The Ultimate Wedding Music Guide
The Soundtrack Every Modern Couple Needs
There are a few moments on a wedding day that deserve their own spotlight - the breath before the aisle walk, the joy that bursts as you’re pronounced married, the electrifying cheer as you enter dinner, and that intimate, floating first dance. These aren’t just “music cues”; they’re emotional markers of the day. And the soundtrack you choose should elevate every second.
After years of curating celebrations across Ibiza and the Mediterranean, I’ve gathered the most-loved, luxurious and modern suggestions from our couples - with a few JC Bespoke Events favourites threaded in. If you’re planning your playlist, consider this your definitive guide.
Bridal Procession - Classical Elegance
For couples craving timeless beauty, these classical pieces create an atmosphere of calm sophistication. They never date, they flatter every setting, and they give your entrance an effortless sense of occasion.
Classical aisle favourites:
Canon in D — Pachelbel
Air on the G String — Bach
Clair de Lune — Debussy
Ave Maria — Schubert
Bridal Chorus — Wagner
Wedding March — Mendelssohn
Nocturne in E-flat Major — Chopin
Salut d’Amour — Elgar
River Flows in You — Yiruma
The Swan — Saint-Saëns
I Giorni - Ludovico Einaudi
Moon River - Henry Mancini (JC Favourite - timeless!)
Bridal Procession - Modern & Emotional
Modern aisle songs are all about nuance - cinematic, soulful, indie, nostalgic. They bring a contemporary softness to the moment and feel deeply personal.
Modern aisle favourites:
Turning Page - Sleeping At Last
Can’t Help Falling in Love - Kina Grannis (also beautiful as a first dance)
I Get to Love You - Mysha Didi
La Vie En Rose - Daniela Andrade
Bloom - The Paper Kites (also works wonderfully for a first dance)
Forever - Ben Harper
Like I’m Gonna Lose You - Jasmine Thompson
The One - Kodaline
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
Con Te Partirò - Andrea Bocelli
How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding
She’s a Rainbow - The Rolling Stones
Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
To Build a Home - The Cinematic Orchestra
Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap (acoustic - also perfect as a dinner entrance)
Higher Love - James Vincent McMorrow (JC favourite - an unforgettable bride’s entrance)
Video Games - Lana Del Rey (JC favourite - cinematic and emotional)
I Think of You - Rodríguez (JC favourite - beautifully unexpected)
Recessional - Joy, Celebration & “Just Married” Energy
Your exit as newlyweds should be pure joy - bright, upbeat, celebrated by everyone in the room. These songs lift the mood instantly without feeling overplayed.
Recessional favourites:
Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles
Could You Be Loved - Bob Marley & The Wailers
Love You For a Long Time - Maggie Rogers
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen
Best Day of My Life - American Authors
You’ve Got the Love - Florence + The Machine
Higher Love - Kygo & Whitney Houston
Viva La Vida - Coldplay
Electric Love - BØRNS
You Are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder
Marry You - Bruno Mars
Come and Get Your Love - Redbone
A Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay (JC favourite - spectacular for outdoor ceremonies)
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher - Jackie Wilson
Shut Up & Dance - Walk the Moon
Grand Entrance to Dinner - High-Energy, Cool & Unexpected
This moment should feel like a statement - high energy, effortlessly cool, and a little bit bold. Think of it as the spark that ignites the party.
Dinner entrance favourites:
Once in a Lifetime - Talking Heads (JC favourite - iconic entrance moment)
Dancing in the Moonlight - Toploader (JC favourite - instant feel-good)
On Top of the World - Imagine Dragons
Feel So Close - Calvin Harris
Firestone - Kygo
Treasure - Bruno Mars
Little L - Jamiroquai
Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John
Electric Feel - MGMT
Gimme Gimme - ABBA
Walking on Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves
Pumpin Blood - NONONO
You Make My Dreams (Come True) - Hall & Oates
Everywhere - Fleetwood Mac
You’re the First, the Last, My Everything - Barry White
Good Times Roll - GRiZ & Big Gigantic
Young Hearts Run Free - Candi Staton
First Dance - Romance, Storytelling & Forever Moments
Your first dance should feel like a pocket of stillness - warm, intimate, and meaningful. These songs consistently create magic.
First dance favourites:
Your Song - Elton John (JC favourite)
Until I Found You - Stephen Sanchez (JC favourite — tender and timeless)
All of Me - John Legend
Make You Feel My Love - Adele
Fly Me To The Moon / Lucky (Mash Up) - Rick Hale & Breea Guttery
Falling Like the Stars - James Arthur
The Luckiest - Ben Folds
At Last - Etta James
Say You Won’t Let Go - James Arthur
Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
Dream a Little Dream of Me - Dala
Simply the Best - Billianne
You Send Me - Aretha Franklin
Real Love - Father John Misty
By Your Side - Sade
Beyond - Leon Bridges
I Choose You - Sara Bareilles
Simply the Best - Bailey Rushlow
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
Forever Young - Alphaville
Your wedding soundtrack should feel like an extension of your story - curated, emotional, and completely you. Whether you lean timeless and classical or modern and indie, the most important thing is choosing songs that make you feel something the moment they begin.
If you'd like bespoke playlists built for your own celebration - or tailored suggestions for welcome drinks, cake cutting or the after-party - just say the word.
Love, Johanna x