Looking for some wedding playlist inspiration? Here’s a master list of the top songs to play at your wedding from the 50’s to today!

Ashley Medrano Photography

1950’s

The 50’s were all about rock and roll, jazz, and honky-tonk music. 50’s music pushed boundaries and cultural shifts allowed for the rise of popular heartthrobs like Elvis Presley. For a bit of a vintage flair that all generations will love, keep these songs in mind:

 

“Unforgettable” – Nat King Cole

“Put Your Head On My Shoulder” – Paul Anka

“I Walk The Line” – Johnny Cash

“Shout” – The Isley Brothers

“Love is Strange” – Mickey & Sylvia

 

1960’s 

During the 60’s, genres such as R&B, Soul, DooWop, and beach-style music grew incredibly popular. The British Invasion led to the popularity of bands such as The Beatles, who are still extremely popular today. The 60’s was all about Motown, Woodstock, and the blending of all different cultures in art. Keep these songs in mind for your wedding playlist:

 

“Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond

“I Wanna Hold Your Hand” – The Beatles

“Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison

“Can’t Help Falling In Love” – Elvis Presley

“You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman” – Aretha Franklin

 

1970’s

Progressive rock, punk rock, and reggae grew in popularity in the 1970’s, but most people remember the 70’s for the upbeat disco music seen in movies like Saturday Night Fever. Classic rock and pop stars like Queen and Elton John began to grow in popularity and are popular even today. The 70’s were all about getting up and dancing, so try and do the Hustle to some of these songs:

 

“September” – Earth, Wind & Fire

“Your Song” – Elton John

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” – Stevie Wonder

“Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Dancing Queen” – ABBA

 

1980’s

The 80’s were an age of prosperity and happiness, preceded by the disco craze of the 1970’s. It was a new age technology and entertainment, allowing for a vast array of genres to take on popularity. Music videos, movies, and video games began to shape the world of entertainment on a greater scale than ever before. For many, the 80’s bring back a welcome nostalgia of good times, good music, and great memories. Make some more amazing memories with these 80’s songs on your playlist: 

 

“Come on Eileen” – Dexys Midnight Runners 

“I Melt With You” – Modern English

“Jack & Diane” – John Mellencamp

“Rock With You – Michael Jackson

“Purple Rain” – Prince

 

1990’s

Music from the 90’s is a familiar yet nostalgic way to get your guests on the dance floor! Chances are, most of your guests will recognize some of the grunge, techno, rap, or familiar pop tracks you choose from this decade! For parents, these songs can be especially reminiscent of the year you were born as they celebrate in the next milestone of your life. Try adding some of these familiar favorites:

 

“Friends In Low Places” – Garth Brooks

“Iris” – The Goo Goo Dolls

“I Want It That Way” – Backstreet Boys

“I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” – Aerosmith

“This Is How We Do It” – Montell Jordan

 

2000’s to Present 

A wedding playlist wouldn’t be complete without the songs that remind you of your relationship. What songs were popular on the radio when you started dating? What song did you listen to nonstop while you were falling in love with your new spouse? Be sure to include plenty of your recent favorites to top off your nostalgic, fun-filled, wedding playlist! Here are a few recent songs to get your guests up and dancing:

 

“Lucky” – Jason Mraz & Colbie Callait

“Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” – Beyonce

“Marry You” – Bruno Mars

“Daughters” – John Mayer

“Hey Ya” – Outkast

“Chicken Fried” – Zac Brown Band

“Speechless” – Dan + Shay

“All of Me” – John Legend

 

For more wedding playlist inspiration, click here!

 

Written by Abbey Wagner