Top Music Selections

I am working on getting my full listing of over 10,000 songs online for people to search and make selections, but in the meantime, here is a listing of the most popular songs to dance to during the various stages of a typical reception:

Songs with sample are denoted by the symbol:
Simply click on the symbol to listen to a sample.

Prelude Music

This is the music that is heard 15 to 30 minutes prior to your ceremony. At this time your guests are arriving and being seated. The Prelude music normally continues through the seating of the mothers, however it is a nice touch to have a special selection for them.

This is when the atmosphere for your wedding is established. It should compliment the mood you want whether religious, elegant, contemporary, or a mixture of styles.

There are a few general rules to keep in mind:
The music should be suitable as background music for prayer and light conversation. This is not the time for Kool and The Gang or other celebration-type music. Discuss your music choices with your church or synagogue. Policies of many churches and synagogues will prohibit contemporary music.

Classical List

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Bach
The Prayer - Andrea Bocelli
Arioso - Bach
Ave Maria - Schubert
Fireworks Suite - Handel
Suite No. 3 in D:
Air on the G String - Bach

Contemporary List

The Rose - Bette Midler
Everything I Do I Do it for You - Bryan Adams
When I Said I Do - Clint Black and Lisa Hartman
Always - Atlantic Starr
Don't Know Much - Aaron Neville/Linda Ronstadt
Tonight, I Celebrate My Love - Peabo Bryson/R. Flack
My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion - Titanic Soundtrack

 

Processional Music

There are usually two 2 processionals; one for the bridesmaids and flower girl and one for the bride to walk down the aisle. You may also have a separate selection for the seating of parents and grandparents before the bridesmaid. However, too many selections/changing of musical selections may be confusing and may not make it easy for all to keep time while walking down the aisle. It is usually advisable to keep it simple..

The bride's processional announces the bride and centers the attention on the bride. This is one of the most important and anticipated moments of the day!

Classical List

Canon in D - Pachelbel
Trumpet Voluntary - Clarke
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba - Handel
Spring from the Four Seasons - Vivaldi
Water Music - Handel
Elvira Madigan Theme - Bach
Wedding March - Wagner

 

Contemporary List

At Last - Etta James
Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
In My Life - The Beatles
From This Moment - Shania Twain

 

Unity Candle Lighting

The lighting of the Unity Candle is a popular and symbolic wedding tradition. Candles that could be used could be from a simple taper, to a plain white or ivory pillar candle, or a fancy decorated candle. The stocky pillar candles can be decorated with flowers, beads, ribbons, your invitation, or your names and wedding date.

Some couples choose a song that further symbolizes the union they are creating on their wedding day. Here are 20 songs to start with.

 

Unity Candle Lighting Music

When You Say Nothing At All - Allison Kraus
Me and You - Kenny Chesney
Your Everything - Keith Urban
I Cross My Heart - George Strait
When I Said I Do - Clint Black and Lisa Hartman
Forever and For Always - Shania Twain
All My Life - K-Ci and Jo-Jo
Everything I Do I Do it for You - Bryan Adams
When You Say You Love Me - Josh Groban

 

Top First Dance Music Suggestions

At Last - Etta James
Amazed - Lonestar
From This Moment On - Shania Twain
Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
I Cross My Heart - George Strait
It's Your Love - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
You Are - Chad Brock
Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
I Knew I Loved You - Savage Garden
You're Still The One - Shania Twain
I Do (Cherish You) - 98 Degrees
To Make You Feel My Love - Garth Brooks
Here and Now - Luther Vandross
Everything I Do I Do it for You - Bryan Adams
I Could Not Ask For More - Edwin McCain
I Swear - J. Michael Montgomery
Back at One - Brian McKnight
When a Man Loves a Woman - Percy Sledge
Breathe - Faith Hill
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
Keeper of the Stars - Tracy Byrd
I Finally Found Someone - Barbara Streisand
All My Life - K-Ci & JoJo
When You Say Nothing at All - Alison Kraus
Then - Brad Paisley
Lucky - Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
Everything - Michael Buble
You & Me - Lifehouse
Smile - Uncle Kracker
My Best Friend - Tim McGraw

 

Top Father/Daughter Music Suggestions

I Loved Her First - Heartland
My Little Girl - Tim McGraw
Daddy's Little Girl - Kippi Brannon
Father's Eyes - Amy Grant
Lullabye - Billy Joel
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle
My Girl - The Temptations
Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Daddy's Hands - Holly Dunn
Have I Told You Lately - Rod Stewart
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
There You'll Be - Faith Hill
Hero - Mariah Carey
Through the Years - Kenny Rogers
Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel
Landslide - Fleetwood Mac
Thank Heaven for Little Girls - Gigi
Father and Daughter - Paul Simon
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman
You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
He Didn't Have To Be - Brad Paisley

 

Top Mother/Son Music Suggestions

What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
Have I Told You Lately - Rod Stewart
A Song For Mama - Boyz II Men
Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack
I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
Song for My Son - Mikki
There You'll Be - Faith Hill
Hero - Mariah Carey
Through the Years - Kenny Rogers
Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
The Rose - Bette Midler
Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel
Beautiful In My Eyes - Joshua Kadison
Greatest Love of All - Whitney Houston
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
Perfect Fan - Backstreet Boys
My Wish - Rascall Flatts
Through The Years - Kenny Rogers
You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
Do I Make You Proud - Taylor Hicks

 

Top Wedding Party Music Suggestions

I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
Thiller - Michael Jackson
Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
That's What Friends Are For - Dionne Warwick
Friends - Michael W. Smith
You've Got a Friend - James Taylor
Celebration - Kool and the Gang
We Are Family - Sister Sledge
Friends in Low Places - Garth Brooks
Hot, Hot, Hot - Buster Poindexter
YMCA - Village People
I'll Be There for You - The Rembrandts
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Endless Love - Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
Everybody Have Fun Tonight - Wang Chung
Chicken Dance

 

Top Icebreaker Music Suggestions

These are songs that help make the transition between the Formal Dances and the Open Dancing:

Celebration - Kool & The Gang
Cha Cha Slide - Casper
Cupid Shuffle
Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
YMCA - Village People
Get This Party Started - Pink
I Knew I Loved You - Savage Garden
At Last - Etta James
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You - Bryan Adams
Let's Get It Started - Black Eyed Peas
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
Stand By Me - Ben E King
That's What Friends Are For - D. Warwick & Friends
Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midle
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
I'll Make Love To You - Boyz II Men
Truly, Madly, Deeply - Savage Garden
You Shook Me All Night long - AC/DC
It Had To Be You - Harry Connick, Jr.