The best 1968 wedding songs are a collection of soulful ballads and lively dance tunes that can be used in many ways to make your day special. You will find songs here from Joe Cocker, Andy Williams, and Diana Ross that express all the emotions you want to share with your wedding guests.

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

Tip

Next up, check out the popular wedding songs of 1969.

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

Tip

See a list of songs from the prior year. The popular wedding songs of 1967.

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