Planning a wedding? Lets talk music real quick:
If you are having a DJ or musician for the ceremony you’ll need these songs:
– Prelude: three to five songs (while guests are seating)
– Processional: one to two songs (Bridal party entrance)
– Bride Entrance: one song
– Unity Candle/Sand – Signing of the register: one to two songs
– Recessional: one song (The big exit after saying I do)
Some of these may be completely optional like the unity / sand special song is sometimes substituted by the signing of the marriage license or left out completely.
For the Reception you’ll need these songs:
Reception Music:
– Grand Entrance: one to two songs
– First dance song: one song
– Father/daughter dance: one song
– Mother/son dance: one song
– Bouquet toss: one song
– Garter toss: one song
– Cake cutting: one song
– Last dance: one song
Additional songs that may be included are:
– Wedding party dance: one song (not frequently done)
– Dollar Dance songs: (more and more rare these days)
– Dollar Dash: Unique trend we see sometimes
– Anniversary song: Something we see early in a night when all couples are available for a few slow dances and this works one of two ways, oldest couple is called to the dance floor first and slowly everyone else joins in Or everyone is invited to the dance floor and the couple married shortest leaves first (bride & groom) and oldest couple stays and is treated to a gift.
*My plot twist to the anniversary dance is to invite everyone up and the couple who has been married the longest gets to eat dinner first, followed by the next couple, etc. I’d cheat though and get the bride & groom first with the oldest couple. (It always is an interesting exchange) I’d say something like I’m sure after 50+ years you’ve got some great advice join the bride and groom as our first couple to have dinner tonight and give them some advice for a long and loving marriage while you’re getting your food. It’s never fair based on where you sit on when your table is released anyways so at least this way it makes it more exciting and unique. (Just an idea) 
*Timelines are important and something you should discuss with your DJ or Event Planner to find out what will work best for the experience, the vibe, the time, your guests, and you. When you do certain things can and should change based on everything involved. We always suggest to get as much done before dinner as possible. There’s less distractions, more focus on you. It’s sometimes difficult but its always a great idea to consider. (First dance, toasts, & cake cutting) Consider knocking out 1 or all of these before dinner and the rest of the reception moves to the party at a faster pace and if that’s what you’re looking for then it’s an ideal move!
One of my industry favorites DJ Barr talks about the timelines in great detail on this video: