Wedding songs: music for the ceremony, the first dance and the party
Updated 13 October 2026 · Written by Lysela
A wedding needs music in three places: walking in and out of the ceremony, the first dance and the party. Choose the ceremony music with whoever is playing it, and in a church with the church musician. You pick the first dance yourselves, and for the party your guests can request songs in advance, so the DJ or band has the list before the evening starts. Here are suggestions and a list to start from.
Try it yourself, no account neededSongs to walk in and out to at the ceremony
For the entrance many couples choose something calm and solemn, and for the exit something more joyful. The classic choices are the Bridal Chorus from Wagner's Lohengrin going in and Mendelssohn's Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream going out. Pachelbel's Canon in D works for either.
In a Swedish church you choose the music with the church musician, who knows what can be played on the organ and what sounds right in the room. If you want a pop song, ask early. At a civil or outdoor ceremony you can play whatever you like through a speaker, or ask a musician to play.
Gabriellas sång
From the Swedish film As It Is in Heaven, often sung by a soloist during the ceremony.
Du är min man
Helen Sjöholm, from the musical Kristina från Duvemåla.
Håll mitt hjärta
Björn Skifs, for a Swedish ballad.
The first dance
In Sweden the first dance is called the bridal waltz, and the couple dances it alone. After a while the parents usually join in, then the rest of the guests. It does not have to be a waltz. Pick a song you love and can dance to for two or three minutes, and practise a few times at home.
Can't Help Falling in Love
Elvis Presley. Slow and easy to dance to.
Perfect
Ed Sheeran. It is in triple time, so it works as a waltz.
At Last
Etta James.
Ännu doftar kärlek
Marie Fredriksson, if you want something in Swedish.
Songs for the party
Give the DJ or band three lists: songs you want to hear, songs you do not want to hear, and your guests' requests. Open the dancing with songs every generation knows, like Dancing Queen by ABBA or September by Earth, Wind & Fire, and save the newest for later in the night.
Decide on the last song too. Everyone then knows when the party is over, and you finish on something you chose.
A list for the DJ and words for song requests
Replace what is in square brackets.
First dance: [song], [artist] When the parents join: [song] Please play: [song], [song], [song] Please do not play: [song], [song] Last song: [song] Guests' requests: see the attached list
We have a playlist and it is far too short. Tell us what you want to dance to and it goes straight on.
Hello, we are getting married at [church] on [date] and would love to walk in to [song] and out to [song]. Can they be played in the church, or do you have suggestions for something similar?
Songs to sing at the wedding
Singing together is part of many Swedish weddings. Someone writes new words about the couple to a tune everyone knows, and the guests sing from a song booklet on the tables. Pick a tune that is easy to sing and keep it to three or four verses.
Sing the first one early in the evening, before the speeches pile up. Whoever writes the songs tells the toastmaster, who fits them into the schedule. More in the toastmaster guide.
Guests request songs on your wedding website
With Lysela, guests can request songs on your wedding website on every tier, without having to RSVP first. You see the requests in one place, hide anything you would rather not show and download the list for the DJ. From Plus you can also make a song booklet in the print studio, with the same look as the place cards and the menu.
You pay once, SEK 795, SEK 1,795 or SEK 4,990 including VAT, and the site stays up for 12 to 18 months depending on the tier.
Frequently asked questions
What song do you walk down the aisle to?
The Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin is the classic, and Pachelbel's Canon in D is common too. Choose what feels like you, and ask the church musician if you are marrying in a church.
Does the first dance have to be a waltz?
No. The Swedish name comes from tradition, but most couples dance to a song they love, in any rhythm.
How many songs does the DJ need in advance?
A few songs you want to hear, a list of what you do not want and your guests' requests are enough. A good DJ reads the dance floor for the rest of the night.
Can you play any music in a church?
It depends on the church. The church musician knows what is possible and can often play a pop song on the organ or piano. Ask well ahead.