Similar to the way great films are underscored by great soundtracks, your wedding can be made more memorable with the right songs to ask your wedding DJ to play during the ceremony and reception. The choice of music is always up to the couple, but you can also leave it up to the DJ or wedding planner. A good approach is to include some musical preferences of both bride and groom along with DJ recommendations. Keeping in mind that weddings have two events: ceremony and reception, here are some ideas about songs to ask your wedding DJ.

At the Ceremony

If you are getting married at a church, you may not have a choice; in this case, the tradition calls for Mendelsohn’s Wedding March as well as Wagner’s Bridal Chorus. If the ceremony is being officiated at a venue where the DJ can set up the sound system, you can opt for the classics or choose music that reflects certain interests.

Couples who are Star Wars fans, for example, have chosen John Williams’ Throne Room scene to play after they kiss, preceded by Leia’s Theme when the bride walks down the aisle. At some chic weddings, planners suggest instrumental bossa nova standards such as Insensatez or The Girl from Ipanema, which sound pleasant and feminine.

At the Reception

You generally want everyone to dance and have a good time, but there is also the newlyweds dance to consider. Unless you have rehearsed a waltz, you may want to choose romantic ballads that are easy for slow dancing. Popular choices include:

•  Three Times a Lady by Lionel Richie
•  You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker

The rest of the playlist can include party hits to entice all guests to dance. Here are some ideas, but remember that DJs are pretty good at reading their audiences and playing the right music:

• Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars
• Single Ladies by Beyonce
• Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon
• Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough by Michael Jackson
• Wannabe by The Spice Girls
• Give it to Me by Rick James
• Can’t Feel my Face by The Weeknd