Rhythm of Love: Top Wedding Reception Music Playlist Trends

The right songs on your wedding reception music playlist can help you set the tone and mood, bring people together on the dance floor, and create vibrant memories that will last a lifetime. There’s an art to assembling a wedding reception playlist that reflects your musical tastes, gets your guests dancing, and hits on the wedding music trends that modern couples love. And if you need help cracking the code, you’re in the right place. Our award winning Rhode Island wedding reception spaces are just the fit for any party or gathering

Below, find 10 wedding playlist ideas to enhance every moment of your wedding day, from the ceremony to your final reception dance. Learn how to mix and match the trends that will help you create the vibe you want

Top 10 Wedding Music Ideas & Trends for the Ceremony & Reception

Embrace a Hybrid DJ/Band

If you’re having a hard time deciding between a wedding band or a DJ, you don’t have to choose with this wedding music trend: The hybrid DJ/band.

These groups are exactly what they sound like – live musicians and vocalists who perform with backing tracks. The musicians can enhance or remix a track, combining the familiarity of your favorite songs while making special moments, like your wedding procession or first dance, feel truly customized and unique.

Personalize your Wedding Procession

In the past, Richard Wagner’s Bridal Chorus was the classic choice for the bride’s entrance in the ceremony. But it’s currently a trend to choose modern songs for your wedding processional and bridal entrance.

Instrumental versions of hit love songs are particularly popular, like the Vitamin String Quartet’s violin cover of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” or The Piano Guys’ cover of Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years.” It’s a wedding ceremony music trend that gives Bridgerton vibes in the best possible way.

Choose A Theme That Compliments Your Wedding Reception Music

While it’s totally valid to choose a wide variety of favorite songs, choosing a theme for your music can help keep the tone of your wedding day more cohesive and consistent.

For example, if you’ve opted for a vintage-inspired wedding, only choose classic wedding songs that align with the era, like love songs from Frank Sinatra or Nat King Cole. You can go as broad or as narrow as you want here, from indie and country songs for a rustic wedding to hardcore instrumental tracks for a fantasy-inspired ceremony.

Set the Tone With Wedding Cocktail Hour Music

Cocktail hour isn’t just background music. It’s a time to transition the vibe from your ceremony into your reception. You can set up the tone and atmosphere for what guests can expect later in the evening. For example, if you’re working with a live band, this is an excellent time for a solo violinist, guitarist, or pianist to serenade guests with covers of songs that will feature on your wedding reception playlist.

Alternatively, acoustic cover tracks are also an excellent choice to keep the vibe consistent without overpowering your guests’ conversations.

Embrace The Wedding Reception Music Throwback

If you’re feeling nostalgic for the songs you loved as a child or teen, your wedding is the perfect time to embrace these tracks. Fill your playlist with the hits that made you get up and dance, or the swoon-worthy love songs that made you dream of a day like today. This can bring back tons of good memories for you and your friends. And if you want to extend the sentiment to all of your guests, it’s always a good idea to throw in some nostalgic songs for parents and grandparents.

Mashup First Dances

Your first dance with your new partner is one of the headlining moments of your reception. Instead of picking and choosing just one song for the occasion, it’s currently a trend to mashup two different songs to convey different emotions.

For example, you might start with a classic love song, like Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” then transition into an upbeat song to open up the dance floor, like Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance.” If you’re feeling extra, you could even practice a choreographed dance routine!

Coordinate Wedding Reception Music Dance Snippets

You’ve probably attended plenty of wedding receptions that play classic dance songs, like the “Cha Cha Slide” or “Cupid Shuffle.” While these tracks can be fun and nostalgic, some couples find these dances played out. So, instead of playing the full versions of the songs, they opt for a mashup version that blends snippets of these classic songs together. This way, you can still enjoy the fun of a coordinated dance, without taking up too much of your dance floor time.

Use A Remix or Live Version

If you can’t afford a live band, but still want your wedding soundtrack to have a distinctive sound, consider using live versions or remixes of your favorite songs for key moments. This way, you’ll still be able to capture a distinctive sound that you don’t always hear on the radio – and you can save money on hiring a live band.

Embrace the 'Do Not Play'

If you’re already swamped with other tasks of wedding planning, it might be less stressful to let your DJ or a wedding planner handle the details of your wedding soundtrack. If that’s the case, it can be just as helpful to let your planners know what songs not to play. Make sure to list any songs you personally don’t vibe with, or anything that reminds you of bad memories. Remember: This is your special day. So be as picky as you want!

Give Your Guests a Wedding Reception Music Playlist

If you’re old enough to remember burning a mixtape on cassette or CD, gifting a physical copy of your wedding playlist to guests can create a fun, nostalgic keepsake.

Alternatively, you could always create a public playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, or your favorite music streaming app to allow your family and friends to revisit their favorite musical moments from your wedding day – and the memories they made with you.

Create Your Special Memories at a Rhode Island Wedding Venue

If you’re ready to host a wedding day filled with love, whimsy, and the perfect wedding soundtrack, Kirkbrae Country Club is here to make it hap

Our on-site wedding planners don’t just help you with logistics: They can help you choose the perfect wedding band, DJ, or hybrid option to breathe life into your wedding soundtrack. You’ll have support throughout your ceremony and reception, so all of your special moments have the perfect backing track.

If you are looking to hold a wedding reception in Rhode Island, Check out our wedding and reception spaces, or contact our intake coordinators to book your Rhode Island wedding venue today.