Rhiannon Hendricks
Music is a huge part of a wedding day, and choosing the right songs to soundtrack your celebration is important. From the processional to the first dance, the music you select will help tell your story as a couple. Whether you're after a classic, a modern hit, or something in between, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Characteristics of a good wedding song
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Ballads, pop, indie, soul, Motown, R&B, folk, hip-hop, dance, rock |
| Lyrics | Romantic, sentimental, fun, quirky, endearing, elegant, intimate, soulful, sweet, upbeat |
| Tempo | High, low, medium, danceable |
| Type of dance | Group dance, couple dance, first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, mother-daughter dance, sibling dance |
| Type of wedding | Fun-loving crowd, modern, traditional, classic, indie, Bollywood, Punjabi, Sikh |
| Type of moment | Bridal party grand entrance, first dance, cake-cutting, candle lighting, reading, wedding recessional, wedding interlude, wedding exit |
| Type of couple | Music lovers, indie kids, musicians, fun-loving, fans of a particular artist or band |
| Type of guests | Music-inclined, friends, family, young and old |
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What You'll Learn
First dance songs
Choosing the song for your first dance as a married couple is a highly personal decision. The song you pick should reflect your personality and love story. It could be a song that unlocks a specific memory, such as the first one you danced to, or the tune that was playing when you first met, or it could be something entirely new and unique.
If you don't already have a song in mind, you could opt for a classic love song, such as "At Last" by Etta James, "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley, or "Your Song" by Elton John. These songs have enduring popularity as first dance choices, with their romantic lyrics and slow, swaying tempo.
You could also choose a song that has a particular resonance for you as a couple, even if it's not a conventional love song. For example, if you met at a concert, you might want to choose a song by that artist, or if you have similar music tastes, you could pick a song that reflects that. "Bloom" by Paper Kites, "I'm With You" by Vance Joy, and "Happy Accidents" by Saint Motel have all been chosen by couples for their first dance.
The tempo of the song is also an important consideration. Most couples opt for a ballad or a slower, more soulful song, but you could also choose something more upbeat if that suits your style. If you're planning to dance to the whole song, you might want to consider the length of the track and whether you want the band or DJ to play the original or put their own spin on it.
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Songs for the father-daughter dance
The father-daughter dance is one of the most touching moments in any wedding reception, but choosing the right song can be tricky. The song should represent the relationship between the father and daughter. While slow ballads and tear-jerkers are popular choices, the music doesn't have to be slow to make the moment fantastic. There are plenty of upbeat options too. Here are some ideas to get you started:
"You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker is a beautiful love song that can be used for either the first dance or the father-daughter dance. With lyrics like "You are so beautiful, to me. You are so beautiful, to me, can’t you see", it's the perfect choice to celebrate the bond between a father and his daughter.
"When You Need Me" by Bruce Springsteen is a lovely pop-rock ballad with the underlying message that he'll always be there for his daughter. It's a touching and sentimental choice, with lyrics like "I’ll be there to guide you when, trouble walks beside you, if you need me I’ll be there, and when those mean days come along, we’ll stand together and we’ll take ’em on."
"My Girl" by The Temptations is a huge hit at weddings, perfect for both first dances and father-daughter dances. It's a classic song with cheerful lyrics and an iconic melody, capturing a father’s love for his daughter. The upbeat and happy vibe of this song will get your guests bopping along.
"I Loved Her First" by Heartland is a country-rock-inspired song written from a father to his daughter's new husband. It's a heartfelt choice with meaningful lyrics: "And she still means the world to me, just so you know, so be careful when you hold my girl. From the first breath, she breathed, when she first smiled at me, I knew the love of a father runs deep."
"Make You Feel My Love" by Adele is a beautiful love song by the biggest female pop singer of the 20th century. With heartfelt lyrics like "When the evening shadows and the stars appear, and there is no one there to dry your tears, I could hold you for a million years, to make you feel my love," this song is sure to evoke emotions during the father-daughter dance.
These songs are just a few suggestions to consider for the father-daughter dance at a wedding. Ultimately, the choice of song should be personal and sentimental to the father and daughter, creating a memorable moment during the reception.
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Songs for the mother-son dance
The mother-son dance is a heartwarming and emotional wedding tradition that highlights the unique bond between mother and son. It is a special moment where the mother of the groom gets to share the spotlight with her son and is a great way to make her feel valued. The right song choice can make this moment even more memorable.
When choosing a song for the mother-son dance, it is important to select one that is meaningful and personal to the relationship. It can be a song that is unique to the mother and son or one that they both love. The song can be playful and lighthearted or sweet and soulful. It can also be a song that sparks nostalgia and fond memories from childhood or a tune by the mother's favourite singer or band. If the mother and son are outgoing, an upbeat song that shows off their personalities can be a fun choice.
It is also important to consider the lyrics of the song to ensure they are wedding-appropriate. The song should speak to the unconditional love and support between a mother and son without any romantic undertones. Songs that express feelings of love, commitment, and emotional connection are ideal.
- "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong: This song has a gentle melody and soothing vocals, creating a warm and emotional atmosphere. The lyrics express love, gratitude, and appreciation for the beauty of life.
- "You've Got a Friend" by Carole King: This heartfelt ballad is about support and togetherness, reflecting the deep affection between a mother and son.
- "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" by Marvin Gaye: This timeless classic is full of warmth and positivity, celebrating the joy and new beginnings of a wedding day.
- "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker: This song is a beautiful expression of a mother's love for her son, capturing the strength of their bond.
- "The Best" by Tina Turner: An uplifting song about feeling like heroes together, this could perfectly capture the mother-son dynamic and their unconditional love and acceptance of each other.
- "A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men: This song is a heartfelt tribute to mothers, expressing gratitude and love for all they do.
Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and there are many other songs that can be perfect for a mother-son dance. Ultimately, the best song choice will be one that is special and meaningful to the mother and son.
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Songs for the bridal party entrance
Choosing the right bridal party entrance song is essential to setting the tone for a joyful and memorable celebration. The song should reflect your personal taste and complement the overall vibe of your wedding. Here are some ideas to get you started:
If you're looking for a romantic and sentimental entrance, opt for a song that evokes feelings of love and joy. Beautiful ballads or emotional melodies such as "Marry You" by Bruno Mars can be a perfect choice to get everyone in the mood for love and celebration.
For a timeless and sophisticated ambiance, classical music or instrumental arrangements are excellent choices. Consider Pachelbel's Canon in D, Vivaldi's Spring, or the familiar and beautiful Spanish guitar version of Canon in D by Vitamin String Quartet. These classics lend a light, romantic atmosphere to any wedding, whether large or intimate.
If you're feeling playful and fun, tongue-in-cheek songs like "Sexy and I Know It" by LMFAO or "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen will surely bring smiles and create a joyful atmosphere. "Happy" by Pharrell Williams is another chart-topping hit that will bring a smile to everyone's face.
Lastly, don't be afraid to incorporate your unique style and theme into the bridal party entrance. Whether it's country, jazz, rock, or any other genre, choose a song that aligns with your taste. For instance, country music fans might enjoy fan favorites from Taylor Swift or Tim McGraw.
Remember, the bridal party entrance song should be a reflection of your everlasting love and the start of an unforgettable celebration.
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Songs for the wedding recessional
The wedding recessional song is the first thing you'll hear as a married couple, so it's an important choice! The right song can make your exit truly unforgettable. It's a joyous moment, full of love and excitement, and the music you choose sets the tone for the celebration that follows.
There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding recessional song. You can opt for a classical instrumental piece, traditional cultural song, or a current hit. The recessional song is played at the end of the ceremony when the newlyweds and wedding party walk up the aisle, so it should be an upbeat, celebratory choice.
If you're looking for a classic, you could go for "Canon in D" by Pachelbel or "The Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn. For a fun and modern choice, you could choose "Love on Top" by Beyoncé, "Beautiful Day" by U2, or "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder. If you want a dramatic exit, Arcade Fire's "Wake Up" could be a good choice, or for a fun song, you could choose Outkast's "Hey Ya" or The Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling".
Some couples choose to add a personal touch with a song that has meaning to them as a couple. For example, one couple chose "Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves because it reminded them of when they first started dating. Another couple chose "Everybody Loves Somebody" by Dean Martin because it reflected the groom's personality.
Whatever you choose, make sure it's a song that you love and that reflects your unique style and personality.
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Frequently asked questions
The father-daughter dance is one of the most touching moments in any wedding reception. Some good songs to consider for this moment are Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Pride and Joy" and Etta James's "At Last".
The mother-son dance is another emotional moment during the reception. Songs for this dance should be respectful, appropriate, and showcase the bond between the mother and son.
The bridal party entrance song should be high-energy and mark the beginning of the reception. Some fun songs to consider are Harry Belafonte's "Shake Senora" and Bruno Mars's "Finesse".
The first dance is a pinnacle moment in most weddings, and choosing the right song is vital. Some popular choices include "Sabor a Mi" by Los Panchos, "Valiant" by The Spill Canvas, and Etta James's "At Last".
During the ceremony, you may want to play quiet background music for special parts such as candle lighting or readings. Some couples choose traditional hymns, while others opt for their favourite pop tunes.
