Choosing the perfect wedding music can take time, depending on the tastes of you and your soon-to-be-spouse. Here is a list of some of the most popular choices for wedding songs, from the processional music… to the bride and groom’s first dance… to the father-daughter dance and more.

Find the wedding songs that suit your taste, then contact a Saratoga DJ to arrange the music for your wedding day.

sheet music

Processional Music

Processional music is played while members of the bridal party and the bride herself walks down the aisle. These popular wedding song selections can be used as the bride and groom’s family are seated, as the bridesmaids walk down the aisle and as the bride makes her way to the altar. While these are some of the most popular wedding songs chosen by couples, you and your sweetheart may choose any song that has special meaning in your life.

  • Bridal Chorus (Here Comes The Bride) from “Lohengrin” (Wagner)
  • Canon in D (Pachelbel)
  • I Can’t Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley)
  • In My Life (The Beatles)
  • March From Lohengrin (Wagner)
  • The Four Seasons (Handel)
  • Trumpet Voluntary in D (The Prince of Denmark’s March) (Clarke or Purcell)
  • Unforgettable (Nat King Cole)
  • Water Music (Handel)
  • What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)

Ceremony Music

Many brides and grooms choose to incorporate many special traditions during the wedding ceremony. You may choose to have one of these popular songs played while you participate in the candle-lighting ceremony, for example. This is also a prime opportunity to invite a special performance from a musically-talented family member.

  • Amazing Grace (Traditional)
  • And I Love Her (The Beatles)
  • Ave Maria (Schubert)
  • Fur Elise (Beethoven)
  • Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison)
  • La Traviata (Verdi)
  • Love Me Tender (Elvis Presley)
  • Primavera: First Movement, Allegro (Vivaldi)
  • Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach)
  • We’ve Only Just Begun (The Carpenters)

Recessional Music

As husband and wife, you will walk up the aisle together to recessional music, which continues as your bridal party exits. These wedding songs are generally more upbeat in nature. Here are some recommendations of popular recessional music choices.

  • Hallelujah Chorus (from “The Messiah”) (Handel)
  • How Sweet It Is (James Taylor)
  • I Got You (I Feel Good) (James Brown)
  • I Got You Babe (Sonny and Cher)
  • Magnificat In D (Bach)
  • Ode To Joy (from The Ninth Symphony) (Beethoven)
  • The Long And Winding Road (The Beatles)
  • Then He Kissed Me (The Crystals)
  • Trumpet Tune (Purcell)
  • Wedding March (from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”) (Mendelssohn)

First Dance Songs

Many couples have a special song that defines their relationship and opt to dance their first dance to that favorite tune, but many others are looking for a perfect song to make a new memory on their wedding day. Whether you want a slow or more upbeat tempo, below is a list of some of the most popular wedding songs chosen by brides and grooms for their first dance as husband and wife.

  • A Whole New World (Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle)
  • All My Life (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville)
  • As Time Goes By (A Kiss Is Just A Kiss) (Michael Feinstein)
  • At Last (Etta James)
  • Can I Have This Dance? (Ann Murray)
  • Can’t Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley)
  • Don’t Know Much (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville)
  • Endless Love (Diana Ross and Lionel Richie)
  • Everything I Do {I Do For You} (Bryan Adams)
  • Faithfully (Journey)
  • From This Moment On (Shania Twain)
  • Have I Told You Lately (Rod Stewart / Van Morrison)
  • Here And Now (Luther Vandross)
  • I Can Love you Like That (John M. Montgomery)
  • I Cross My Heart (George Strait)
  • I Swear (John Michael Montgomery / All 4 One)
  • I’ll Be There (Mariah Carey)
  • It Had To Be You (Harry Connick, Jr.)
  • No Ordinary Love (Sade)
  • Our Love Is Here To Stay (Harry Connick, Jr.)
  • Power Of Love (Celine Dion)
  • The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra)
  • Tonight I Celebrate My Love (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson)
  • Unchained Melody (The Righteous Brothers / Leann Rimes)
  • Unforgettable (Nat King Cole)
  • What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
  • When A Man Loves A Woman (Percy Sledge or Michael Bolton)
  • When You Say Nothing At All (Allison Krauss)

Father – Daughter Dance

The father-daughter dance is a very special moment for dads and their daughters. Sometimes their are tears shed and hugs exchanged… other times there are smiles and laughter. Choosing the right song that brings meaning to this dance is key. Below are some recommendations for popular wedding songs chosen for the father-daughter dance.

  • A Song For My Daughter (Steve Moser, Mikki Viereck, Ray Allaire)
  • Because You Loved Me (Celine Dion)
  • Butterfly Kisses (Bob Carlisle)
  • Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Elton John)
  • Daddy’s Hand (Holly Dunn)
  • Daddy’s little Girl (Kippi Brannon)
  • Daddy’s Girl (Peter Cetera)
  • Father’s Eyes (Amy Grant)
  • Find Your Wings (Mark Harris)
  • Forever Young (Rod Stewart)
  • Friends (Elton John)
  • Have I Told You Lately (Rod Stewart / Van Morrison)
  • Hero (Mariah Carey)
  • How Do You Fall In Love (Alabama)
  • I Loved Her First (Heartland)
  • In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel)
  • Isn’t She Lovely (Stevie Wonder)
  • Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
  • Lullabye (Billy Joel)
  • My Dad (Paul Petersen)
  • My Girl (The Temptations)
  • My Little Girl (Tim McGraw)
  • Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler On The Roof – Sndtrk)
  • Thank Heaven For Little Girls (Gigi)
  • The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra)
  • The Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler)
  • Through The Years (Kenny Rogers)
  • Times of Your Life (Paul Anka)
  • Tiny Dancer (Elton John)
  • What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)

Mother – Son Dance

There is a special bond between a mother and son, and choosing a song for this special dance is a way to honor that relationship. Select from songs that are commonly used for the mother-son dance, or go with a non-conventional song that holds unique meaning. If you opt for a more traditional song, here is a list of the most popular wedding songs chosen for this dance.

  • A Song For My Son (Steve Moser, Mikki Viereck, Ray Allaire)
  • Blessed (Elton John)
  • Friends (Elton John)
  • Greatest Love Of All (Whitney Houston)
  • Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison / Rod Stewart)
  • Hero (Mariah Carey)
  • In My Arms (Plumb)
  • In My Life (The Beatles)
  • In This Life (Bette Midler)
  • In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel)
  • I.O.U (Jimmy Dean)
  • I Wish You Love (Natalie Cole)
  • Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
  • Moon River (Andy Williams)
  • Moon Dance (Van Morrison)
  • Stand By Me (Ben E. King)
  • Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler On The Roof – soundtrack)
  • Thanks Again (Ricky Skaggs)
  • Through The Years (Kenny Rogers)
  • ‘Til The End Of Time (Perry Como)
  • What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstong)
  • Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler)
  • Wishing Tree (Sonia Dada)
  • You’re The Inspiration (Chicago)

Still can’t decide on a music choice? Sometimes even the most popular wedding songs won’t resonate with you as a couple. For individual recommendations and expert advice, contact a wedding planner in the area who can help you with much more than just wedding music!

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