Songs for Every Part of Your Wedding Day

Consider this your official wedding playlist.

Photo by AH Studios, LLC

We have attended a lot of weddings. Like A LOT of weddings, and no two are the same. From getting ready in the morning, to walking down the aisle, to entering the reception, the music you choose will set the tone for your entire day. There are SO many songs to choose from, and it can sometimes feel daunting at first when trying to find the perfect music for your day. Lucky for you, we have been around the block a time or two and have no shortage of musical inspiration.

To help you out, we came up with a list of songs to inspire your playlist for every moment of your big day.

Getting Ready

Set the tone for your day with some of these songs to get you pumped up. Getting ready is more than just hair and make up, but quality time you get to spend with your girls. The room is often filled with excitement and anticipation. Check out these songs to start your morning on a good note!

• Firework - Katy Perry

• Dear Future Husband - Meghan Trainor

• Glamorous - Fergie Ft. Ludacris

• Hips Don't Lie - Shakira

• Love on Top - Beyonce

• Chapel of Love - The Dixie Cups

• Run the World (Girls) - Beyonce

• Singing in the Shower - Becky G

• Come On - Ke$ha

• Show You Off - Dan + Shay

Pre-Ceremony Music

Pre-ceremony music begins playing about 30 minutes before your wedding starts. It’s the music that is softly playing in the background as guests enter the ceremony space. This music can be instrumental or a regular song, but it is really your preference. The following songs are perfect to accompany your precessional.

• Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay

• Halo - Beyonce

• Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars

• Mama's Song - Carrie Underwood

• Here Comes the Sun - Beatles

• I'm Yours - Jason Maraz

• The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra

• XO - John Mayer

• You're Still The One - Shania Twain

• Lucky - Colbie Caillat & Jason Maraz

Precessional

This is the music your wedding party will be walking down the aisle to. You can choose however many songs you’d like for your party. We typically advise a song for parents and grandparents, a song for bridal party, and then a song for the bride to walk in to. You can definitely use more. Also these songs can be instrumental or as is depending on your preference. The below songs are some of our favorite to walk down the aisle to.

• From the Ground Up - Dan + Shay

• Speechless - Dan + Shay

• Can't Help Falling in Love - Haley Reinhart

• Cannon in D - Johann Pachelbel

• A Thousand Years - Christina Perri

• I Get to Love You - Ruelle

• L.O.V.E - Michael Buble

• All of Me - John Legend

• Marry Me - Train

• From This Moment - Shania Twain

Recessional

You did it! The knot has been tied and you are ready to descent the aisle as the new Mr and Mrs. These are perfect songs to describe the excitement of that just married feeling.

• I Choose You - Sara Bareilles

• Happy Together - The Turtles

• Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder

• Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding

• Best Day of My Life - American Authors

• This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Nat King Cole

• At Last - Etta James

• Happy - Pharrell Williams

• All You Need is Love - Beatles

• You Make My Dreams - Hall & Oates

Bridal Party or Bride & Groom Introductions

Let’s get the party started! The bridal party entrance or bride & groom entrance song really sets the tone for the evening. The songs you can enter the reception to are endless. There are SO many. Check out some of the best songs to really get the party started.

• Forever - Chris Brown

• Can't Stop the Feeling - Justin Timberlake

• Good Life - Kayne West

• We Found Love - Rihanna

• Latch - Disclosure

• Raise Your Glass - P!nk

• Marry You - Bruno Mars

• Crazy In Love - Beyonce & Jay-Z

• White Wedding - Billy Idol

• Here for The Party - Gretchen Wilson

First Dance

Questionably one of the sweetest parts of the night is the first dance. There are absolutely NO rules when it comes to picking a first dance song. Pick a song that is personal and sentimental to you and your significant other. Below are some sweet songs we like for a first dance.

• Stolen - Dashboard Confessional (Slow Version)

• God Gave me You - Blake Shelton

• Beautiful, Crazy - Luke Combs

• Yours - Russell Dickerson

• Time After Time - Cindy Lauper

• Everything - Michael Buble

• Oh What a World - Kasey Musgraves

• I Cross My Heart - George Strait

• Love on The Brain - Rihanna

• Beautiful Stranger - Halsey

Father/Daughter Dance

Father/daughter songs are one of the harder ones to choose. Think about your relationship with your dad, and a song that could represent that. Below we came up with some sentimental songs sure to be a hit.

• Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder

• Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman

• One Call Away - Charlie Puth

• Count on Me - Bruno Mars

• Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlsile

• Wildflowers - Tom Petty

• My Girl -The Temptations

• Daughters - John Mayer

• I'll Be There For You - The Rembrandts

• Tiny Dancer - Elton John

Mother/Son Dance

Like the father/daughter dance, the mother/son dance is just as sentimental. This song should be respectful and appropriate, and a representation of your relationship. Below we picked some nice songs for the mother/son dance.

• My Wish - Rascal Flatts

• I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack

• Landslide - Fleetwood Mac

• Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion

• Simple Man (Acoustic) - Shinedown

• Humble & Kind - Tim McGraw

• What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

• You'll Be in My Heart - Phil Collins

• Loves Me Like a Rock - Paul Simon

• Stand by Me - Florence + The Machine

Cake Cutting

Usually done after dinner, the cake cutting is an exciting part of the night, pick a fun song to match that excitement. We listed some songs below that would work well during your cake cutting.

• How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) - Marvin Gaye

• Sugar - Robin Schultz

• Walking on Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves

• Yummy - Justin Bieber

• Sugar, Sugar - The Archies

• Today Was a Fairytale - Taylor Swift

• All My Life - K-Ci & JoJo

• Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Eurythmics

• Sugar, We're Going Down - Fall Out Boy

• Best Day - Taylor Swift

Bouquet Toss

A song for the ladies! Sometimes skipped over, the bouquet toss is traditionally used to decide who the next bride will be. Today it is more of a fun girls-only tradition. Check out some fun girl power songs we think would work great during the bouquet toss.

• Only Girl - Rihanna

• Man! I Feel Like a Woman! - Shania Twain

• Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper

• This One's For the Girls - Martina McBride

• Where Them Girls At - David Guetta Ft. Nicki Minaj & Flo Rida

• There She Goes - The La's

• Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani

• Diva - Beyonce

• Independent Women - Destiny's Child

• That's My Girl - Fifth Harmony

Garter Toss

A song for the ladies! Sometimes skipped over, the bouquet toss is traditionally used to decide who the next bride will be. Today it is more of a fun girls-only tradition. Check out some fun girl power songs we think would work great during the bouquet toss.

• Pony - Genuine

• Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top

• Suit & Tie - Justin Timberlake

• Hot in Herre - Nelly

• Pour Some Sugar On Me - Def Leppard

• Sexy Back - Justin Timberlake

• Brick House - The Commodores

• Bad to the Bone - George Thorogood and the Destroyers

• Whatta Man - Salt-N-Pepa

• You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC

Anniversary Dance

Definitely the cutest part of the night. We LOVE the anniversary dance! It is so sweet watching grandma and grandpa who have been married for 60+ years out on the dance floor. Below you will find some of the cutest songs for the anniversary dance sure to get everyone (who is married) out on the dance floor.

• Tennessee Whiskey - Chris Stapleton

• I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing - Aerosmith

• Forever & Always - Shania Twain

• Amazed - Lone Star

• Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran

• Through the Years - Rascal Flatts

• Forever and Ever Amen - Randy Travis

• You and Me - Lifehouse

• Take My Breath Away - Berlin

• 10,000 Hours - Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber

Dance Music

Open the dance floor and let’s party! Here are some songs to get the party pumped up.

• Midnight City - M83

• One Kiss - Dua Lipa & Calvin Harris

• No Hands - Waka Flaka Flame

• Mr. Brightside - The Killers

• Something Just Like This - Chainsmokers & Coldplay

• I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney Houston

• September - Earth, Wind & Fire

• Fireball - Pit Bull

• It's Tricky - Run D.M.C

• Dancing Queen - Abba

Unique Something Blue Ideas for Your Big Day

You've heard the saying "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue". We are bringing you 15 fresh ideas for your something blue.

Photo by Justin Klope Photography

We've all heard the saying "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue," but have you ever thought about the meaning behind it? Something old represents continuity, something new gives optimism for the future, something borrowed represents borrowed happiness, and something blue represents purity, faithfulness, or modesty.

Traditionally, these items were worn on the bride's person or carried by the bride down the aisle. Today brides are finding more unique ways to incorporate these aspects in their wedding day. We put together a list of some of the more unique options to inspire you when it comes to your "something blue".

Shoes

Photos by Justine Klope Photography

Flowers/Bouquet Wrap

1 Photo by Justine Klope Photography; 2 Personal Archive 3 Photo by Rachael Houser Photography

Jewelry

Photo by Idalia Photography & Etsy.com

Nail Polish

Something Borrowed & Blue by Essie. Via Pinterest.com

Bridesmaid Dresses

Photo by Morgan Newsom Photography & Video by Storyboard Videography

Wedding Gown

Photo by The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood via Pinterest.com 2 Photo by We Choose the Moon Photography

Vow Notebook

His/Her Vows Pocket Moleskin Notebook Zazzle.com

Ring Box

Pale Blue Vintage Velvet Ring Box from Etsy.com

Handkerchief

Lace Embroidered Handkerchief from Etsy.com & Happy Tears Wedding Handkerchief Etsy.com

Guest Book

Guest Book Alternative State Map from Etsy.com ; Wedding Guest Book Blue & Gold Foil from Esty.com

Invitation Suite

Shinewedding.com via Pinterest.com

Table Settings

Cake/Dessert Table

Cake by the Cake Mom & Co on Instagram & Donuts by Redd's Donuts

A Guide to Hotel Welcome/Gift Bags for Your Wedding

You know we love giving you tips on how to make your guests feel more comfortable and welcome during your big day. Especially if you know you will not have time to greet many out of town guests before your big day, having welcome gift bags at the hotel is sure to put a smile on their face.

What is a hotel welcome bag?

A hotel welcome bag is a bag/gift filled with the items to make your guests’ expórtenles as comfortable and memorable as possible. It is a perfect way to welcome your guests to the area and thank them for attending your big day. They are most often given at destination weddings after someone has arranged flights and accommodations to attend your wedding. But are becoming very popular especially if you have a lot of out of town guests. Of course, you don’t have to make welcome bags for your guests, but it will definitely feel more welcome. If you do decide to give welcome bags, make sure to include everyone.

What to put in your bag?

There are tons of options, and no limits as to what you can include in your welcome bags. You can go as big or small as you want. We have seen so many great ideas, and think it’s best to include practical items and fun favors.

Welcome/Thank You Note

What is a welcome bag without a personal note?

Here, you can thank your friends and family for attending, and include any information you want or need them to know. Handwritten notes are definitely more personal, but printed notes are just as meaningful. Don’t forget to include your wedding hashtag or any other social media shout outs you wish to include.

Itinerary

An itinerary is one of the most important things you can provide your guests with. Where to go and when to be there can be confusing for an out of town guest. Keep your guests in the loop with a wedding weekend timeline. From the welcome party to the post/wedding brunch, at the very least provide your guests with the time and location of all your important events. An itinerary is also helpful if you plan on providing a shuttle or alternative form of transportation for your guests to and from your event.

Restaurants/Local Attractions

If you expect guests to have a lot of down time, it could be useful to recommend restaurants and local attractions. Maybe your guests are using this time for a mini vacation. Especially if you are having a local wedding, who knows your own town better than you? Guests will absolutely love your personal recommendations. Whether you go to dinner at the same spot every Friday night, or you absolutely love donuts from a cute local shop, share those recommendations with your guests. This information could be included at the bottom or back of your thank you/welcome note or itinerary.

Snacks

Everyone loves snacks, especially after a long day of wedding festivities. A fun way to introduce your guests to the city or state is with local snacks. Guests may not have heard of or tasted before some of the snacks local to your area. For example, in Kentucky we have seen people include Kentucky Hot Mix and Bourbon balls; in Tennessee we have seen people include moon pies and moonshine. We have also seen couples do a "his favorite" and "her favorite", which is a really sweet (no pun intended) way to introduce your guests to you all as a couple. You can get very creative with snacks. We always encourage including something sweet and something salty.

Something to Drink

Dropping a couple bottles of water into the welcome bag is such a nice touch. After a long day of travel all your guest wants to do is get to their destination and get comfortable. I am sure you can all relate to being parched and exhausted after travel. Your guests will save a few dollars and be very grateful. While water is always a necessity, you can add other drinks as well. We have seen people include small 1 shot liquors, sodas, Gatorade, etc. A Paducah specific idea could be to include a can of Purple Toad Black and Bruised wine, a crowd favorite, and a great way to introduce your guests to everyone’s favorite winery.

Hangover Helpers

A crowd favorite in wedding packages are hangover cures. After a long night of celebration, some hangover essentials could definitely be needed and appreciated. Things like pain medicine, liquid IV, tums, alka seltzer, etc are all great options.

Seasonal Essentials

Help your guests brave the elements during your day. During the winter including chapstick or lip balm could be a great addition. If you are having an outdoor ceremony or reception, bug spray and sunscreen are great ideas too.

Paducah & Kentucky Specific Welcome Bag/Gift Ideas

Photos via Facebook - Dough & Co; The Farmhouse of Paducah; Cookie Laboratory

• Purple Toad Wine

• Bourbon balls

• Kentucky Hot Mix

• Cookies/desserts from a local bakery (Like Artisan Kitchen, Kirchoff’s, Dough & Co, Cookie Laboratory, etc)

• Soaps, Lotions, Candles from The Farmhouse Coffee and Gift Shop

Our Favorite Examples

Photos via marthastewart.com

1. Silvie Gill Photography; 2. Laura Ford Photography; 3. The Grovers Photography; 4. Elizabeth Messina Photography; 5. Sarah Corona Photography; 6. KT Merry