Table of contents

1 The Song to Walk the Aisle To
2 The Song Everyone Will Dance to at Your Reception
3 The Song Your Wedding Party Should Enter the Reception To
4 The Song to Close the Reception Down To
5 The Song That’ll Kick Off Your Cocktail Hour
6 The Song to Play on Repeat While Getting Ready in the Bridal Suite
7 The Song to Play While Sipping Your First Poolside Margarita
8 The Song to Have Your First Dance To
9 The Song to Have Your Parent-Bride/Groom Dance To
10 The Song to Play at Your Bridal Party Brunch
11 Honorable Mentions

Imagine this: you’ve planned a flawless destination wedding at a beachfront oasis. Your partner is already down the aisle, looking as captivating as ever. The sea breeze lets up, and the music swells, it’s your song. But what exactly is that song?

When it comes to planning the small details of your destination wedding, don’t let your playlist take a back seat. Setting the mood for your evening, these beach wedding songs are both timeless and perfect for oceanfront matrimonies. From Ed Sheeran to Whitney Houston, here are our favorite tunes that’ll walk you down the aisle in style:

The Song to Walk the Aisle To

“Bloom” by The Paper Kites

Oh boy, we’re already breaking out the tissues. Thanks, The Paper Kites. Written by the Australian indie rock band, “Bloom” is a touching ballad that follows a narrator’s profession of love to their partner. Simple, yet impactful, the song is performed by an all-acoustic ensemble.

Musing a heartfelt chord progression that anchors its nostalgic properties from start to finish. Simply put, “Bloom” captures how it feels to experience years of good and bad with your significant other, and still finding a way to make it last forever.

The Song Everyone Will Dance to at Your Reception

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston

Now that everyone has had their fair share of steak and lobster, it’s time to get down on the dance floor. We’re not picking just any song to highlight your reception, though. An everlasting masterpiece from the 80s, Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” is guaranteed to get everyone up and moving.

So, what makes it so relatable? Well, at one point or another, we all have longed for that special someone to share a dance with. The song speaks to all lovers, no matter what their marital status is. Also, c’mon, you can’t go wrong with Whitney.

The Song Your Wedding Party Should Enter the Reception To

“Summer” by Calvin Harris

For a moment of time, let’s forget the fact that Calvin and Taylor Swift probably weren’t the best for each other. Despite this, “Summer” remains a beat-pumping anthem for all summer romances. Upbeat and filled with plenty of danceable hooks, the song is perfect for coordinating fun bridal party choreography (we’re looking at you, bridesmaids and groomsmen/Maid of Honor and Best Man).

Just imagine: each bridesmaid and groomsman (and any junior bridesmaids and junior groomsmen, too!) enter the ballroom or beachside reception area with their own rehearsed dance moves, adding comedic moments to your already perfect big day.

The Song to Close the Reception Down To

“Closing Time” by Semisonic

Okay, we might’ve cheated with this one. It’s the end-of-the-night anthem that’s closed down many of our favorite nights and parties. Yes, it’s a predictable suggestion. But “Closing Time” truly is the perfect post-reception song.

Whether you’re going table-to-table saying goodnight to your guests or enjoying one last slow dance before heading to the honeymoon suite, the 90s bop is proven to end every celebration on the right note (no pun intended).

The Song That’ll Kick Off Your Cocktail Hour

“Kokomo” by The Beach Boys

The word “beach” is literally in The Beach Boys’ name, so it’s no surprise that they’ve made the list. From “bodies in the sand” to “tropical drinks melting in your hand,” the lighthearted song literally describes a beachfront cocktail hour. Filled with tropical-inspired beats and the frontmen’s unmistakably soft vocals, “Kokomo” encapsulates the liberating nature of enjoying an oceanside paradise and is a perfect song for your wedding.

The Song to Play on Repeat While Getting Ready in the Bridal Suite

“Juice” by Lizzo

There are pump-up jams, and then there’s “Juice,” the ultimate pump-up jam. When it comes to bridal suites, you need a fun atmosphere to get prepped for your ceremony, especially when your party is getting in their bridesmaids dresses and you’re changing into your flawless beach wedding dress. Don’t worry, Lizzo has you covered. A self-love mantra accompanied by funky R&B beats, “Juice” is just the song you need to get you and your bridal party’s hair and makeup on point to slay the beach aisle.

The Song to Play While Sipping Your First Poolside Margarita

“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley

Ah yes, a classic poolside tune. Bob Marley and his popular “Three Little Birds” has withstood the test of time as a go-to beach song. Coupled with one of the most recognizable melodies in music history, the Legend’s sweet message of optimism reigns true. Enjoy the first days of your perfect wedding day timeline, letting all of your worries sail along the breeze.

The Song to Have Your First Dance To

“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran

Ah jeez, again with the tissues. It doesn’t get more first-dance-song than this. While there are hundreds, if not thousands of love songs written to express that very emotion, “Perfect” flawlessly encapsulates the infectious feeling of being complete with your partner. Already a popular first dance song amongst newlyweds, this love ballad will move both you and your guests to happy tears.

The Song to Have Your Parent-Bride/Groom Dance To

“You’re My Best Friend” by Queen

We’re bringing back the cheesy choreography again for this song for your wedding! When it comes to parent-bride/groom dances, we’ll always recommend choosing a song that you both find special. But if we had to put our name in the hat, we’d go with “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen. Upbeat and echoing lovely sentiments of lifelong friendship, this feel-good song is easy to choreograph to and a sure-fire hit for a father of the bride/mother of the bride dance!

The Song to Play at Your Bridal Party Brunch

“You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne

You’ve made it to the end of your wedding week, and it’s time to celebrate with a private bridal party brunch before heading to the airport! Of course, you’re more than welcome to listen to ambient ocean waves crashing on the shore. But, if your resort allows it, hook up your playlist and kick it off with some good ole’ Ray LaMontagne.

Featuring soulful lyrics and layered brass notes, this lovely bop ensures both romantic and lighthearted vibes that’ll elevate your sun-soaked mimosas. Don’t miss out on this killer brunch theme that will get every member of the wedding party grooving!