You don’t just have one wedding song on your special day. Depending on the venue and the way you’ve organized the day, you may need one playing when you say your vows, some background music while hosting the wedding reception, or just that perfect tune for the first dance. In short, you need to choose several top wedding songs for your big day!
Of course, the exact songs you choose are a matter of personal taste. But, it’s still a good idea to consider the most popular wedding songs, even if you don’t choose them they may inspire you!
Top 18 Wedding Songs
Hero – Enrique Iglesias
This song dates from 2001 but has become one of the top wedding songs, thanks to its lyrics. It’s a great tune for that first wedding dance:
“Would you dance if I asked you to dance?
Or would you run and never look back?
Would you cry if you saw me crying?
And would you save my soul tonight?
Would you tremble if I touched your lips?
Or would you laugh? Oh, please tell me this
Now would you die for the one you love?
Oh hold me in your arms tonight
I can be your hero baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away”
It’s got a good enough beat to allow virtually any style of dancing, or you can simply slow dance. That’s perfect if dancing is not your forte but you have to do a wedding dance!
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
If you prefer to keep it current then you may want to take a look at some of Ed Sheeran’s offerings. Perfect is a fantastic wedding song, expressing exactly what you feel about your partner, and what they should be feeling about you on your wedding day.
In fact, this has become one of the top wedding songs!“I found a love for me
Darling just dive right in
And follow my lead
Well I found a girl beautiful and sweet
I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
‘Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you’re holding mine
Baby, I’m dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favourite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight”
All of Me – John Legend
This song was written in 2013 and, although it may not have been written for weddings, you’ll struggle to find a better song for your special day.
Just take a look at these words from the song:
“’Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I’ll give my all to you
You’re my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I’m winning
‘Cause I give you all, all of me
And you give me all, all of you”
Marry You – Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars wrote this song about marrying someone which makes it unsurprising that it has become one of the top wedding songs.
What’s great about this song for your wedding is that it’s fun and upbeat, making a great choice for a high-spirited first dance.
“It’s a beautiful night, we’re looking for something dumb to do
Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you
Is it the look in your eyes, or is it this dancing juice
Who cares baby, I think I wanna marry you”
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
There are wedding songs and then there is this offering from Christina Perri. Released in 2011 it eloquently expresses how much you can love someone and how that love lasts forever.
This is a great choice for the wedding ceremony; it will really emphasize the moment.
“Heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave
How can I love when I’m afraid to fall
But watching you stand alone
All of my doubt, suddenly goes away somehow
One step closer
I have died every day, waiting for you
Darling, don’t be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years
I’ll love you for a thousand more”
How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding has actually written several songs that would be appropriated for your wedding day. But, out of all her songs, this is one of the best for when you say your vows, or perhaps even just before you start your wedding speeches.
The words are powerful and true.
“How long will I love you
As long as stars are above you
And longer if I can
How long will I need you
As long as the seasons need to
Follow their plan
How long will I be with you
As long as the sea is bound to
Wash up on the sand”
Marry Me – Train
This is another of the songs that have to be appropriate for a wedding as it has the word ‘marry’ in the title!
Although it dates from 2009, the lyrics in this song will stand the test of time, just as your wedding and marriage will.
“Now that the weight has lifted
Love has surely shifted my way
Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say
Hello in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm”
When I Fall In Love – Michael Bublé
Released in 2018 this has become one of Michael Bublé’s best songs, especially for your wedding day. It says everything you want to say and hear on your wedding day, making it the perfect choice for any section of your wedding!
“When I fall in love
It will be forever
Or I’ll never fall in love
In a restless world
Like this is
Love is ended before it’s begun
And too many moonlight kisses
Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun
When I give my heart
It will be completely
Or I’ll never give my heart”
Shallow – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
Songs associated with particularly good films often find their way onto a wedding playlist. While this may not always be the best idea, Shallow is a good choice. You can choose this for your first dance, your entry into the dining area, or even your wedding exit song.
It’s got great lyrics.
“Tell me somethin’, girl
Are you happy in this modern world?
Or do you need more?
Is there somethin’ else you’re searchin’ for?
I’m falling
In all the good times I find myself
Longin’ for change
And in the bad times, I fear myself”
One Kiss – Dua Lipa & Calvin Harris
If you fell in love at first sight then this is the perfect wedding song for you. After all, in some cases, one kiss really is all it takes!
If you’re not sure what songs to start the evening with, this could be a great choice for your first dance or to get people on the floor after you’ve completed your wedding dance.
“Let me take the night, I love real easy
And I know that you’ll still wanna see me
On the Sunday morning, music real loud
Let me love you while the moon is still out
Something in you, lit up heaven in me
The feeling won’t let me sleep
‘Cause I’m lost in the way you move, the way you feel
One kiss is all it takes
Fallin’ in love with me
Possibilities
I look like all you need
One kiss is all it takes
Fallin’ in love with me
Possibilities
I look like all you need”
All You Need Is Love – The Beatles
Take a step back in time and grab one of the songs created by potentially the most famous band of all time, the Beatles.
If you’re looking for the perfect song after expressing your wedding vows, then you’ve found it!
“There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done
Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung
Nothing you can say, but you can learn how to play the game
It’s easy
Nothing you can make that can’t be made
No one you can save that can’t be saved
Nothing you can do, but you can learn how to be you in time
It’s easy
All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need”
From This Moment On – Shania Twain
If you’re looking to add a country twang to your wedding day then take a look at the songs of Shania Twain. In fact, the lyrics of this song are so good you could even use them as one of your wedding readings!
“I just swear
That I’ll always be there
I give anything
And everything
And I will always care
Through weakness and strength
Happiness and sorrow
For better, for worse
I will love you
With every beat of my heart”
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Adele may have created a wedding classic here, but this is actually a cover. Bob Dylan originally sang this, it also was one of the songs in the movie ‘When in Rome’; a 2010 rom-com.
“When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love
When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
Oh, I hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love”
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
When considering wedding songs it is always worth looking at the classics, especially if you’re looking to keep older relatives happy!
This song was in the movie ‘Swing Time’ but it was really Cary Grant in 1942’s ‘Once Upon A Honeymoon’ that made it a wedding classic.
“Some day, when I’m awfully low
When the world is cold
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight
Yes, you’re lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft
There is nothing for me but to love you
And the way you look tonight”
Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
This is one of the most popular songs played at weddings just before the bride walks down the aisle, or it can be used to play the newly married couple into the reception. Because let’s face it, the attention should be on the bride.
“Isn’t she lovely? Isn’t she wonderful?
Isn’t she precious? Less than one minute old
I never thought through love
We’d be making one as lovely as she
But isn’t she lovely made from love?”
Thank You For Loving Me – Bon Jovi
This song actually featured in the movie ‘Meet Joe Back’, a fantasy romance. It’s actually suitable for many parts of your wedding but it makes a great backdrop to the groom’s speech!
You may not think of adding songs to this section of your wedding, but it can really help to relax the speech givers and add a little fun to the proceedings.
“Thank you for loving me
For being my eyes
When I couldn’t see
For parting my lips
When I couldn’t breathe
Thank you for loving me
You pick me up when I fall down
You ring the bell before they count me out
If I was drowning you would part the sea
And risk your own life to rescue me”
Endless Love – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
No wedding is complete without a rendition of one of the most famous wedding songs of all time! It was originally created as the soundtrack for the film ‘Endless Love’ but this was one of those songs that would go on to outperform the movie and find a place in the hearts of people across the world.
It will fit any part of your wedding ceremony:
“My love, there’s only you in my life
The only thing that’s bright
My first love,
You’re every breath that I take
You’re every step I make
And I, I want to share
All my love with you
No one else will do
And your eyes, your eyes, your eyes
They tell me how much you care
Ooh yes,
You will always be
My endless love”
Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
If you’re hoping to pack the dance floor at your wedding reception then this is one of those songs that will guarantee it!
This song was actually Queens first US number 1 and potentially one of their greatest songs of all time.
“This thing called love, I just can’t handle it
This thing called love, I must get round to it
I ain’t ready
Crazy little thing called love
This thing (this thing)
Called love (called love)
It cries (like a baby)
In a cradle all night
It swings (woo woo)
It jives (woo woo)
It shakes all over like a jelly fish
I kinda like it
Crazy little thing called love”
Final Thoughts
There is no right or wrong wedding song, just the ones that suit you and your groom. While it is usual for the songs to express love, you also want them to fill the dance floor and get all your wedding guests relaxed, so they can enjoy your special day.
But, ultimately this day is about you, choose the songs that make you happy, you’ll remember them for years to come.
To choose a music band or a DJ for your wedding, browse our suppliers.
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Marketing Manager at Poptop – UK Leading Events Planning Concierge Service