Images by Leo Farrell Photography via Edwina and Tom’s Geelong At Home Wedding
Whilst the original versions of classic wedding songs, recorded by the artists that made those songs famous, will add a certain style to your wedding, there are quite a number of beautifully updated and modern interpretations that can give a refreshing lift to your wedding ceremony or reception. Here are a few of my favourites which I hope will inspire your selection and provide you with some alternative song choice options for your wedding.
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by Sleeping At Last
Chances are that this song and lyrics will be very familiar to most of you. It is an incredibly popular song from the late eighties by The Proclaimers that is played often at weddings during retro dance sets. Well, this cover by Sleeping At Last, which featured on “Grey’s Anatomy”, is so heartfelt and changes what some consider a cheesy song to one which is full of emotion. It would be a magical choice for a processional, register signing or first dance.
All Of Me by Ginny Blackmore & Barry Southgate
Kiwi artist Ginny Blackmore and fellow musician and friend, Barry Southgate deliver a stunning rendition of one of the most popular wedding songs from 2015, John Legend’s, “All Of Me”. This is a beautiful song for the register signing or for a first dance as it contains both female and male vocals. Accordingly, if you love the John Legend original version but wanted to put a different spin on an overly used song, this amazing cover would be just perfect!
You’re The One That I Want by Angus & Julia Stone
“You’re The One That I Want” is a well-known song from the film “Grease”, originally sung by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. This remake by Angus and Julia Stone has been stripped back to give it a completely different treatment which gives the song a whole new feel and meaning. Perfect for a wedding ceremony, background music or even a first dance.
Images by Anna Turner via Emily and Carl’s Sweet Blue Mountains Wedding
Marry Me by Martina McBride & Pat Monahan
“Marry Me” is the title of a song written by Pat Monahan and recorded by his group Train. Country music artist Martina McBride recorded a duet version with Pat Monahan for her eleventh studio album, Eleven. The female voice takes the song to another dimension and given that this duet is with Pat Monahan, the original singer, makes it more than just a cover. The two voices are akin to a bride and groom singing to each other, and whilst the original is already widely used at weddings, this version is a great alternative.
Boyce Avenue are three brothers from Florida in the USA who release both originals and cover versions of popular songs. Their acoustic cover of the Chris Brown song “Forever” makes it just perfect for a special first dance or as background music during pre-dinner drinks or the reception.
Unchained Melody by Cyndi Lauper
Everybody knows the Righteous Brothers’ version of this song from the movie, “Ghost”. Cyndi Lauper interprets the melody and dynamics in such a way that makes this version really shine. This is a great music choice for a first dance.
Image by gm photographics via Flower Filled Black Tie Wedding
The band Train covered the song putting their own spin on it by using a little of the instrumentation from “Hey Soul Sister” at the beginning, resulting in a more upbeat version of the song. This version, like The Platters original, would be fabulous for an upbeat first dance. It would also be suitable to be played as the wedding guests arrive, during pre-dinner drinks or as dinner is served.
What A Wonderful World by Katie Melua and Eva Cassidy
“What a Wonderful World” is a song that was first recorded by Louis Armstrong. Katie Melua released a cover of this song, in which she sang with a recording of the late Eva Cassidy and is a great alternative to the Louis Armstrong version. Perfect for the wedding reception pre-dinner drinks, background during dinner, Father/ Daughter or Mother/Son Dances.
Can’t Help Falling In Love by Ingrid Michaelson or The Eels
“Can’t Help Falling In Love” is a very popular song for weddings. The two most common versions that couples choose for their special day are the original of course which was recorded by Elvis Presley or the reggae remake by UB40. Whilst many artists have recorded this song over the years, these two versions which really stand out for me. They are full of emotion and ideal for a first dance at a wedding – just beautiful!!
You’re The First, The Last, My Everything by Joshua Radin
The first time I heard this awesome version of the Barry White song (also known as, My First, My Last, My Everything), I was so completely moved. This version has so much emotion and feeling and is vastly different to Barry’s disco version and would make an excellent choice for the register signing at the ceremony or a heartfelt first dance.
Ms Chinoiserie Says: What a great list of cover songs; it’s hard to pick my favourite, but anything by Barry White is always fabulous!
About Serge of DJ:Plus! Entertainment: Hi, I’m Serge and I offer a boutique style, wedding DJ & MC entertainment service. My customised ideas for guest involvement, announcements and entertainment save you from having to ask Uncle Roger to do the honours, and then there’s the music – I’m a disc jockey too – so you can rock your socks off until the wee hours!
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