Top Wedding Songs 2019: The Best First Dance Songs, Father-Daughter Songs and More

When planning a wedding, the rings, the dress and the flowers (and countless other things) are important, but music might be the biggest part of the wedding that actually impacts your guests’ moods. Whether you’ve been through it or it’s something you have yet to tackle, you know there’s more than just the first dance songs and the wedding procession songs that need to be chosen. The wedding music sets the tone for your entire day, from beginning to end. Here are the top wedding songs of 2019 to help you make up your mind and ensure your guests have a blast at your wedding.

Getty Images

1 / 17

Getting ready song ideas

Maybe you're cool as a cucumber, maybe you're anxious as hell. Whatever the case, getting your hair touched up, wedding makeup done and all dressed up, all while sipping on mimosas, are not things you want to do in silence. A little music could be just the thing to keep you calm or chill you out, so what's better than some fun, catchy beats and girl power anthems?

"Only Girl (In The World)" by Rihanna

"Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" by Shania Twain

"Wannabe" by Spice Girls

"Work It" by Missy Elliott

"Family Affair" by Mary J. Blige

"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper

"U Got the Look" by Prince

"Roar" by Katy Perry

"Express Yourself" by Madonna

"Run the World (Girls)" by Beyoncé

Getty Images

2 / 17

Songs for when wedding guests arrive or are being seated

A lot of couples and their guests appreciate having live music before it all begins. Maybe a duo or trio, an acoustic guitar or a harp. But if your budget doesn't allow (and we don't blame you – find out the average cost of a wedding in Canada!), some upbeat, but unplugged versions of your favourite love hits are equally perfect.

"Chapel of Love" by The Dixie Cups

"The Heart Wants What It Wants" by Selena Gomez

"Hold On" by Wilson Phillips

"Photograph" by Ed Sheeran

"Dear Future Husband" by Meghan Trainor

"Heaven is a Place on Earth" by Belinda Carlisle

"Escapade" by Janet Jackson

"For Once In My Life" by Stevie Wonder

"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen

"Wanted" by Hunter Hayes

Getty Images

3 / 17

Bridal party processional song ideas

The bridesmaids need to make an entrance too.

"All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles

"Hanging By A Moment" by Lifehouse

"Lucky" by Lucky Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat

"I Do" by Jessie James Decker

"Fallin' For You" by Colbie Caillat

"Perfect" by One Direction

"Breathe" by Faith Hill

"Better Together" by Us The Duo

"The Power of Love" by Celine Dion

"Beautiful Day" by U2

Getty Images

4 / 17

Bride’s processional song ideas

This is typically kept traditional but if you're opting for something more contemporary, these will do the trick.

"I Run To You" by Lady Antebellum

"I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz

"Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys

"I Choose You" by Sara Bareilles

"Follow You Follow Me" by Vapor (feat. Adaline)

"Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" by Lauryn Hill

"A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri

"Say You Won't Let Go" by James Arthur

"Best Day of My Life" by American Authors

"Marry You" by Bruno Mars

Getty Images

5 / 17

First kiss/recessional song ideas

This needs to be celebratory so the more optimistic, the better.

"From This Moment" by Shania Twain

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder

"Love Will Keep Us Together" by Captain & Tennille

"This Kiss" by Faith Hill

"Let My Love Open The Door" by Pete Townshend

"You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates

"Some Kind of Wonderful" by Grand Funk Railroad

"No One" by Alicia Keys

"Kiss You" by One Direction

"Love Me Like You Do" by Ellie Goulding

You might also like this roundup of the world's most extravagant royal weddings.

Getty Images

6 / 17

Song ideas for wedding cocktails

This is usually the time when the bride and groom are taking photos and aren't even around. But that doesn't mean love needs to be forgotten.

"Halo" by Beyoncé

"Home" by Phillip Phillips

"Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones

"Here Comes the Sun" by Nina Simone

"I Will Follow You Into the Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie

"Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" by The Temptations

"Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay

"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" by Marvin Gaye

"This Love" by Maroon 5

"Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran

You might also like this roundup of the worst things a wedding guest can do.

Getty Images

7 / 17

Wedding party’s reception entrance song ideas

It's time to get wild.

"Raise Your Glass" by Pink

"Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson (feat. Bruno Mars)

"Bang, Bang" by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj

"I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred

"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson

"We Will Rock You" by Queen

"Hey Ya!" by Outkast

"Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon

"Sexy and I Know It" by LMFAO

"Happy" by Pharrell Williams

Getty Images

8 / 17

Newlyweds’ reception entrance song ideas

Now it's a party.

"Now That We Found Love" by Heavy D & The Boyz (feat. Aaron Hall)

"Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake

"I Gotta Feeling" by Black Eyed Peas

"Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé (feat. Jay Z)

"Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" by Starship

"You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall & Oates

"The Dog Days Are Over" by Florence and the Machine

"This Is What You Came For" by Calvin Harris (feat. Rihanna)

"The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson

"You're The First, The Last, My Everything" by Barry White

Wedding guests at table drinking champagne

Getty Images

9 / 17

Wedding dinnertime song ideas

Dinner is served — and so is the music.

"The Way You Look Tonight" by Tony Bennett

"Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey

"Something In The Way She Moves" by James Taylor

"My Cherie Amour" by Stevie Wonder

"Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran

"Can't Feel My Face" by The Weeknd

"You Were Meant For Me" by Jewel

"When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge

"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" by Michael Jackson

"It's A Beautiful Day" by Michael Bublé

Getty Images

10 / 17

Newlyweds’ first dance songs

Classic, not corny. This is as romantic as it gets, people. E

"At Last" by Etta James

"Let's Stay Together" by Al Green

"Feels Like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk

"Perfect Duet" by Ed Sheeran (with Beyoncé)

"All of Me" by John Legend

"I'll Be" by Edwin McCain

"Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars

"Love Like This" by Faith Evans

You're All I Need To Get By" By Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

"You Are The Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne

You might also like these shocking stories of bizarre bridezilla behaviour.

Getty Images

11 / 17

Father/daughter dance song ideas

The tears will be a-flowin' with any of these sweet songs.

"My Girl" by The Temptations

"Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion

"My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw

"You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins

"One Call Away" by Charlie Puth

Getty Images

12 / 17

Mother/son dance song ideas

Keep the tissues out.

"A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men

"In My Life" by The Beatles

"Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

"Forever Young" by Rod Stewart

"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack

Bride, groom and guests in masks on dance floor

Getty Images

13 / 17

Wedding party song ideas

Songs for when you invite everyone to join you on the dance floor. These will have everyone up and dancing. Everyone.

"No Diggity" by Blackstreet

"Groove Is In The Heart" by Deee-Lite

"Nice for What" by Drake

"I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown

"One Kiss" by Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa

“Finesse” by Bruno Mars and Cardi B

"Old Time Rock n Roll" by Bob Seger

“Familiar” by J Belvin and Liam Payne

"Rock This Town" By Stray Cats

"Swing the Mood" by Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers

Getty Images

14 / 17

Bouquet toss song ideas

For some, it's a fight to the death.

"Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" by Beyoncé

"Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar

"Just A Girl" by No Doubt

"What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction

"Let's Go Crazy" by Prince

Closeup of groom's hand holding garter with men behind him

Getty Images

15 / 17

Garter grab songs

For others, it's a duck and dodge.

"Whatta Man" by Salt N Pepa (feat. En Vogue)

"You Can't Hurry Love" by The Supremes

"Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen

"Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer

"Come & Get It" by Selena Gomez

Getty Images

16 / 17

Cake-cutting song ideas

A delicious time, for all the senses.

"Sugar Sugar" by The Archies

"Sugar" by Maroon 5

"Sweetest Thing" by U2

"Cake By the Ocean" by DNCE

"Pour Some Sugar On Me" by Def Leppard

"Honey" by Mariah Carey

"Sweet Thing" by Keith Urban

"Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith

"Everything" by Mary J. Blige

"How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" by James Taylor

Groom and bride in car smiling out open window

Getty Images

17 / 17

Songs for final dance and send-off

Goodnight sweethearts, it's time to go.

"Bye Bye Bye" by NSYNC

"Silly Love Songs" by Paul McCartney & Wings

"Last Dance" by Donna Summer

"All My Life" by K-Ci & Jojo

"Ho Hey" by The Lumineers

"Save The Last Dance For Me" by Michael Bublé

"You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC

"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey

"Closing Time" by Semisonic

"(I've Had) The Time of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes

Want more? Don't miss these 20 rules for a happy marriage.