Popular Wedding Songs

Music is a key element in most weddings, and considering popular wedding songs is a good way to get started on a play list for your reception. People who just tell their deejays to play whatever they want could find themselves regretting it very quickly.

Pick perfect songs.

While the popularity of songs changes over time, there are many songs to choose from that have proven to be timeless as love songs for weddings. They run the gamut from classical to country, and touch many genres of music in between. The songs are popular for various reasons. First, they express the love between the marrying couple. Second, they appeal to a wide variety of persons. Third, well-known artists perform them.

Typically ceremony music is understated, simply meant to play in the background. Of course, the most popular ceremony song is the "Bridal Chorus" by Richard Wagner, also known as "Here Comes the Bride". Many couples choose more contemporary music or different classical selections instead, such as the following:

• Ave Maria (various artists)
• Con Te Partiro (Andrea Bocelli)
• Hallelujah Chorus (various artists)
• I Promise (CeCe Winans)
• Here Comes My Girl (Tom Petty)
• Love Me Tender (Elvis Presley)
• Ode to Joy (Ludwig von Beethoven)

Of course, the couple is going to need to play more songs during the reception than during the wedding ceremony. One of the most important songs to pick is the one that signifies the couple’s first dance, since everyone will be watching this romantic and photogenic moment. There are many different popular wedding songs suitable for this occasion.

• Just the Way You Are (Billy Joel)
• Can’t Help Falling in Love with You (UB40)
• A Moment Like This (Kelly Clarkson)
• Collide (Howie Day)

• From this Moment On (Shania Twain)
• Amazed (Lone Star)
• A Living Prayer (Alison Krauss)
• All I Need to Know (Kenney Chesney)

• I’ll Be There (Jackson Five)
• How Sweet It Is (Marvin Gaye)
• Love Me Tender (Elvis Presley)
• Close To You (The Carpenters)

Often the father daughter dance follows the first dance and is a touching moment for the bride and her father to share, and at some receptions, she will also dance with her new father-in-law. There are many popular songs suitable for it.

• Ballerina Girl (Lionel Richie)
• Butterfly Kisses (Bob Carlisle)
• There You’ll Be (Faith Hill)
• Child of Mine (Carole King)
• Daddy (Beyonce Knowles)
• Father and Daughter (Paul Simon)

There are also a lot of popular mother and son wedding songs to choose from when it comes to the mother son dance.

• A Song for Mama (Boyz II Men)
• He Gets That from Me (Reba McEntire)
• Simple Man (Shinedown)
• You’ll Always Be My Baby (Sara Evans)
• The Man You've Become (Molly Pasutti)
• Perfect Fan (Backstreet Boys)

The wedding standby for the cake cutting song seems to be Sugar Sugar by the Archies for obvious reasons. This is far from the only popular song a couple can use. Others include:

• The Sweetest Thing (U2)
• That’s Amore (Dean Martin)
• You're My First, My Last, My Everything (Barry White)
• Ice Cream (Sarah McLachlan)
• Pour Some Sugar on Me (Def Leppard)
• When I’m 64 (The Beatles)

It’s a good idea to play one more romantic tune at the end of the reception to bring the event to a close. Some of the popular ones are:

• Faithfully (Journey)
• Time After Time (Cindy Lauper)
• Hanging By a Moment (Lifehouse)
• Last Dance (Donna Summer)
• Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight (The Spaniels)
• Let’s Stay Together (Al Green)

As far as what other songs to play during the reception, use the age and musical tastes of the guests as a gauge. It’s a good idea to play a variety of music, even wedding line dances or group songs, to get people up on the dance floor. Some couples even choose to let people make requests.

Whether you are looking for something unique to play during your reception or just want ideas for great music to fill the night, there are many popular wedding songs you can choose from to dance the night away.

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