Whether you're looking for processional music, a first dance song, or wedding reception music, take a look at over 30 of the best wedding songs of all time. Curated by Mindy Weiss, who has planned some of the most notable celebrity weddings, you won't want to miss this playlist.
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You've secured your wedding venue, your wedding design is coming together, and you're putting together all of the final details on your wedding planning checklist... What's next? One of the final steps in the wedding-planning process is actually one of the most fun parts of organizing your special day. It's time to work with your band or DJ to create your "must play" and "do not play" lists for the wedding music that will play throughout your celebration.
Many couples have some idea of the wedding song they want to incorporate for special moments, such as the first dance or bridal processional; however, what about the wedding music that will play as your guests are being seated for the wedding ceremony, throughout the dinner service at your wedding reception, or into the night on the dance floor?
For these wedding songs, most couples turn to wedding sites, blogs, and Spotify to find the ultimate wedding music playlist. To ensure their listeners have the very best wedding music, Spotify partnered with Inside Weddings' Editors Circle member Mindy Weiss to share her absolute favorite wedding song ideas for today's couples.
As a celebrity event planner who has worked with stars including Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin, Ciara and Russell Wilson, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi, the Kardashians, and most recently Sarah Hyland and Wells Adams, Mindy Weiss is an expert at creating stunning events. Like the décor at all of her luxury weddings and events, we're sure you'll find plenty of inspiration from her wedding music picks.
Take a look at Mindy Weiss' favorite wedding song ideas that you likely haven't seen on every other wedding playlist. She starts out with string arrangements of popular wedding songs and then transitions from classic tunes from the American Songbook and Frank Sinatra to the best wedding songs from the '70s, '80s, '90s, and today. From popular songs to classic tunes, discover "A Very Mindy Weiss Wedding" – the ultimate wedding music playlist:
An ultimate wedding playlist almost always includes this song originally by Ben E. King; however, the orchestral version of "Stand By Me" by Stringspace makes an absolutely perfect addition to your wedding day for the ceremony processional or cocktail hour.
Some of the best wedding ceremony songs are covers of your favorite wedding song ideas. If you love Daniel Caesar and H.E.R.'s popular wedding song, you'll want to include "Best Part (Piano Arrangement)" by The Theorist to your wedding ceremony playlist.
Fans of Bridgerton will love adding "Wildest Dreams" by Duomo – an instrumental version of Taylor Swift's hit – to the wedding music for the ceremony. It's beautiful, romantic, and a wonderful way to set the tone for such an important moment.
Featured in season two of Bridgerton, "Diamonds" by Hannah V and Joe Rodwell is a cover of Rihanna's famous song. Whether you've seen the Netflix show or not, it's quickly becoming one of the best wedding song options for the ceremony.
Originally performed by Beyoncé, incorporating the strings version of "XO" by Midnight String Quartet into your wedding ceremony is an excellent way to use popular songs in a more traditional ceremony sound.
Another favorite from Bridgerton is Shawn Mendes' "In My Blood" by Vitamin String Quartet. It's a great choice for couples who want to have a modern twist at their ceremony and celebrate their endless love for one another through music.
We love "Tenerife Sea" by Ed Sheeran for a wedding since the melody is sweet, the lyrics begin with "you look so wonderful in your dress; I love your hair like that," and it's all about being "so in love" with one another.
Hauntingly beautiful, "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie is a wonderful option for couples who are fans of indie rock and want to incorporate a song into their wedding music playlist that isn't on every single list of the best wedding song ideas.
Photo by Brett Hickman Photographers; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: Luxe Wedding of Houston Astros Baseball Player George Springer III
Released in 1970, "Your Song" by Elton John will forever be one of the best wedding songs. The lyrics are wonderfully romantic and it makes for a beautiful song to play at dinner or for the couple's first dance.
The lyrics of "(There Is) No Greater Love" by Amy Winehouse say it all for why this is one of Mindy Weiss' favorite song ideas for the wedding day: "There is no greater love, in all the world, it's true; no greater love, than what I feel for you."
Made famous by Audrey Hepburn's film Breakfast at Tiffany's, "Moon River" by Frank Ocean is a modern interpretation that's perfect for your list of wedding songs that blends classic tunes with popular songs and artists for your wedding day.
Mindy Weiss actually walked down to "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole for her own wedding! "I love that song... it’s not like the Judy Garland version, but it’s a cool, hopeful song that everybody can relate to," she tells Spotify.
If you're looking for a wedding song that will stand the test of time, add "La Vie en Rose" by Édith Piaf to your playlist. Written in the 1940s and popularized in the United States in the 1950s, this is one of the most famous French songs of all time.
Originally by Elvis Presley, "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Haley Reinhart brings a fresh spin to one of the most popular songs of all time for wedding music. We love either Haley Reinhart, Kina Grannis (featured in Crazy Rich Asians), or Elvis Presley's version for a first dance song.
Written in 1931 and popularized by artists such as Dean Martin, Doris Day, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald, "Dream a Little Dream" by Pink Martini & The Von Trapps brings a jazzy, alternative feel to another one of the most popular songs of all time.
"Home" by Michael Bublé may not be top of mind when you're putting together your list of wedding songs, but it deserves a spot on your wedding playlist. If you're looking for country wedding songs, Blake Shelton recorded a country version of the hit song!
Photo by Jose Villa Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; Registry: Gearys Beverly Hills; From Real Wedding: The Luxury Fall Wedding of EF Collection Jewelry Designer, Emily Faith
Fans of Grey's Anatomy will love including "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol into their wedding music, as it's been featured in the popular series multiple times. The ballad by the alternative rock band is beautiful and romantic – perfect for your wedding day!
With lyrics discussing Miley Cyrus' affection for her boyfriend, "Adore You" may not get everyone on the dance floor, but it would be a great option for a more modern first dance song idea!
Jason Mraz wrote a number of love songs that would all make great additions to the ultimate wedding playlist; however, "I'm Yours" is likely his most successful – and one of the more popular first dance songs of all time.
If you're looking for love songs with a timeless sound, "Beyond" by Leon Bridges is quickly becoming one of the most popular wedding songs – either for the first dance, last dance, or just a romantic song to get couples on the dance floor.
During cocktail hour and dinner, you'll want to play some classic tunes! "I've Got You Under My Skin" by Frank Sinatra should definitely make it on your list of must-play wedding songs, especially if you and your beloved are fans of the crooner.
Written as an ode to her husband, "That's When I Knew" by Alicia Keys is one of Mindy Weiss' unique wedding songs with lyrics that many couples may resonate with.
Wanting to add a romantic, modern song to her list of the best wedding songs, Mindy Weiss selected "Sweet Creature" by Harry Styles. It's a beautiful, romantic tune that brides and grooms will want to add as a top contender for a first dance.
While technically a country song, "Golden Hour" by Kasey Musgraves is becoming a favorite for even couples who aren't fans of country music. If you play the song during "golden hour" in the evening just before sunset, that's all the more fitting!
Photo by Amy & Stuart Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; Registry: Gearys Beverly Hills; From Real Wedding: Rustic-Elegant Outdoor Ceremony + Luxe, Garden-Inspired Reception
Recently released, "Missing Piece" by Vance Joy is one of those upbeat wedding songs that will just make you and your guests want to smile and dance. It'll instantly make you feel like you're at the uplifting part of a romantic movie with the love of your life.
One of the best wedding songs, the easy-going "Better Together" by Jack Johnson works for all parts of the big day – from the ceremony or cocktail hour to your first dance or wedding reception!
"Lover" by Taylor Swift is one of the up and coming wedding songs of this generation. It's perfect for a first dance; however, if your friends are fans of Taylor Swift, they may want you to leave it for singing to once the wedding party really starts!
A tribute to his wife Hailey Bieber, "Holy" by Justin Bieber featuring Chance the Rapper is a great option for your wedding day whether you're religious or not. Wedding guests will love singing along to the catchy tune.
An acronym for "point of view," "pov" by Ariana Grande is an R&B ballad with lyrics that are all about seeing herself through the eyes of her partner who loves her deeply. For fans of the singer, it could make a great choice for the first dance!
Upbeat wedding songs such as "Love Love Love (Let You Go)" by Andy Grammar will help get your wedding guests ready to dance the night away. The lyrics in this tune are about finding the one you don't want to let go of, which is the perfect sentiment for a wedding!
Mindy Weiss loves "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne for a first dance song at the wedding reception. "It’s pretty neutral, and it’s a song about love and how they feel about each other," she tells Spotify.
"Kiss Me More" by Doja Cat featuring SZA will certainly get the wedding party started! Mindy Weiss suggests playing a couple's favorite modern hits – that older guests may not know or like – later in the evening once everyone's been dancing for a bit.
Another country favorite, "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts is all about lifting up your partner and wishing the very best for them. Lyrics include: "My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to" and "I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too."
Looking for unique wedding songs? "I Will Be There" by Odessa isn't on many lists of wedding love songs, but the lyrics are beautiful and focus on the singer's love and adoration for her partner as she stands by their side.
For more wedding songs, take a look at 50 of the most popular wedding songs, get song ideas for your wedding video, see singer Ingrid Michaelson's favorite wedding songs, and listen to the ultimate wedding playlist of love songs!
Opening photo by Ira Lippke Studios; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: Opulent Destination Wedding at a Luxury Hotel in New York City