Wedding & Event Song Selection | Live Music Playlists
Themed Play Lists
Not sure what music you want for your wedding or special event? Below is a sample of several playlists available that will help get your party started! The right music will set the tone for your whole event!
Pop Perfection
Where other genres rise and fall in popularity, pop music always endures. It is amazing how well pop's catchy choruses and heartfelt hooks transate into instrumental pieces.
With a history that stretches all the way back to the 50s, my clients love the variety of songs available to them when putting together their perfect pop playlist.
Popular choices include:
I’m Yours - Jason Mraz
All You Need is Love - The Beatles
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You - Frankie Valli
You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
La Vie En Rose - Édith Piaf
All That Jazz
There is nothing better than smooth, sophisticated Jazz to set the tone for an evening or afternoon of delicious drinks and sparkling conversation.
Jazz is the perfect choice for a wedding cocktail hour, or a sumptuous backing track to a formal dinner. As a genre, it is also more diverse than you might imagine, incorporating everything from Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole to Michael Buble.
Popular choices include:
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
It Had To Be You - Frank Sinatra
The Way You Look Tonight - Fred Astaire
Put Your Head on My Shoulder - Michael Bublé
Honeysuckle Rose - Jane Monheit
From the Big Screen
Both music and films have an incredible ability to transport us back to certain moments in our lives. Together, they are an irresistible combination, promoting no shortage of emotion and glossy-eyed nostalgia.
Music from the movies comprises some of the most popular songs of all time; sure-fire hits that guests young and old will fall in love with all over again.
Popular choices include:
Married Life - Michael Giacchino
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
Take My Breath Away - Berlin
Up Where We Belong - Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes
My Heart Will Go On - James Horner
Classical
Centuries on from their original compositions, the classical masters have never been bettered when it comes to pieces with sheer drama, power and a genuine ability to move people.
Guests of all ages will be awed by the works of composers such as Bach and Telemann - but there are no shortage of wonderful classical musicians to be inspired by outside of the household names.
Popular choices include:
Canon in D - Pachelbel
Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring - J.S. Bach
Wedding March - Mendelssohn
Pavane - Fauré
To A Wild Rose - MacDowell
Looking for music ideas for specific moments of the Big Day (the bride’s entrance, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, and more)? Check out our blog for some Just Brilliant Music ideas!
Take a listen.
A melody that has endured for 300 years. I find that J.S. Bach’s 'Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring' is the perfect 'anchor' for a wedding ceremony. Whether you're planning an outdoor wedding in Ojai or a traditional service in Santa Barbara, this piece sets a truly sophisticated tone for your entrance.
Looking for a joyful wedding ceremony exit song? ‘Hymn of Joy’ by Beethoven is a classic Recessional that perfectly captures the excitement of the 'Just Married' moment. Ideal for both traditional church weddings and outdoor Santa Barbara celebrations..
Watch a live performance of Psalm 23, a popular choice for religious wedding prelude music. This gentle melody is perfect for the 20 minutes before the ceremony begins, providing a sophisticated backdrop for weddings in Southern California.
The Girl from Ipanema' (Bossa Nova): This Brazilian jazz favorite is perfect for your mingling guests during the cocktail hour. Whether you’re hosting a Malibu beach wedding or a Santa Barbara garden reception, this upbeat melody brings a sophisticated, 'vacation' vibe to any Southern California event.reception.
It All Starts with You
I hope you have been inspired by the lists above (although they are by no means an exhaustive list!).
With such a vast selection of genres, eras and individual songs to choose from, I know it can be a little overwhelming at first!
As your personal music specialist, I will be there to help guide your choices. That means taking the time to learn more about you, your values and the special occasion you are celebrating.