Wedding songs are a crucial part of setting the tone for your big day. From the moment you walk down the aisle to your departure as newlyweds, music plays a pivotal role in shaping the atmosphere and creating lasting memories. With a plethora of options available, from classic hits to modern chart-toppers, choosing the right tunes can be a daunting task.
One popular choice for weddings is Can You Celebrate by 1247A, which can be streamed on SoundCloud. This song, along with many others, can be found as an MP3 download on various websites. These websites offer a diverse range of old and new songs to cater to different tastes and preferences.
When selecting wedding songs, it's important to consider the couple's personality, energy, and unique love story. The music should resonate with the couple and reflect their journey together. It's also essential to collaborate with the band, musicians, or DJ to ensure a clear understanding of the desired roadmap for the day, including key moments such as the first dance.
Whether it's an upbeat dance floor anthem or a romantic ballad, the right wedding songs will enhance the celebration and create unforgettable moments for the newlyweds and their guests.
What You'll Learn
Wedding songs by genre
Wedding songs vary across different genres, from classical to indie, and can be chosen to match the theme of the wedding. Here is a list of wedding songs by genre:
Classical
Classical music is a popular choice for ceremonies and cocktails, creating a light and romantic atmosphere. While an orchestra may be out of budget for most, a soloist or small chamber group is a more feasible option.
Swing/Ballroom
The fast drumbeats, snappy tunes, and vigorous brass flares of swing music will hype up your guests, while the upbeat jive of ballroom will keep them dancing.
Jazz
Jazz music comes in a wide variety of styles, from hot and upbeat to smooth and laid back. Wedding bands that play jazz usually mix fast, hard-swinging jazz with soft ballads to fit the mood during the reception.
Latin
Latin music, with its passionate dance styles like salsa, tango, and samba, is perfect for a bohemian wedding. The feisty music of bands with Cuban and Brazilian influences will get your guests on the dance floor.
Soul and Funk
With huge beats and catchy horn riffs, soul and funk are sure to fill your dance floor. This genre is widely appreciated by all age groups, so expect a fun-filled party!
Pop
Pop music is ideal for younger, cooler crowds, with a mix of current hits and all-time favourites. It appeals to a diverse crowd and will have your guests singing and dancing along.
Rock and Roll
Rock and roll is a great choice for any vintage-themed wedding, with a wide variety of songs from the 50s to the 90s to encourage lively dancing.
Indie
Indie music is perfect for an outdoor wedding with a less formal reception. It will get your guests pumped up and keep them on the dance floor all night long.
Acoustic
Unplug for a few songs and hire a live band or DJ to play sweet acoustic hits. These acoustic love songs are heartfelt and perfect for any part of your wedding day.
Alternative
If you're looking for something a little different, consider adding some alternative songs to your playlist. These tunes will add a unique touch to your wedding and are perfect for couples who want to showcase their individual taste.
Broadway
If you love show tunes, why not include some Broadway love songs on your wedding playlist? From Wicked to Hamilton, these songs will have your guests singing and dancing along.
Christian
Christian wedding songs span a variety of styles, including pop, rock, country, and soul. They are perfect for couples who want to add a religious element to their wedding, whether during the ceremony or the first dance.
Country
Planning a country-themed wedding? Look no further than these classic and modern country hits. From slow dances to upbeat line dances, these songs will have your guests boot-scootin' all night long.
Emo
Playing some emo songs at your wedding is a great way to feel nostalgic and connect with your inner teenager. These heartfelt and emotional tunes will have your guests feeling all the feels.
Funny
Every wedding should have some funny songs to keep things light and fun. From "Ice Ice Baby" to "Wannabe", these songs will have your guests laughing, singing, and showing off their best dance moves.
Gospel
Gospel songs are a beautiful addition to any wedding, infusing the day with heart, emotion, and soul. These tunes are perfect for walking down the aisle or sharing your first dance as a married couple.
Harp
For an elegant and romantic touch, consider hiring a harpist to play during your wedding ceremony or cocktail hour. These love songs sound absolutely magical on the harp.
R&B
Every wedding should have a few classic R&B tunes to inspire guests to dance with their special someone. From old-school favourites to new hits, these songs will have your guests grooving all night long.
Reggae
Playing reggae at your wedding is a great way to connect with your Caribbean roots or highlight the destination wedding vibe. These songs are guaranteed to get your guests on their feet and keep them dancing all night long.
Rock
Whether you're looking for soft ballads or high-tempo hits, rock love songs will have your guests rocking out. From Aerosmith to The Rolling Stones, these tunes will keep the party going all night long.
Salsa
Put on your dancing shoes and show off your best salsa moves with these top salsa wedding hits. From Enrique Iglesias to Shakira, these songs will have your guests sweating and smiling all night long.
Unique
Keep your wedding fresh and unexpected with some unique wedding songs. From "Cuz I Love You" by Lizzo to "California Stars" by Wilco and Billy Bragg, these tunes will surprise and delight your guests.
Upbeat
To get your guests on the dance floor, choose some upbeat wedding songs that span classic rock, pop, and hip-hop. From Nelly to Britney Spears, these songs will have everyone moving and grooving.
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Wedding songs by decade
Wedding songs have evolved over the decades, from the rock and roll, jazz, and doo-wop of the 1950s to the indie, pop, and R&B tunes of today. Here is a journey through the decades, highlighting some of the most popular wedding songs of each era:
1950s
The 1950s were a time of excitement and celebration as America emerged from war. Elvis Presley dominated the charts with "Love Me Tender" and "Jail House Rock", but other popular wedding songs from this decade include:
- "I Walk the Line" by Johnny Cash
- "That's Amore" by Dean Martin
- "La Bamba" by Ritchie Valen
- "Shout" by the Isley Brothers
- "Love and Marriage" by Frank Sinatra
- "Come Fly Away" by Frank Sinatra
- "Dream a Little Dream of Me" by Ella Fitzgerald
1960s
The 1960s were a time of peace and love, and this decade produced some of the most popular wedding songs of all time. These include:
- "At Last" by Etta James
- "L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole
- "I Got You Babe" by Sonny and Cher
- Can't Help Falling In Love With You" by Elvis Presley
- Twist & Shout" by The Beatles
- "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge
- "Can't Take My Eyes off You" by Frankie Valli
- "How Sweet it Is" by Marvin Gaye
- "My Girl" by The Temptations
1970s
Weddings in the 1970s became less formal and often took place outdoors. Upbeat dance tunes were popular, including:
- "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson
- "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker
- "I'll Be There" by The Jackson 5
- "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack
- "Nobody Does It Better" by Carly Simon
- "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder
- "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- "Get Down Tonight" by KC and the Sunshine Band
- "Long and Winding Road" by The Beatles
- "Best of My Love" by The Emotions
1980s
Weddings in the 1980s reverted to more formal affairs, emulating the wedding of Princess Diana. The music of this decade had a fun flair and hard rock edge, including:
- "1999" by Prince
- "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper
- "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin
- "Celebration" by Kool and The Gang
- "The Electric Slide" by Marcia Griffith
- "PYT" by Michael Jackson
- "I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner
- "Greatest Love of All" by Whitney Houston
- "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" by Wham!
- "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard
- "I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross
1990s
The 1990s brought a variety of wedding music selections, from first dances to father-daughter ballads and line dance songs. Some of the most memorable hits from this decade include:
- "The Macarena"
- "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
- "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" by Elton John
- "Feels Like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk
- "Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey
- "No One" by Alicia Keys
- "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones
- "I Loved Her First" by Heartland
2000s to 2010s
In the early 2000s, Bruno Mars's songs "Just the Way You Are" and "Marry You" became popular choices for weddings. Other hits from this decade include:
- "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)" by Erykah Badu and Common
- "Love" by Keshia Cole
- "This Love" by Maroon 5
- "Bubbly" by Colbie Caillat
- "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias
- "A Moment Like This" by Kelly Clarkson
- "Such Great Heights" by The Postal Service
- "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol
- "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis
2010s to 2020s
Ed Sheeran's sentimental tunes have become a staple at modern weddings, with "Thinking Out Loud" being the number one song labelled "First Dance" on Spotify. Other popular hits from this decade include:
- "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran
- "New Year's Day" by Taylor Swift
- "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" by Usher
- "Little Things" by One Direction
- "We Found Love" by Rihanna and Calvin Harris
- "Mess Is Mine" by Vance Joy
- "A Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay
- "How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding
- "Late Night Talking" by Harry Styles
- "10,000 Hours" by Justin Bieber and Dan + Shay
- "Conversations in the Dark" by John Legend and Lindsey Stirling
- "Sucker" by Jonas Brothers
- "Speechless" by Dan + Shay
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Wedding songs for specific moments
Music is an integral part of a wedding, and choosing the right songs for specific moments can elevate the entire celebration. Here are some songs to consider for different parts of your wedding day:
Prelude Music
Prelude music is usually light background music played as guests are being seated. While you can request specific songs, your DJ, ceremony musician, or wedding planner will likely have suggestions that fit your wedding style.
Processional Song
The processional song is played while the wedding party, including parents and grandparents, enter the ceremony. Traditionally, instrumental music is chosen for this part. However, you can opt for something different if you want to switch things up.
Bridal Processional
The bridal processional is the moment when all eyes are on the bride as she makes her entrance. Choose a song that will highlight this special moment and your arrival at the ceremony.
Recessional Song
The recessional song is played when you exit the ceremony as a married couple. It should be happy and lively, and while it can be instrumental, many couples opt for a fun, upbeat song or even a dance routine to celebrate.
Reception Entrance Song
The reception entrance song marks your grand entry into the reception venue. Choose an energetic and fun song to kickstart the party and get your guests excited.
First Dance
Your first dance as a married couple is a sentimental moment. If you have a song that is special to you or a particular favourite, consider using that. Otherwise, you can brainstorm songs with meaningful lyrics that resonate with you.
Father-Daughter and Mother-Son Dance
Parent dances usually follow the first dance. Father-daughter dance songs are typically sweet and sentimental, reflecting the special bond. Mother-son dance songs can be soft and slow or fast and upbeat, such as a swing dance, foxtrot, or waltz, creating a memorable performance for your guests.
The Party-Starter
Every reception needs that one song that gets everyone on the dance floor. Pick an all-time favourite as a couple or a crowd-pleaser that will have your guests dancing the night away.
Last Song
Before the sparklers, glow sticks, or bubbles send you off, play one of your favourite songs to end the reception on a high note and give everyone a chance to show off their final dance moves.
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Wedding songs for line dances
Line dancing is a great way to get all your wedding guests out on the dance floor. It's a fun activity that excites guests and is simple and easy to do. Here is a list of line dance songs to get your guests moving:
Popular Line Dance Songs:
- "Cha Cha Slide" by Mr. C The Slide Man
- "Cupid Shuffle" by Cupid
- "The Locomotion" by Little Eva
- "Cotton Eye Joe" by Rednex
- "Macarena" by Los Del Rio
- "The Hokey Pokey" by Ray Anthony
- "The Chicken Dance" by The Emeralds
Country Line Dance Songs:
- "Achy Breaky Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus
- "Chattahoochee" by Alan Jackson
- "Wagon Wheel" by Darius Rucker
- "Watermelon Crawl" by Tracy Byrd
- "Copperhead Road" by Steve Earle
- "Any Man of Mine" by Shania Twain
Hip-Hop Line Dance Songs:
- "The Harlem Shake" by Baauer
- "Jump on It" by The Sugarhill Gang
- "Wobble" by V.I.C.
- "Crank That" by Soulja Boy
- "Tootsee Roll" by 69 Boyz
- "Teach Me How to Dougie" by Cali Swag District
Dance Party Line Dance Songs:
- "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge
- "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees
- "Electric Boogie" by Marcia Griffiths
- "Conga" by Miami Sound Machine and Gloria Estefan
- "Y.M.C.A." by The Village People
Rock Line Dance Songs:
- "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond
- "The Time Warp" by Rocky Horror Picture Show
- "Mony Mony" by Billy Idol
- "The Twist" by Chubby Checker
- "Shout" by The Isley Brothers
- "Twist & Shout" by The Beatles
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Wedding songs for the after-party
A wedding after-party is a great opportunity to play some contemporary songs and really let loose. Here are some songs to add to your after-party playlist:
Upbeat Dance Tunes
- I Want You to Know by Zedd and Selena Gomez
- Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon
- Club Can't Handle Me by Flo Rida featuring David Guetta
- Turn Down for What by DJ Snake
- One More Time by Daft Punk
- Electric Feel by MGMT
- Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-a-Lot
- Push It by Salt-N-Pepa
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney Houston
- Hey Ya!" by OutKast
- Latch by Disclosure featuring Sam Smith
- Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
- Crazy in Love by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z
- Evacuate the Dance Floor by Cascada
- I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas
- Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of...) by Lou Bega
- Havana by Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug
- Something Just Like This by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay
- Mi Gente by J Balvin and Willy William featuring Beyoncé
- We Found Love by Rihanna and Calvin Harris
- Just Dance by Lady Gaga
- Wannabe by Spice Girls
- Dancing Feet by DNCE and Kygo
Romantic Classics
- Perfect by Ed Sheeran
- At Last by Etta James
- All of Me by John Legend
- Lover by Taylor Swift
- Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis
- Better Together by Luke Combs
- I Want You Back by The Jackson 5
- No Diggity by Blackstreet featuring Dr. Dre and Queen Pen
- Always on Time by Ja Rule featuring Ashanti
- Easy Love by Sigala
- More Than a Feeling by Boston
Fun and Nostalgic Throwbacks
- Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
- All Night Long (All Night) by Lionel Richie
- Want to Want Me by Jason Derulo
- Time of Our Lives by Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo
- Somebody Loves You by Betty Who
- Lean On by Major Lazer and DJ Snake featuring MØ
- In Da Club by 50 Cent
- Despacito (Remix) by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber
- What Lovers Do by Maroon 5 featuring SZA
- That's What I Like by Bruno Mars
- The Time (Dirty Bit) by The Black Eyed Peas
- Cut the Feeling by Carly Rae Jepsen
- Sorry by Justin Bieber
- One Kiss by Calvin Harris featuring Dua Lipa
- I Want It That Way by The Backstreet Boys
- Super Bass by Nicki Minaj
- Firework by Katy Perry
- Price Tag by Jessie J featuring B.o.B
- Into You by Ariana Grande
- Roses (Imanbek Remix) by SAINt JHN
- Con Calma by Daddy Yankee
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney Houston
- Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of...) by Lou Bega
- Hey Ya!" by OutKast
- Evacuate the Dance Floor by Cascada
- Night Of Your Life by David Guetta featuring Jennifer Hudson
- We R Who We R by Ke$ha
- Don't Stop The Music by Rihanna
- House Party by Sam Hunt
- Footloose by Kenny Loggins
- Don't Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John featuring Kiki Dee
- Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These) by Eurythmics
- Cake By The Ocean by DNCE
- P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing) by Michael Jackson
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular songs to play at a wedding include:
- "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston
- "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
- "Respect" by Aretha Franklin
- "Don't Stop Believin" by Journey
- "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder
- "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé
- "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
- "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran
- "We Found Love" by Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris
- "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
Some upbeat songs to play at a wedding include:
- "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas
- "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk The Moon
- "D.A.N.C.E." by Justice
- "Break My Soul" by Beyoncé
- "About Damn Time" by Lizzo
- "One More Time" by Daft Punk
- "Something Just Like This" by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
- "Higher Love" by Kygo and Whitney Houston
- "Havana" by Camila Cabello feat. Young Thug
- "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green
Some good songs for a couple's first dance at a wedding include:
- "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
- "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
- "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars
- "You Are The Best Thing" by Ray Lamontagne
- "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
- "Better Together" by Jack Johnson
- "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes
- "Lucky" by Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat
- "All of Me" by John Legend
- "At Last" by Etta James
Some good songs to end a wedding reception include:
- "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers
- "Cold Heart" by Elton John and Dua Lipa
- "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd
- "Levitating" by Dua Lipa
- "Kiss Me More" by Doja Cat feat. SZA
- "Big Energy" by Latto
- "Good as Hell" by Lizzo
- "Higher Love" by Kygo and Whitney Houston
- "Running Up That Hill" by Kate Hill
- "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" by Marvin Gaye (original) or James Taylor (cover)