1968 Wedding Classics: Soulful Anthems & Everlasting Love
The year 1968 was a cultural and musical explosion, delivering some of the most enduring anthems of the 20th century. From the optimistic “What a Wonderful World” to the high-energy grooves of Motown and the soulful arrival of Joe Cocker, 1968 provides a diverse palette for a wedding celebration. These songs are perfect for couples who want to infuse their day with a mix of heartfelt sincerity, classic rock-and-roll swagger, and soulful R&B that transcends generations.
Soulful Standards for Your First Dance
- The Definitive Duet: “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell. Released in March 1968, this is widely considered one of the best first dance songs in history. Its soft, romantic melody and the undeniable chemistry between Gaye and Terrell perfectly capture the “reality” of a deep, comforting love.
- Soft & Emotional: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” – Andy Williams. While covered by many, the 1968 Andy Williams version has a uniquely soft and emotional presence. It is a premier choice for a first dance or for introducing the newlyweds for the first time.
- Pure Soul: “Everlasting Love” – Love Affair. The title says it all. This track is evocative of the “everlasting” commitment made on a wedding day, providing a happy, upbeat energy that inspires everyone to get up and join the celebration.
- Hope & Future: “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong. Though a carryover from late 1967, this became a defining hit of 1968. It is a staple for the father-daughter dance or as a final statement of hope for the couple’s future together.
High-Energy Reception & Party Hits
- The “Feel-Good” Favorite: “Build Me Up Buttercup” – The Foundations. One of the most memorable love songs of the year. Its lively beat and catchy lyrics make it an ideal choice for the cake cutting or a celebratory send-off.
- Rock Swagger: “Sunshine of Your Love” – Cream. This guitar-driven hit is a surefire way to encourage group dancing. Its iconic hook and rhythmic energy bring a vintage rock-and-roll vibe to the reception dance floor.
- The “Friends” Tribute: “With a Little Help from My Friends” – Joe Cocker. A powerful way to acknowledge the wedding party and friends who have supported your journey. Cocker’s soulful, gritty version of this Beatles classic is an unforgettable tribute to those closest to you.
- Addictive Energy: “Hooked on a Feeling” – B.J. Thomas. This track is tailor-made for dancing, but many couples also use it for a modern, high-spirited recessional that leaves everyone feeling uplifted as the ceremony concludes.
Formal & Instrumental Selections
- Versatile Instrumental: “This Guy’s in Love With You” – Herb Alpert and his Tijuana Brass. Because it is primarily an instrumental arrangement, this track works beautifully for the formal parts of the ceremony or as sophisticated background music during the reception.
- Jazz Complexity: “Keep the Ball Rollin’” – Al Hirt. New Orleans jazz legend Al Hirt delivers a complex, upbeat instrumental that can be used in almost any part of the celebration, from the cocktail hour to the processional.
- Encouraging Love: “Hey Jude” – The Beatles. Often played during the more formal parts of the ceremony, the lyrics of this 1968 masterpiece encourage moving forward with trust and letting love into your heart.
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1968 Wedding Songs
Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations
Released in December 1968 on the album Build Me Up Buttercup
The Foundations produced one of music’s most memorable feel-good love songs in one from 1968, and the song is still relevant and popular today among music lovers. It’s a fun song with catchy lyrics, but for weddings, the song should be used for cake cutting or send-off thanks to its lively beat.
So build me up
(Build me up)
Buttercup, don’t break my heart
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Andy Williams
Released in January 1968 on the album Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
This song by Andy Williams has also been covered by other artists including The Four Seasons, but the Williams version has that soft and emotional presence that is perfect for weddings. The song can be used for a first dance or it can be played as the newlyweds are introduced as man and wife for the first time.
Please let me know that it’s real
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off you
Everlasting Love – Love Affair
Released in January 1968 on the album Everlasting Love
The lyrics of “Everlasting Love” are evocative of all the emotions one wants to express on your wedding day, and this 1968 song by Love Affair will add happiness to a wedding reception. Every reception needs songs like this one that will inspire everyone to get up and dance.
When other loves are gone, ours will still be strong
We have our very own everlasting love
Real love will last forever
Love Child – The Supremes
Released in September 1968 on the album Love Child
Big changes were going on with Diana Ross & The Supremes in 1968 as Ross assumed her position as the group’s primary star and this song helped to validate Diana Ross as a future legend. It can be played at weddings while the wedding guests are being seated, but the song is best saved for reception dancing.
This love we’re contemplating
Isn’t worth the pain of waiting
We’ll only end up hating
The child we may be creating
This Guy’s in Love With You – Herb Alpert and his Tijuana Brass
Released in April 1968 on the album The Beat of the Brass
Instrumentals are always popular wedding song choices, and Herb Alpert and his Tijuana Brass created some wonderful tunes such as this one. Because it is meant to be enjoyed as an instrumental arrangement the song works well for many formal parts of the wedding ceremony, and it can also be used for dancing.
My hands are shakin’ don’t let my heart keep breaking ’cause
I need your love, I want your love
Say you’re in love and you’ll be my girl, if not I’ll just die
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Released in August 1967 carryover on the album What a Wonderful World
Few songs express hope better than this iconic tune from Louis Armstrong and the Louis Armstrong Orchestra, a song that has been used for a dance between the bride and her father at many wedding receptions. You can also play the song at the end of the night just before everyone goes home as a statement that you and your spouse are excited about what the future holds.
I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more than I’ll ever know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
Hey Jude – The Beatles
Released in August 1968 on the album Hey Jude
Never forget The Beatles when it comes to wedding song choices, this song is one that many say was written by Paul McCartney for John Lennon on the occasion of Lennon’s union with Yoko Ono. The lyrics of the song encourage couples to move forward in love and trust, so use it formally during your wedding.
Hey Jude, don’t let me down
You have found her, now go and get her
Remember to let her into your heart
Then you can start to make it better
Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Released in March 1968 on the album You’re All I Need
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell produced a couple of hits in the late ’60s, and this is the one that will probably be appealing to newlyweds. It is a soft ballad that can be played as a part of the wedding processional or recessional, but as a first dance between the happy couple, there are few songs better than this one.
I play my game of fantasy
I pretend, but I know in reality
I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me
Hello, I Love You – The Doors
Released in June 1968 on the album Waiting for the Sun
Jim Morrison and The Doors reached for a more mellow sound with this 1968 hit, and it has become one of the most popular 1968 wedding songs among couples who prefer vintage rock and roll. The lyrics might be too complex for use in the ceremony, but they are perfect when the song is played before the celebratory toasts.
Hello, I love you, won’t you tell me your name?
Hello, I love you, let me jump in your game
I Love You – People!
Released in February 1968 on the album I Love You
The People was a rock group from the 1960s that only had one major hit, and that hit stands as a very straightforward dedication to love. You need some music for your wedding that clearly states the theme of the day, and that is what this song does in a catchy way.
I should tell you, I love you, I do
My words should explain, but my words won’t come
Keep the Ball Rollin’ – Al Hirt
Released in January 1968 on the album Al’s Place
New Orleans jazz legend Al Hirt delivered this instrumental in 1968, and it has remained popular among those who appreciate complex musical compositions. The great thing about instrumentals such as this is that they can be used in almost any part of a wedding celebration.
You got to put your lips closer to mine
girl, you got to follow it thru
My Song – Aretha Franklin
Released in 1968 on the album My Song
Aretha Franklin rightfully became known as the Queen of Soul thanks to hits like this one, and the personal nature of the song’s lyrics makes it one that brides frequently include in their weddings. Have the DJ add it to the playlist for the reception and share the joy of the day with all your guests.
I still love you
Won’t you please come back to me
Come back where
Where you ought to be
Sunshine of Your Love – Cream
Released in September 1968 on the album Disraeli Gears
Eric Clapton and Cream were perhaps best known for this guitar-driven hit with a catchy hook that almost everyone knows. You will probably find that playing this song at your reception is a surefire way to encourage group dancing among your guests.
I’m with you my love
The light’s shining through on you
Yes, I’m with you my love
Take Time to Know Her – Percy Sledge
Released in May 1968 on the album Take Time to Know Her
The soulful voice of Percy Sledge has thrilled music fans for decades, and Sledge delivered a powerful message with the lyrics of this classic hit. It has become a popular 1968 wedding song because it advances the feelings and emotions a groom should have for his bride on his wedding day.
I went straight to the church
I just couldn’t wait
To have a little girl of mine
With a Little Help from My Friends – Joe Cocker
Released in October 1968 on the album With a Little Help from My Friends
Joe Cocker took this Beatles classic and made it his own, producing a version that is more remembered than the one recorded by Ringo Starr. This is a song that you want to have played especially for the wedding party and friends that mean so much to you and your spouse.
How do I feel at the end of the day?
(Are you sad ’cause you’re on your own?)
I tell don’t get sad no more
Gonna get by with my friends
Hooked on a Feeling – B.J. Thomas
Released in October 1968 on the album On My Way
Recall those early days of love when you play this song from B.J. Thomas during your wedding festivities. The song is one made for dancing, but couples have also used it to create a modern recessional that raises everyone’s spirits as the bride and groom exit the wedding chapel to begin a happy life together.
I’ll just stay addicted
And hope I can endure
All the good love, when we’re all alone
Keep it up, girl, yeah you turn me on
Wedding Songs of 1968 Spotify Playlist
Celebrating weddings of 1968. Where were you and what was happening?
If you were one of the weddings in 1968
Congratulations on your wedding of 1968. You share your anniversary with the following events.
Music Highlights of 1968
- Grammy’s Song of 1968: Little Green Apples – Bobby Russell
- The Doors – Hello, I Love You
- The Beatles – Hey Jude
- Bobby Goldsboro – Honey
- Marvin Gaye – I Heard It Through The Grapevine
- John Fred & His Playboy Band – Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)
- Paul Mauriat – Love Is Blue (L’Amour Est Bleu)
- Simon & Garfunkel – Mrs. Robinson
- The Rascals – People Got To Be Free
- Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay
- Herb Alpert – This Guy’s In Love With You
- Archie Bell & The Drells – Tighten Up
- Herb Alpert – This Guy’s In Love With You
- Hugh Masekela – Grazing In The Grass
- Jeannie C. Riley – Harper Valley P.T.A.
- Diana Ross & The Supremes – Love Child
- Sly & The Family Stone – Everyday People
- Tommy James & The Shondells – Crimson And Clover
Celebrity Weddings of 1968
- John Bonham married Pat Phillips
- Charles F. Blair, Jr. married Maureen O’Hara
- Mireille Strasser married Peter Noone
- Charlie Rose married Mary King
- Robin Gibb married Molly Hollis
News Highlights of 1968
- Dr. Martin Luther King is fatally shot outside his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
- The section of San Francisco near the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets becomes home to hippies during the “Summer OF Love”.
- Senator Robert F Kennedy is shot to death in California. Sirhan Sirhan is indicted for first-degree murder for Kennedy’s assassination.
- Billie Jean King wins her third straight Wimbledon championship.
- Three astronauts aboard Apollo 8 are the first men to orbit the moon.
- Jacqueline Kennedy marries shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis on the island of Skorpios.
1968 Sports Champions
- The Detroit Tigers win the World Series over the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Super Bowl II – Green Bay Packers won 33-14 over the Oakland Raiders.
- Boston Celtics win the NBA Title over the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Monreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup over the St. Louis Blues.
Entertainment Highlights of 1968
- Best Picture: In the Heat of the Night: Walter Mirisch
- Best Actor: Rod Steiger – In the Heat of the Night
- Best Actress: Katharine Hepburn – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Top Television Shows
- Beverly Hillbillies, Bonanza, The Dean Martin Show, A Family Affair, Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., Gunsmoke, Here’s Lucy, Julia, Mayberry R.F.D., Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In
Learn more about 1968 on Wikipedia. Thank you for visiting our page – weddings of 1968.
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