Top 10 Wedding Songs of All Time

It’s the soundtrack to that special moment when all eyes are on the couple who’ve just tied the knot.

Choosing an opening dance is one of those decisions that gets more difficult the more you think about it.

Do not overthink it. Go with your gut.

Here is a safe, fairly conservative list of songs that profess love, devotion, stability and dedication; all good qualities to project on this important day.

What A  Wonderful World

Louis Armstrong

Ok, so this Louis anthem might be a bit overplayed. But if there’s a more perfect expression of gratitude set to music, I’d like to know about it.

And on this day, everything should be about gratitude and recognition of just how good things can be if we live in the moment.

Listen to it here.

I’ll Be There

Jackson 5

“You and I must make a pact
We must bring salvation back
Where there is love, I’ll be there”

The sweet  sound of Michael Jackson’s voice; the promise, the pact. Forever.

These perfect lyrics expressing love and faithfulness convey exactly what you want to say to your partner. And what you want to hear in return.

Listen to it here.

I Got You Babe

Sonny & Cher

A friendlier, less dramatic sentiment is here, but it’s still a solid choice to kick-off a relationship.

Keep it light, maybe sing it as a duet with your better half.

In fact, request the karaoke version and have the DJ mix it in to the original release after the first “ Babe, I got you Babe” and the party is guaranteed to start on the right foot.

Listen to it here.

At Last

Etta James

This timeless masterpiece ticks all the right boxes for a couples opening dance. Maybe best for a second time around celebration or a couple that found each other later in life. 

“My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And Life is like a song”

Ms. James recorded this version on Nov 16, 1960 for the legendary Chess Records in Chicago, Illinois.

Listen to it here.

All Of Me

John Legend

Legend’s soulful tenor voice, sparse arrangement and crystal clear profession of love make this 2013 No. 1 song a good choice for the perfect opening dance.

All of Me is arguably his biggest hit. On it, Legend plays piano and sings like he came back from Motown in the 70s.

Listen to it here.

When I Fall In Love

Nat K Cole

Nat “King” Cole’s voice is instantly recognizable and many consider him to be the greatest jazz singer of all time.

Oscar Peterson called Nat a better pianist than he was a singer. Thats high praise coming from Oscar.

When I Fall In Love, will set the perfect romantic tone to your opening dance.

Listen to it here.

Better Together

Jack Johnson

Mr Johnson’s surfer slacker vibe might be the perfect tune for those on the slightly more bohemian side of things.

Released in February 2006, the vibe is toes in the sand, feeding each other fresh mango while the world rolls by.  Not a bad image to keep in mind as you start your married life together.

Listen to it here.

Your Song

Elton John

This one takes us back to the 70s again at the peak of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s early songwriting success.

Buy a house, settle down, this song is yours!

AND I’m going tell everyone in the world about it. That’s how big Elton’s love was.

One of the great rock ballad love songs of all time, it continues to make it onto the Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Songs of all time list and was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.

Listen to it here.

If I Aint Got You

Alicia Keys

Probably Alicia’s biggest hit. A heartfelt song that once again hits all the right notes for a marriage celebration.

Money? Diamonds? Fame? All meaningless without you in my life. Truer words have never been written.

Reaching Number 4 on the Billboard Top 100 in 2003, it garnered grammy nominations for both Song of the Year and Best Female R&B Performance.

Listen to it here.

Let’s Stay Together

Al Green

“Times are good or bad, happy or sad.”

If you prefer a more soulful laid back feel that still imparts all the right sentiments, you could do a lot worse than Reverend Al Green.

Recorded in Memphis, Tennessee in January of 1971, Lets Stay Together stayed at number one for 16 weeks.  Hold your partner close as your friends and family look on.

“I,I,I -I’m so in love with you, whatever you want do, is alright with me”

Listen to it here.

Tips For Your Big Wedding Day

• Make sure the DJ or Band understands your instructions and has rehearsed the song and any choreography you may have worked out. 

• Have backup copies of the songs on a USB drive just in case.

• Look your partner in the eyes and bask in the moment as the music fills the room.