Felix Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” is popular at wedding ceremonies near and far, but many songs also enjoy such widespread popularity. Sentimental standards help shape the celebration. Unless a couple intends to buck all trends, the following are some popular wedding reception staples.
* “Unforgettable”: Made popular in the early 1950s by Nat King Cole, “Unforgettable” experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1990s thanks to a remix of the song that turned it into a duet between the late Cole and his daughter, Natalie.
* “Unchained Melody”: The Righteous Brothers classic was a hit in 1965 but rose to even greater popularity when it was included in the 1990 film “Ghost.” Couples still love to cut a rug to this song at their wedding receptions.
* “The Way You Look Tonight”: This oft-covered song is one of the more romantic songs to grace the American songbook. Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and Fred Astaire have put their own unique spins on the song.
* “At Last”: Although Ella Fitzgerald was not the first artist to record this song, her version is arguably the most popular.
* “What a Wonderful World”: Louis Armstrong’s rousing rendition of this classic can make any reception even more upbeat. The song is especially popular for mother-son and father-daughter dances.
* “Wonderful Tonight”: Many couples love this Eric Clapton classic about enduring love. And guests love to grab their significant others to take their own spins around the dance floor.
* “Last Dance”: Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” is an ideal choice for the final song of the evening. By the time the song switches from the slow-moving opening chords to a more upbeat pace, guests will be grabbing their party favors and heading for the door.
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