What Kind of Music Should We Play at Our Wedding?

There’s something magical about music.

It’s the subtle string quartet that makes your march-in feel like a movie. It’s the familiar beat that brings your groomsmen [29. How to Choose My Groomsmen] to life. And it’s the closing track that signals the end of a beautiful night—when your heels are off, your tie is loose and you’re surrounded by the people you love most.

But before the speakers start and the spotlight hits the aisle, you’ll find yourself asking:

What kind of music should we play at our wedding? Let’s tune in.

Step 1: Define the Vibe

The best wedding soundtracks aren’t just playlists—they’re reflections of you. Your story. Your style. Your shared history.

• Are we going for elegant and romantic?
• More fun and upbeat?
• A mix of both, depending on the time of day and venue [40.Hotel Banquet or Garden Solemnization?]?

• A classical string quartet might be perfect for a church solemnisation at CHIJMES.
• Jazz or acoustic pop works beautifully for garden receptions at The Summerhouse.
• Top 40s, K-pop, or EDM might suit evening banquets at Capella or Marina Bay Sands.

Think about your guests too—Singapore weddings often have a multigenerational crowd. The key is balance: one part couple’s vibe, one part crowd-pleaser.

Step 2: Curate by Moments

Instead of one long playlist, break your wedding into moments. Each one deserves its own mini soundtrack:

1. Pre-Ceremony

Light instrumental music to set the mood as guests arrive. Think: piano covers, lo-fi jazz, or even your favourite Studio Ghibli soundtracks (you’d be surprised how emotional those can be).

2. Processional / March-In

This is your moment. Go grand, go sweet, go cinematic. Popular choices include Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years, Canon in D, or a modern take like Perfect by Ed Sheeran.

(Hot tip: live musicians [58. Live music at weddings - pros and cons] for this part = goosebumps.)

3. Reception / Banquet

• Background tracks during the meal.
• This could be curated Spotify playlists or a live band doing classics from Teresa Teng to Coldplay.
• Local acts like The Wedding Serenata, Khim Ng, or White Ribbon Live Music are crowd favourites here.

4. Speeches + Toasts

Soft music fades in and out—don’t let it overpower your emcees [15. Do I Need an Emcee for My Wedding?] or that teary toast from Mum.

5. After-Party / Open Dance Floor

Go wild. Bruno Mars, BTS, Queen, ABBA—it’s your call. This is the part where even your 65-year-old uncle starts doing questionable cha-cha moves. Let him live.

Step 3: Live Band vs DJ vs Spotify

Live Band

Pro: Personal, interactive, emotional.

Con: More costly. Requires coordination, sound checks and space.

DJ

Pro: Great for energy and crowd control. Seamless transitions.

Con: Less intimate, unless you have a killer DJ who understands weddings.

Spotify

Pro: Budget-friendly, fully customisable.

Con: You need someone to manage the flow, volume, and sudden “why is there an ad?” moments. (Please: get Premium.)

You can even mix and match—live band for solemnisation, Spotify during dinner, DJ for the after-party. Vendors are usually flexible with hybrid setups.

Step 4: Don’t Forget Cultural Considerations

In Singapore, where weddings often include Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian and interfaith traditions, music can be a bridge.

• Mandopop classics for parents (Jay Chou, JJ Lin, anyone?)
• Traditional gamelan or kompang for cultural entrances
• Tamil love ballads or Bollywood hits during dinner
• English and dialect oldies for the ah gongs and ah mahs
• Or even a single song medley blending both worlds—modern and heritage

It’s beautiful to honour your roots through rhythm.

Final Tips

• Do a test listen at your venue [45. 5 Popular Wedding Venues in Singapore (2025 Q1 Edition!)], especially for outdoor spaces. Acoustics matter.
• Assign a music coordinator (not the bride or groom!) to manage transitions and cues.
• Don’t stress about perfection. If the music makes you smile, sway, or sob—you’ve picked the right track.

In the End…

The songs you choose will become part of your story.

Years from now, when a familiar tune plays in a Grab ride or at a café, you’ll be transported back to that moment—the look in their eyes, the warmth in the room, the joy in your heart.

So whether it’s an old-school ballad, a quirky ukulele cover, or a Taylor Swift deep cut (no judgment), just make sure it feels like you.

After all, love has a soundtrack. What’s yours?