Music can make or break a wedding ceremony.

I mean, just check out this scene from Pirates of the Caribbean with the wrong music.

Selecting the right music for your wedding ceremony can make you feel like the main character of your own epic romance. It can make you feel silly and playful. It can even make you feel like an epic elven princess!

"But, Tori, HOW do I pick music that makes me feel that way?"

I'm so glad you asked!

When it comes down to it, picking the right music is all about picking music that means something to you and your partner. And I mean just you and your partner - not your future mother-in-law or your little brother.

I've compiled my 5 favorite tips for brainstorming and selecting wedding music that's meaningful to you!

And remember - when you are working with a live musician or a DJ, they are here to help you and guide you through the process! You don't have to do this all on your own.

Tip #1: You don't have to figure it out all at once!

Have you ever been put on the spot and asked what your favorite movie is, only to have your mind go totally blank? Been there, hate that.

I'm here to tell you: you don't have to do it all at once.

Instead, keep a running list over the course of a few weeks or months

Create a note in your phone or planner where you can write down songs as they come to you. For this note, no song is a bad song! Just keep the list going to brainstorm and discuss later on with your live musician or wedding DJ.

Tip #2: Take a stroll down memory lane

Reminisce with your partner on some of your favorite memories, rewatch your favorite movies, play those old video games... use this time to relax and connect with your partner and live in those delicious memories.

Start jotting down the songs that give you all the feels. They could be warm fuzzy feelings, romantic lovey feelings, or your favorite jam from college ;)

As you do, don't just write down the songs that come to mind but the titles of those movies, games, and shows!

Tip #3: Phone a friend

Sometimes our friends remember what we like better than we do...

Now, this isn't permission to let your best friend take over the whole process (unless that's what you want), but ask around to see if your friends remember any songs that played a big role in your life, and add those to your list too!

Tip #4: Go down the rabbit hole

These days there is so much wedding inspiration online! From Instagram to Tiktok to Facebook to Pinterest, the videos of wedding performers never end. To get started, try checking out some of these hashtags to find relevant music: #weddingmusic #ceremonymusic #wedding(insert instrument of choice)

Don't forget to save the posts you love!

There are cool features to let you save posts you want to come back to, and that is a great way to keep track of your inspiration.

Tip #5: Go for the vibes

Close your eyes and start to picture your wedding day. You are in your beautiful wedding outfit, and you are ready to walk down to meet the love of your life surrounded by all your friends and family.

As you take that first step, try to feel what you want that day to be like.

Do you want to feel like a princess? A queen? A magical fae? A badass b*tch?

Knowing what energy you want on your wedding day is one of the best ways to lead your musician to the music you really want. Add all of those feelings to your note to share with them.

Bonus tip: Reach out to a musician!

We are friendly 😊 And we love to help you figure out what kind of music you want!

I offer a free 15 minute wedding music consult here.

Use it to ask questions about your wedding music, get ideas, and learn what it might be like to be serenaded by live harp music as you walk down the aisle ;) I can't wait to chat!

‍