Top Ten Wedding Songs of 2016 (desktop version)

It’s that time of year again, folks – the wedding season has drawn to a close, the nights are drawing in, and Santa says it is fewer than 80 sleeps until Christmas. Seriously.

Inevitably, the award season is upon us, and usually at this time of year I blog about my Top Ten requested songs of the season. This year my Brides & Grooms have had such varied tastes (whoopee!) that it is difficult to choose a clear winner. So to celebrate the Summer of Love 2016, may I present to you, in no particular order, and without any statistical significance whatsoever, my Top Ten Favourite Wedding Song Requests of 2016. Each one of these I have arranged & played at a #realwedding in 2016, and as a special bonus, recorded just for you 😉 Enjoy.

If you are on a slow or mobile connection or my songs are taking a long time to load you can listen to my music clips here…

1. How Long Will I Love You? (Ellie Goulding version)

A new entry for this year, this was the processional for my first wedding of the season, and has turned out to be a popular choice with many couples throughout the year. My version is short & sweet, and taking advantage of the lyrical nature of the ‘cello, has some buzzing close harmonies.

2. Songbird (Eva Cassidy/Fleetwood Mac)

Eva Cassidy’s cover of the classic Fleetwood Mac track ‘Songbird’ is probably one of her best known works. And although some people do interpret it as a ‘goodbye’ song, there are enough incurable romantics in the world to make this a new entry into my chart for 2016. Whether you are Team McVey or Team Cassidy it is a simple and lovely melody.

3. Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeren)

This hugely popular modern classic has been on of my most requested songs since its release in 2014, and I am sure will continue to be so for a few more year to come yet. It is quite often requested by couples as their Recessional or First Dance number, and from the lyrics it isn’t hard to see why, “Baby, we found love right where we are.” Aaw…

4. Canon in D (Pachelbel)

Confession time: I hate this piece. But it is so popular, especially as a Church Processional, that it is impossible to get away from. Why, I find difficult to understand, but there it is. This arrangement has only nine repetitions and is quite fast, so is not too boring, and is quite long enough for a Bridal walk. Time for a lie down in a dark room…

5. The Bridal March (Wagner)

The traditional favourite of ‘Here Comes the Bride’ really can’t be beaten for a bit of pomp & ceremony. As the first few notes strike up and people jump to their feet you really get a sense of occasion. Not to be dismissed as old-fashioned: it is stately and is appropriate to any venue.

6. A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)

Another perennial favourite, and often used as a Processional for the Bride, this gets so many requests, hardly a wedding goes by when I don’t play it. Still love it though, as it is in a nice key for the ‘cello – low B flat is one of my fave notes 😉 – and my arrangement makes use of the full range of the instrument for added drama.

7. Conquest of Paradise (Vangelis)

A new one on me, very dramatic, and requested by a Groom for his entrance piece this year, I think this will go down a storm for those couples who are a fan of film music. Everyone will recognise this theme.

8. Beauty & the Beast

I just love this music. And so did the Bride who requested it for her First Dance. There was not a dry in the house – in a good way! Such a pretty and romantic theme, and opportunity for more close harmonies. Complete with obligatory key change in the middle.

9. Real Love (Tom Odell)

This new entry possibly shouldn’t come as any surprise, but it always makes me think of Penguins – ya get me? 😉 That aside, it makes a great ceremony piece, and I expect it will endure.

10. Feelin’ Good (Nina Simone)

Originally rather rudely dismissed (by me) as overly bombastic for a wedding, I have to admit my mistake as actually it is great fun! Guests love it during the reception or photographs, and the Bride who requested it for her Recessional got it absolutely spot on. Fun to play too, it really sets the tone for the celebrations, and is perfect for a little bit of quirky naughtiness. Ooh la la!

Also Still Popular in 2016…

Returning to the mix for the second year running, John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ has become a firm favourite and was the recessional song of my final wedding of the season. Is rightly becoming a timeless classic. And always a hit in France with the French and Destination couples alike, ‘La Vie en Rose’ can been used as a Recessional, and is guaranteed to raise a smile or possibly even some crowd karaoke!

2017 Predictions…

Nothing really jumps out for 2017 as yet, but Eva Cassidy is always popular, and I have a feeling some more of her songs and cover versions will creep into the Top Ten of 2017. Des’ree ‘Kissing You’ from the soundtrack of Baz Luhrman’s ‘Romeo&Juliet’ is also right up there, poised to make an appearance. I would love more people to appreciate ‘Blackbird’ by The Beatles, with its lyric “All your life you were only waiting for this moment to arise,” I can’t think of a better sentiment to celebrate a marriage.

Stay Tuned. xx

Wedding Music France for your Perfect Ceremony and Reception Music

Want something different at your wedding? I am already taking bookings for 2017, and will arrange any song for free when you choose a ceremony package. Further details and enquires here.