The Ultimate Wedding Music Timeline: What to Play & When

Creating a timeline for your wedding music is one of the most important (and overlooked!) parts of planning.

A well-curated musical flow can set the tone, guide transitions, and turn your wedding into a cohesive, cinematic experience.

Here’s a suggested timeline we use with many of our couples:

1. Pre-Ceremony
Soft instrumentals, strings, or acoustic covers as guests arrive and take their seats

2. Ceremony
Processional, walk-down-the-aisle moment, and recessional song (pick something meaningful or classic)

3. Cocktail Hour
Live jazz, acoustic sets, or funky chill vibes

4. Dinner
Laid-back soul, singer-songwriter, or instrumental background while guests eat

5. Grand Entrance + First Dance
Your special songs — these can be live or DJ’d depending on style

6. Reception/Dance Floor
Full party mode. Let us handle the transitions so the dance floor never empties

7. Last Song + Send-Off
End on a high (or emotional) note — and yes, we have ideas

Want help building your custom music timeline? [Let’s plan it together.]