When you are set to look at the music for your wedding, don’t let the planning take a back seat. The music is a very important part of your big day, and musing over songs for your beach wedding is going to be different than other, more traditional style weddings. That is because your beach wedding has to adhere to that beachy feel.
The main reason that beach wedding music is a different style is that for the most part, beach weddings are more casual and less formal than other types of wedding styles and themes. So the music is going to reflect that same casual and laid-back tone.
There are some great ways to work on creating a good working song list for your DJ or band that will encompass the beach wedding you desire while making sure to entertain and entice your guests to dance the night away!
PLANNING THE PLAYLIST
One of the most important things when creating a playlist that works for you and your to-be spouse is that you adhere to both of your music tastes. Your music tastes and preferences are important because you want your guests to hear the music that inspires your love for one another, makes a memorable impression, and of course, encourages them to have a great time!
You may have already established the beach wedding vibe that you’re hoping for through your engagement announcements and invitation. You can use those for inspiration. Think about song lyrics that mean something to you or your spouse-to-be. Could those work for specific moments during your beach wedding, like the bride’s entrance overlooking the water or the open-air cocktail hour?
It’s okay if you have a blend of various styles, but make sure you plan out how the songs are presented, so you don’t have huge changes from song to song. Think about how much of the music you want to control, as sometimes it is better to let your Band or DJ handle it – it is their area of expertise after all. Adam Michaels, the owner of the wedding band provider Around Town Entertainment, encourages that you “sit down with your band or DJ and discuss what songs will segway better into others. It’s important to incorporate both couples’ tastes in music and to make sure your songs are relevant to your beach venue. But the presentation of the music during the reception should be handled by the professionals.”
SONG CHOICES
Remember that this is still a wedding. Even if you love the song, would it be really appropriate to blast a death metal anthem during a reception, no matter where you’re hosting it? It is safe to stay away from things that won’t play into the beach/destination wedding style. If you’re stuck on figuring out what songs fit best for your beach wedding, venture back to the idea of that nice relaxed and easygoing feel.
Here are some song suggestions that are very popular for beach weddings, broken up into categories:
ROMANTIC – SLOWER
- “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
- “Marry Me” – Train
- “Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley / UB40
- “Better Together” – Jack Johnson
SUMMER – FASTER
- “Walkin’ on Sunshine” – Katrina and the Waves
- “Summertime” – DJ Jazzy Jeff & Will Smith
- “Dancin’ in the Street” – Martha and the Vandellas
- “Hot Hot Hot” – Buster Poindexter
- “Margaritaville” – Jimmy Buffet
- “Surfin’ USA” – The Beach Boys
BEACHY/BREEZY – MODERATE
- “Somewhere Over The Rainbow/Wonderful World” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
- “3 Little Birds” or “Is This Love” – Bob Marley
- “God Only Knows” or “Good Vibrations” – Beach Boys
- “Better Together” – Jack Johnson
- “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” – Rupert Holmes
Remember that these are just suggestions. Most of these songs span across many years and appeal to a large majority of people, but feel free to choose your own.
IT ALL COMES BACK TO THE THEME AND FEEL
The song choices are ultimately up to you and your spouse, but it’s important to make sure you tie in the theme you are working with for your beach wedding. If it’s a destination wedding, maybe you want to incorporate songs that mention having a drink in Mexico, like Kenny Chesney’s “Beer in Mexico” or Toby Keith’s “Stays In Mexico.” Is it just a nice, casual and relaxed atmosphere where you’d like more of the breezy ukelele songs? Consider some Bob Marley. Do you want more of a party atmosphere with a lot of upbeat dance tunes? Perhaps turn to some of Pitbull’s hits.
The best thing you can do is sit down with your spouse and work out your encompassing theme, and pick songs that fit into the mold. Don’t feel pressured to feel you have to pick all of your songs and make sure to let the professionals pick up on what your wants are and adhere to them. Your real responsibility lies in picking your first dance song, your mother/groom dance song, and the father/bride dance song. After that, once you establish your vision, you can leave everything up to your entertainment.
On the flip side, it is not a bad idea to get a list of songs you prefer, as this will be a great help to your entertainment so that they can see exactly what you are looking for. And of course, if you and your spouse have special songs, such as that song that was playing the first time you ever danced together, you definitely need to include them. It is your special day after all!
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