The Perfect Wedding Playlist
As many of you know, I love music. I play music. I listen to music. I read about music. I research my favorite artists who make music. I post a song every day on my story known as the “Groove of the Day.” The world is simply a better place because of music. You know what else is a better place because of music? Weddings! But you can’t just make any old playlist and call it wedding-ready. This isn’t a time for haphazard, sloppy curating! There’s an art to it, a feel that one must have to delicately and artfully assemble the pieces to make a beautiful mosaic of songs that set the mood on the big day. Look, I’m going to shoot straight here: I don’t claim to have mastered this art. In fact, I have no idea what I’m doing. My sister rejected almost every suggestion I offered up for her wedding playlist. Apparently not everyone thinks Father John Misty is appropriate wedding music. But I digress! The goal of these few short minutes we have together today is to explore how one might create the perfect wedding playlist. Let’s take a crack at this and see where we end up. This could be a triumph, or it could be an absolute disaster. Either way, it’ll be fun. You ready? Ok, let’s get started…
The playlist we’re going to make is for the reception. Most couples have the first dance music locked down so we won’t mess with that. Here’s what I’m thinking as far as structure goes: Start with a banger or three, then mix in some tried and true classics with a smattering of more modern tunes. Simple enough, right? Let’s dive in…
“Shut Up Kiss Me” by Angel Olsen
This song is so much fun. The upbeat melody, adorable lyrics, crunchy guitars, and sticky chorus are everything you could want from a rock song about love. It really is a certified banger and a great opener.
“Glory of True Love” by John Prine
Master lyricist John Prine really hit a home run with this one. It’s an upbeat country tune in which the timeless beauty of love takes center stage.
“Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town” by Talking Heads
David Byrne wailing away about the joys of love + groovy guitar/bass licks + steel drums = on this playlist.
“Purple Sun” by Cannons
This synth-based, reggae-inspired pop track is the perfect respite after the three bangers we just started with. It’s moody, sensual, and incredibly catchy.
“Willow” by Taylor Swift
The first four tunes aren’t chart toppers and we don’t want to alienate our lovely guests, so we’ll reel ‘em back in with some T-Swift and we’re all Gucci.
“All I See” by Mutemath
This track is absolutely beautiful. It’s a slow burner but never boring. Paul Meany is a highly underrated songwriter with a knack for sweet, clever lyrics.
“Still Into You” by Paramore
Ok, let’s pick up the pace a little bit with some classic Paramore. Hayley Williams delivers a passionate pop-punk anthem to committed love on this one.
“She Treats Me Well” by Ben Howard
Ben paints a beautiful picture of a significant other’s love being the grounding force in the chaos of life. It’s a slow jam so I figure it’ll fit nicely after Paramore.
“Intentions (feat. Quavo)” by Justin Bieber
Endlessly catchy, cute lyrics, everyone knows it. Welcome to the team, Justin.
“Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley
Classic is an understatement. This iconic love song just has to be on this playlist.
“Real Love Baby” by Father John Misty
I think FJM wrote one of the best love songs ever when he wrote “I Love You, Honeybear”. It’s probably not the best wedding reception music, though. And yes, that’s the one I suggested to my sister for her playlist and she rightly declined (I was being facetious, of course). But this one here is perfectly appropriate for the occasion.
“End of the Night (feat. Doubleboy) by Robert Parker
Ok, back to the big, moody retro wave bops. This one sounds like it’s off a soundtrack of a 1980’s action/adventure movie. Just a really good time.
“Love Is Mystical” by Cold War Kids
This piano-centric, driving west coast rock tune is the perfect chaser for “End of the Night”.
“I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder
We’re gonna go with another classic here. It’s a safe pick but an essential one, IMHO.
“Say My Name” by Tove Styrke
The chorus reels me in every time I hear it. So sweet, so dorky—but in the best way.
“My Kind of Woman” by Mac DeMarco
This fine offering from Mac DeMarco is perfect wedding reception material.
“Love Song” by 311
Look, love ‘em or hate ‘em, 311 wrote a dang good song here. This one is non-negotiable. Straight to the list.
“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin
The opening bass synth line is unmistakeable. Instant nostalgia and good vibes.
“Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison
This seems like a good spot for a more upbeat tune and this one fits the bill perfectly.
“the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)” by Ariana Grande
This song is a beautiful, joyous celebration of light overcoming the darkness; it’s so life-affirming and uplifting. The album it’s found on, Sweetener, is one of my favorite pop albums of all time.
“Heaven” by Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams is always good for an epic, arena-ready rock ballad about life and love. This might be his best.
“claws” by Charli XCX
Ok this one might be a little edgy, but if Charli is your jam, then “claws” is an obvious choice for this playlist. The melodies are nice and bright and her lyricism is on-point.
“Soul Meets Body” by Death Cab for Cutie
I’m having a hard time deciding between this one and “I Will Follow You Into the Dark”, but I think we’ll go with “Soul Meets Body” because it’s a little more approachable. The whole “the universe is bleak and void of meaning except in the love we have for one another” thing on IWFYITD is cute but might be a bit of a non-starter for some.
“Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles
‘Sweet’ is an understatement.
“After Dark” by Mr. Kitty
“After Dark” is a nocturnal, brooding synth pop tune about love at first sight. The tension in the lyrics and driving synths is intoxicating.
“Baby, Baby” by Amy Grant
This early ‘90s pop hit is an absolute banger.
“My Girl” by The Temptations
It wouldn’t be a solid wedding playlist without this one.
“Must Have Done Something Right” by Relient K
Remember these guys? Their witty pop-rock prowess is on full display here.
“Right Down the Line” by Gerry Rafferty
If you watched Euphoria then you’re probably familiar with this tune. It’s a classic love song and deserves a spot on our playlist.
“telepatía” by Kali Uchis
This gorgeous song is about two long-distance lovers yearning to be together again. I think this playlist needs an R&B slow jam and “telepatía” is about as good as they come.
“I Got You Babe” by Sonny & Cher
Still great after all these years.
“Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash
I’m a sucker for Johnny Cash.
“I Can’t Get Enough” by Benny Blanco, Tiny, Selena Gomez, & J Balvin
I wouldn’t classify this as a true banger but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. It’s one of the more underrated pop songs out there.
“At Last” by Etta James
We all know it and love it. Etta James’ classic is the perfect closer.
And there it is, a wedding playlist. I think we executed our plan to mix tried and true classics with some newer releases reasonably well—and we took some risks along the way. I had way too much fun doing this lol.