One of the things I love best about playing music at weddings is learning tunes selected by the couple for their wedding ceremony or first dance. It’s certainly labour-intensive, but it’s actually super heart-warming to see a couple of lovebirds misting up to their favourite special song! And I occasionally get a re-education about my musical opinions (Bryan Adams ‘heaven’ is actually a great tune and works beautifully for an aisle walk!)

Today I’m going to spill the beans on some of the best wedding songs that can add something quirky and gorgeous to your big day.

Image by Matt Reed via Amy and Scott’s Sydney Country Club Wedding

Five tunes for walking down the aisle

Here are some suggestions for tunes that manage romance, boho sweetness and plenty of unique charm…

1. INTO MY ARMS by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds

By the time the chorus hits there will be misty eyes all around with this gorgeous song. Great choice for churches with it’s pseudo religious overtones. Just don’t watch the film clip or you’ll be crying in a different way!

2. BABY YOU’RE MY DESTINY by Taj Mahal

This one holds a special place in my heart because it’s what I walked down the aisle to. It’s sunny and sweet and a little bit sassy. Unique!

3. YOU’VE GOT THE LOVE by Florence and The Machine

I wasn’t sure how this would work when a recent bride requested this, but as an acoustic guitar and vocal tune it has all the elements; romance, truthful words and a great feel to cruise down the aisle to. Dad was strutting!

4. THIS OLD LOVE by Lior

Full of romance and beautiful lyricism, I love this tune for couples that have been together for ages prior to the big day.

5. MELODY OF YOU by Sixpence None The Richer

Beautiful imagery and an indie-folk sensibility that lilts a boho bride down the aisle.

Image by Solas Wedding Photography via Celeste and Alten’s Australian Winter Wedding

Five Fun and quirky first dance tunes

1. HOME by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes

This is such a summery and heartfelt song, brilliant if you have a band with a horn-section (something we can help with!) and you can just jump around or actually choreograph something. Your guests will dive in at the first invitation.

2. HOW SWEET IT IS by James Taylor / Marvin Gaye

People love a song they know, but it’s not a common choice for a first dance, even though it has a great feel and rhythm; the words are also pretty darn gorgeous. Good to just jump around to if you’re not really dancers.

3. ALL I WANT IS YOU by Barry Louis Polisar

This is a super fun tune, amazing with a live band that can sing the harmonies and really good for people that love a bit of thigh-slapping and do-see-doing.

4. HAPPY TOGETHER by The Turtles

I love this tune because it has a slow build and you can ham it up a bit and then invite the whole crowd to join you on the dance floor. Also a stellar choice for a farewell circle.

5. THUMPER by Mumford And Sons

One of those tunes that is timeless but also really current and totally fresh. It has a slow dance element and also has a bit of a rhythm for those swayers out there. It then breaks into out and out joy! Try it, you might like it!

Ms Gingham says: This list is going to become such a resource to couples getting married. A great selection of varied and beautiful music!

Perfect Day Music is run by husband and wife team, Ryan and Kimba Griffith. They are not agents, and actually play in each of the bands, together or separately. Kimba and Ryan fell in love over music 14 years ago and have honed their jazzy sounds playing everywhere from the most intimate clubs to some of the world’s biggest festival stages.