Not for: Not a playlist to copy into a published film. Using a commercial song in a film you deliver or post needs the rights holder’s permission; the music-rights guide explains the uses.
The song decides the film
In a highlight reel the song is not background. It sets the length, because the reel is as long as the song you load, and it sets the rhythm, because the cuts land on its beat. So choosing the song is choosing the film: a quiet song makes a reel that lingers on faces, and a dhol-heavy one makes a reel that moves. Agree the songs with the couple before the wedding, not after you have watched the footage, so you film for them.
Haldi
The haldi is the loosest hour of the wedding, and couples tend to ask for something playful with a strong beat. Pallo Latke, from Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana (2017), and Navrai Majhi, from English Vinglish (2012), are heard at many. Keep the reel short: a song of a minute or two is plenty for turmeric, water and petals, and the energy of the footage will carry it.
Mehendi
The mehendi wants warmth more than drive. Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna, from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Mehendi Hai Rachnewali, from Zubeidaa (2001), and Mere Haathon Mein Nau Nau Chudiyan, from Chandni (1989), are long-standing requests. If the family sang their own songs and someone recorded them cleanly, that recording may be the better choice: it is their afternoon, in their voices.
Sangeet
The sangeet is the night of performances, and its songs are often the ones the family danced to. London Thumakda, from Queen (2014), Gallan Goodiyaan, from Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Kala Chashma, from Baar Baar Dekho (2016), Bole Chudiyan, from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), and Ainvayi Ainvayi, from Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), turn up again and again. If the couple wants to hear the stage track, use it, and accept the reel will be as long as it is.
Baraat, entry and jaimala
The baraat wants the dhol and a crowd song: Aaj Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, from Aadmi Sadak Ka (1977), is the classic. The bride’s entry usually wants something slower that still builds, such as Din Shagna Da, from Phillauri (2017), or Saajanji Ghar Aaye, from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). Hold the walk until a phrase ends, so the entrance feels like one.
Vidaai and the reception
The vidaai is the film’s quiet ending, and couples often choose Dilbaro, from Raazi (2018), or Kabira, from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013). Let faces carry it, not décor. The reception is the opposite: a bright, short song for the entry and a full floor. If the vidaai and the reception are in one reel, join two songs rather than forcing one to do both jobs.
Trim before you cut
Most film songs run several minutes, longer than the reel you sold. Trim the song to the length you promised before you press Create, ending on a phrase that resolves rather than a fade. If the vows or a speech must be heard, choose a song with a still stretch where a line of speech can sit; when you keep a line of dialogue in the reel, the song ducks under it.
Songs couples often ask for
Titles with the film and year they come from. They are suggestions for planning the reel with the couple, not cleared music.
| Ceremony | Songs often heard | What the reel needs |
|---|---|---|
| Haldi | Pallo Latke (Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, 2017); Navrai Majhi (English Vinglish, 2012) | A playful beat, kept short |
| Mehendi | Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, 1995); Mehendi Hai Rachnewali (Zubeidaa, 2001); Mere Haathon Mein Nau Nau Chudiyan (Chandni, 1989) | Warmth more than drive |
| Sangeet | London Thumakda (Queen, 2014); Gallan Goodiyaan (Dil Dhadakne Do, 2015); Kala Chashma (Baar Baar Dekho, 2016); Bole Chudiyan (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, 2001); Ainvayi Ainvayi (Band Baaja Baaraat, 2010) | Pace, and the family dances in order |
| Baraat | Aaj Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai (Aadmi Sadak Ka, 1977) | The dhol, the crowd, the walk up |
| Entry and jaimala | Din Shagna Da (Phillauri, 2017); Saajanji Ghar Aaye (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, 1998) | A slow build, held to the end of a phrase |
| Vidaai | Dilbaro (Raazi, 2018); Kabira (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, 2013) | Faces leaving, given room |
Your footage stays on your computer
Editing, playback and export run on your computer, and your original footage and songs never leave it. To find moments, Auto-Edit shares low-quality copies of your clips, still frames and the speech, and the app asks once before anything is sent. The editor works worldwide, in English; credit packs are priced in Indian rupees.
Questions
Which song should open a wedding highlight?
One that starts quietly enough for the getting-ready shots and lifts later, so the entrance and the floor have somewhere to go. The cuts land on its beat, so a song with a clear pulse is easier to cut than a free-flowing one.
Can I use a Bollywood song in a wedding film I post online?
Only with permission from whoever holds the rights to the song and the recording. Platforms may mute or block a video with matched music. The music-rights guide covers the options.
Can one reel use two songs?
Yes. Join songs with a cut, crossfade or gap before you press Create; the reel is as long as the joined songs.
Get the editor
Windows and Linux now; macOS is coming. The editor is free; create your account when it first opens.