Most young couples these days want a wedding list with contemporary songs that are upbeat, or even groovy. But that’s probably not you and your partner, right?
That’s why you’re here, looking for old-school songs to set the mood for your wedding ceremony and move everyone to tears.
Don’t worry if you’re unable to find the right song because I have a list of classics that will be great for your wedding!
READ MORE: Romantic Songs to Sing at Wedding
Top 30 Best Vintage Wedding Songs Lists
As all eyes rest upon the beautiful couple in all the segments of the ceremony, vintage romantic songs in classic voices can create a dreamy ambiance for the ceremony.
Check out my favorite vintage wedding songs for your special day!
- “At Last” – Etta James
- “Your Song” – Elton John
- “God Only Knows” – The Beach Boys
- “Crazy Love” – Van Morrison
- “Unchained Melody” – The Righteous Brothers
- “Leather And Lace” – Stevie Nicks and Don Henley
- “A Sunday Kind of Love” – Etta James
- “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” – Frankie Vallie
- “Harvest Moon” – Neil Young
- “Cheek To Cheek” – Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
- “I Will” – The Beatles
- “I Only Have Eyes For You” – The Flamingos
- “Vienna” – Billy Joel
- “Two Of Us” – The Beatles
- “First Day Of My Life” – Bright Eyes
- “In My Life” – The Beatles
- “La Vie en Rose” – Edith Piaf
- “The Very Thought of You” – Billie Holiday
- “The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra
- “Kiss From A Rose” – Seal
- “Isn’t She Lovely” – Stevie Wonder
- “ You Make My Dreams “ – Hall and Oates
- “Marry Me”– Train
- “ I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
- “ From This Moment On” – Shania Twain
- “ At Last” – Etta James
- “In Your Eyes”– Shania Twain
- “Because You Loved Me” – Celine Dion
- “ Love And Marriage” – Frank Sinatra
- “Black Velvet” – Alannah Myles
Check: Best Beyonce Songs for Weddings
Tips for Choosing the Right Wedding Songs
Creating the soundtrack for your wedding day can be more than just choosing the songs that have a special meaning to you and your significant other. You can also pick songs that can connect with your guests or select tracks that are simply fun to listen or dance to. In this section, we will give you tips on how to choose the right songs to make your wedding even livelier and more memorable!
Embrace Diversity When Making Your Wedding Song Playlist
Start by going through your expected guest list and try to check how diverse the attendees are.
If parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles are coming, then you can safely say that older generations will be well-represented, so include some oldies in your song playlist (Frank Sinatra or Elvis Presley).
It goes without saying that most of your friends will be right around your age so they can pretty much relate to the contemporary songs you love.
If you have guests bringing kids, then make a mental note to include tracks that can entertain children too. There are Beatles songs that are guaranteed to get kids singing or dancing. Or you can include Disney movie songs like “A Whole New World” or “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”
Assign Songs Ahead for Specific Wedding Parts
List all important parts of the wedding ceremony and then choose a different song for each. The parts you should never forget during the ceremony are the entrance processional, the bride’s entrance, and the exit recessional.
During the wedding party, select songs ahead for the party entrance, the first dance, the wedding cake cutting, the garter toss, and the bouquet toss.
You can then recycle those pre-selected songs by mixing them with the playlist you use to entertain guests during dinner, cocktails, or during program breaks.
Match Your Song Selection With Your Wedding Style
If your wedding has a specific theme, you can try choosing songs that match the style. For example, country songs are more perfectly suited for rustic weddings than, say, 1970s pop or disco music.
If you’re into futuristic themes, you can’t go wrong with picking songs from Daft Punk or soundtracks from sci-fi films.
Are you a fan of the fantasy genre? You should be able to choose songs and music from The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, or Harry Potter movies.
Match the Lyrics to the Occasion
When choosing old love songs for weddings, you should ensure that the lyrics match the spirit of the moment. This rule applies both to the wedding event itself and specific moments, such as the processions and presentation of vows.
For the general event, you might want to avoid sad songs, especially those vintage wedding songs about heartbreak and lost love. For specific moments, such as the wedding presentation of vows, songs about joyous commitment are generally the best fit.
Of course, you should also consider the audience in your selection; it’s best not to let Big Aunty see you freaking to some ‘naughty’ music.
Lighten up A Bit
Of course, it’s perfectly in the spirit of the occasion to play meaningful melodies expressing everything from boundless love and commitment to deep appreciation for the couple’s parents. But it’s okay to play other songs as well—at least, as long as they don’t sound too out of place. You may try a few popular dance songs that aren’t about romance or in celebration of anything serious—or anything at all.
A Trial Will Convince You
The best way to be sure you’ve got timeless wedding songs is to organize a trial run and test things out. You can have a few friends over to check out the playlist as well if you are not sure. You can even test out the songs while the venue is being set up to gauge a few reactions from those around.
Consult the Band or DJ You Hired
Bands and DJs who play at weddings are more likely to know a thing or two about wedding songs and how to choose them.
Meet and plan with them and discuss your music preferences. Moreover, make sure you are on the same page on which version of the song to use. For instance, George Michael’s “Faith” is a crowd-pleasing choice, but you might want to skip Limp Bizkit’s version.
Old School Wedding Song Frequently Asked Questions
Now you know of some of the most beautiful tracks that your wedding DJ or band can play for you. These songs can be great for the first dance, the wedding procession, the couple’s entrance, cake-cutting, the actual ceremony – and what not!
But do you still have questions about old-school wedding songs? Then check out the answers to the commonly asked questions – which I have compiled for you below!
Who was the wedding singer in Old School?
Old School was a box-office hit in America, and Dan Finnerty caught the attention of people with his music. He built quite a unique reputation as he came to be known as a wedding singer with a foul mouth. His performance in Total Eclipse of the Heart led to his reputation.
What are the most popular vintage mother-son dance songs?
When the mother and the groom take to the dance floor, they create a beautiful moment. This dance deserves the perfect songs like Bette Midler’s Wind Beneath My Wings, Rod Stewart’s Forever Young, John Lennon’s Beautiful Boy, Bruce Springsteen’s If I Should Fall Behind, etc.
What are the best old-school first dance songs?
When you and your partner dance for the first time at your wedding, you will have all eyes on you. But you will forget that – and only be absorbed by each other. classic songs like At Last by Etta James, Your Song by Elton John, Love and Marriage by Frank Sinatra, etc. are perfect for this dance.
Don’t forget to also check Irish love songs for weddings.
What are the best vintage songs for the father-daughter dance?
When the bride dances with her father, is there anyone at the wedding who can hold back their tears? Classics like How Sweet It Is by James Taylor, Unforgettable by Nat King Cole, Always Be Your Baby by Natalie Grant, etc. are the perfect songs for this tear-jerking moment.
What old school song does a bride walk down the aisle to?
The most favorite song for the bride to walk down the aisle to is “Here Comes The Bride” which is the Bridal Chorus from the song Lohengrin. Other old school songs for this moment can be Solomon, HWV 67: The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Water Music Suite: Air, Cello Suite No. 1, etc.
What are some of the best vintage wedding songs by Frank Sinatra?
If you want to add an old-school charm to your wedding, the timeless classics by Frank Sinatra can be the perfect choice for your playlist. Songs like The Best Is Yet To Come, My Funny Valentine, The Way You Look Tonight, Love Is Here To Stay, All My Tomorrow’s, etc., are ideal for your wedding. [1]
What are the best old school wedding songs by Elvis Presley?
Elvis Presley has given us songs that are as timeless as eternal love. His music has been a classic favorite at wedding ceremonies for decades. Songs like It’s Now Or Never, Burning Love, Love Me Tender, Come Rain or Come Shine, etc., are perfect for a wedding ceremony. [2]
What are some vintage wedding songs by Diana Ross?
When it comes to love songs, one of the most powerful voices is that of Diana Ross. Her songs are classic favorites for wedding ceremonies. Tracks like Endless Love, If We Hold On Together, When You Tell Me That You Love Me, etc., can add magic to your wedding!
What are some old school wedding songs by Nat King Cole?
Nat “King” Cole’s incredible voice has the power to make you fall in love with love. His songs can capture all the romance in the air at your wedding, too! Tracks like Love Letters, Stardust, When I Fall In Love, Unforgettable, Embraceable You, All For You, etc., are a must for a wedding playlist.
What are some classic wedding songs by Elton John?
Elton John is considered one of the American icons, and his songs have tugged at the heartstrings of romantics for decades. His songs, Your Song, Can You Feel The Love Tonight, Tiny Dancer, The One, and Something About The Way You Look Tonight are classic favorites for weddings.
What are some old school wedding songs by Billy Joel?
Billy Joel is a jewel in the crown of American music. Since the sixties, his romantic songs have touched the hearts of people and have since become classics at wedding ceremonies. Songs like Your Song, You’re My Home, She’s Got A Way, etc., are a must for wedding playlists.
What are some vintage wedding songs by The Beatles?
Who can deny that the songs by The Beatles are a part of American culture – and they are nothing but classics? Their timeless romantic songs like In My Life, Here Comes The Sun, All You Need Is Love, And I Love Her, I Saw Her Standing There, etc., are perfect wedding songs
What are some classic wedding songs by Bob Dylan?
If you want to add the old-world magic of 60’s music to capture the purity of love in simpler times, the classic favorites by Bob Dylan can be perfect for you. You can have your wedding band play tracks like Wedding Song, Just Like A Woman, And I Love Him, etc., at your ceremony.
What are some classic wedding songs by Cher?
If you are a fan of 60’s music, you know how Cher’s songs are considered classics. For your wedding day, you can pick songs like After All, A Different Kind Of Love, Love So High, Song For You, Fire and Rain, etc., are ideal for your first dance, the walk down the aisle, and more!
Final Words
Your wedding song can come from anywhere – an old favorite, a classic tune, or something brand new. Contemporary hit makers such as Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran are topping the music charts right now with great romantic songs. But don’t forget Christina Perri who has provided instant classics like “A Thousands Years”.
Finding the perfect soundtrack to your special day doesn’t to have to be from the top lists of today – you will anyway look past any short lived fads and find love in timeless rhythm. Whether it’s pop or alternative styles you find that amuse, make sure you cherish them for years to come, for on this particular day every precious moment lives forever within the words of each loyal piece.
But your heart is set on an old-school ceremony, it’s best to go with classic wedding music. We hope that our suggestions will help you find the right tracks!
Resources
- 1. Frank Sinatra’s Top 10 Greatest Songs [Internet]. Playback.fm. Available from: https://playback.fm/lists/frank-sinatra-top-10
- 2. Greene A, Greene A. Readers’ Poll: The 10 Best Elvis Presley Songs [Internet]. Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone; 2015. Available from: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/readers-poll-the-10-best-elvis-presley-songs-151994/
What are your favorite old school wedding songs? Please share below!
Andreea is a very passionate content creator and her purpose is to provide you with the most interesting articles, while constantly discovering new facts. She’s been freelance writing for the past five years and has created numerous articles and educational materials while managing her own blog.
