Tips for Choosing the Right Music for Your Wedding Films
“Film music can make or break a movie - it’s that powerful. It’s the emotion behind the image.” - Hans Zimmer
One of the most underrated, but hugely important, elements of a wedding film is the music. The right track can completely shift the mood, lift the storytelling, and bring all the emotion flooding back in for your couple. The wrong one? Well... it can make things feel cheesy, flat, or just off.
Here are some practical tips to help you choose the right music for every wedding film you create — without second-guessing every single track in your music library.
1. Match the Music to the Couple, Not Just the Footage
It’s easy to choose a song based on how it fits with the visuals… but remember, this is their story. Think about who they are and what their wedding day felt like.
Was the couple super playful or more reserved?
Was their day upbeat and outdoorsy, or elegant and emotional?
Did they laugh through their vows, or were there a lot of tears?
Your music should reflect the couple just as much as the moments you filmed.
2. Don’t Rely on Just One Song
Layering multiple tracks can add dynamic movement to your edit.
Consider:
A softer instrumental or ambient track for getting ready
Something more emotional or cinematic for the ceremony
A fun, upbeat song for the reception or party shots
This keeps the pacing interesting and helps you build a stronger emotional arc.
3. Keep a Backlog of Music You Love
Here’s a tip that saves so much time:
Start building a personal library or playlist of music as you come across it - even if you’re not working on a project yet.
If you hear a song that sparks something, save it. Make folders like:
“First Look Moments”
“Reception Energy”
“Soft & Emotional”
“Modern & Minimal”
Having a curated backlog lets you go into projects with a head start - and helps you choose music based on feeling, not panic!
4. Pay Attention to Lyrics (or Skip Them Entirely)
Lyrics can be powerful… or distracting.
Choose songs where the lyrics add to the story, not compete with it
Avoid overly generic or cliché lyrics (they tend to age quickly)
Whenever I am in doubt, I go instrumental - it gives your visuals more room to breathe
If the couple's vows or speeches are a big part of the film, an instrumental track is usually your best bet.
5. Trust the Emotion Over the Algorithm
Sometimes you’ll scroll through 50 tracks and still feel stuck. It happens. When in doubt, pause and ask:
How do I want the couple to feel watching this?
What emotion does this clip carry?
Would they be moved by this choice?
The best song might not be the one with the most epic drop… it might be the one that gives you chills when the bride walks down the aisle.
Finding the perfect track doesn’t have to be overwhelming - it can actually be one of the most fun and creative parts of the process! With a solid sense of your couple, a backlog of solid options, and a little rhythm in your gut, you’ll start hearing the right songs jump out at you.
So trust your ear, feel the moment, and don’t be afraid to hit replay a few (dozen) times.