You've got your dress, your venue, and the caterer is booked. Now it's time to think about music. Your wedding music should be a reflection of you and your partner, so finding songs that aren't overplayed but still make people want to dance is key!
If you're anything like us, you want your wedding music to be something that shows off your personality and puts a smile on your guests' faces. Here are some wedding tunes that'll stand out, encourage grooving, and get stuck in everyone's head for all the right reasons.
Cake is pop-rock at its purest, combining acoustic and electric instruments with soaring guitar riffs and melodic lyrics. As an indie rock band with a sense of humor, Cake is one of the most popular bands in their genre. “Stickshifts and Safetybelts” is upbeat and energetic and will definitely get you in the mood for a fun-loving party.
"Sailing" by Christopher Cross, an underrated wedding song, has lyrics that are ideal for a new couple. The song is sweet without being cloying, and captures the feeling of being adrift on a boat in the middle of a storm... just like love! The story also shows that no matter what happens between them, they will always be together in their hearts.
Plain White T's 2002 hit "Rhythm of Love" stands out as the one of band's most iconic songs. It's also arguably their most sentimental, with lyrics that were written as an attempt to rekindle things with a woman the singer had split from. This song is about someone who knows they've made mistakes and regrets them deeply, but he recognizes there are still some things worth fighting for.
If you're looking for a cheerful and uplifting wedding song, look no further than Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream." This song is amazing for those who want an enjoyable, energetic tune that will get everyone on their feet. It's got a poppy beat and one of the most memorable choruses in pop music history.
If you're looking for a song that's a little bit dreamy and a little bit romantic, then "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane is one of the best options out there. It would be a great fit at any wedding reception to set the mood and fill the space with an airy feeling of romance.
Carly Rae Jepsen's "Run Away With Me" has an epic 80's build-up, and lyrically she's asking you to run away with her... to the beach! It's not just the lyrics that are good, though, the production style is top-notch as well. It's so catchy you'll be humming along in no time.
"We Found Love" by Calvin Harris and Rihanna is jolly and amorous enough for your wedding DJ to play during the first dance, and it'll have everyone ready to dance. The story of this song can be interpreted as a promise between two people who are committed to staying together no matter what challenges life throws at them.
Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" is the ideal wedding song for the dance floor. It's romantic and exciting, making it perfect for the bride and groom's first (or twelfth) dance. The tempo is upbeat but not too fast-paced, so even older guests can get up and groove without feeling overwhelmed.
"Everybody Have Fun Tonight" by Wang Chung has got all the right ingredients: a catchy beat, an upbeat tempo, and lyrics that are easy to sing along with ("Everybody gotta dance tonight / Everybody gotta shake their hips"). If you're having trouble getting people inspired, just playing this song will get them moving in no time.
Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" is a great song to get the crowd hyped at your wedding, especially if you're planning an outdoor reception. It's got a vintage sound that will appeal to people who grew up in the '80s, but enough current-day appeal that younger guests will recognize and appreciate it.
"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers is a well-known favorite that conveys both the love and fun, positive vibes you want at your wedding reception. The song was created by Scottish brothers Craig and Charlie Reed and remains their top-rated single.
"I'm Gonna Be" is a song that describes a man's devotion to his lover. He'd happily go 500 miles and back to see her again.
"This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)" by Talking Heads is a very personal love song. The lead singer, David Byrne, has said that it was written about a specific person, though he won't verify who. It's obvious that Byrne thinks about them often—and that's part of what makes this song so beautiful.
"You're What I'm Looking For" is about finding the person in your life that makes your troubles go away. Someone who is there for you no matter what, and who will always be by your side. It's about falling in love and knowing that it's real and true.
The song has a slow and relaxing tune that pairs well with the deep and soothing vocals.
This popular Irish rock band has been around since 1976 and has produced some great music over the years, including this classic hit from 2000. Sure, it's a bit more common than some of the others on this list, but it's optimistic and fun, with a catchy chorus that will stick in your head for days.
The song is about how there are bad days and good days in life, but if you're lucky enough, the positives will outweigh the negatives. It's a great reminder to appreciate the little things in life, even when times are tough.
Another one that's quite popular, but with good reason. "Wonderwall" by Oasis is a fantastic slow dance song. This hit is worthy of its timelessness, and it will be loved by all of the guests at your wedding.
The lyrics describe how much better life becomes when you have the right person beside you, someone who supports and loves you. This makes it an excellent melody for newlyweds.