Some of the most popular artists heard at wedding celebrations would include Celine Dion, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and Nat King Cole. Add Luther Vandross and James Taylor to that list for the perfect combination of romantic songs. However, if you want a more unique soundtrack of wedding songs for your wedding day, consider some of these other possibilities.
Recessional
The ceremony is complete. Vows and rings have been exchanged. The couple has been introduced as Mr. and Mrs. As the wedding party exits, the celebratory music begins. If the couple had a long engagement, or if the bride remained single longer than the average woman, The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah might be the perfect combination of reverent celebration. Other possibilities for the recessional include:
- “Celebration”—Kool & The Gang
- “Euphoria”—Loreen
- “Walking on Sunshine”—Katrina and the Waves
- “Let’s Get It On”—Marvin Gae
- “On Top of the World”—Imagine Dragons
- “Sweet Disposition”—Temper Trap
- “All You Need is Love”—Beatles
First Dance
At the reception, all eyes turn to the bride and groom as they take to the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple. Most couples want the song to be meaningful, and some have decided to make the first dance entertaining for the guests by choreographing special moves. For your wedding, you may choose to have a slow, romantic dance or a fun, kick-off to the party.
It depends on the personalities of those involved. Here are some unique song suggestions to make your first dance stand out from others.
- “We Found Love”—Coldplay’s cover of the Rihanna hit
- “I’m Yours”—Jason Mraz
- “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”—Lady Antebellum
- “I Want to Grow Old With You”—Adam Sandler
- “Friday I’m in Love”—The Cure
- “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”—Queen
- “Rest of my Life”—Blessid Union of Souls
- “Love Song”—311
- “Better Together”—Jack Johnson
- “You’ve Got the Love”—Florence and the Machine
- “Besame Mucho”—Andrea Bocelli
Father/Daughter Dance
The father/daughter dance is a sentimental representation of the close of a chapter. It is typically important to the bride that the song be meaningful and spans the generation gap. The number of songs written for such an occasion is limited. If you haven’t heard some of these, grab a tissue and take a listen.
- “I Loved Her First”—Heartland
- “Wonderful World”—Louis Armstrong
- “The Way You Look Tonight”—Frank Sinatra
- “Cinderella”—Steven Curtis Chapman
- “My Girl”—The Temptations
- “Because You Loved Me”—Celine Dion
- “Butterfly Kisses”—Bob Carlisle
- “Isn’t She Lovely?”—Stevie Wonder
- “Just The Way You Are”—Billy Joel
- “This is My Now”—Jordin Sparks
Get The Party Started
It’s not a true celebration if the majority of the guests sit on the perimeter of the dance floor watching a handful of people dance. A quality wedding DJ will know how to get the party going and the crowd involved. When you provide a list of songs you want played, add these to all the line dancing songs that everybody has come to expect at receptions.
- “We Are Family”—Sister Sledge
- “Just Dance”—Lady Gaga
- “Party in the USA”—Miley Cyrus
- “Tik Tok”—Ke$ha
- “Come on, Eileen”—Dexy’s Midnight Runners
- “Good Time”—Owl City
- “Wannabe”—Spice Girls
- “Hippy Hippy Shake”—The Georgia Satellites
- “Love Shack”—B52’s
- “Don’t Stop Believin'”—Journey
- “Baby”—Justin Bieber
Other reception song requests might be “Single Ladies” by Beyonce before the bouquet toss, “It’s Raining Men” by Weather Girls for the garter toss and “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” by Usher for the picture of the two “winner” together. To introduce a toast by the father of the bride, best man or maid of honor, “Raise Your Glass” by Pink or “Cheers” by Rihanna are both fitting options. It’s your wedding; make it unique to you!
