Hi everyone, how are you? I wanted to talk about a topic that’s very special to me: music. When I think of the most unforgettable weddings I’ve ever experienced—as a guest, wedding planner, or tireless explorer of the best wedding venues around the world—there’s one element that always stitches the moments together in an invisible yet captivating way: music. It’s there in the bride’s nervous smile at the sound of the first chords, in the toast between friends under the sunset, and, of course, on the dance floor when shoes fly and memories are made forever. And just as it sets the tone for the celebration, it can also ruin everything. That’s why I’ve gathered here some of my tips for helping my bride and groom make travel decisions.
Creating a destination wedding soundtrack goes far beyond creating a beautiful playlist—it’s truly curating emotions and moments that resonate with the couple. It’s about conveying the couple’s spirit, the venue’s style, and the stories behind each song. Recently, at a wedding in Sicily, the bride’s entrance was accompanied by an instrumental version of “Caruso,” and I swear the Mediterranean breeze seemed to breathe in time with it.
A destination wedding isn’t just the “wedding day”—it’s a journey. And that journey deserves a soundtrack that accompanies it from beginning to end. For the pre-wedding, opt for something that embraces your guests—soft music, sunset vibes, and even a selection of original songs that marked the couple’s life. If the weather permits, it’s worth including local artists for a more organic and distinctive reception. In Portugal, instrumental fado moves with its understated charm. In Greece, the sound of the bouzouki warms the soul. Weddings in Turkey become even more cinematic with instruments like the oud and darbuka. In Brazil, bossa nova is practically an emotional passport—and samba, that moment of contagious explosion.
At the ceremony, the selection should be practically choreographed. Imagine: the groomsmen entering to a modern, upbeat instrumental; the bride with her special song (which could be that piano version that always moves you); and the triumphant exit with something lighter, even pop, why not? Post-wedding, however, it’s worth being bold. Mixing current hits with music from the bride and groom’s home country and the rhythms of the destination where they’re getting married is always a winning formula. A personal tip of mine, which I always give: share with your DJ or musician not only what you like to listen to, but also what you don’t like and absolutely don’t want played at the wedding. And remember, the key to a rocking dance floor is having the bride and groom on it. Everyone is there to celebrate with you, to dance with you.
It’s worth remembering that bringing in local artists, acoustic trios, or DJs who know the region’s rhythms transforms the experience. At a wedding I organized in Florence, Italy, an electric violinist made a surprise appearance after the first dance, and it was a moment no one—not even the bride and groom—would forget. No one sat still listening to Italian classics.
To inspire you, here are some tracks that never fail:
- “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Kina Grannis
- “Con te parteò” – Andrea Bocelli
- “I Know I Will Love You” – Tom Jobim
- “Stand by Me” – Ben E. King
- “Marry You” – Bruno Mars
- “Is This Love?” – Bob Marley
- “How Long Will I Love You” – Ellie Goulding
- “Viva La Vida” – Coldplay
Another personal tip: I always ask the bride and groom to choose a song that represents their story. It could be the one that played during their first kiss or one that sums up the couple’s spirit. This track is usually the heart of the playlist—and it’s moving like no other.
So, what did you think? Remember, creating the perfect playlist for your destination wedding is like composing a movie soundtrack: every scene has its own song, every chord has its own meaning. And when it all comes together, the result is a lasting memory. So, I want to know: what song can’t be missed on your big day? Let me know in the comments!
See you next week!
Kisses,
Simone.
