Written by Kate Beswick in Wedding
Viewed by 202 readers since 08-13-2009
Over the course of planning your wedding, one of the things you’re sure to consider is the music you’ll want to serve as the backdrop for your big day. When it comes to wedding music you may first think about the ‘big’ moments of your wedding, such as the first and last dance. But just about every aspect of a wedding has a different soundtrack. There’s the walk down the aisle, some introduction music, and then of course things such as the cutting of the cake and the bouquet toss. Here are the main events that are included in any wedding and the songs that can accompany them!
The Processional
The processional music is the music that is played as the bride walks down the aisle. Of course, you can always choose the traditional “Here Comes the Bride.” But many brides today like to mix it up and take that big step to the tune of one of their favorites. Here are some popular processional songs:
- “At Last” by Etta James
- “From this Moment” by Shania Twain
- “Come Away with Me” by Norah Jones
- “Angels Brought Me Here” by Guy Sebastian
- “Me and You” by Kenny Chesney
The Recessional
The recessional music will be played as the bride and groom walk down the aisle, after they’ve been announced as husband and wife. Here are some of the most popular recessional songs:
- “A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson
- “Beautiful Day” by U2
- “Wedding Day” by the Bee Gees
- “All You Need is Love” by the Beatles
- “Love of a Lifetime” by Firehouse
Introduction Songs
At most receptions the wedding party, the bride, and the groom are all introduced as they make their way into the reception area. Because these are usually played at the beginning of the reception it’s a good idea to play lively music that will get people in the mood to celebrate. Of course, slower music will work too. It just depends on the tone you want for the introduction and your own personal taste. Here are the most popular introduction wedding songs:
- “Get the Party Started” by Pink
- “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
- “Celebration” by Kool N the Gang
- “L O V E” by Nat King Cole
- “At the Beginning” by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis
First Dance Songs
The song for the first dance may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about wedding music. This is the first dance the couple will have together as husband and wife. And as such, there are many songs you can choose from. Here are the most popular:
- “Amazed” by Lone Star
- “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
- “Endless Love” by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
- “Everything I Do” by Bryan Adams
- “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers
Father/Daughter Songs
The dance between the father of the bride and the bride is a very special moment. This dance usually takes place right after the first dance of the couple. Here are the most popular father/daughter wedding songs:
- “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
- “Daddy’s Little Girl” by Al Martino
- “Unforgettable” by Natalie Cole
- “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn
- “My Girl” by the Temptations
Mother/Son Songs
The dance between the mother of the groom and the groom is just as special as the one between the bride and her dad. This dance usually follows the father/daughter dance. Here are the most popular mother/son wedding songs:
- “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
- “Through the Years” by Kenny Rogers
- “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart
- “The Perfect Fan” by the Backstreet Boys
- “In My Life” by The Beatles
Wedding Party Songs
At some point during your reception you might want a chance to cut loose with your wedding party. This can be a great time and one of the best memories you have of your reception! Here are some of the most popular wedding party songs:
- “That’s What Friends are For” by Dionne Warwick
- “We are Family” by Sister Sledge
- “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts
- “With a Little Help from My Friends” by The Beatles
- “Lean on Me” by Club Nouveau
Cake Cutting Songs
The cutting of the cake is a fun time during the reception! And to add to the celebratory feel you might want to choose some really fun music! Here are the most popular cake cutting songs:
- “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor
- “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies
- “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard
- “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin
- “Ice Cream” by Sarah McLachlan
Bouquet Toss Songs
The bouquet toss is another fun and highly anticipated part of any wedding reception. Here are the most popular bouquet toss wedding songs:
- “This One’s For the Girls” by Martina McBride
- “I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain
- “Hey Ladies” by The Beastie Boys
- “Ladies Night” by Kool N the Gang
- “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
Last Dance Songs
The last dance starts with just the couple and everyone then eventually joins in. This is usually a slower song that brings the celebratory evening to an end. Here are the most popular last dance wedding songs:
- “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
- “You Want to Make a Memory” by Bon Jovi
- “Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera
- “I Could Not Ask for More” by Edwin McCain
- “More Today Than Yesterday” by Spiral Staircase
