Wedding Songs List: Top Picks for Your Big Day
Choosing the right wedding songs is one of the most important aspects of planning your special day. Whether it’s for your first dance, the reception entrance, or any moment in between, the music sets the tone for your celebration. Your wedding songs should reflect your love story and create unforgettable memories for you and your guests.
With so many choices available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect tunes for every part of your wedding. From timeless classics to contemporary hits, a well-curated playlist can ensure that every moment flows seamlessly and everyone stays on the dance floor.
1) At Last – Etta James
“At Last” by Etta James is a classic wedding song that remains a favorite for many couples. The song’s soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics create a timeless feel.
The tune was originally written for the 1941 film “Sun Valley Serenade.” Etta James’s 1960 version brought it new life (source).
“At Last” has captivated listeners with its romantic vibe, making it a beautiful addition to any wedding playlist.
2) A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri is a perfect choice for your wedding day. This romantic song gained fame from the “Twilight” movie series.
Its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics make it ideal for a first dance or even a ceremony entrance.
The song’s message of timeless love resonates with many couples, making it a popular pick for weddings.
You can listen to the official music video on YouTube.
3) Marry You – Bruno Mars
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars is a fun and upbeat choice for a wedding song. It’s perfect for a celebration where you want everyone to feel the joy of the moment.
The catchy tune and sweet lyrics make it ideal for ceremonies and receptions. You can play it during the first dance or even at some point during the reception to get everyone dancing.
From the album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, this song captures the spontaneity and excitement of love. It’s a great addition to your wedding playlist.
4) Perfect – Ed Sheeran
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran is a top choice for weddings. Its romantic lyrics capture the essence of true love.
The melody is soothing, making it ideal for slow dances. Many couples choose it for their first dance song.
Listen to “Perfect” on YouTube to see why it’s a wedding favorite!
5) I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith is a timeless choice for weddings. This song comes from the movie Armageddon and features powerful vocals and emotional lyrics.
You can use it for your first dance or a special moment during your reception. Its romantic vibe makes it perfect for expressing your love.
Many couples have chosen this song for its heartfelt message and memorable melody. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.
6) Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” is a timeless classic by Elvis Presley. Released in 1961 on the album Blue Hawaii, this song has become a favorite for weddings.
Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics make it perfect for a first dance. Couples love the line, “Take my hand, take my whole life too.”
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its simple yet powerful message of love. If you’re looking for a romantic and iconic tune, this is it.
For more details, check out Elvis Presley Wedding Hits.
7) All of Me – John Legend
“All of Me” by John Legend is a beautiful choice for weddings. The song’s heartfelt lyrics express deep love and devotion.
Legend sings about loving every part of his partner, imperfections and all. This makes it a great pick for a first dance.
Released in 2013, it remains a popular wedding song today. You can read more about it here.
8) Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran is a favorite for wedding playlists.
Released in 2014, it quickly became a hit with couples for first dances.
The romantic lyrics make it perfect for celebrating love. For more on Ed Sheeran’s wedding songs, check out this list.
9) Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars
“Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars is a perfect choice for a wedding. The song’s beautiful lyrics celebrate your partner’s natural beauty and uniqueness.
With lines like “Oh, her eyes, her eyes make the stars look like they’re not shinin’,” it’s a sweet tune to play during your first dance or ceremony.
Many couples love this song for its romantic message. It’s a timeless track that expresses love and admiration, making it ideal for your special day. You can find more details about this song on The Knot.
10) Make You Feel My Love – Adele
“Make You Feel My Love” by Adele is a beautiful, heartfelt song perfect for weddings. Originally written by Bob Dylan, Adele’s soulful rendition adds an emotional depth that resonates with many couples.
This song is a popular choice for the first dance. Its lyrics express deep commitment and love, making it a memorable moment.
You can find more details about this timeless love song on YouTube.
Choosing The Right Wedding Songs
Picking the best wedding songs involves considering factors like danceability, genre mixing, and personal significance. Ensuring a balanced blend can make your special day even more memorable.
Factors To Consider
When choosing your wedding songs, think about the mood you want to set. First Dance songs might be slow and romantic while Reception songs can be upbeat. It’s also important to consider the song’s tempo; a medium tempo is often easier to dance to for everyone.
Consider lyrics carefully. Some songs have beautiful melodies but may contain unsuitable lyrics for a wedding. Always listen to the entire song before making a final decision.
Communication between you and your partner is essential. Discuss your choices and ensure both of you are happy with them. A mutual agreement can make the moment even more special.
Mixing Genres
Mixing different music genres can keep your guests engaged. For instance, start with classical or jazz during the ceremony and switch to pop or rock for the reception. This not only caters to various tastes but also changes the vibe as the event progresses.
Think about incorporating classic hits along with modern tunes. Songs like “At Last” by Etta James can be timeless choices, while newer songs by artists like Ed Sheeran can add a contemporary feel. Balancing old and new will please both younger and older guests.
You might also include instrumental tracks during quiet moments to elevate the atmosphere without overwhelming conversations.
Incorporating Personal Favorites
Personalizing your wedding with your favorite songs adds a special touch. Choose songs that are meaningful to you and your partner. This could be the song playing during your first date or a track that holds significant memories.
Don’t shy away from unconventional choices. If you both love a specific genre or artist, make it part of your playlist. Your wedding is a reflection of your journey together, and the music should resonate with your personal story.
Ask for suggestions from close family and friends too. They might remind you of songs that hold sentimental value for your relationships with them.
By thoughtfully choosing songs, mixing genres, and including personal favorites, your wedding will be a memorable and heartfelt celebration for everyone involved.
Creating The Perfect Atmosphere
Creating the perfect atmosphere for your wedding involves picking music that enhances the ceremony, sets the right tone during the reception, and gets everyone dancing. Here’s how you can achieve this for different parts of your wedding.
Ceremony Music
The music during your ceremony is deeply personal. It’s the soundtrack to some of the most emotional parts of your day. Consider songs that resonate with your love story and values. Traditional choices include classical pieces like “Canon in D” by Pachelbel or “Ave Maria” by Schubert. For a modern touch, think “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri or “Marry Me” by Train.
Live music can make your ceremony feel more intimate. A string quartet, acoustic guitarist, or even a solo singer can bring warmth and personalization. Make sure the tempo and mood of each song match significant moments, like the entrance, vows, and exit.
Reception Vibes
Your reception music sets the mood for dinner, toasts, and casual mingling. Aim for songs that create a relaxed but festive atmosphere. Soft jazz, acoustic versions of popular songs, or a playlist filled with your favorite tunes can do the trick.
For those looking to add a touch of elegance, Frank Sinatra’s “Love and Marriage” or Michael Bublé’s “Everything” can be perfect choices. Stay mindful of the volume, ensuring it’s loud enough to be heard but quiet enough to allow conversation. Check out this Ultimate Wedding Song List for more suggestions.
Dance Floor Hits
When it’s time to dance, you want songs that appeal to everyone. Mix classics with current hits to get all age groups on their feet. Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and The Black Eyed Peas’ “The Time (Dirty Bit)” are great for this. Add in timeless tracks by Ike & Tina Turner or The Beatles.
A good practice is having a mix of high-energy songs and slower tunes to give guests a break. This way, you maintain excitement on the dance floor without exhausting everyone. Consider these popular wedding dance songs for a well-balanced playlist.
Using these tips, you’ll create an unforgettable atmosphere that reflects your unique style and keeps your guests entertained from start to finish.
