17.01.2025

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Function Songs for Your Celebration

Music is the heartbeat of any celebration, and your wedding is no exception. From the moment you walk down the aisle to the last dance of the evening, the songs you choose create the atmosphere, evoke emotions, and help craft unforgettable memories. But with so many options available, how do you select the perfect wedding function songs that reflect your unique style and set the tone for your big day?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose wedding music that resonates with your love story, fits your wedding theme, and keeps your guests entertained all night long.


Tips for Creating your Wedding’s Song List

Whether you choose to have a live band or a DJ putting together the setlist for your special day, creating the soundtrack for your wedding is a team job. It’s crucial that you have as much of an input as possible, evoking special moments of nostalgia and connection throughout the day which have important relevance to you and your guests. It’s also a stressful job, picking a list of tracks out of thousands to form a memorable experience. Here are our general tips that will help set the tone for your special day.


Choose the Perfect Wedding Function Band for Your Celebration

The first step in selecting the ideal songs for your wedding is choosing the right band or music provider. Live music bands bring an unmatched energy and authenticity to weddings, creating a vibrant atmosphere that recorded playlists simply can’t replicate. A professional live wedding music band can guide you through song selection, adapt to your preferences, and ensure a seamless performance that enhances your special moments.

When hiring a live music band for your wedding, consider their repertoire, style, and ability to customise their setlist to suit your celebration. Whether you’re dreaming of romantic ballads, upbeat party hits, or timeless jazz classics, the right band can bring your vision to life. Unlike pre-recorded tracks, live performances can adapt to the energy of the room. If your guests are dancing with enthusiasm, the band can extend a song or shift to a high-energy tune to keep the momentum going. This flexibility ensures your wedding music remains dynamic and engaging throughout the evening.


Consider Songs that Add Energy and Excitement

Your wedding playlist should strike a balance between sentimental favourites and upbeat tracks that inspire guests to hit the dance floor. Live bands excel at creating this balance, seamlessly transitioning between genres and tempos to maintain a lively atmosphere.

Consider including a mix of wedding live songs, such as romantic classics for slow dances and good lively songs for wedding parties. Popular live band wedding songs, like Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” or Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”, never fail to energise a crowd.


Customised Music to Fit Your Wedding Style

Every wedding is unique, and your music should reflect your personal style and preferences. Whether you’re hosting a formal black-tie affair or a relaxed garden party, your chosen live music wedding band can tailor their performance to complement your theme.

Discuss your musical tastes and key moments with your band during the planning process. For example, you might want a soulful rendition of a favourite song for your first dance or a lively medley to kick off the party. Customising your wedding music ensures it aligns with your vision and adds a personal touch to your celebration.


Make the Most of Professional Sound Quality and Musicianship

One of the standout benefits of hiring a professional live band is the superior sound quality and musicianship they bring to your wedding. It doesn’t matter which songs you choose if they aren’t performed to a high standard. Experienced wedding live music bands invest in high-quality equipment and rehearse extensively to deliver flawless performances.

This professionalism ensures your guests enjoy every note, whether it’s a heartfelt ballad during your ceremony or an energetic anthem during your reception. Additionally, professional bands can seamlessly manage technical aspects, like sound checks and adjustments, to keep the music flowing smoothly.


Explore the Diversity of Different Music Genres

A skilled live band can cater to a wide range of musical tastes, ensuring every guest hears something they love. From jazz standards to modern pop hits, the versatility of live music bands allows them to create a diverse setlist that appeals to all generations.

For example, start your evening with elegant jazz or classical pieces during dinner and transition to upbeat wedding party music as the night progresses. This adaptability ensures your music evolves with the mood of the celebration, keeping the energy high and the dance floor full.

Give a Personal Touch

Your reception is the perfect opportunity to let loose and celebrate with your loved ones. Live wedding music bands can take this experience to the next level by performing unique arrangements or even taking requests from the audience.

Imagine the joy of hearing a live version of your favourite song or seeing your guests join the band for a fun karaoke moment. These personalised touches make your reception unforgettable and create memories that will be cherished for years to come.

What Do You Need to Consider When Hiring a Band?

When selecting a live band, it’s important to research their experience and reputation. Read reviews, watch performance videos, and consult with your venue to ensure the band aligns with your expectations.

Discuss logistics, such as the size of the band, space requirements, and setlist preferences, to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. Many bands offer packages that include lighting, sound equipment, and even DJ services, providing a comprehensive solution for your wedding music needs.

Our team at Anthem focuses on the full picture when delivering the music. We specialise in delivering exceptional live performances tailored to your wedding. From romantic ballads to high-energy hits, our talented musicians are dedicated to making your big day truly unforgettable. A huge aspect of this job is picking the songs and we are always happy to feed back our experiences with how different songs are received during the event. That’s why we put a lot of thought and planning into creating the setlist as we appreciate the vital role that music has to play during the wedding.

FAQs

About Hiring a Live Wedding Band

What are the most popular songs for a wedding ceremony?


Timeless classics like “Canon in D” by Pachelbel and “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri are popular choices for the processional. Upbeat tunes like “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder work well for the recessional.

How do I choose songs for each part of my wedding day?


Consider the tone and atmosphere you want for each segment. Romantic songs suit the ceremony, light tunes work for the drinks reception, and upbeat tracks energise the evening party.

Should we choose songs that reflect our relationship?


Absolutely. Personalised song choices add a meaningful touch to your celebration, creating a memorable soundtrack that reflects your journey as a couple.

How many songs should we choose for the wedding ceremony and reception?


You’ll typically need 3-4 songs for the ceremony and a longer playlist for the reception. Collaborate with your band to ensure the music flows seamlessly throughout the day.

Should we hire live music or a DJ for our wedding songs?


Live music offers an authentic and engaging experience, while DJs provide versatility in song selection. Some couples opt for both to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Can we request specific songs for our band or DJ to play?


Yes. Most bands and DJs are happy to accommodate specific requests, ensuring your favourite songs are part of the celebration.

Here’s how we can make your
wedding extraordinary:

Bespoke Music Tailored to You
Whether it’s a romantic acoustic performance during your ceremony or a lively evening set, we’ll craft a setlist that reflects your personal style.

Versatile and Engaging Performances
From pop and rock to soul and jazz, our talented band can cater to all musical tastes, keeping guests of all ages entertained.

Full-Day Packages
From the ceremony to the drinks reception and the evening party, we offer packages that cover every moment of your day.

Contact us

Contact us today to learn more about how our talented musicians can bring energy, excitement, and unforgettable moments to your big day. Book now to secure your date!

Contact us