Have you ever heard a song that tugs through your heartstrings and opens a pandora's box of beautiful memories? In an almost once-in-a-lifetime event like a union between a couple, wedding songs express unspoken emotions when they cannot be said themselves.
The best wedding songs sets the romantic atmosphere and let the guests feel the intimacy of the joyous union. Without music, the whole ceremony will become a snore fest where the elderly and children sleep off in the middle of the marriage vows. No one wants a bland and forgettable wedding, so couples must take notes on this ultimate list of the most popular wedding songs.
Wedding 101: How Many Songs Do You Need?
Here's a short but sweet answer: It depends on the couple or the timeframe of the wedding ceremony. Your ultimate wedding playlist caters to how long the matrimony will last and even the cocktail hour or reception programs.
Typically, you'll have morning songs, a wedding march of the entourage, a bride's walk down the aisle, a processional, recessional, first dance, father-daughter dance songs, mother-son wedding dance and some other love songs to set a sweet vibe. The only thing constant is how the pieces will be at least 10.
Here's a great tip: If you have Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal or Amazon Music, create a playlist of each category so you'll have an organized song selection. If you have a hired DJ, give him a comprehensive list of all the songs for each part of the ceremony.
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3 Tips for Choose the Best Wedding Songs
You might get overwhelmed choosing the best wedding songs to play on the big day in a sea of hundred romantic melodies. It's a good thing there are ways for you to navigate these wavy tunes by using the tips below.
Refer to Your Wedding Style
Make everything cohesive at your wedding, including the songs to play. For example, a Great Gatsby theme wedding will likely have oldies music, while a fairytale-themed wedding can play Disney classics. Nonetheless, you can have some of your favourite love songs on the list even if it doesn't match the theme as, after all, it's your wedding day.
Research for Inspiration
You can look for inspiration from rom-coms, past weddings with the same theme, YouTube, music streaming platforms or even recommendations from wedding planners. So start jotting down the songs you want to include on the playlist.
Pay Attention to the Lyrics
Sure, the beat is essential, but the lyrics should also fit the occasion. Pay attention to the song's lyrics, especially for the first dance, as that can make the moment special. The lyrics resonate with the memorable event, so it's also essential.
20 Pre-Wedding Songs for Getting Ready in the Morning
Now that we're done choosing the best wedding songs, it's time to start your morning with the most picker-upper songs to keep the happy vibe going. Here are the 20 songs to play while getting ready with the bridesmaids.
- Chapel of Love - The Dixie Cups
- Oh, Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
- Love on Top - Beyoncé
- California Gurls - Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg
- I Don't Like It, I Love It - Flo Rida feat. Verdine White and Robin Thicke
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) - Whitney Houston
- Bang Bang - Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj
- Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani
- Just Dance - Lady Gaga feat. Colby O'Donis
- SexyBack - Justin Timberlake feat. Timbaland
- Woman - Doja Cat
- Can't Get You Out of My Head - Kylie Minogue
- Sugar - Maroon 5
- I Love It - Icona Pop feat. Charli XCX
- We Found Love - Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris
- Can't Hold Us - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton
- Only Girl (In the World) - Rihanna
- You Sexy Thing - Hot Chocolate
- Man! I Feel Like a Woman! - Shania Twain
- Like a Virgin - by Madonna
50 Best Wedding Songs to Walk Down the Aisle
A bride walking down the aisle marks the start of the marriage journey. So while the father walks his daughter down the aisle, there needs to be a playlist of songs that'll set the heartwarming scene.
Aisle songs can be traditional, classic, or modern pieces. It doesn't matter what aisle themes you and your partner choose as long as you know they'll be memorable for the big day. So, for example, you can have songs that speak about your dreams as nearly weds.
Moreover, you can either have a live band or digital recording, which depends on your budget. Hiring a professional DJ is also a great option, as he can mix up all the romantic songs the couple want as the bride walks down the aisle.
- At Last - Etta James
- Can't Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley
- Close to You - Carpenters
- Songbird - Fleetwood Mac
- Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
- Here, There, and Everywhere - The Beatles
- Crazy Love - Van Morrison
- What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
- That's All - Nat King Cole
- That Sunday, That Summer - George Benson
- Marry You - Bruno Mars
- I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
- Kiss Me - Sixpence None The Richer
- You Make My Dreams Come True - Hall and Oates
- Il mondo - Jimmy Fontana
- It Must Be Love - Madness
- There She Goes - La's
- You & Me Song - The Wannadies
- Best of My Love - The Emotions
- I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers
- Ribbon in the Sky - Stevie Wonder
- Kiss of Life - Sade
- A Couple of Forevers - Chrisette Michele
- If It Wasn't for Your Love - Heather Headley
- At Your Best (You Are Love) - Aaliyah
- So Beautiful - Musiq Soulchild
- Forever - Jason Nelson
- Saving Forever for You - Shanice
- Best Part - Daniel Caesar featuring H.E.R.
- You Put a Move on My Heart - Tamia
- A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
- You Are My Lady - Freddie Jackson
- Beautiful in White - Shane Filan
- Perfect - Ed Sheeran
- Make You Feel My Love - Adele
- Save the Best for Last - Vanessa Williams
- Masterpiece - Atlantic Starr
- She - Elvis Costello
- All of Me - John Legend
- Better Together - Jack Johnson
- Never Saw Blue Like That - Shawn Colvin
- I Love the Way You Love Me - John Michael Montgomery
- When You Say Nothing At All - Alison Krauss
- I Love You - Martina McBride
- Making Memories of Us - Keith Urban
- Bless the Broken Road - Rascal Flatts
- God Gave Me You - Blake Shelton
- Me and You - Kenny Chesney
- From This Moment On - Shania Twain
- Forever After All - Luke Combs
20 Beautiful Wedding Processional Songs to Include on Your Wedding
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Processionals have a particular order that starts with the bride's mother and ends with the bride and her father. The goal of wedding processional songs is to make the entourage of the bride and groom a solemn light. These are the songs being played before the grand entrance of the bride and her father.
You must find slow and solemn pieces for the processional songs that fit the sweet ceremony. Here are some of the most attractive options for you:
- Bridal Chorus - Richard Wagner
- Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World - Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole
- Can't Help Falling in Love - Haley Reinhart
- Stay With Me - by Sam Smith
- How Long Will I Love You - by Ellie Goulding
- Only Time - Enya
- You Are the Reason - Calum Scott
- True - Spandau Ballet
- Could You Be Loved - Bob Marley and the Wailers
- Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve
- The Rest of Our Life - Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
- A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
- Shallow - Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
- A Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay
- Marry Me - Train
- Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
- XO - by John Mayer
- The Matrimony - by Wale featuring Usher
- Faithfully - by Journey
- Hold On, We're Going Home - Drake
Kick Off Your Reception Hall with the 50 Best Wedding Entrance Songs
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You can also read more here: Best Wedding Entrance Songs to Get This Party Started
Now that the ceremony's over, it's time to get the party started! First, everything should be in style, even the entrance of the wedding entourage and guests.
Romantic Bride and Groom Entrance Songs
It's the entrance that marks the welcoming of newlywed couples. Everyone loves a grand opening and making it unforgettable with the proper selection of songs that hits the sweet spots. The bride and groom can also create cute and straightforward choreography with the entrance.
- I’m Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and The Waves
- Can’t Stop the Feeling - Justin Timberlake
- On Top of The World - Imagine Dragons
- Best Day of my Life - American Authors
- Brighter Than the Sun - Colbie Caillat
- Somebody Like You - Keith Urban
- I Got a Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
- Everything - Michael Bublé
- Happy - Pharrell Williams
- Forever - Chris Brown
Best Men's Wedding Entrance Songs
These men have been the rock of the groom during the good and bad times. They're like the boy band who never got to promote an album but have stuck together ever since. So let them dance to 90's boy bands and relive the good ol' blast from the past.
- She Looks So Perfect - 5 Seconds of Summer
- What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction
- Step by Step - New Kids on The Block
- Larger Than Life - Backstreet Boys
- I’m Glad You Came - The Wanted
- Wild Heart - The Vamps
- Everybody - Backstreet Boys
- Picture of You - Boyzone
- Mmmbop - Hanson
- Ready or Not - A1
Chic Bridal Party Entrance Songs
Whether the bride tribes are girl bosses or hopeless romantic ladies, they'll enjoy the spotlight with bridal party wedding entrance songs. They'll bop to the music and bring extra sunshine to the party!
- Dear Future Husband - Meghan Trainor
- Independent Women - Destiny's Child
- Run the World - Beyoncé
- Confident - Demi Lovato
- Wannabe - Spice Girls
- Uptown Girl - Westlife
- Salute - Little Mix
- Power - Little Mix
- Roar - Katy Perry
- Classic - MKTO
Wedding Entrance Songs for Invitees
The couple should remember guests during the wedding entrance songs. Then, make the invitees dance on their feet while waiting for the bride and groom to appear at the entrance. It's fun when everyone is involved in the wedding party.
- Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera
- Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon
- DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love - Usher
- Don't Stop Believin’ - Journey
- Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
- Uptown Funk - Bruno Mars
- Marry Me - Jason Derulo
- 24k Magic - Bruno Mars
- Firework - Katy Perry
- Hey Ya! - Outkast
Wedding Entrance Songs for Parents
We thank the parents for bringing the beautiful bride and handsome groom into the world. They are the people who cared for the newlyweds growing up, so honouring them with their wedding entrance songs is a must.
- (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher - Jackie Wilson
- I’ve Had the Time of My Life - Jennifer Warnes and Bill Medley
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours - Stevie Wonder
- How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) - James Taylor
- This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen
- You Make My Dreams - Hall & Oates
- For Once in My Life - Stevie Wonder
- Best of My Love - The Emotions
- L. O. V. E. - Michael Bublé
Here Come the 20 Best Wedding Recessional Songs
Wedding recessional songs complete the ceremony. It gives the impression of the phrase: "the end is just the beginning." The themes for recessional tend to lean more on sweet and upbeat songs as it's a happy time for the couple. Nevertheless, depending on the couple's music preference, it can be the opposite.
- Crazy in Love - Beyonce
- I Choose - Alessia Cara
- A Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay
- You Are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne
- To the Bone - Pamungkas
- I’m Yours - Jason Mraz
- At My Worst - Pink Sweats
- I’m Glad You Exist - Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber
- Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours - Stevie Wonder
- Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra
- Grow Old with You - by Adam Sandler
- Treasure - Bruno Mars
- Forever - Chris Brown
- Love on Top - Beyonce
- Happy Together - by The Turtles
- Everything - Michael Bublé
- Heaven is a Place on Earth - Belinda Carlisle
- I Do - Colbie Caillat
- Walk With Me - Delta Rae
60 Sweet First Dance Wedding Songs
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You can also read more here: 60 Unforgettable Tunes for Your Wedding’s First Dance
Having the first dance of the bride and groom is an old-age tradition that's still done up to this day. It has evolved but remains symbolic of unity and love between the couple.
First-dance wedding songs tend to be slow and classic, while some young couples add upbeat music. Whatever mixes the team chooses, it's something worth witnessing.
- Can’t Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
- God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
- Here, There, and Everywhere - The Beatles
- At Last - Etta James
- The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
- Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel
- How Deep Is Your Love - Bee Gees
- They Long to Be Close to You - The Carpenters
- Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
- Endless Love - Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
- She - Elvis Costello
- When I Fall in Love - Nat King Cole
- Feels Like Home - Chantal Kreviazuk
- She’s The One - Robbie Williams
- Groovy Kind of Love - Phil Collins
- Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
- From This Moment On - Shania Twain
- I Could Not Ask for More - Edwin McCain
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli and The 4 Seasons
- All of Me - John Legend
- Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra
- You Make My Dreams - Hall & Oates
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder
- You & Me Song - The Wannadies
- Home - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
- I Melt With You - Modern English
- I Was Made For You - She & Him
- She’s A Rainbow - The Rolling Stones
- Electric Love - BORNS
- I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
- Teenage Dream - Katy Perry
- Marry You - Bruno Mars
- Love On Top - Beyonce
- Shut Up and Dance - Walk The Moon
- Can’t Stop The Feeling - Justin Timberlake
- Young & Beautiful - Lana del Rey
- True Love - Coldplay
- Full-blown Love - BROODS
- XO - John Mayer
- Better Together - Jack Johnson
- Amazed - Lonestar
- Marry Me - Thomas Rhett
- God Gave Me You - Blake Shelton
- Making Memories of Us - Keith Urban
- Found It In You - Tiera Kennedy
- Speechless - Dan + Shay
- Made For You - Jake Owen
- Then - Brad Paisley
- You Make It Easy - Jason Aldean
- A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
- Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers
- Make You Feel My Love - Adele
- You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
- Falling Slowly - Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
- I Won’t Give Up - Jason Mraz
- Marry Me - Train
- Such Great Heights - Iron & Wine
- Please Be Patient With Me - Wilco
- Turning Page - Sleeping At Last
- I Don't Want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith
20 Lovely Wedding Father-Daughter Dance Songs
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You can also read more here: Top 20 Wedding Father Daughter Dance Songs of All Time
Why is father-daughter dance a staple in any wedding? Well, for one, it represents the connection between the two people who have been together almost all their lives. It's also a tradition of letting the daughter go to start a new family with her beau. Finally, it is an emotional moment that deserves lovely wedding songs.
Meanwhile, you can have country wedding songs during this part of the reception dance as the father will highly appreciate the gesture.
- How Sweet It Is - James Taylor
- My Girl - The Temptations
- Unforgettable - Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole
- First Man - Camila Cabello
- One Call Away - Charlie Puth
- Father and Daughter - Paul Simon
- Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses
- My Little Girl - Tim McGraw
- Hold My Girl - George Ezra
- Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
- Oh! My Papa - Eddie Fisher
- Dance Like Yo Daddy - Meghan Trainor
- The Long and Winding Road - The Beatles
- I Got You Babe - Sonny & Cher
- Count on Me - Bruno Mars
- Daddy - Beyoncé
- Daughters - John Mayer
- My Wish - Rascal Flatts
- Your Song - Elton John
- Butterfly Fly Away - Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
60 Momentous Mother-Son Wedding Dance Songs
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You can also read more here:60 Mother-Son Wedding Dance Songs from Every Music Genre
What we love about mother-son wedding songs is how it's rare for most grooms to dance with their mom. Everyone loves seeing a groom and his mom reuniting on the dance floor while having fun moving to upbeat wedding music or slow dancing in a mellow one.
- What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
- Mother and Child Reunion - Paul Simon
- The Perfect Fan - The Backstreet Boys
- Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison
- God’s Been Good to Me - Keith Urban
- Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
- The First Lady in My Life - Paul Todd
- Kind & Generous - Natalie Merchant
- Ordinary Miracle - Sarah McLachlan
- Mother Like Mine - The Band Perry
- O zittre nicht, mein lieber Sohn - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- 99 Words - Sir John Tavener and Roxanna Panufnik
- Songs My Mother Taught Me - Antonin Dvořák
- Hymn to the Mother of God - John Tavener
- Fraunliebe und -leben - Robert Schumann
- Six Pieces for Orchestra - Anton Webern
- Requiem for My Mother - Rebecca Dale
- Dancing on Tiptoes - Rachel Bruerville
- Grandmother's Minuet - Edvard Grieg
- Empress of the Night - Amy Beach
- He Gets That from Me - Reba McEntire
- I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack
- Never Alone - Lady and Jim Brickman
- Like My Mother Does - Lauren Alaina
- Sweet Child of Mine - Sheryl Crow
- Mama’s Song - Carrie Underwood
- Humble and Kind - Tim McGraw
- Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Don’t Blink - Kenny Chesney
- Mama Said - Lukas Graham
- The Hand That Rocks the Cradle - Glen Campbell
- Mama, I’m Coming Home - Ozzy Osbourne
- I'll Always Love My Mama - The Intruders
- Mama Liked the Roses - Elvis Presley
- Isn’t She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
- The Wish - Bruce Springsteen
- Mama Used to Say - Junior
- Mom - Earth Wind, & Fire
- Philomena - Thin Lizzy
- Mother - Ray Charles
- Some Kind of Wonderful - Michael Bublé
- Loves Me Like a Rock - Paul Simon
- God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
- Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars
- U Can’t Touch This - MC Hammer
- Thank You Mom - Good Charlotte
- September - Earth, Wind & Fire
- You’re My Best Friend - Queen
- Dear Mom & Dad - Us the Duo
- Let’s Get It On - Marvin Gaye
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
- The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
- Here Comes the Sun Again - M. Ward
- Do I Make You Proud - Taylor Hicks
- You’ve Got a Friend - James Taylor
- All My Tomorrows - Frank Sinatra
- A Mother’s Song - Daniel Kirkley
- Time After Time - Iron and Wine
- Summer Wind - Frank Sinatra
- Hey, Ma - Bon Iver
Final Thoughts
Wedding songs help create the most emotionally charming atmosphere you can ever have during the union between a couple. It makes or breaks a romantic affair and sets the scenic view while the bride and groom say their "I do."
Make sure you play all the right songs for the right category to make everyone cry, smile, laugh, and groove to the music. Remember to take lots of pictures and videos so you can always look back to the fun and tear-jerker parts of your wedding.
