Mention music for weddings and most minds will jump straight to the first dance and the ensuing dancefloor fillers. But there are a surprising number of moments requiring music throughout your big day. Here’s our handy guide to the most popular wedding songs in the UK and when to play them.

 

Popular UK wedding songs: not just for the dancefloor

Just like a movie, the soundtrack will set the tone for each part of your big day. It can create the perfect warm, intimate ambience or get the party started depending on the moment, all while helping to tell your story as a couple.

Music will start when your guests take their seats for the ceremony and conclude as the last revellers make their way home. That means there’s a big playlist to plan and a lot of important choices ahead of you - including the first dance.

 

Songs to walk down the aisle to

The processional, as it is formerly known, is the music to the bride’s big entrance. There’s one key consideration for this song; that it has a beat that’s easy to walk to. If your favourite part of your chosen music is the chorus or a later section of the song, it’s nice to let the tune build, which will raise the anticipation of the arrival. Here are some popular options:

●     At Last - Etta James: also a popular first dance option, this song makes for a sophisticated entrance

●     Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles: for a more upbeat note, try a Beatles classic

●     Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran: “Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars. Place your head on my beating heart.”

●     Butterfly Waltz - Brian Cain: a soft and gentle piano piece with a nice beat to walk to

●     Songbird - Fleetwood Mac: guaranteed to tug on a few heartstrings

 

Ceremony and exit music

Depending on your ceremony, there will be other moments to include your favourite songs, such as the signing of the register. The next feature song will be your recessional music when you and your new spouse leave for the wedding breakfast. If you don’t want to opt for Mendelssohn’s traditional wedding march, here are some popular UK wedding ceremony songs:

●     Make You Feel My Love - Adele: “I could hold you for a million years. To make you feel my love”

●     Better Together - Jack Johnson: an upbeat, sweet (but not sugary) way to exit the ceremony

●     The Prince of Denmark’s March (Trumpet Voluntary In D Major) - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: a classical composition for a regal exit

●     From This Moment On - Shania Twain, Bryan White: for an exit with a hit of 90s power

●     Ho Hey - The Lumineers: “I belong with you, you belong with me. You're my sweetheart.”

 

Wedding Breakfast Songs

Similar to the pre-ceremony playlist, music for the wedding breakfast is intended to fill in the background. Guests will be enjoying their food and chatting away so don’t pick anything too loud or intrusive. That doesn’t mean you have to pick elevator music, just no party anthems. To get your playlist started, here are some popular wedding breakfast songs in the UK:

●     Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison: whether or not you associate it with the Julia Roberts movie, this is an unobtrusive mood lifter

●     Do You Remember - Jack Johnson: “But I was crazy about you then and now. The craziest thing of all, over ten years have gone by and you're still mine.”

●     Hey There Delilah - Plain White T’s: a calming lullaby of a melody

●     Heartbeats - José González: Smooth, relaxing crowd pleaser

●     I’m Yours - Jason Mraz: “Look into your heart, and you'll find love, love, love, love.”

 

First Dance songs

Many couples have ‘their song’, often a tune associated with when they first together. If this is a song that you and your fiance want to dance to then skip this section, there’s nothing to choose! However, many couples will want to opt for a classic or romantic tune for their first dance, which opens up a world of choice.

To give you some inspiration, here are eight of the most popular wedding first dance songs according to Spotify public playlists*. In no particular order:

●     Perfect – Ed Sheeran: “But darling, just kiss me slow. Your heart is all I own. And in your eyes, you're holding mine.”

●     All Of Me - John Legend: “Cause all of me loves all of you. Love your curves and all your edges. All your perfect imperfections.”

●     Your Song - Elton John: “I hope you don't mind. That I put down in the words. How wonderful life is while you're in the world.”

●     How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding: “How long will I love you? As long as stars are above you. And longer if I can.”

●     The Luckiest - Ben Folds: “I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you.”

●     Can’t Help Falling In Love - Haley Reinhart: “Take my hand. Take my whole life too. Oh I can't help. Fallin’ in love with you.”

●     Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran: “Well, me, I fall in love with you every single day. And I just wanna tell you I am.”

●     Let’s Stay Together - Al Green: “I'm, I'm so in love with you. Whatever you want to do. Is all right with me.”

 

Wedding Party Songs

While it can be tempting to fill your wedding party playlist with your personal favourite songs, if you want to get your guests up and dancing, keep it familiar to everyone. Ultimately, you will remember the great party atmosphere over the specific songs that were playing. Here are some of the most popular wedding songs in the UK for the evening party:

●     Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) – Beyoncé: An iconic dance, a relevant theme and a catchy melody, what more could you want in a wedding party song.

●     (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes: for the likely high number of Dirty Dancing fans

●     Marry You - Bruno Mars: a popular song about getting married? Get it in the playlist.

●     Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen: for a classic rock kind of wedding

●     I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney Houston: who can resist singing along to this classic

 

Find your perfect wedding venue in South Wales

Party on to your favourite songs in one of the best wedding venues in South Wales. Neslted at the foot of Garw Valley, near Bridgend, Court Colman offers a unique Georgian setting with six acres of stunning private gardens. Our experienced wedding coordinator is ready to help make your vision a reality for a truly unforgettable wedding day like no other.

*compiled by Hitched.co.uk’