If you want to know what your wedding playlist really should look like in 2025, don’t just check old Spotify charts. Here’s a fresh take on the most requested wedding songs and styles, sprinkled with some behind-the-scenes stories and the latest trends. From TikTok-fueled ceremonies to that goosebumps-inducing first dance, let’s create a playlist that’s anything but cookie-cutter.
When couples ask, “What should we put on our wedding playlist?” the answer in 2025 is clearer than ever: make it you. Sure, there are timeless classics that never go out of style—but this year’s most-requested wedding songs reflect a beautiful blend of nostalgia, modern love, and personal storytelling.
Here’s what we’re actually seeing on the dance-floor request lists, and how you can lean into these trends to craft a playlist that feels uniquely yours.
The Top Wedding Songs of 2025
Let’s be honest: if you’re planning your wedding playlist for 2025, you want something fresh, fun, and totally you. But here’s the twist—while new trends are everywhere, some classics just won’t quit. According to our latest DJ Intelligence data (which tracks over 100,000 wedding events every year!), the top wedding songs 2025 are a mix of timeless love ballads and viral TikTok hits. So, what are couples really requesting for their big day? Let’s break it down, moment by moment.
The Most Requested Wedding Songs of 2025
First up, the unbeatable favorite: ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran. Yes, it’s still number one across ceremonies, receptions, and first dances. Don’t roll your eyes until you see the grandparents slow dancing to it—there’s a reason it’s a classic! Right behind it, you’ll find ‘A Thousand Years’ by Christina Perri and ‘All of Me’ by John Legend. These songs have serious staying power, and couples just can’t get enough of them for the most romantic moments.
As Sarah Klein, a wedding DJ and trend analyst, puts it:
“Wedding playlists are evolving as fast as online trends. Couples want their soundtrack to reflect what matters to them right now, not just what used to be popular.”
TikTok Takes Over: Viral Songs Shaping 2025 Playlists
But here’s the real surprise: TikTok wedding songs are dictating the vibe for everything from the bridal party entrance to the after-party. If you’ve seen the #EspressoEntrance or #BeautifulThingsWedding tags, you know what we mean. Couples are selecting tracks that have gone viral on TikTok, making their celebrations feel current and totally personal.
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‘Golden‘ from Demon Hunters
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‘Beautiful Things’ by Benson Boone (#BeautifulThingsWedding)
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‘Cupid’ by FIFTY FIFTY (for fun, upbeat moments)
These viral hits are showing up in everything from the cocktail hour playlist to the last dance, proving that social media is now a major player in wedding music choices.
Setting the Mood: Cocktail Hour & Dinner
For the cocktail hour and dinner, couples are leaning into a mix of indie pop, acoustic covers, and lo-fi remixes of classic love songs. Think chill, happy, and a little unexpected. Some of the most requested songs for these moments include:
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‘Lover’ (Acoustic) – Taylor Swift
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‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ (Cover) – Kina Grannis
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‘Yellow’ (Acoustic) – Coldplay
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‘Put It All on Me’ – Ed Sheeran feat. Ella Mai
Special Traditions: Ceremony, Cake, and Cultural Moments
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Ceremony: ‘Perfect’ and ‘A Thousand Years’ are still top picks for walking down the aisle, but instrumental versions of TikTok hits are making appearances, too.
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Breaking the Glass (Jewish weddings): Upbeat klezmer classics are getting remixed with modern beats—think “Siman Tov u’Mazel Tov” with a pop twist.
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Knife Dance (Persian weddings): Couples are mixing traditional Persian tunes with trending pop songs for a unique, high-energy moment.
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Cake Cutting: ‘Sugar’ by Maroon 5 and ‘Cake by the Ocean’ by DNCE are still favorites, but don’t be surprised if you hear a TikTok viral song here, too.
First Dance & Last Dance: The Grand Bookends
First Dances Are Still the Heart of the Day
The first dance remains sacred, and 2025 couples are choosing songs that feel emotional, sincere, and deeply personal. Some trends we’re seeing:
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Taylor Swift’s “Lover” continues to dominate. Its dreamy melody and lyrical closeness make it a top pick across multiple DJ and event-planning reports.
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Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” remains a favorite. Its fairytale-like lyrics feel tailor-made for weddings.
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On the soul front, Leon Bridges is showing up more often: “Beyond” and “Coming Home” both saw strong demand.
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Classic and vintage love songs still have their place. Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is a persistent favorite.
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For couples wanting something a little unexpected yet heartfelt, Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” is rising in popularity.
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Country also makes its mark: Luke Combs’ “Forever After All” and Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” are being requested for first dances more often.
For the first dance, ‘Perfect’ remains the top choice, but couples are also picking songs that went viral on TikTok for a personal touch. For the last dance, high-energy anthems like ‘Shut Up and Dance’ by WALK THE MOON and ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ by Whitney Houston are still crowd-pleasers, but now you’ll also hear whatever’s trending on TikTok that month.
In 2025, your wedding playlist is truly your own—blending timeless romance with the latest viral hits, all backed by real data from DJ Intelligence and the ever-changing world of TikTok trends.
Beyond the First Dance: Songs for Cocktail Hour, Dinner, and Cake… Oh My!
Once the magic of your first dance settles, the soundtrack of your wedding continues to shape the mood—one song at a time. In 2025, couples like you are curating playlists that go far beyond the classics, blending romantic ballads, acoustic covers, and playful pop to create unforgettable moments. From the first sip at cocktail hour to the last bite of cake, here’s how the best wedding songs are making every part of your celebration feel personal and fresh.
Dinner & Ceremony Soundtrack: Sophistication Meets Intimacy
Couples are also getting more intentional about the music during quieter moments like dinner and the ceremony itself:
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Live ensembles are in. Instead of just background pop, many couples are choosing jazz trios, string quartets, or acoustic duos.
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For a ceremony or cocktail hour, songs like “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles are requested, offering a warm, timeless feel.
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R&B/soul is still strong: H.E.R. & Daniel Caesar’s “Best Part” is becoming a more frequent pick for its intimate, emotional vibe.
Cocktail Hour: Acoustic Vibes and Jazz Flourishes
The cocktail hour is your guests’ first taste of the party to come—literally and musically. This is where live wedding bands and musicians shine, setting the tone with acoustic and stripped-down arrangements that invite mingling and conversation. In 2025, cocktail hour songs are all about relaxed sophistication and unique twists:
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Live Jazz Ensembles: Think smooth saxophones, upright bass, and even a sultry trumpet. Jazz standards like “Fly Me to the Moon” or “Moondance” are top requests, but don’t be surprised to hear jazzed-up versions of modern hits.
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Lo-fi and Acoustic Covers: Couples are loving unplugged renditions of pop favorites—imagine Taylor Swift’s “Lover” or Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” with just guitar and vocals. These romantic ballads feel intimate and fresh.
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Signature Songs with a Twist: Indie favorites and even ’90s throwbacks get a new life when played by a live band or as a mellow instrumental.
“A well-chosen jazz number during cocktail hour sets the scene for new connections and stolen glances across the room,” reflects musician Priya Lewis.
Don’t forget: the right music here can be as memorable as your signature cocktails. Guests will remember the vibe—and maybe even the song that played just as they met someone new.
Dinner: Timeless Ballads and Elegant Ambience
As plates are passed and glasses clink, the dinner playlist is your chance to keep the romance flowing. In 2025, wedding ceremony music trends are carrying over into dinner, with acoustic versions and romantic ballads leading the way. The best wedding songs for this part of the night are all about elegance and warmth:
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Classic Love Songs: “At Last” by Etta James and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley are timeless favorites that never go out of style.
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Modern Ballads: John Legend’s “All of Me” and Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love” are among the most requested for their heartfelt lyrics and soothing melodies.
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Live Wedding Band Acoustic Sets: Bands are increasingly offering stripped-down sets for dinner, making even the most significant hits feel intimate and special.
These songs create a relaxed, romantic backdrop—perfect for heartfelt toasts and quiet moments between courses. If you want guests to linger over dessert, a playlist anchored by romantic ballads is your secret weapon.
Cake Cutting: Sweet, Playful, and Unexpected
When it’s time to cut the cake, the mood shifts from elegant to playful. Couples in 2025 are choosing upbeat pop anthems and nostalgic favorites to make this moment pop—sometimes literally, if there’s a frosting fight! Here are the most requested cake-cutting songs this year:
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“Sugar” by Maroon 5: A sweet, on-the-nose choice that gets everyone smiling.
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Bruno Mars hits “Treasure” or “Just the Way You Are” bring energy and fun to the cake table.
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Throwback Surprises: Don’t be afraid to pick something unexpected—think “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” by James Taylor or a playful Disney tune for a touch of nostalgia.
Real Song Requests Couples Are Making for 2025
Whether you’re feeding each other cake or launching into a frosting battle, the right song makes this tradition uniquely yours. In 2025, couples are all about blending the classic with the unexpected, and the best wedding songs for cake cutting are those that make you—and your guests—smile.
From cocktail hour jazz to dinner ballads and cake-cutting pop, your wedding playlist is a journey. Live wedding bands, acoustic arrangements, and a mix of old and new are making every moment sing in 2025.
Big Moments, Big Feels: Music for Traditions and the Dance Floor
Beyond the tried-and-true hits, there are some surprising directions couples are going — ones that reflect evolving tastes and a desire to personalize.
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Acoustic reimaginations: Couples are increasingly requesting stripped-down or acoustic versions of their favorite songs — making high-energy or pop songs feel more intimate.
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Indie love songs: Less mainstream, more poetic — artists like Ray LaMontagne (“You Are the Best Thing”) and Cat Power (“Sea of Love”) are being added to first dance and cocktail hour playlists.
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Country crossovers: Country tracks aren’t just for country weddings anymore. Songs from Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett are showing up even in more modern or non-country-themed weddings.
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Newer releases: Couples are picking fresh love songs like “Die With a Smile” by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, which combines a modern feel with big emotion.
When it comes to weddings, the soundtrack isn’t just background noise—it’s the heartbeat of every tradition, every tear, and every wild dance move. In 2025, couples are taking wedding playlist customization to new heights, blending cherished family songs, viral internet hits, and dance floor favorites to create a musical journey that feels uniquely theirs. The latest wedding music trends show that, while traditions remain at the core, personal flair and crowd-pleasing surprises make each celebration unforgettable.
Let’s start with those iconic moments that anchor the day. For Jewish couples, the glass-breaking ceremony is a highlight, and the song choice is more creative than ever. While classics like “Siman Tov u’Mazel Tov” still bring everyone to their feet, don’t be surprised if you hear a ska version or a remix that gets the crowd laughing and clapping along. As my friend Eli’s wedding proved, even the most time-honored traditions can get a modern twist—one that guests will talk about for years.
Persian weddings have their own show-stopper: the knife dance. Here, the music is all about energy and anticipation. Couples are mixing energetic Middle Eastern pop with unexpected modern hits, sometimes dropping “Uptown Funk” right in the middle of a traditional set for a burst of pure fun. It’s a perfect example of how wedding music trends balance honoring heritage with keeping the party vibe alive. As event planner Dalia Farshi puts it,
“The right song during a tradition—be it the knife dance or glass breaking—can turn a cultural moment into a personal highlight.”
Best Wedding Songs 2025
Of course, the first dance remains one of the most anticipated moments of the night. This year, couples are balancing tried-and-true tear-jerkers like “At Last,” “I Won’t Give Up,” and “All of Me” with wild card picks straight from TikTok viral playlists or even grandma’s favorite oldies. It’s all about making that first spin on the floor feel both timeless and totally you. The last dance is getting the same treatment—think emotional classics mixed with unexpected hits that send everyone out on a high note.
When it’s time to really let loose, the dance floor favorites are as eclectic as the couples themselves. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “Uptown Funk” are still must-haves, but don’t be surprised if the DJ drops a TikTok or Spotify Viral 50 hit that gets every generation moving. The best reception dancing music in 2025 is a mashup of eras and styles—sometimes literally, as surprise mashups and live band reinterpretations are trending. There’s something magical about seeing a disco ball spinning while guests of all ages belt out the chorus to a song that’s just gone viral. That’s the power of a well-crafted playlist: it brings everyone together, even if just for a few minutes of pure, joyful chaos.
Wedding Line Dancing
The Reception: Dance Floor Energy + Throwbacks
When it’s time to turn up the energy, couples aren’t just sticking to the same old wedding-floor anthems. Here’s what we’re seeing in 2025:
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Throwback hits are making a strong comeback. Nostalgia is big — older songs from the 2000s and ’10s are being remixed or reimagined for a modern dance floor.
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Club-style remixes are trending. According to Angels Music Productions’ own data, remixed versions of classic hits (think “Dancing Queen,” “September,” or “Mr. Brightside”) are lighting up reception playlists.
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For a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, long-time dance floor staples like Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love” (sometimes in a remixed version) are still very much in rotation.
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On the more energetic side, people are also asking for viral or club-leaning hits: deep bass, good drop — these songs keep people on their feet.
Even the quieter moments—cocktail hour and dinner—are getting thoughtful soundtracks. Couples are choosing mellow indie covers, jazz standards, or acoustic versions of pop hits to set the mood without overpowering conversation. It’s all about creating a vibe that feels welcoming and personal, a gentle lead-in to the big moments and big feels that follow.
The Do Not Play List: What Couples Are Saying “No Thanks” To
Just as important as what couples want, many are also curating what not to play:
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On forums like Reddit, couples have shared “do-not-play” lists that include overplayed line-dance songs, certain pop hits, or tracks that feel too cliché.
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Some are intentionally avoiding songs by controversial artists or tracks that feel “too mainstream” for their vibe.
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At the same time, there’s a push for more personalization. Rather than sticking to a DJ’s “playlist staples,” couples are making must-play and do-not-play lists to ensure their musical identity shines through.
Real Song Requests Couples Are Making for 2025
What’s clear is that wedding music in 2025 is all about balance: honoring tradition, embracing the new, and making every moment feel like yours. Whether you’re breaking the glass, dancing for the knife, sharing your first dance, or just cutting loose with friends and family, your playlist is the story of your day—one song at a time. So go ahead: mix in your family’s favorite oldies, that TikTok hit you can’t stop replaying, and the classics that always fill the dance floor. Because when it comes to your wedding, the right music doesn’t just set the scene—it makes the memories last forever.
Couples planning 2025 weddings are blending TikTok hits, timeless classics, and heartfelt ballads for each moment of their celebration. Think ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran and viral TikTok tracks for a truly personal soundtrack—just don’t be afraid to add your own twist!