2017 brought a distinctive blend of cinematic ballads, upbeat pop anthems, and genre-blending tracks that defined the soundtrack of that year's weddings. Couples leaned toward songs that balanced emotional depth with singable choruses, creating moments that felt both personal and universally resonant.
As streaming and radio hits converged, the best wedding songs 2017 offered a mix of familiar comfort and fresh energy for first dances, processions, and celebration dances. The selections below highlight tracks that performed strongly in ceremonies, playlists, and reception moments throughout the year.
| Song | Artist | Release Year | Common Use | Mood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Something Just Like This | The Chainsmokers & Coldplay | 2017 | First Dance | Romantic, Uplifting |
| Perfect | Ed Sheeran | 2017 | First Dance & Ceremony | Sweet, Poetic |
| There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back | Shawn Mendes | 2017 | Procession & Reception | Upbeat, Joyful |
| Humble and Kind | Tim McGraw | 2016 (Ceremony Peak 2017) | Father-Daughter/Walk | Heartfelt, Gracious |
| Girls Like You | Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B | 2017 | Dance Floor Feature | Energetic, Playful |
Romantic First Dance Ballads 2017
Ballad choices for the first dance in 2017 emphasized storytelling and gradual builds, allowing couples to share a quiet, intimate moment even in crowded venues. Slow tempos and lyrical vows became hallmarks of this segment.
Signature Slow Jams
Tracks like Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect' provided a cinematic backdrop with minimal percussion, letting voices and sentiment lead. This helped create a visual and emotional focal point during the couple's first dance.
Upbeat Reception Anthems
Reception segments benefited from high-energy songs that encouraged guests to leave their seats and join the dance floor. Pop, funk, and light hip-hop tracks dominated this category in 2017.
Movement-Friendly Hits
Songs such as 'There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back' and 'Girls Like You' offered catchy hooks and steady rhythms that supported group dances, bouquet tosses, and general celebration without losing musical cohesion.
Ceremony and Parental Moments
Beyond the dance floor, 2017 wedding ceremonies featured music that honored family traditions while remaining contemporary. Processional, recessional, and parental walk songs carried emotional weight and narrative significance.
Symbolic Choices
'Humble and Kind' became a standout for father-daughter walks, blending gentle instrumentation with lyrics about kindness and resilience. Such selections connected personal family stories with broader cultural touchstones.
Genre Diversity and Cross-Over Appeal
The year saw wedding playlists expanding beyond pop into indie, Latin, and soft rock, reflecting couples' multicultural tastes and digital discovery patterns. Playlist curation turned into a shared activity between partners and families.
Hybrid Soundtracks
Incorporating tracks from varied genres helped keep multi-generational guests engaged. Wedding organizers noted higher interaction when playlists balanced chart hits with deeper album cuts that matched the couple's personality.
Key Takeaways for Wedding Music Planning
- Balance emotional first dance songs with energetic reception tracks to maintain flow.
- Choose lyrical pieces for ceremonial moments to highlight personal values and family stories.
- Incorporate cross-genre hits to engage multi-generational guest lists.
- Leverage streaming services to discover emerging tracks that match the couple's identity.
- Test volume and pacing for each song in the venue to ensure musical cohesion.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which songs were most popular for first dances in 2017?
Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect' and The Chainsmokers & Coldplay's 'Something Just Like This' topped lists for emotional, mid-tempo first dance selections in 2017.
What tracks worked best for getting guests on the dance floor in 2017?
Upbeat hits like 'There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back' and 'Girls Like You' energized receptions and encouraged group participation during dance segments.
Which songs were favored for ceremonial moments like the walk down the aisle in 2017?
Tracks such as 'Humble and Kind' and other lyrical, moderate-tempo songs became preferred choices for processions and parental moments during ceremonies.
How did streaming influence wedding song trends in 2017?
Streaming platforms expanded access to global genres, enabling couples to blend pop, Latin, indie, and rock tracks into cohesive, personalized wedding playlists.