To all brides and friends of ProfessionalWeddingDJ! Especially for those planning international weddings, we’ve seen a significant shift. Many ceremonies originally planned for 2021 and 2022 were postponed to 2023, largely due to Covid-related restrictions. This was particularly true for couples living abroad, especially in Asia. This has undeniably built an even more exciting and anticipated atmosphere for this year’s weddings.
As couples are always seeking fresh and exciting elements, let’s dive into the hottest new music releases! These are the tracks we anticipate will be the soundtrack to many summer celebrations. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect playlist for your big day, we’re here to help you craft a unique and unforgettable experience for you and your guests, with the perfect music for every moment of your wedding. Don’t miss our tips and suggestions for songs ideal for your first dance and cake cutting. Remember, personal preferences are key! Choose songs that truly resonate with you and your partner’s style and taste. Creating a playlist that reflects your journey and captures the essence of your relationship will undoubtedly make these moments even more special and memorable for everyone.
A quick note: as we mentioned, this article highlights the latest hits, but a truly great wedding party is a blend of timeless classics and exciting new gems. We always recommend striking the perfect balance between these elements. (And that’s where we come in!) Contact us today, and together we’ll create the perfect soundtrack for your wedding celebration.
.
. 
.
WEDDING 2023, SONGS FOR THE CIVIL CEREMONY
More and more weddings are celebrated with a civil ceremony, almost always in the same location where the wedding party is also held. For the civil ceremony, the musical choices are generally quite classic, and are often enriched by the presence of the harp or violin. A choice that we at ProfessionalWeddingDJ often suggest thanks to our synergy with very talented musicians with whom we collaborate. However, there is a very particular, sometimes underestimated moment , which we DJs at ProfessionalWeddingDJ love to treat with uncommon attention. It is that moment which marks the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the party, when tensions and emotions dissolve in applause, and in the ritual of throwing rice. It is a moment of transition, and therefore, it is important to musically underline it by finding the right compromise between the emotion of the celebration and the joyful rhythm of the party. In this regard, our recommendation favors “Heaven” by Niall Horan, a song about the precious things in life. The song begins with Niall describing the beauty of his love affair: he romantically sees an aura of light around the girl he loves, likening her to heaven.
The rest of the song reaffirms his message of love: the singer adores his woman, and could die for a kiss. What bride could resist these words? I believe, I believe I could die in your kiss This song, especially when starting from the refrain, can well underline the end of the ceremony, thanks also to a text suitable for the moment, but not too “sweet” and to a pressing rhythm.
2023 WEDDING PLAYLIST: FOR AN ORIGINAL WEDDING ENTRANCE
For the newlyweds’ entrance, we chose a splendid house piece, “Shades of Love” by The Blessed Madonna in collaboration with the South African quintet, The Joy. It transmits great energy, and has an engaging chorus, to sing all together! We also wanted to suggest “No bad days” by Macklemore. An explosion of joy and optimism, happy and modern. But beware! the lyrics are not “clean,” as recommended for a wedding party.
FIRST DANCE FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM: DON’T BE FOOLED… BY LEWIS CAPALDI
A truly original musical choice suitable for the slowing of the spouses (first dance) can be the new song by Beabadoobee, a.k.a Beatrice Kristi Laus, a Filipino naturalized British singer & songwriter, who in 2022 achieved great success with her album “Beatopia”. The new song of hers we recommend is “Glue Song“, released, think about it, right on Valentine’s Day with a video set in the Philippines, in Ilo Ilo, the artist’s hometown. It is a very sweet song, with a retro flavor, almost like a fairy tale that can underline one of the most romantic moments of the wedding party, such as the first dance.
Lewis Capaldi’s “Wish You The Best” was also heavily played on the radio this spring 2023. The music is perfect, romantic and poignant, however, the lyrics speaks of the suffering linked to a finished love story, and therefore, it is certainly not suitable for the first dance of the spouses.
CUTTING THE CAKE: ROMANTIC OR RHYTHMIC ?
A very romantic choice for cake-cutting is “Love Me Like I Am” by for King & Country, an intense love song with deep and romantic lyrics, that in 2023 it has already been selected by couples who are very keen on new trends.
If you judge it a little too “serious” for a moment of celebration, we can also offer you the remix version. We at ProfessionalWeddingDJ will certainly use it to make you go wild on the dance floor, but the song “Miracle,” born from the perfectly successful collaboration between Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding, could also be a pleasant piece of entertainment music dedicated to the cutting of the cake. In fact, there is a magical, almost dreamy atmosphere in this song (thanks to Ellie Goulding’s angelic voice) and it could therefore be an unconventional choice, especially for dance-loving spouses. Obviously, for cutting of the cake, the original version, which you can listen to here (link), is preferable to the various remixes that have come out in recent months, and which are more suitable for hitting the dance floor. The return of Noel Gallagher with “Open The Door” is very welcome, a true anthem to life, suitable for the cake cutting, to create an authentic and engaging atmosphere that will contribute to making your day even more memorable. “At a certain point in your life, you look in the mirror and see everything you’ve always been and everything you will be” explained Noel in an interview. “It’s about being happy with who you are, where you are in life, and where you’re going. Life is beautiful!”.
On the other hand, a song from this 2023 summer that portrays a complicated relationship is certainly not suitable for the first dance or the cake cutting: “Eyes Closed” by Ed Sheeran.
“This song is about losing someone, the feeling that every time you go out and expect to see them, and everything just reminds you of them and the things you did together”.
Every song reminds me you’re gone, and I feel the lump form in my throat
‘Cause I’m here alone
Just dancin’ with my eyes closed
‘Cause everywhere I look, I still see you Among the ballads released in autumn 2023, “The Girl That Never Was” by James Blunt is undeniably one of the most poignant. It’s part of the new album “Who We Used To Be” released on October 27. It’s a deeply emotional piece by the singer-songwriter, but given its theme—addressing the sadness and pain of losing a child before birth—it might not suit the most romantic moments like the first dance or cake cutting.
And then there’s “Now and Then,” the latest surprise from The Beatles. The temptation to include it in a wedding celebration, perhaps as a slow dance for the couple or with their parents, is strong. Yet, it alludes to the tumultuous love story between John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Written during a troubled period in their relationship, it might have been Lennon’s heartfelt farewell or a hope for reconciliation in their challenging bond.
That’s why it’s crucial to not just go by the melody but also understand if the song aligns with the context it will be played in. At ProfessionalWeddingDJ, we pay close attention to this aspect, especially with international weddings where the meaning of English songs holds great significance.
WEDDING 2023: GET ON THE DANCE FLOOR, CELEBRATING THE 80S
To take us to the more challenging phases of the party, among the new song released in spring 2023, we propose Miley Cyrus with “River,” a rhythmic love song, and “Never Knew love like this before” by Bob Sinclar. The song contains a sample of an iconic piece from the 80s, “Big in Japan” by Alphaville. And, always in the 80s mood, the new Purple Disco Machine track, “Substitution,” which is having a really good response.
Then, three artists who take inspiration from the 90s repertoire: David Guetta, with “Baby Don’t Hurt Me” which takes after the very famous 1994 song “What Is Love” by Haddaway, the Black Eyed Peas (“Bailar contigo,” built around a sample of “I’m a scatman” by Scatman John) and Get Far with Lenymandy and Miner, with “Only you and I” (the 2023 version of the song “lovin ‘time” by the “Web,” dated 1999).
Among this year’s revelations, James Hype with “Ferrari“, which immediately brings back the club atmosphere, and Raffa Fl, with “Ritmo“, for those who appreciate latin rhythms more.
This type of song can be perfect for kicking off the revival moment during your reception, encouraging guests to dance and have fun.
Speaking of revival, let’s mention “Substitution,” a track that draws from a great 80s classic like “Big in Japan” by Alphaville. These kinds of reinterpretations and samples are quite common in dance music, as they bring a breath of fresh air to past successes, adapting them to modern sounds and creating a connection between generations. The collaboration between Purple Disco Machine and Dj Kung for “Substitution” is a perfect example of how the art of sampling and reinterpreting can breathe new life into iconic tracks. The infectious and danceable rhythm of the song makes it perfect for getting the guests moving, perhaps after dinner, to create a disco-style atmosphere with the right lights and proper sound system! Purple Disco Machine released in 2023 another track, “Something on My Mind,”: this tune become a radio hit and a staple on dance floors. Surprisingly, Bob Sinclar has “remixed” an ’80s hit by Matia Bazar, “Ti Sento,” reminiscent of his previous work with “Far l’Amore” by Raffaella Carrà. Although the rhythm might be slightly different this time, the result is top-notch, confirming the impeccable taste of Bob.
Latin rhythms are less prominent compared to previous years, but we highlight the reggaeton of “Tuya,” performed by Rosalía, a true icon of the genre. And the ever-present Dua Lipa? This year, she arrived on the summer scene with “Dance the Night Away“, loaded with 70s references, also making headlines for being part of the soundtrack of the film dedicated to the world’s most famous doll, Barbie. Dua Lipa is back also with “Houdini,” the highly anticipated single introducing a new chapter after her hugely successful 2020 album, “Future Nostalgia.” Another song to dance to with style is “(It Goes Like) Nanana” by Peggy Gou, the DJ pseudonym of Kim Min-ji, a South Korean disc jockey, record producer, and fashion designer.
But the rock scene doesn’t end there. Lenny Kravitz is back in the spotlight with “TK421“, a rock-style track with influences from black music. It serves as a teaser for his upcoming album “Blue Electric Light,” set for release on March 15, 2024. This Lenny Kravitz song has an infectious groove that’s perfect for dancing. Let’s not forget his impactful past hits either… take the romantic vibes of “I Belong to You” for instance.
Directly from the 2023 Grammys, to your wedding: the most beautiful songs (romantic and for dancing)
Now let’s take a closer look at the new edition (number 65) of the Grammys, which crowned QueenB (Beyoncé) as the most awarded artist of her career. The American singer, who has been nominated 88 times in her career, has won two Grammys (totaling 32), as best album in the «Best Dance/Electronic Music» category, with “Renaissance,” and in the «Best Dance/Electronic Album» category, with “Break my soul”. Inspired by a house classic (“Show Me Love” by Robin S.), it’s a dance piece, which also had a good response in clubs last summer. However, at wedding parties, it’s not a real floorfiller, but is useful to …. prepare the crowd to the most engaging moments!
Also to Beyoncé goes the award for the best R&B song, “Cuff it”, another excerpt from Renaissance, with a funky sound as well as an excellent singing performance. The sounds are very accurate thanks to Niles Rodgers who collaborated in the production of the records.
Really interesting is the “Best New Artist Award” won by Samara Joy. Born in the Bronx, she’s a young talented Jazz singer who was influenced and inspired by artists of the caliber of Carmen McRae and Sarah Vaughan. Thus, she came up with a repertoire that seems to be specially made for aperitifs, and background music for dinners and wedding parties. For example, the song, “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood,” sung right at the Grammy night, is a great choice!
Surprisingly, Bonnie Raitt won the Grammy for Song of the Year with “Just like that,” a piece with a romantic atmosphere that tells the story of an emotional encounter between a woman and a man; the man received the heart of the woman’s son after her death. Therefore, thanks to this precious gift of her son, she lives on her, and thanks her for having given life to both of us. A song with a truly emotional theme, perfect to underline the most emotionally engaging moments in an event such as a wedding.
ADELE WITH “EASY ON ME”: BEWARE, IT CAN RUIN YOUR MARRIAGE
Although it portrays a romantic atmosphere, it’s certainly not suitable for a wedding. “Easy on Me” by Adele triumphed in the Best Pop Solo Performance category. The piece is about her divorce as what she sings about is a direct consequence of her separation from her husband. The piano melody was written for their son, Angelo, while she tries to explain to him why she has decided to separate from his father and choose a new path for the two of them. Without mincing words, you shouldn’t even consider playing it at a wedding!
THE RETURN OF BUBLE’, A VERY LOVED ARTIST FOR WEDDING PARTIES
Best Traditional Pop Album: “Higher”, by Michael Buble. “I’ll Never Not Love You”, a single extracted from his 11th studio work, can be defined as a romantic piece that incorporates the canons to which the Canadian crooner has accustomed us, who, with the evergreen Moonlight, continues to be appreciated, especially for aperitifs, thanks to its swing rhythm.
Harry’s House is the album that crowns 2023 Grammy winner, Harry Styles. It is an album full of interesting, sometimes intimate songs, and elegant in all, and which treasures the more “sophisticated” pop of the 80s. In short, it is obviously not suitable for parties. However, Sam Smyers’ remix of Music For a Sushi Restaurant seems good also for dancing, and we often recommend it for your private parties!
Of all the songs on the album, let’s mention then the beautiful Late Night Talking, a love song, but with a rhythm:
Now you’re in my life
I can’t get you off my mind
Lizzo’s success in the “Record of the Year” award, with “About Damn Time,” didn’t come as a surprise. (Important note: the “record of the year” award is assigned to the performer and team that composed the song, and in the case of “About Damn Time,” Lizzo also appears among the authors). Also, with its carefully crafted sounds and a truly addictive rhythm, you can’t resist Lizzo’s invitation to “Turn up the music”!
In the Best Rap Album, as previously predicted by many insiders, was Kendrick Lamar’s “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.” It’s not exactly the type of album that is frequently played at wedding parties, but there will certainly be no shortage of international spouses, especially Americans, who will request pieces taken from this work by the American artist.
What about Latin music? Well, unlike previous editions, pop’s success this year wasn’t much. Be that as it may, the award for Best Urban Album should be mentioned. It is “Un verano sin ti,” by Bad Bunny (he is a true star of Latin music. Do you remember “Te Bote,” created in collaboration with Nio Garcia, Casper Magico, Darrell, Ozuna, and Nicky Jam?).
Even though she hasn’t won any golden gramophone, but only received Grammy nominations for “Best New Artist,” let’s talk about Anitta. One of the queens of Latin music, she featured on this summer’s Black Eyed Peas’ song, “Simply the best,” which is still very appreciated by partygoers!
Also noteworthy, within the 65th edition of the Grammys, was the live performance of a 72-year old, Stevie Wonder. He has already hauled 25 Golden Gramophone Awards in his career, he sang “The Way You Do The Things You Do” by The Supremes, with R&B group WanMore. During his performance, he was very engaging (the audience in the stalls danced wildly) and full of emotions, especially when he duetted with William “Smokey” Robinson, 82, on the notes of «Tears of a Clown».
For the most international of Italian bands, The Maneskin, competed in the “Best New Artist” category this year but lost out. The big question is: Will they make it next year?
If you also want a top class wedding party, contact us now or FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW!
English
German
French