:
- Classic Choices: “Throw Your Arms Around Me” by Hunters & Collectors.
- Modern Picks: Amy Shark’s “I Said Hi” or Dean Lewis’s “Be Alright.”
- Indigenous Representation: Songs by Indigenous artists like Yothu Yindi or Jessica Mauboy can celebrate the cultural richness of Australia.
Final Checklist
Before finalising your wedding song:
- Emotion: Does it evoke the feelings you want to remember?
- Relevance: Does it reflect your love story?
- Suitability: Is it appropriate for the setting and moment?
- Accessibility: Will your DJ, band, or celebrant have access to it?
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect wedding song is a deeply personal and meaningful decision that sets the tone for one of the most important moments of your life. You can find a song that beautifully encapsulates your love story by reflecting on your relationship, considering your wedding theme, and collaborating with your partner.
Remember to balance tradition with originality and incorporate elements that resonate with your unique journey as a couple. With thoughtful planning-whether testing the atmosphere, consulting professionals, or embracing your local Australian flair-you’ll ensure the music becomes a cherished part of your special day.
Take your time, trust your instincts, and let your chosen song create a lasting memory you and your guests will treasure forever.
FAQs About Wedding Songs
How Do I Choose The Right Songs For My Wedding?
Focus on picking songs that reflect what you’d like your wedding day to feel like. If you want a fun, lighthearted day, choose light, happy upbeat music. Some moments call for light, fun music while others need more slow, meaningful songs.
How Many Songs Do You Choose For A Wedding?
A good rule of thumb is 15 songs per hour. A typical wedding reception will see about 3 hours of dancing after dinner and all the formalities are over. That is just 45 songs.
How Many Ceremony Songs Do I Need?
Religious weddings traditionally have hymns. You will want between two and three throughout your ceremony. Similarly, some weddings have prayer readings which you may want music for – however this is not an essential.
How Many Hours Is 80 Songs?
Both are pretty simple to answer. And both answers usually put people at ease. First, you will need about 20 songs an hour. For a 4 hour party that is 80 songs, maybe 100 to be on the safe side or to have a few extra in case the party goes a little long.
Do You Need 2 Processional Songs?
For the wedding ceremony, you’ll need prelude music three to five songs, a processional songs for when the bridal party walks, one songs for when the bride walks down the aisle, one to two songs for during the unity candle or signing of the register, and one songs as a recessional song for when you walk back down the aisle.
