The Lightmen
Music has the power to crystallise a moment, instantly bringing back special memories every time you hear that song in the future. So of course, you’ll want your wedding day to be filled with the music that means the most to you.
While your daytime wedding songs may not be the most important songs you choose for your wedding (we’re sure you’ll agree they rank somewhat below your wedding ceremony song or your first dance song), they’re still essential in creating the right atmosphere during those hours between your vows and the evening party.
There are no rules for your daytime music choices; the music you pick depends upon your personal taste and the vibe you’re going for. We’d suggest opting for songs that sit nicely in the background, gently setting your desired mood and subtly keeping a smile on guests’ faces. We’d also suggest saving any absolute bangers for your evening reception when you can let loose on the dance floor.
You’ll probably have a good idea of the sorts of songs you’d like to be played during your afternoon drinks and wedding breakfast but take a look through our curated list of daytime wedding songs and you’re sure to find some inspiration.
We’ve divided the songs into styles and moods, so you can start to construct a themed playlist – or pick and mix from a range of categories. We hope you have as much fun planning your daytime wedding music as we had putting together these 101 amazing tunes!
Acoustic and Folk
Smiley and upbeat or raw and heartfelt, folk and acoustic wedding music captures a range of moods, while being light enough to be perfect backing music.
Jazzbox Dukes
Hopeless Wanderer – Mumford and Sons
Better Together – Jack Johnson
Wild Horses – The Rolling Stones
Wings (Acoustic Version) – Birdy
Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
Everlong (Acoustic Version) – Foo Fighters
Little Talks – Of Monsters and Men
Classical
Timeless and beautiful, classical music adds elegance and refinement to champagne on the terrace. A popular option is to hire a wedding string quartet to give a live performance. They may even throw in a classical interpretation of your favourite modern song.
Arco Quartet
The Swan – Camille Saint-Saens
Symphony No. 6 in F (‘Pastoral’) – Ludwig van Beethoven
Sweet Child Of Mine (String Quartet Arrangement) – Guns n Roses/Vitamin String Quartet
The Lark Ascending – Ralph Vaughan Williams
Air on the G String – Johann Sebastian Bach
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini – Sergei Rachmaninoff
Canon in D Major – Johann Pachelbel
Clarinet Concerto in A Major – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Modern Romance
AKA the songs which nearly made it as your first dance but not quite! Tender tracks from the biggest artists of today that make ideal wedding listening.
Gtown Band
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
You Are The Reason – Calum Scott and Leona Lewis
I’m Not The Only One – Sam Smith
Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
Mellow Rock and Indie
Save ‘Mr Brightside’ and ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ for the evening reception! These mellow rock and indie tracks are for brides and grooms who prefer their laid-back tracks with an edge.
Indie Kings
Four Out Of Five – Arctic Monkeys
The Circle – Ocean Colour Scene
Universally Speaking – Red Hot Chili Peppers
AKA… What A Life! – Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds
Chilled
Sun-drenched, relaxing tunes to evoke blissful, chilled-out vibes even if the weather decides not to behave itself.
Meant To Be – Bebe Rexha (feat. Florida Georgia Line)
I Remember – Deadmau5 (feat. Kaskade)
Children (Dream Version) – Robert Miles
Uplifting
These feel-good songs are guaranteed to get your guests in a good mood – they should be anyway having just watched you get married, but these tunes will turn the surliest of frowns upside down!
Afro Soul
Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae
Castle On The Hill – Ed Sheeran
Lullaby – Sigala and Paloma Faith
Film and TV Favourites
Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan, a box-set addict or a Sci-Fi geek, there’s an abundance of fantastic movie music out there to add a personal touch to your daytime wedding music.
You’ve Got A Friend In Me – Randy Newman (from Toy Story)
Theme from Jurassic Park – John Williams
Kissing You – Des’Ree (from Romeo and Juliet)
You’re Welcome – Dwayne Johnson (from Moana)
Game of Thrones Main Theme – Ramin Djawadi
Married Life – Michael Giacchino (from Up)
The Breaking of The Fellowship – Howard Shore (From The Lord of the Rings)
Back To The Future Theme – Alan Silvestri
Princess Leia’s Theme – John Williams (from Star Wars)
I’ll Be There For You – The Rembrandts (from Friends)
All-Time Greats
These are the legends everyone always loves to hear. The new In-Laws and the older members of the wedding party will thank you for sprinkling in a few classics.
Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder
Piece Of My Heart – Janis Joplin
You Can’t Always Get What You Want – Rolling Stones
Who’s Loving You – Michael Jackson
Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey
California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & The Papas
Classic Soul and Motown
The impeccably produced instrumentation and gorgeous vocals of classic soul and Motown makes the ideal musical accompaniment to the hubbub of friends and family chatting and laughing over drinks and canapés.
Jreeve Sax
(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay – Otis Redding
For Once In My Life – Stevie Wonder
Love and Affection – Joan Armatrading
I Say A Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher – Jackie Wilson
Never Too Much – Luther Vandross
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face – Roberta Flack
Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
Jazz, Swing and Vintage
From the suave crooning of the Rat Pack greats (and Michael Bublé) to the smooth stylings of a jazz band, to swinging reworkings of modern songs, there’s a reason jazz and swing wedding bands remain so popular.
I’ve Got You Under My Skin – Frank Sinatra
Green Onions – Booker T. & The MGs
You Make Me Feel So Young – Frank Sinatra
Finesse (40s Swing Cover) – Bruno Mars/Postmodern Jukebox
THIS IS A GUEST FEATURE WRITTEN BY // Entertainment Nation
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Lacey Dukes
