Before you get married, one of the most important (and often overlooked until the last moment) tasks to do is choose your wedding music. Read on to see our list of the best modern wedding recessional songs.
Couples often focus on the processional song, thinking about what they’ll be hearing when they first see each other or while one is walking down the aisle. And while this is extremely important, so is the recessional song! This is the first song you’ll hear as a married couple, and it is best to choose a happy, romantic and upbeat song that reflects your euphoria in this incredible moment. These are some of our favourite recessional songs from more recent years.
1. Bruno Mars – Treasure
Released by singer and songwriter Bruno Mars as part of his second studio album Unorthodox Jukebox (2012), ‘Treasure’ is a must-have for all wedding playlists.
‘Treasure’ is popular among newlyweds on their walk back down the aisle because of its up-beat nature, catchy lyrics and its ability to get everyone in the celebration mood ahead of the reception.
2. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
You might recognise this catchy smash-hit love song from a number of popular movies, including The Parent Trap.
Written by Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy and performed by Natalie Cole in 1975, ‘This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)’ is a must-have soul track for every wedding.
Whether you use it for your recessional or your first dance is up to you, but make sure you make room for this incredible song on your special day.
3. Imagine Dragons – On Top Of The World
Released by American rock band Imagine Dragons for their major-label debut Continued Silence (2012), ‘On Top of the World’ is a great up-beat song guaranteed to get everyone in the party mood.
You might recognise ‘On Top of the World’ from popular children’s movies The Croods and Island of Lemurs: Madagascar, as well as a number of television commercials.
4. Beyoncé – Love On Top
Recorded by Beyonce for her fourth studio album 4 (2011) ‘Love On Top’ is a definite must-have for all wedding playlists.
This incredible love song is about a person you can always call, even after facing grief, hardwork and hardship – the perfect tune to celebrate a couple’s love for one another after exchanging vows.
5. American Authors – Best Day Of My Life
A 2013 song by American indie rock band American Authors, ‘Best Day of My Life’ is a popular recessional song among newlyweds.
With its up-beat sound, this song is perfect for setting the party atmosphere for the day ahead.
You might recognise ‘Best Day of My Life’ from hit films such as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and popular television show Vampire Diaries.
6. Coldplay – Viva la Vida
Released in 2008, ‘Viva la Vida’ is know as one of British rock band Coldplay’s signature songs.
For Coldplay fans, ‘Viva la Vida’ is the perfect way to start kick off your party.
7. Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder
An obvious choice, Stevie Wonder’s ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours’ is the perfect way to celebrate the commitment you have just entered into.
Just like the lyrics state – Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours!
8. Pharrell Williams – Happy
Written, produced and performed by American singer Pharrell Williams for the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack album (2013), ‘Happy’ is a guaranteed way to get everyone in the party mood ahead of the reception festivities.
If there’s ever an up-beat tune that describes how you feel after exchanging vows, this is it.
9. Sara Bareilles – I Choose You
Recorded by American singer and songwriter Sara Bareilles for her album The Blessed Unrest (2013), ‘I Choose You’ has become a fan favourite song for wedding recessionals.
The lyrics describe the act of falling in love and the ‘beautiful start to a lifelong love letter’ – what more could you want from a wedding song?
10. Colbie Caillat – I Do
This song is made for weddings.
Recorded by American artist Colbie Caillat for her third studio album All of You (2011), ‘I Do’ is described by critics as an up-beat, sunny-day song – the perfect way to kick off a wedding celebration.
