Whether you’re choosing background music for your wedding breakfast, planning that magical first dance, or putting together a playlist to get your guests on their feet and shaking everything they’ve got, you want music that will fit the occasion.
With so many options, pulling together a list of favourites is a difficult task, so we’ve selected the top ten songs that are wedding favourites.
Can’t Help Falling in Love — Elvis Presley
A wedding won’t feel complete until you’ve heard “Can’t Help Falling in Love” — sung by none other than The King himself, Elvis Presley — at some point during the day. Whether playing gently in the background or taking centre stage with you for the first dance, this is wedding song material of the highest calibre.
How Deep Is Your Love — The Bee Gees
Neither would a wedding feel complete without a track from the Gibb brothers. The disco titans are no slouches when it comes to love songs either, as this popular track from the movie “Saturday Night Fever” proves. It’s a gentle but heartfelt song and a solid wedding breakfast accompaniment.
I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing — Aerosmith
A wedding day first dance is exactly the time and the place for this romantic ballad from Aerosmith, who you can always rely on when it comes to penning a good rock ballad. Lyrics in the song such as ‘I could stay awake just to hear you breathing’ are just too irresistible.
My Girl — The Temptations
How could anyone not love this track from Motown masters The Temptations? ‘My Girl’ has featured in many a first dance at weddings, and why not? It’s romantic, it’s heartfelt, it’s soulful and a worthy entry on your wedding DJ’s playlist.
Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) — Beyoncé
Potentially because of the strong theme of female empowerment, this thumping R&B track from Beyoncé finds its way onto a lot of wedding playlists. There’s no denying that it injects some real energy into the proceedings. Get ready to see singles and non-singles dancing along to it.
Endless Love — Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
Ex-Supremes superstar Diana Ross and the king of the smooth love ballad, Lionel Richie, team up for this tender duet which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for Richie. The song serves as perfect backdrop music for the wedding breakfast or your first dance.
Don’t Get Me Wrong — Pretenders
This upbeat romantic number by Pretenders works perfectly as either background music or an entry on the evening entertainment playlist. The song creates a real feel-good atmosphere, thanks to its pacey tempo and lyrics such as “I’m thinking about the fireworks that go off when you smile.” It’s a real crowd pleaser and older guests will also appreciate it too.
Thinking Out Loud — Ed Sheeran
In modern times, Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’ has become something of a wedding day must. The sentimental lyrics and gently played instruments in this ballad make it a tranquil song that blends perfectly into the background of wedding day breakfasts while still contributing to the romantic mood.
Shut Up and Dance — Walk The Moon
When it comes to wedding party songs, this modern classic from Walk The Moon is way up there. Slightly U2-esque in its intro, with its catchy no-nonsense lyrics and agile percussion ‘Shut Up and Dance’ will get guests dancing and singing along. The song is a good way to get younger guests out of their seats.
Uptown Funk — Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
This chart-topping contemporary number which shouts back to electro-funk is another tune to get guests heading for the dancefloor. The song, featuring singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, is a popular track when the evening entertainment starts up. Some couples have also been known to play it for their first dance rather than go with a more conventional, slow number.
There’s no denying that you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing wedding tracks. You’ve got to please your guests, but you’ve also got to like the tracks yourself. The first dance song is yours — that’s your choice alone, but here are a few tips on picking this and other songs:
Start with your own collection
Your own music collection is always a good place to start. It’s the music you know and love. Tracks that have a significant meaning to you as a couple or are firm favourites should definitely make it on to the wedding DJ’s playlist.
Ask your wedding DJ for advice
You could save yourself a considerable amount of time by having a quick chat to your wedding DJ. They will have played more weddings that you could ever go to and will have a good idea what is popular and what is sure to clear the dance floor.
Ask your parents
If you’re stuck with your first dance song, ask your parents what they played at their wedding. You might want to repeat it, but if you don’t then at least it could trigger some further ideas. They’ll also be able to help you with ideas of songs to play that older guests would appreciate.
Don’t be afraid to break your own rules
You might say no to hip hop or to swing but think about how special some of your guests are. A number from a crooner might clear the dance floor of the younger people, and maybe even some of the older ones, but think what a moment it will be to play a favourite song of your grandparents.
There are some amazing tunes out there that suit weddings perfectly. Follow the tips above to help you choose your perfect wedding day playlist and you’ll be on to a winner. Remember, the occasion is a celebration and should be enjoyed, so if deciding your wedding soundtrack gets too much, you can always count on your wedding DJ to lend a hand.
Let our DJ’s make your wedding or event awesome, contact us for some inspiration today!