The Perfect Wedding Soundtrack
Your wedding soundtrack is everything! The songs you choose help set the tone for one of the most important days of your life. From chart-topping hits to timeless classics, the right songs will make each moment magical. With that in mind, here are the 10 most popular modern and classic songs to play.
1. All of Me
“All of Me” by John Legend is a soulful ballad that has become a popular choice for modern weddings. The song’s lyrics express a deep and unconditional love for a partner, embracing both their strengths and their flaws. Its romantic and sincere tone, combined with its soulful melody, makes it a great choice for a first dance.
2. A Thousand Years
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri is a heartfelt and enduring love song that is often played at weddings. With lyrics about everlasting love and waiting a lifetime for the right person, the song’s soft melody and emotional power make it a popular choice for first dances and romantic wedding moments.
3. Until I Found You
Stephen Sanchez's "Until I Found You" is a soulful and nostalgic love song about finally finding the love of your life. The song's vintage-inspired sound and romantic lyrics give it a timeless quality that feels both classic and modern. It's a popular choice for weddings because of its romantic tone and sweet, dreamy vibe.
4. Thinking Out Loud
"Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran is a sweet ballad about love and growing old together. The soulful tune and romantic lyrics make it a popular and emotional choice for first dances at weddings. This song has become a timeless classic for couples who want to express their commitment and romance.
5. Like You Do
"Like You Do" is a romantic, uplifting song by Ellie Goulding that is sure to capture the magic of being in love. From the dreamy synths to the delicate beat, it's a dreamy tune that will be perfect to sing on your first dance or during a quiet moment at your wedding. With lyrics that focus on admiration and devotion, "Like You Do" is a perfect way to celebrate your connection with your partner.
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6. Feel So Close
“Feel So Close” by Calvin Harris will inject your wedding playlist with an energetic and positive vibe. This song is ideal for couples who desire to celebrate their love in a lively and upbeat atmosphere. It features catchy lyrics about being close to one another and an infectious electronic beat that will have everyone on the dance floor.
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7. Best Day of My Life
“Best Day of My Life” by American Authors is an upbeat, feel-good song that has become a popular choice for weddings. Its lyrics celebrate love and new beginnings, while its catchy, sing-along melody is perfect for enjoying with family and friends on a special day. The song’s positive message and high-energy vibe make it a great choice.
8. Dancing in the Moonlight
"Dancing in the Moonlight" is a dreamy, romantic song that exudes happiness and togetherness. The smooth melody and upbeat lyrics create a joyful, carefree atmosphere, making it a great choice for a happy-go-lucky wedding vibe. This song perfectly captures the magic of love and celebration under the stars.
9. Sugar
“Sugar” by Maroon 5 is a fun and upbeat track perfect for adding some excitement to your wedding playlist. With its catchy chorus and romantic lyrics, it’s sure to get everyone on the dance floor or make for a great first dance song. The playful tone of the song also makes it a crowd-pleaser for couples who are looking to add some extra romance to their big day.
10. Just the Way You Are
"Just the Way You Are" is a romantic and optimistic ballad performed by Bruno Mars. The song features soft and sweet lyrics that express affection and admiration. It is often used at weddings and as a first dance.
Now that we talked about some of the most popular modern songs, here are 10 classics to consider.
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1. Here Comes the Bride
The “Bridal Chorus” by Richard Wagner is a wedding processional piece more commonly known as “Here Comes the Bride.” It is widely recognized and celebrated as one of the most famous wedding processional songs in history. The majestic and romantic music of the Bridal Chorus sets the perfect tone for the bride’s entrance down the aisle.
2. At Last
"At Last" by Etta James is a soul classic that has been played at weddings the world over. The lush, impassioned vocal and sweeping romantic melody are a perfect expression of the ecstasy of finding true love. A favorite for the first dance, it produces a stunning, timeless moment of pure feeling and celebration.
3. What a Wonderful World
"What a Wonderful World" is a song that expresses the beauty and simplicity of life and love in an honest, down-to-earth manner. Louis Armstrong's soothing, gravelly voice conveys sincerity and optimism, making it feel both personal and uplifting. It is a soft, romantic song that has been widely used in weddings because of its evocation of gratitude and joy for life together.
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4. I Will Always Love You
"I Will Always Love You" is Whitney Houston's signature power ballad, known for its soulful intensity and touching sentiment. Whitney's soaring vocals and expressive emotion in the song touch upon deep love and heartfelt commitment, making it a popular choice for weddings and first dances.
Noah K. Murray/ staff photographer on Wikimedia
5. Stand By Me
“Stand by Me” is a soul classic by Ben E. King that exudes positivity through its themes of loyalty, love, and support. Its slow tempo and soothing melody are a staple for wedding receptions, often used to express commitment and solidarity in the face of adversity. The song’s romantic and timeless atmosphere is underscored by its heartfelt lyrics and King’s warm delivery.
6. Can’t Help Falling in Love
“Can't Help Falling in Love” is a slow, sentimental ballad by Elvis Presley that expresses the joy of being in love and the gentle sorrow of the moments when you feel you might lose it. It is a popular wedding song, especially for the first dance.
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7. Ave Maria
“Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert is an ethereal and soul-stirring piece that embodies grace and spirituality. Its gentle melody and sacred text create a serene and almost heavenly atmosphere. Often associated with weddings, this timeless composition exudes an air of elegance and solemnity, making it a popular choice for creating a reverent mood.
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8. You Are So Beautiful
“You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker is a soulful and romantic ballad about love and admiration. Its gentle and soothing melody and lyrics convey a deep sense of tenderness and vulnerability, making it a popular choice for weddings. The song's simplicity and sincerity of emotions, along with Cocker's heartfelt vocal delivery, make it a touching and intimate declaration of love.
9. How Sweet It Is
“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” is a happy, soulful classic. The song is the perfect way to celebrate the joy of being in love. It is an upbeat, feel-good wedding song with catchy lyrics. It’s a fun, romantic tune with a timeless appeal.
10. Endless Love
"Endless Love" is a romantic duet about two people in love for all time. The song is a powerful expression of never-ending devotion. "Endless Love" has become a classic love song with its moving lyrics and soft harmonies. This ballad is a favorite for weddings and first dances.
