How Many Songs Do You Need for a Wedding? A Complete Music Guide

When you start planning your big day, one of the first questions you might ask is how many songs do you need for a wedding? It’s a great question—and the answer depends on how long your celebration lasts and how personalized you want it to feel. Music touches every part of your wedding, from the ceremony entrance to the last dance of the night. In this guide, we’ll break down each part of the day and give you realistic song estimates and helpful tips to make the music flow smoothly and memorably.

Ceremony Songs (Typically 5–7 Songs)

The wedding ceremony is the heart of the day, and music plays a major role in setting the emotional tone. It helps create atmosphere, fill in transitions, and highlight key moments. You’ll want to select specific songs for each phase of the ceremony.

Processional (2–3 songs):

• One song for seating the family (like grandparents and parents)

• One song for the bridal party’s entrance

• One distinct song for the bride’s entrance

Each song usually lasts between one to two minutes depending on the size of your wedding party and the length of the aisle. You can use instrumental versions of your favorite songs or traditional classics like “Canon in D” or “A Thousand Years” for a romantic feel.

Interludes (Optional, 1–2 songs):

Depending on your ceremony style, you might have interludes for lighting a unity candle, a moment of prayer, or another symbolic ritual. These songs are typically soft and instrumental, lasting just a couple of minutes.

Recessional (1 song):

After you’ve said “I do” and had your first kiss, the recessional song signals the joyful exit. This should be upbeat and celebratory, like “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” or “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).”

Total estimate: 5–7 songs will cover most ceremonies, but if you’re adding personalized elements, plan for 1–2 extras just in case.

Cocktail Hour (About 15–20 Songs for 60 Minutes)

After the ceremony, guests usually head to a cocktail hour while the couple takes photos. This is a great time for relaxed, feel-good background music that sets the tone for the celebration.

Plan on around 15 to 20 songs for a one-hour cocktail hour. The vibe should be light and upbeat, but not too overpowering—think acoustic covers, jazz standards, soft indie tracks, or mellow pop tunes.

Popular options include:

• “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole

• “Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson

• “Just the Two of Us” by Grover Washington Jr.

• “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5

• “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae

You can either create a playlist in advance or let your DJ curate the vibe based on your preferences.

Dinner Reception (About 20–30 Songs for 90–120 Minutes)

Dinner music should be romantic and mid-tempo to encourage conversation while still maintaining the mood. If you’re serving a full meal over 90 minutes to two hours, you’ll want about 20 to 30 songs to cover that time frame.

This is a good chance to include some of your personal favorites—especially those that might not work as dance tracks. You can also mix in soft instrumentals, classical pieces, or acoustic renditions of love songs.

Sample songs for dinner:

• “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran

• “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones

• “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green

• “Your Song” by Elton John

• “You Are the Reason” by Calum Scott

The key is to keep the vibe romantic and soothing without putting your guests to sleep. You want people to feel relaxed and connected.

Special Dances (3–6 Songs)

Some of the most memorable wedding moments happen during the special dances. You don’t need many songs here, but each one should be meaningful and well-timed.

First Dance (1 song):

Your first dance as a married couple is a moment everyone looks forward to. Pick a song that represents your journey together. The typical length is 2–4 minutes, but you can fade out early if you want to avoid a long spotlight moment.

Parent Dances (2–3 songs):

• One for the father-daughter dance

• One for the mother-son dance

• Some couples also include a family dance, step-parent dance, or grandparent recognition

Optional Dances (1–2 songs):

• Anniversary dance (all married couples dance, leaving the longest-married couple on the floor)

• Money dance or dollar dance (where guests pay to dance briefly with the bride or groom)

Total: 3 to 6 songs should cover this section comfortably, depending on how many traditions you’re including.

Dance Party / Open Dancing (30–50 Songs for 2–3 Hours)

Now we’re getting to the party part! Once dinner and formalities are done, it’s time to open the dance floor. You’ll want a solid playlist for this section that keeps the energy up and encourages guests of all ages to dance.

For a 2–3 hour dance party, plan on 30 to 50 songs, depending on song length and any breaks (like speeches or games). A professional DJ can mix seamlessly, but if you’re DIY-ing it, having more songs queued up is always better.

Your playlist should include:

• A mix of old-school hits and current chart-toppers

• At least a few romantic slow songs

• Some throwbacks for crowd-pleasing singalongs

• One or two fun surprises

Popular dance tracks include:

• “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars

• “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire

• “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon

• “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake

• “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston

• “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé

• “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins

Make sure to work with your DJ to plan a few anchor songs—those you know you want played at a specific time—and share a do-not-play list to avoid awkward moments.

Cake Cutting, Bouquet Toss & Exit (3–5 Songs)

There are a few more small but important moments that need music to tie them together. You won’t need full playlists here, just one song for each event.

Cake Cutting (1 song):

This can be playful or romantic. Think:

• “Sugar” by Maroon 5

• “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor

• “Cut the Cake” by Average White Band

Bouquet Toss (1 song):

Choose something fun and flirty:

• “Single Ladies” by Beyoncé

• “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain

• “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

Garter Toss (Optional, 1 song):

If you’re doing this tradition, choose a cheeky or bold track:

• “Pony” by Ginuwine

• “Hot in Herre” by Nelly

• “SexyBack” by Justin Timberlake

Grand Exit (1 song):

Close the night with something big and joyful:

• “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

• “Marry You” by Bruno Mars

• “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates

Plan for 3 to 5 songs in total for these mini-moments.

How to Organize and Communicate Your Song List

Once you’ve chosen your songs, it’s time to put them in order. Whether you’re working with a live band, DJ, or DIY playlist, clarity is key. Here are a few ways to stay organized:

• Use a spreadsheet: Create columns for the event (e.g., processional, first dance), song title, artist, and start/stop time if needed.

• Color code: Mark special dances or must-play songs in a different color.

• Create playlists in advance: On Spotify or Apple Music, group songs by section (e.g., “Ceremony,” “Reception,” “Dance Floor”).

• Consult your pros: If you’ve hired a DJ or band, ask for their input on flow and transitions. Good pros know how to read a crowd and make subtle adjustments.

Also, don’t forget to share your “do not play” list. If there’s a song you absolutely hate or one with inappropriate lyrics, make that clear ahead of time.

Let the Music Be Your Memory

When thinking about how many songs do you need for a wedding, the answer is less about numbers and more about intention. Each part of the day has its own vibe, and the music helps carry everyone through it. Whether it’s six songs for a short ceremony or sixty for a full night of dancing, the songs you choose will set the tone for how your wedding is remembered.

So don’t stress about picking the perfect playlist all at once. Start with the moments that matter most to you—your walk down the aisle, your first dance, your last hurrah—and build from there. Let the music reflect who you are, how you love, and the energy you want to create on one of the most important days of your life.

After all, the best memories are often made to music—and your wedding deserves a soundtrack that feels just right.