Ten Reasons Why Wedding Music is So Important
By CAROLINE LANGHAM
Note: For instructions on creating your Spotify playlist, please scroll to the bottom of the page!
The importance of music at your wedding
With a long list of things to plan for a wedding, choosing music can feel like a chore done in haste with time running out! But music really can add to the memories of your wedding day, so we always advise thinking about your favourite tracks and making playlists in good time. To help get you started, we’ve created example playlists you can use as they are, or as inspiration to create your own. Check out our favourite wedding music tracks at the bottom of this blog… Happy choosing!
1 Music can put you at ease
“Walking into Cote How with our own music playing really made me feel so at home”
Music is a powerful thing. Whether you’re married or not, we’ve all thought about wedding music at some point. Arguably, wedding music is the most essential playlist we ever make, although it depends on how important music is to you both. I love music and enjoy how a song takes you back to a certain moment. Your wedding playlist is the perfect opportunity to create a mood for your day and rekindle precious memories with friends and family.
Music is the soundtrack to getting ready on your wedding morning …
…to walking down the aisle!
2 Music creates the impact
There are key moments for music choices, such as the aisle moment and the first dance. The aisle moment is the first time guests glimpse a bride or groom, so the music needs to create impact or hold a special meaning for you as a couple. The wedding entrance music lets guests know you are on your way, as they all stand in anticipation! It is an emotional moment and music enhances those feelings.
3 Going out in style!
Well, you have just gone and done it! Married at last, there is a sense of relief once the most nerve-wracking part is over. It’s also a moment for celebration and joy as you dance back down the aisle!
4 The First Dance
When the newlyweds take centre stage on the dance floor it is time for the ever-anticipated ‘first dance’. A prevalent tradition in European and American cultures, it signals the start of the evening after the wedding breakfast. You can make this a personal and emotional moment, or get the party started with a high-energy track that invites everyone to join in! Many couples decide not to have a first dance, as we continue to see more informal and relaxed wedding styles. Do what feels right for you.
5 Music over the ages
Music has been a part of wedding celebrations since the late 16th century, although the role of music has changed over time.
Now in a world with online streaming, we have an unlimited choice of wedding music at our fingertips, giving our nuptials that personal touch. Wedding music is inventive and expressive, making weddings memorable and unique to you as a couple.
6 Music brings people together
Music brings people together and magically fills awkward silences when people are milling around. We recommend a milling playlist to create an atmosphere and ease any pre-wedding nerves, gently setting the tone for the day.
7 Ask your guests to contribute
Feeling overwhelmed when choosing your wedding music is quite common. Songs should be personal to you but not so obscure that your friends and family don’t enjoy them. It isn’t easy!
Why not ask close family and friends to choose a few tracks each, and intertwine them in your playlists, so everyone hears a song they love, and there is something for everyone?
8 different genres for different times of day
When your wedding spans all day and continues into the evening, create music playlists for different times. For example, subtle background music is needed for the meal compared to the evening, with upbeat dance tracks. Add mellow songs towards the end of your playlist to bring the energy levels down again as the evening draws to a close.
9 Music is a memory maker
Music evokes many memories, and so often we hear wedding guests saying… “Remember this!” or “Remember when…” Music brings people together, creating new memories that last a lifetime, whether it’s just the two of you, or a party of friends and family.
10 COTE HOW PLAYLISTS
We need at least your “Ceremony” playlist for every wedding. There is also the option to create a separate “Milling” list, too.
To help get you started, we have put together some of our most-played songs. By clicking on them, you will be directed to our Spotify list. Once there, you can create or log in to your account and start copying songs to your playlists.
Once you have created your playlists, share the links with us by pasting them into your “Wedding Checklist”.
CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY songs
A ceremony playlist must NOT feature any religious content, refer to God, Jesus, Mary, the Church, or mention faith in any way, as this is a Civil Ceremony. Your song choices are vetted by the Registrars ahead of your wedding day. Choose songs that have personal meaning for you both and that you love.
To create your playlist:
- Find your song – browse our list below or search for your own on Spotify
- Click on the three dots on the right
- Add it to your playlist
- To name the new playlist you’ve created – find that playlist – edit details – and name it like this:
Your wedding date “YY/MM/DD Ceremony Your Names e.g. “24/07/14 Ceremony Tom & Lucy” - Paste the playlist link/URL into your Checklist. (To find the link, click on the three dots at the top of your playlist. and look for the “Copy Link”)
- For your Ceremony Playlist we will need:
1x Entrance Song
2 x Signing Songs
1x Exit Song
'MILLING' or Background music
Most couples create one milling playlist as their background music for both before and after their ceremony. Name your playlist with your wedding date in this format: “YY/MM/DD – ” followed by “Milling.”
The length of this list will depend on your wedding style.
For an Elope or Micro, make the playlist about 2 hours long. If you have chosen a Micro with a grazing table, make it up to 3 hours. For a 6-hour wedding, make it up to 5 hours long. We can always “shuffle” the playlist if you wish.
Evening Playlists - Begin with Your First Dance
For 2-hour, 4-hour, or 6-hour packages, an evening reception is not included. All your favourite songs are included in a single milling list.
An evening playlist is an option for couples who book an extended 7hr + wedding. Always begin your Evening playlist with your FIRST DANCE song, as it marks the start of the evening reception after dinner.
Further Reading:
You may find it helpful to to read more of our wedding planning blogs:
Ten Wedding Planning Details that Make All the Difference
Wedding Planning Checklist: Preparing for your Final Venue Meeting
Thank you to our recommended photographers for sharing their images, including: Jenna Carpenter Photography, Peter Ostrowski, Jo Greenfield Photography, Tom McNally Lake District Wedding Photography & Stanbury Photography & Film.
