Gabbriette and Matty Healy prove wedding music is whatever you want it to be

The rules of modern wedding music has shifted. Couples are increasingly stripping away outdated traditions in favour of choices that feel personal, authentic, and reflective of their real lives. Nowhere was this more obvious than at the recent celebrity wedding of model Gabbriette Bechtel and The 1975 frontman Matty Healy.

Held at Madonna’s former estate, Castillo del Lago in the Hollywood Hills, the celebration was gothic romance meets old-Hollywood glam. Beyond the custom Matières Fécales bridal look and the star-studded guest list, the standout detail of the evening came down to the wedding music soundtrack.

Instead of opting for a traditional balladeer or a classic acoustic standard for their first dance, the couple took the mic, leaned into nostalgia, and chose “The Reason” by Hoobastank.

It was unexpected, distinctly personal, and entirely them.

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Breaking the sound barrier: Unconventional track choices

Selecting music for your wedding day often feels like walking a tightrope between pleasing a crowd and staying true to your taste. Yet, leaning into your actual favourite songs creates moments that guests remember forever.

We spoke with Tahnaya Wynne Violinist to get her expert perspective on the couple’s choice of track.

"’The Reason’ by Hoobastank is a great song, and would be so fun for your 1st dance. It fit their wedding perfectly and is unique for a 1st dance song. I love that they chose it because it resonated with them, even though it is an unconventional choice for the 1st dance."

Tahnaya

When a couple chooses music based on genuine connection rather than tradition, the energy in the room completely transforms. It replaces performative tradition with a shared, unforgettable experience.

Music as the ultimate storyteller

At Easy Weddings, we see couples redefining bridal style every single day. From attire to venue selection, the current movement is all about authenticity. Music plays one of the largest roles in setting that tone, acting as the narrative spine of the entire day.

Tahnaya strongly echoes this sentiment when working with couples to build their event setlists.

"I completely agree with the statement ‘bridal is whatever you want it to be’. It is your day and every decision should reflect you as a couple, music included. Music is a fantastic way to tell your story... through your favourite songs, artists, and music that reflects you as a couple and your love. I strongly encourage couples to select music based on them, not what is traditionally ‘bridal’."

Tahnaya

How to choose your own unconventional soundtrack

If you want to step away from traditional playlists for your own celebration, keep these simple guidelines in mind:

• Prioritise nostalgia over trends: Think about the songs you sang along to on early road trips, the anthems from concerts you attended together, or the late-night tracks that define your relationship.
• Work with versatile live musicians: A skilled violinist, acoustic duo, or live band can take an alternative rock, pop, or hip-hop track and arrange it to fit the mood of a ceremony or first dance while preserving the original melody.
• Forget about external expectations: Your guests are there to celebrate you. If a song means something to both of you, that is the only permission you need to put it on the setlist.

Ultimately, an unconventional wedding isn’t about trying to be different for the sake of it. It is about backing your own taste. Whether that means walking down the aisle in a custom gothic gown or sharing your first dance to early 2000s alt-rock, your wedding day should look and sound exactly like you.

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