Having a wedding without music would be extremely dreary, from the romantic grand entrance to the dance and fun reception to the dance floor. But if you’re planning a tropical wedding, such as a beach wedding in Bali, finding the perfect music may be a challenge. There are so many options, but they don’t all work for your location. So we devised a guide for tropical songs for your big day. 

Tropical Wedding Music Guide and Ideas

When choosing the music for your wedding day, there are a few ways to go about it. You can make a Spotify playlist or create a YouTube video with your favorite tracks. You may even hire someone to do it for you!

The music you choose for your Bali wedding should give a carefree ambience throughout the day. Choosing the right music can make all the difference in the direction and mood you want your wedding to take in. From classic tracks to summer songs, there’s a tune for everyone.

Some couples like to divide their ceremony and reception, so it’s best to choose the music for every part of the day. 

Music for the Ceremony 

Even though everyone looks forward to the reception, the ceremony is the heart of the wedding day. The music for a ceremony can be slow and romantic or fun and upbeat; it’s entirely up to you. The options include:

• Better Together (Jack Johnson) – find the version on the Rhythms Del Mundo album, which has an outgoing Cuban feel. You can play it as a duet at the ceremony.
• God Only Knows (The Beach Boys) – This classic love song is from the boys of summer themselves and it’s the perfect song to play at a tropical wedding ceremony. 
• Heartstrings (Kolohe Kai) – this lovely love song celebrates a man’s love for a woman, which is the perfect song for a bridal entrance or a song from the groom to the bride. 
• Tropical Sunrise (Bert Kaempfert and his Orchestra) – it’s an instrumental hit that’s just right for a wedding processional and recessional. 

Reception Entrance

After the ceremony, next comes the time to introduce you as a couple to your guests for the first time! For a tropical or beach-themed wedding reception, you’ll want to pick a song that expresses the significance of the moment of the bridal party entrance. Go for some upbeat bridal party tunes such as:

• Good Times (Chic) – an easy-going song that lets your guests know how much fun they’ll have at the reception. 
• Jump in the Line (Harry Belafonte) – a fun song that’s excellent for the bridal party entrance while they make their way to the reception. 
• Walking on Sunshine (Katrina and The Waves) – none of your guests will be walking when your reception lays this festive tune.
• Loco Contigo (Dj Snake, J. Balvin, Tyga) – a Spanish song about love that crosses multiple genres.  It’s also an excellent choice for later during the dance or a tune for the entrance.

Songs for the First Dance 

The first dance between the couple at the reception will set the tone for the wedding day. The song you choose should reflect your wedding theme or only focus on the tropical atmosphere of your venue. The best first dance songs for this kind of wedding include the following:

• Hawaiian Love Song (Elvis Presley) – this song was part of a ceremony in the movie Blue Hawaii, which would also make the perfect dance song for a tropical wedding in Bali. 
• Is This Love (Bob Marley & The Wailers) – no one makes an equally enjoyable beach/tropical tune like Bob Marley, and this song is one of the examples. 
• Love Like Ours (Estelle ft. Tarrus Riley) – this reggae-style song celebrates the love that grows through tough times.
• Wifey (Victor J Sefo) – it’s a song that’s all about wedding proposals but also a lovely song for a first dance. 
• Perfect (covered by Conkarah, original artist Ed Sheeran) – this reggae version of Ed Sheeran’s hit song offers a unique option, especially if you love the original.

New and Classic Tropical Favorites for the Dance

When you think about tropical or beach music, you’d probably think of specific artists like The Beach Boys and Bob Marley. Indeed, their music collection includes some of the best and tunes that will work well in the background and dance music. However, there is other great music from various artists that you should also consider for your dance music:

• Hot Stuff (Donna Summer) – this is especially for you if your wedding takes place in a hot tropical temperature, which would be the case in a Bali wedding.
• Banana Boat – Day-O (Harry Belafonte) – a classic tune that will get your guests, family and friends to sway together.
• Marry You (Bruno Mars) – a popular song by a hit artist that everyone will enjoy. It has an upbeat rhythm that’s perfect for a beach wedding.
• In the Summertime (Mungo Jerry) – it’s a rolling, fun song that’s also best for a Bali wedding.
• Steal My Sunshine (Len) – anyone in the 1990s will be taken back into this happy summer tune. 
• No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem (Kenny Chesney) – the country singer is famous for his relaxed summer tunes, a fun list to play to get the party started.

Conclusion – Songs Beyond the Tropical Feels

Even if your venue doesn’t take place on the beach or anywhere in Bali’s rice fields with a view, you can still use our song list at a festive summer wedding. Add them to your playlist and dance to the tunes, no matter your location!