Your Prewedding Playlist: 20 Best Songs for Getting Ready
The morning of your wedding day is bound to be an exciting (albeit overwhelming) one. And, as you prep for the big day ahead, you'll need a killer prewedding playlist.
Before compiling your favorite songs, keep in mind that a great getting-ready playlist is one that offers plenty of variety (think: power ballads, pop hits and steamy love songs). This will ensure everyone—friends, family members, the wedding party and you, of course!—remain happy, energized and excited throughout the day's events.
The best part? A majority of the best prewedding songs are versatile enough to be played during the ceremony and/or reception itself. Being said, if you see any wedding songs that you love as you scroll through this list, make a note of them. Afterward, reach out to your wedding band or DJ so they can work your request(s) into their lineup of wedding music. Keep reading for 20 of our favorite prewedding songs: Happy listening!
"Love On Top," Beyoncé
Lyrics you'll love: "Baby it's you/You're the one I love/You're the one I need/You're the only one I see"
Get pumped up for your wedding day by playing Beyoncé's beloved "Love On Top." The R&B-inspired number (which won the award for Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2013) is an upbeat one, complete with heartwarming lyrics about finally finding the one that you love.
"Marry You," Bruno Mars
Lyrics you'll love: "Is it the look in your eyes or is it this dancing juice?/Who cares, baby, I think I wanna marry you"
Play this aptly titled Bruno Mars tune on blast right before your special day and watch as all of your prewedding stress magically melts away. The song fuses pop, soul and '60s-era music. The end result? A cheery, energetic number you just can't help but sing and dance to.
"Thinking Out Loud," Ed Sheeran
Lyrics you'll love: "So honey now/Take me into your loving arms/Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars/Place your head on my beating heart"
If you're a romantic at heart—or you simply prefer a more sentimental prewedding song — "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran makes a fantastic option. Play it right before your first look to get your emotions flowing: just be sure you're wearing waterproof mascara!
"All Of Me," John Legend
Lyrics you'll love: "You're my end and my beginnin'/Even when I lose, I'm winnin'/'Cause I give you all of me/And you give me all of you"
John Legend is renowned for his romantic ballads, and "All Of Me" is among his most famous. The song's intimate lyrics, coupled with the sweet piano instrumentals, make it the perfect prewedding song. Besides, what better way is there to start off your big day than with an endearing love song?
"We Found Love," Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris
Lyrics you'll love: "Now we're standing side by side/As your shadow crosses mine/What it takes to come alive/It's the way I'm feeling I just can't deny"
Kick prewedding stress to the curb is by busting a move—but, of course, you'll need to find a great dance song. Alas, "We Found Love" by Rihanna makes an ideal choice thanks to its exhilarating rhythm, which boasts a snappy piano melody.
"Here Comes The Sun," The Beatles
Lyrics you'll love: "Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces/Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here/Here comes the sun do, do, do/Here comes the sun/And I say it's all right"
Set the tone for the exciting day ahead by playing "Here Comes The Sun." The Beatles' now-iconic track, which was written by band member George Harrison, features gorgeous acoustic instrumentals. The song's positive message will have you feeling hopeful and optimistic about the day—and years—ahead.
"I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)," Whitney Houston
Lyrics you'll love: "Oh, I wanna dance with somebody/I wanna feel the heat with somebody/Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody/With somebody who loves me"
"I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" shows off Whitney Houston's incredible vocal range. It's hard to believe that the steamy pop song was released over 30 years ago, as its catchy chorus and stunning harmonizing have made it withstand the test of time. Play it as you get ready with your wedding party by your side—and keep in mind that singing and dancing are most definitely encouraged.
"How Deep Is Your Love," Calvin Harris & Disciples
Lyrics you'll love: "How deep is your love?/Is it like the ocean?/Pull me closer again"
If you love house music, you can't go wrong with playing Calvin Harris' "How Deep Is Your Love" on the morning of your wedding day. The dance-pop hit has received rave reviews from critics and fans over the years following its 2015 release.
"Adventure Of A Lifetime," Coldplay
Lyrics you'll love: "I feel my heart beating/Oh, you make me feel/Like I'm alive again"
While it'd be tricky to choose our favorite Coldplay song of all time, "Adventure Of A Lifetime" is definitely within the top five. Your wedding day signifies the beginning of an "adventure of a lifetime" (see what we did there?), making this groovy Coldplay hit especially apropos for your prewedding playlist. Throughout the tune, lead singer Chris Martin passionately croons about a special someone making him feel "alive again."
"Can't Stop The Feeling!," Justin Timberlake
Lyrics you'll love: "Nothing I can see but you when you dance, dance, dance/Feeling good, good, creeping up on you/So just dance, dance, dance, come on"
We can't help but crack a smile every time you hear Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop The Feeling!" The lighthearted, Grammy-winning song combines disco, pop and funk music genres. Blast it out loud for an instant burst of energy to push you through the seemingly endless hours of wedding preparation ahead of walking down the aisle.
"Paper Rings," Taylor Swift
Lyrics you'll love: "I like shiny things, but I'd marry you with paper rings/Uh-huh, that's right/Darling, you're the one I want"
Calling all Taylor Swift fans: You'll want to rock out to "Paper Rings" in the hours leading up to your ceremony. "This song talks about true love," Swift told fans in a Spotify Storyline. The singer-songwriter continued, "If you really find true love, you probably don't really care what the symbolism of that love is."
"Chapel Of Love," The Dixie Cups
Lyrics you'll love: "We'll love until the end of time/And we'll never be lonely anymore
The Dixie Cups' rendition of "Chapel Of Love" remains timeless. The narrator's excitement as she prepares for her wedding day is palpable. As such, the tune has remained a popular prewedding song choice since its 1964 release. Since then, it's been covered by other esteemed artists, including Elton John, Bette Midler and The Beach Boys.
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)," Stevie Wonder
Lyrics you'll love: "Ooh, baby, you set my soul on fire/That's why I know you're my heart's only desire/Ooh baby, here I am/Signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours"
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" is one of Stevie Wonder's most famous tunes. While you may or may not consider this soulful number to be a typical love song, the catchy chorus makes a fitting prewedding song choice in celebration of your impending nuptials.
"At Last," Etta James
Lyrics you'll love: "At last/The skies above are blue/My heart was wrapped up in clover/The night I looked at you"
Although "At Last" was written back in 1942, it didn't become popular until Etta James covered it in the 1960s. Today, James' rendition is one of the most popular love songs. While it's a belovedfirst dance track, it also makes for an excellent prewedding song thanks to James' stunning vocals (coupled with the swoon-worthy lyrics, of course). Several artists, including Celine Dion and Beyoncé, have since covered it.
"From This Moment On," Shania Twain
Lyrics you'll love: "From this moment life has begun/From this moment you are the one/Right beside you is where I belong"
Country music fans can play Shania Twain's uber-romantic "From This Moment On" as they prepare for their impending wedding ceremony. The lyrics themselves read just like wedding vows and are even more beautiful in song form.
"A Thousand Years," Christina Perri
Lyrics you'll love: "I have loved you for a thousand years/I'll love you for a thousand more"
Twilight enthusiasts will recognize "A Thousand Years" from Breaking Dawn—Part 1 and Breaking Dawn—Part 2. However, everyone—including non-Twilight fans—can appreciate the song's fairytale-worthy lyrics, which make it well worth playing as you're getting ready for your first look reveal.
"Come On Over (All I Want Is You)" Christina Aguilera
Lyrics you'll love: "Now baby don't be shy/You better cross the line/I'm gonna love you right"
Transport yourself back in time to the '90s by blasting this Christina Aguilera classic as you get ready to walk down the aisle. The pop song is especially ideal for playing in a group setting (for example, when your wedding party first arrives). Its upbeat rhythm, coupled with Aguilera's powerful pipes, will get everyone amped up for the several hours (and countless photos) ahead.
"I Do," Colbie Caillat
Lyrics you'll love: "You make me wanna say I do, I do, I do, I do, I do, I do/Love you"
You can already tell from the title alone that this Colbie Caillat song makes an excellent addition to your prewedding playlist. The happy lyrics and breezy acoustics, along with Caillat's signature soothing vocals, will help set the scene for a magical and memorable wedding day.
"Love Me Like You Do," Ellie Goulding
Lyrics you'll love: "Follow me through the dark/Let me take you past our satellites/You can see the world you brought to life, to life/So love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do"
Unbeknownst to many, this seductive ballad is actually from Fifty Shades of Grey. The steamy song has received praise from many critics thanks to Ellie Goulding's soft vocals. The catchy chorus pairs well with the instrumentals, which feature a combination of drums and electronic instruments. Consider playing "Love Me Like You Do" as you and your wedding party get dressed for the day ahead.
"Sugar," Maroon 5
Lyrics you'll love: "You are the one thing, one thing I'm living for/I don't wanna be needing your love/I just wanna be deep in your love"
Opt to play this cheery—and oh-so-sultry—Maroon 5 track as you ring in the start of your big day. (The lyrics are filled with sexual innuendos, so keep that in mind before playing it in front of Grandma Nora or Uncle Bob.) The music video, in which the band crashes actual weddings around Los Angeles, will make you even more excited for your special day.