Preparation
In need of a little big-day music inspiration? You’re in luck! A mix of classic and modern, these ten songs celebrate the enduring love of marriage. The meaningful lyrics and sweet melodies makes them perfect for a ceremony recessional, a first dance, or any wedding-related playlist!
WEDDING VOW IDEAS INSPIRED BY SONGS
“Marry Me” is told from the perspective of a café patron who becomes infatuated with a waitress. He’s nervous to approach the woman, who he’s never met before, but the love-at-first-sight experience makes him dream of a proposal. Thanks to the song’s slow tempo and romantic message, it works well as a first dance ballad.
This country ballad describes a wedding ceremony as seen through the groom’s eyes, from the processional to the vow exchange. The groom seems ecstatic to be marrying his bride, so the lyrics will set the perfect tone at any wedding.
This emotional song can have several different meanings, but some of the lyrics may be interpreted as describing a bride watching her husband-to-be at the altar: “But watching you stand alone/ All of my doubt, suddenly goes away somehow.” Although “A Thousand Years” first gained popularity for its appearance in the movie The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -Part 1 in 2011, many couples still swoon over its romantic lyrics and soft instrumentals.
As the theme for the TV show Married with Children, this Sinatra song has recognizable lyrics: “Love and marriage, love and marriage/ Go together like a horse and carriage.” The quicker tempo and slightly funny presentation will be a hit at your wedding reception, but you might want to save it for the party rather than the first dance.
Most people are familiar with the lyrics “Goin’ to the chapel and we’re gonna get married,” which come from the song “Chapel of Love” by The Dixie Cups. Falling into the genre of R&B/soul, it describes a bride’s excitement on her wedding day. Crank it up while you’re getting ready with your ‘maids!
In this sweet, folksy ballad, Tracy Chapman describes the act of marrying someone she loves. The lyrics emphasize the romantic aspects of a big day: “For you I don the veil/ By your light/ Others pale by comparison/ I place my faith in love/ My fate in this communion.”
This sentimental song, which boasts notes of R&B/soul and pop, focuses on the narrator’s desire to propose to his girlfriend. The upbeat tempo and catchy beat will drive guests to the dance floor in celebration of your big day.
This rock song gives a sweet but realistic portrayal of marriage. The narrator wants to wed his girlfriend, who he’s been with for a long time, and he’s willing to overcome “good times” and “bad times” with her. Here are some of the lyrics: “Let’s get married/ I love you and I want to stay with you/ Let’s get married/ Have kids and grow old and gray with you.”
In one interpretation of this song, newlyweds are ready to start married life after their wedding (described by the lyrics “white lace and promises”). The song, which is a catchy pop tune, rings with hope and optimism, since The Carpenters sing about how they’ve only just begun their journey together.
Sung by a husband-and-wife duo, this emotional country tune describes the couple’s plans to stay “faithful and true” to each other forever. Thanks to the sweet lyrics, romantic meaning, and slow rhythm, “When I Said I Do” is ideal for a first dance song or a wedding processional.
