Music plays a powerful role in every wedding—it sets the mood, elevates emotions, and creates memories that live on long after the day has passed. Whether you’re walking down the aisle, celebrating your first dance, or partying late into the night, the right songs can turn those moments into something magical.
As we head into the 2024/25 wedding season, couples are blending timeless classics with modern hits to create personalized soundtracks for their special day. From emotional aisle entrances to upbeat reception bangers, here’s your guide to the top wedding songs of the year—perfectly curated for ceremonies, receptions, and everything in between.
And if you’ve hired a professional videographer in Wellington, choosing the right tracks will also help create a beautiful, emotionally-driven wedding film that you’ll treasure forever.
Ceremony Songs: Set the Tone for Your Love Story
Your ceremony music is where the magic begins. From the bridal party entrance to your walk down the aisle in your dream wedding dress, these moments deserve a soundtrack that captures the beauty of the day.
Processional (Walking Down the Aisle)
Top Choices for 2024/25:
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Kina Grannis (Acoustic)
- “Turning Page” – Sleeping at Last
- “A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri
- “River Flows in You” – Yiruma (Piano)
- “All of Me” – John Legend (Instrumental)
Bride’s Entrance
This is your moment—your gown flowing, your heart racing, and everyone waiting. Go with something emotional or cinematic:
- “Speechless” – Dan + Shay
- “You Are the Reason” – Calum Scott ft. Leona Lewis
- “Halo” – Beyoncé (Piano version)
- “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran (String Quartet arrangement)
Videographer Tip: Instrumentals or acoustic covers work well for cinematic edits, allowing flexibility in post-production without overwhelming background noise in your wedding film.
Recessional Songs: Joy-Filled Celebration Starts Now
Once you’ve said “I do,” the energy shifts. Your exit song should reflect excitement, joy, and your unique style as a couple.
Popular Recessional Picks:
- “Best Day of My Life” – American Authors
- “You Make My Dreams” – Daryl Hall & John Oates
- “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” – Natalie Cole
- “Love on Top” – Beyoncé
- “Marry You” – Bruno Mars
Local Wellington Tip: If you’re planning a garden ceremony (like at Wellington Botanic Garden or Ohariu farm ), lively acoustic versions of these tracks enhance the outdoor vibe without overpowering the setting.
Reception Entrance Songs: Set the Party Mood
Time to kick off the festivities! Your grand entrance deserves something bold and celebratory.
Couple Entrance Songs:
- “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
- “Feel So Close” – Calvin Harris
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
- “Higher Love” – Kygo & Whitney Houston
- “24K Magic” – Bruno Mars
For bridal party entrances, consider fun, high-energy tracks that match the group’s personality.
First Dance Songs: Timeless or Modern Romance
The first dance is a moment of intimacy in the spotlight—a time to connect, breathe, and reflect on the day. Whether you’re traditional or looking for something unique, here are the most requested and trending songs:
Romantic Favorites:
- “Forever and Ever, Amen” – Brent Morgan (Acoustic)
- “You Are the Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne
- “Lover” – Taylor Swift (Acoustic/First Dance remix)
- “Make You Feel My Love” – Adele
- “Stand By Me” – Ben E. King
Videographer Insight: Slow, romantic songs with clear lyrics allow for beautiful editing and emotional storytelling in your video. Try to avoid songs with sudden tempo changes unless choreographed.
Parent Dances: Sentimental and Sweet
Father-Daughter Dance:
- “My Girl” – The Temptations
- “Butterfly Kisses” – Bob Carlisle
- “Never Grow Up” – Taylor Swift
- “Isn’t She Lovely” – Stevie Wonder
Mother-Son Dance:
- “Simple Man” – Lynyrd Skynyrd (Acoustic version)
- “You’ll Be in My Heart” – Phil Collins
- “Forever Young” – Rod Stewart
- “The Perfect Fan” – Backstreet Boys
Dance Floor Hits: Keep Guests Moving
By the time your guests hit the dance floor, it’s all about energy and fun. Whether you want classics or 2024 hits, here are songs that will keep people dancing:
Crowd-Pleasers:
- “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon
- “Dancing Queen” – ABBA
- “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston
- “Levitating” – Dua Lipa
- “September” – Earth, Wind & Fire
- “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Wellington wedding DJ tip: Ask your DJ to read the crowd and mix these with cultural or family favorites—especially at multicultural weddings where the playlist might blend multiple genres.
Last Dance Songs: Ending on a High Note
Close out the night with a song that brings everyone together—or one that’s just for the two of you.
Final Dance Ideas:
- “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
- “Closing Time” – Semisonic
- “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
- “Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver
- “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
Videographer’s Perspective: If you’re planning a private last dance after guests exit, it can be an incredibly emotional and cinematic moment to close your wedding film.
Music & Movement: Your Wedding Dress Considerations
It’s easy to overlook how your wedding dress will affect how you move to your favorite songs—especially for the first dance or twirls on the dance floor.
Dress Tips for Dancing:
- If you’re wearing a gown with a long train or full skirt, ask your stylist about bustling options.
- Consider a second reception dress or detachable skirt for more freedom and comfort.
- Practice dancing in your shoes (and your dress, if possible) before the big day.
- Communicate with your videographer and photographer about outfit changes, so they’re ready for fresh angles.
Remember: comfort equals confidence—and confident movement makes for stunning dance floor photos and videos.
Soundtracks That Shape Your Wedding Video
The songs you choose don’t just shape the vibe of your wedding day—they help create the emotional rhythm of your wedding film. When working with a videographer in Wellington, let them know:
- If you have specific songs you’d like incorporated into your highlight reel.
- Whether you’re open to their music licensing library (many use cinematic licensed tracks).
- If your first dance or speeches will serve as the central voiceover in the final film.
The best wedding videos blend footage, natural sound, and music to reflect the energy, emotion, and personality of your day.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Love Story Set the Tone
The best wedding playlists come from the heart. While trends can offer inspiration, the songs you choose should reflect your journey, your joy, and your future together. Whether you’re walking down the aisle in your dream wedding dress or spinning under the stars at your coastal Wellington venue, music makes every moment more meaningful.
So take your time, build a playlist that makes you feel something, and don’t forget to dance like nobody’s watching—because your wedding videographer in Wellington will be capturing every magical move.
