10 Most popular wedding songs
30th Jul 2023 Music
Looking to put together the perfect wedding playlist? Armathwaite Hall, a luxury wedding destination, has used Spotify data to collate the most popular wedding songs
Planning your wedding is a big task—but one that can be a lot of fun.
Once you’ve got your date, dress or suit, flowers and meals organised, one of the most important (and fun!) things to plan is your evening playlist. You will want songs that mean something to you and your partner, as well as tunes that will go down well with your audience.
"One of the most important (and fun!) things to plan is your evening playlist"
Armathwaite Hall, a luxury destination that hosts weddings in the Lake District, has used Spotify data to collate the top 10 most popular wedding songs—how many of these will appear on your playlist?
10. “Dancing Queen”, ABBA (1976)
A classic anthem, this tune is sure to get all your guests onto the dancefloor.
Sitting at number one for six weeks after its release, "Dancing Queen" is a surefire way to start a party. Beloved by boomers and Gen Z alike, kick off your reception with this track and watch as guests from all generations get up on their feet.
Stand out lyrics
“You are the dancing queen / Young and sweet / Only seventeen”
Bringing a lovely sense of nostalgia to the party, this will get everyone reflecting on their teen years and reminiscing about the freedom of being 17. Younger guests will be able to look forward to this exciting, carefree time!
9. “At Last”, Etta James (1960)
Originally written and performed in 1941 for the film Sun Valley Serenade, Etta James’ dreamy version of this song is actually a cover. With the addition of her stunning and emotive vocals, the track is now immediately recognisable to millions. It’s clear to see why “At Last” became James’ signature song.
A great option for your first dance or as a way to get all the couples slow dancing, try playing this sweet, swaying song for a moment of calm during your reception.
Stand out lyrics
“And here we are in heaven / For you are mine at last”
These lyrics will make everyone reflect on why they’re at your wedding, to celebrate love. It might even inspire a few happy tears!
8. “You Make My Dreams (Come True)”, Daryl Hall & John Oates (1980)
This happy, bright song was the fourth of the duo’s eleven top-five hits in America. Daryl Hall originally believed the lyrics were “too happy” and not complex enough, but the pair later decided its simplicity was what made it so good!
A brilliant choice to play early in the celebrations, this song will get everyone feeling positive and ready to party. This is also a great song choice if you’re planning to have children at your wedding—with its strong beat and sweet lyrics, it’s sure to get little ones bopping along.
Stand out lyrics
“I’ve been waiting for, waiting for you, girl (…) you make my dreams come true.”
As your wedding day unfolds around you, these lyrics will make you want to take a moment with your partner as your dreams come true!
7. “Sweet Caroline”, Neil Diamond (1969)
A guaranteed floor-filler, Diamond’s ode to love is sure to have everyone singing along. The chorus is an instant hit with all generations. The song has also become synonymous with victory for many sports fans, so it is sure to create an atmosphere of happiness and positivity.
A great choice for later in the night when people are looking to hear their favourite songs, “Sweet Caroline” will bring the energy back up and get everyone who’s taken a break from the dancefloor to come straight back!
Stand out lyrics
“Sweet Caroline / Good times never seemed so good”
The most iconic lyrics from the song heard at countless football and rugby matches connote victory, achievement and those good times you and your partner are sure to share throughout your married life.
6. “All of Me”, John Legend (2013)
Another tear-jerker, John Legend’s 2013 hit holds an 8x Platinum RIAA certification and remains one of his most popular songs. The track is moving and emotional—it’s no wonder that it continues to be the most-streamed love song on Spotify!
A brilliant choice for your first dance, this hauntingly beautiful song will ensure all eyes are on you and your partner as you dance together for the first time as a married couple.
Stand out lyrics
“’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”
The stunning lyrics of the chorus talk about an unconditional, all-consuming love that will provide the perfect backdrop to your first dance. This song is sure to get more than a few guests crying happy tears.
5. “Marry You”, Bruno Mars (2010)
This upbeat pop song is about being so in love with someone, you would impulsively marry them. The song inspired the trend of flashmob proposals on YouTube, many of which feature the song in the background, with a choreographed dance performed to the lyrics.
This is a great song to play as you arrive at your reception. The happy, upbeat nature of the song and the ever-present wedding bells in the background of the track will add to the magic of your entrance.
Stand out lyrics
“’Cause it’s a beautiful night / We’re looking for something dumb to do / Hey, baby, I think I want to marry you”
The carefree nature of the lyrics will create an easy, relaxed atmosphere. This is the perfect way to mark the change between your formal ceremony and the party at your reception!
4. “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”, Natalie Cole (1975)
Natalie Cole is the daughter of legendary singer and actor Nat King Cole, but it was this track that brought her huge fame and recognition in her own right. Cole won her first Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance with this song, making her the first woman to beat Aretha Franklin to the top spot in eight years!
This is another easy and relaxed tune, so it is perfect for the middle portion of your reception when people are perhaps taking a little break from dancing to grab some more food or drinks. This tune will make sure the atmosphere remains upbeat and happy.
Stand out lyrics
“You brought a lot of sunshine into my life / You filled me with happiness I never knew / You gave me more joy than I ever dreamed of / And no one, no one can take the place of you”
These lyrics pinpoint the reason many people get married. An expression of love for the one person you believe is your soulmate, the discovery of which you want to share with your friends and family and shout from the rooftops!
3. “Perfect”, Ed Sheeran (2017)
This gorgeous love ballad was inspired by Sheeran’s relationship with his wife, Cherry Seaborn. The track reached number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and various charts across a total of nine different countries.
The sweet, pure lyrics paint a picture of unconditional love and commitment. With its simple beat, this is the perfect track to play as you walk into your reception and you’re officially announced as a married couple for the first time!
Stand out lyrics
“When I saw you in that dress, lookin’ so beautiful / I don’t deserve this, darlin’, you look perfect tonight”
These are the perfect lyrics to mark your first dance with your love, giving your family and friends a great chance to admire your dress.
2. “Thinking Out Loud”, Ed Sheeran (2014)
The second Sheeran track making the list, “Thinking Out Loud” broke several records upon its release. It was the first-ever track to stay in the UK Top 40 for a whole year. Spotify also named it the top first-dance song in the world as it became the first song to reach over 500 million streams.
As you might be expecting, this song is another great option for your first dance. It has a light, simple beat, making it easy to dance to—you could even try and learn the choreography from Sheeran’s viral music video that accompanies the song!
Stand out lyrics
“People fall in love in mysterious ways / Maybe just the touch of a hand / Well me, I fall in love with you every single day / And I just wanna tell you I am”
These lyrics provide a meaningful soundtrack to your first dance as a married couple, highlighting your love and the commitment you have made to one another.
1. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)”, Whitney Houston (1987)
The number one song to play at your wedding is Whitney Houston’s classic track I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Fun, upbeat and instantly recognisable, Houston’s vocals make this song a true powerhouse. The track reached the number one spot in 14 countries.
A brilliant choice for the end of the night, this track will make sure you and your guests have the best final dance and that everyone leaves feeling positive.
Stand out lyrics
“I need a man who’ll take a chance / On a love that burns hot enough to last (…) I wanna dance with somebody / With somebody who loves me”
Although these lyrics are about romantic love, dancing with family and friends at your reception, you’ll be sure to think about the love you all hold for one another as well.
Try adding some of these tracks to your wedding playlist to create a gorgeous soundtrack that reflects the love you feel for your partner!
Read more: 5 Tips to save money on a wedding
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