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WEDDING MUSIC

The Best Outdoor Wedding Playlist in Boston

Outdoor weddings in Boston offer charming views and unique venues. To match the scenery, your playlist must deliver atmosphere, emotion, and energy. This guide outlines the perfect outdoor wedding soundtrack—curated by Red Soda, specialists in wedding music Boston couples trust.


What Is the Ideal Prelude Music for Outdoor Weddings?


Prelude music sets the tone as guests arrive. Blend classical and acoustic versions of popular songs to match Boston’s elegant outdoor settings.


Recommended prelude tracks:


  • Air on the G String – Johann Sebastian Bach

  • Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley (or Kina Grannis version)

  • A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

  • Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley


Which Songs Work Best for the Wedding Processional?


The processional marks your grand entrance. Choose timeless melodies or modern love songs for impact.


Popular processional options:


  • Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel

  • Marry Me – Train

  • All of Me – John Legend

  • Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo'ole


What Makes a Great Recessional Song?


Recessional songs should celebrate your first steps as a married couple. Select energetic, joyful tracks to close the ceremony on a high.


Top picks for the recessional:


  • Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder

  • You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates

  • Marry You – Bruno Mars

  • Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles


What’s the Best Music for Cocktail Hour and Dinner?


This part of the evening needs a balance of soft classics and familiar favourites to keep the energy relaxed and elegant.


Recommended background music:


Artist Song Title
Frank Sinatra Fly Me to the Moon
Norah Jones Come Away with Me
Édith Piaf La Vie en Rose
Adele Make You Feel My Love

Which Songs Are Best for the First Dance?


Your first dance is one of the most emotional moments of the evening. Choose a song with lyrics and rhythm that reflect your relationship.


Top first dance tracks:


  • At Last – Etta James

  • Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

  • Perfect – Ed Sheeran

  • Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli


What Songs Get People Dancing at a Wedding?


The dance floor should be electric with a mix of retro hits, disco favourites, and feel-good pop songs.


Dancefloor favourites:


  • Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

  • I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston

  • September – Earth, Wind & Fire

  • Dancing Queen – ABBA

  • Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon


What’s the Best Song for the Final Dance?


Close the night with an emotional or high-energy number to create a final memory.


Great last dance tracks:


  • Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

  • Time of My Life – Medley & Warnes

  • Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

  • Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver


What Songs Should I Play for My Wedding Exit?


Your exit song should reflect your excitement and joy as newlyweds.


Grand exit song ideas:


  • Happy – Pharrell Williams

  • Best Day of My Life – American Authors

  • You’re My Best Friend – Queen

  • This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole


What Are the Top 3 Wedding Songs for Boston Couples?


These three hits are always wedding favourites in Boston:


  • "All of Me" – John Legend

  • "Marry You" – Bruno Mars

  • "At Last" – Etta James

These songs balance sentiment, melody, and universal appeal.


How Do You Get Music for an Outdoor Wedding in Boston?


The best option is to hire a live wedding band like Red Soda. Our team offers:


  • Tailored playlists

  • Ceremony and reception performance

  • Acoustic, jazz, pop, and classical styles

  • Sound system setup for outdoor venues

Red Soda brings your playlist to life with emotion, precision, and unforgettable energy.


How Do You Choose a Wedding Playlist?


Follow these steps:


  • List your must-have songs as a couple

  • Mix slow ballads with upbeat dance tracks

  • Match music to each event phase (ceremony, dinner, party)

  • Consider your guests’ age range and taste

A professional band ensures flow and can read the room to keep momentum high.


What Makes a Great Wedding Playlist?


A balanced playlist includes:


  • A variety of genres (pop, R&B, jazz, indie)

  • Songs that match emotional highs and lows

  • Nostalgic classics and fresh hits

  • Crowd-pleasers mixed with personal favourites

Let Red Soda’s expert musicians help shape your unique soundscape.


7 More Songs to Include in Your Outdoor Wedding Playlist


Song Why It Works
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran Perfect first dance song
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri Popular for walking down the aisle
Happy – Pharrell Williams Great for exits or dancefloor transitions
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley Classic for romantic moments
L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole Ideal for dinner or background
Ho Hey – The Lumineers Rustic, upbeat vibe
I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston Dancefloor essential

Want an Outdoor Wedding Playlist That Guests Remember?


Contact Red Soda today for custom live music at your Boston wedding. Whether it’s under twinkling lights or among garden blooms, our musicians create the soundtrack of your love story—from prelude to last dance.


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I loved the music; the violinist really set the atmosphere and I was almost lost for breath as I was about to walk down the aisle. We had talked about getting emotional thinking about that particular song and that was definitely the case for me on the day.

MISTY & WAYNE


Red Soda Band played with perfection on our special day! The song choices were easy and done in a flash. Prompt and friendly communication the whole way through made this part of the wedding planning simple.

MALCOLM & BHARTI


Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to you guys. It was PERFECT – the songs were great, the volume was spot-on and you both were extremely professional. You were both lovely guys, too! It all came together and everyone commented on how great the music was!

DEB & JOSH


The team were SUCH a pleasure to deal with. If you want to limit your stress, get the Red Soda Band involved. They were just so fantastic and wonderful AND TALENTED! We have had so many positive comments over how spectacular and wonderful they were. Make this easy-peasy for yourself and talk to Red Soda today!

ALEX + CHRIS


The music helped create the perfect vibe for both our ceremony and reception.

JENNY + CHRIS


The song selection was top-notch and the dance floor was rocking.

FRASER & ALANAH


Our warmest thanks for providing such beautiful music on our wedding day. It was absolutely perfect in every way and we have had so many friends and family comment on it.

TIFF & MATT


Thanks for the fantastic job you did at our wedding!! It looked and sounded amazing and we have had nothing but compliments from our guests.

HENRY AND JANE

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