Creating a Wedding Inspired by Your Favorite Music

Whether you’re a jazzophile, metalhead, or Broadway musical aficionado, there’s a good chance you’ve written your love story to a soundtrack of your favorite tunes. Music plays a prominent role in many couples’ relationships, be it a specific song, a beloved artist, or a go-to genre. And when planning a wedding, music can be just as important!

“Music has a powerful way of connecting people,” explains Dee Lee of Dee Lee Designs. “It sets the tone for an event and also evokes a lot of emotions based on memories associated with the songs. It is a true reflection of who they are together.”

While adding your favorite songs to the reception playlist is a no-brainer, there are plenty of ways to play up your shared love of music on your wedding day. Here are four ways to curate an experience that highlights your musical taste beyond the dance floor.

Cover photo BYC Photography | wedding planning by Dee Lee Designs

Weave It Into the Ceremony

When you think about wedding music, you probably think about the reception. While first dances and late-night jams are a big part of your day, don’t overlook music’s impact on your ceremony!

To start, “instead of the traditional wedding march, walk down the aisle to an acoustic version of your favorite song or have live musicians perform a meaningful track,” Craig Peterman of Craig Peterman Photography and Videography recommends.

If you want to take it a step further, Jen Sulak of Weirdo Weddings suggests “tailoring your vows and readings into music quotes or lyrics.” Pick a special song from your love story and ask your officiant to incorporate it into the ceremony proceedings.

Think of marriage as blending your harmony with their melody for a beautiful, one-of-a-kind song. It’s fitting to celebrate your musical preferences as you tie the knot!

Dress the Part

Music and fashion have gone hand-in-hand for decades, so music lovers can pull inspiration from their favorite artists when planning their wedding day attire. Sure, Britney’s red catsuit may not match your wedding vision, but you can find plenty of iconic fashion ideas to inspire your day-of look. (Hello, 2000 Grammys Britney!)

“If you’re really committed to the theme, let your fashion choices reflect your musical inspiration,” Peterman encourages. “Rock a leather jacket over your wedding dress, or wear a tux inspired by your favorite crooner. You can really show off your style and bring your music theme to life.”

From pairing pink and diamonds in true Madonna fashion to honoring The Supremes with stylish sequins, don’t be afraid to pull bits and pieces from your favorite artist’s style.

Want to take it up a notch? “As a bonus, have a live band completely dressed to the part to give that extra effort,” Peterman adds. That’s sure to amp up the dance floor vibe!

Pick the Right Professionals

If music is an underlying theme for your wedding, selecting an entertainment vendor is one of your most important decisions. Choosing a DJ or band depends on the mood you want at your wedding. Do you want to highlight a specific artist or an entire genre?

From pairing pink and diamonds in true Madonna fashion to honoring The Supremes with stylish sequins, don’t be afraid to pull bits and pieces from your favorite artist’s style.

But if you want to embrace a whole genre or decade of music, you may find it easier to book a DJ with a suitable repertoire. Loni Peterson of LP Creative Events notes that a DJ can also help create plug-and-play playlists for other parts of the day.

“If you are going a DJ route for the dance party but have playlists for cocktail hour and dinner, I suggest hiring a DJ who can curate a personalized playlist just for you,” she says. “You and your partner will send in songs that you like/must play, etc, and the DJ will curate a playlist that matches the flow of the evening.”

So, if you dream of getting ready with your besties to your favorite Taylor Swift jams, a DJ can build a playlist with your favorite tunes and other complementary songs to fit the vibes. Who you hire for entertainment significantly impacts your wedding’s musical style, so do your research and book accordingly!

Turn It Into a Full-On Theme

For true music enthusiasts, a ceremony reading or curated playlist may not be enough to showcase your passion. In that case, consider integrating your favorite music into your wedding decor to make it clear what you and your partner love!

“Album covers, concert posters, vinyl records, and more can all be used as decor pieces for your wedding,” Peterman notes. “Use memorabilia from your favorite bands or concerts, which can make the wedding feel personal and nostalgic. One couple I worked with used old vinyl records as chargers for their table settings.”

For a different approach, Sulak recommends finding inspiration from influential decades. “If the music falls into a range of years, use various decades to think about styling and decor for the reception,” she proposes. “Giving table names or cards for each person could be really fun, tailored to your favorite songs, musicians, and lyrics.”

Another fun way to elevate a musical theme: Create a “sneak peek” playlist to share on your invitation suite. You’ll set the tone for your wedding, and guests will love getting a preview of the big day!

Your wedding is a day to reflect on your unique love story. If music has defined your relationship, let your tunes take center stage! Your musical tastes are a special part of who you are as a couple, so don’t be afraid to let them shine through in every detail. After all, the best wedding is the one that sounds—and feels—authentically like you!

Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.