The very best 2011 wedding songs can be found in this list of hits from Bruno Mars, Lady A, Pitbull, and many more influential music stars. Many of the songs on this list are great dance tunes, but you’ll also find music that can be used to make your formal wedding ceremony something to remember.
Best 2011 Wedding Songs
Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock
Released in January 2011 on the album Sorry for Party Rocking
This song by LMFAO is one that young newlyweds have used to get their wedding reception off to a lively start, often playing it for their entrance. It has a strong beat that will set the right mood for your party, and the overall vibe is one of celebration.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Party rock is in the house tonight Everybody just have a good time
Give Me Everything – Pitbull Featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer
Released in March 2011 on the album Planet Pit
Pitbull released this song in 2011 and it has become a standard on wedding DJ playlists. It is most often used as a dance tune, but it also has a strong lyric that reinforces the theme of commitment that is common to weddings.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Put it on my life, baby I’ll make you feel right, baby Can’t promise tomorrow But I promise tonight
Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5
Released in June 2011 on the album Hands All Over
This was one of the big hits that helped to define the musical legacy of Adam Levine and Maroon 5, and it has endured in popularity since its release. Featuring Christina Aguilera, the song has become the perfect dance tune for wedding receptions and other celebrations.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
I don’t need to try to control you Look into my eyes and I’ll own you With them moves like Jagger
On the Floor – Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull
Released in February 2011 on the album Love?
You can give your wedding reception guests a reason to get out on the dance floor when you include this hot mix by Jennifer Lopez that features Pitbull, a Miami party legend. The song is all about dancing and enjoying life, so let your hair down and enjoy your happy day.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Don’t stop, keep it movin’ Put your drinks up Pick your body up and drop it on the floor
Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars
Released in July 2010 carryover on the album Doo-Wops & Hooligans
This song by Bruno Mars is sometimes used in weddings to accompany the bridal party to the altar just before the bride enters the chapel. It can serve as a nice blend of music new and old if you want to include both traditional and modern elements in your wedding festivities.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
The whole world stops and stares for a while ‘Cause girl, you’re amazing Just the way you are
Raise Your Glass – P!nk
Released in October 2010 carryover on the album Greatest Hits… So Far!!!
Few musical artists of the current generation can deliver a dance song like P!nk, and this hit is often selected as the first tune for the wedding reception. Imagine all the toasts and cheers as you and your new partner enter the reception with this song playing in the background.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
So raise your glass if you are wrong In all the right ways All my underdogs We will never be never be, anything but loud
Good Life – OneRepublic
Released in November 2010 carryover on the album Waking Up
Those who want a little more pop influence in their wedding music selections can always depend on OneRepublic, and this is a song you will often hear as the wedding couple leaves the altar as a recessional song. It has an appropriate message for couples, one that says they are creating a good life together.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Say oh, got this feeling that you can’t fight Like this city is on fire tonight This could really be a good life
We Found Love – Rihanna Featuring Calvin Harris
Released in September 2011 on the album Talk That Talk
This song from Rihanna features Calvin Harris, and it is all that you would expect from the modern songstress. Every wedding reception should include a few songs that are pure celebrations of love and happiness, and this one serves a dual purpose by also being a great dance tune.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Love and life I will divide Turn away ’cause I need you more Feel the heartbeat in my mind
Just a Kiss – Lady A
Released in May 2011 on the album Own the Night
Lady A reminds us that so many lifelong relationships begin with a kiss, and they are sealed with one on the day of your wedding. This popular country group has a talent for rich harmony and emotional ballads, so it would be appropriate to use this song in the formal parts of your wedding.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Just a shot in the dark that you just might Be the one I’ve been waiting for my whole life So baby I’m alright, with just a kiss goodnight
Dynamite – Taio Cruz
Released in May 2010 carryover on the album Rokstarr
Let the music of Taio Cruz create a mood for celebration at your wedding reception, and open up the dance floor to all of your guests who want to share your happiness. This is a song that brings people together, and that is just the type of music you should feature when it’s time to party after the wedding vows.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
We gon’ light it up like it’s dynamite ‘Cause I told you once, now I told you twice We gon’ light it up like it’s dynamite
Yeah 3X – Chris Brown
Released in October 2010 carryover on the album F.A.M.E.
You can encourage everyone to join the party and dance when you spin this song by Chris Brown at your own wedding reception. Don’t neglect the party vibe of the reception, and always be willing to add bold music choices that reflect your own modern tastes.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Hold your glasses up People everywhere Now everybody put your hands in the air Say yeah, yeah, yeah
Honey Bee – Blake Shelton
Released in April 2011 on the album Red River Blue
Blake Shelton scored two entries on this list of 2011 wedding songs, and this is the more lighthearted selection. You might want to think about making it the soundtrack for the first dance with your partner, but make sure that you use it in any part of the wedding day that calls for something less formal.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
I’ll be your shade tree You’ll be my honeysuckle I’ll be your honey bee
Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band
Released in March 2011 on the album Life at Best
You can observe the personality of any girl from the country and find many of the traits referenced in this song by the Eli Young Band, a hit that honors the unique nature of a young woman. The song should be played as a special dedication to the bride on her wedding day.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Before you ever came along I was livin’ life all wrong Smartest thing I ever did was make you all mine
Country Girl (Shake It for Me) – Luke Bryan
Released in March 2011 on the album Tailgates & Tanlines
Luke Bryan has had a number of huge hits as a country artist, and some of them have a fun-loving side that is very reflective of modern romantic attitudes. The song is made for dancing, of course, but you might also want to think about playing it as the wedding cake is cut.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Shake it for the young bucks sittin’ in the honky-tonks For the rednecks rockin’ ’til the break of dawn For the DJ spinnin’ that country song
God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton
Released in July 2011 on the album Red River Blue
Country music can often be more reflective of spiritual values than other genres and Blake Shelton demonstrates an appreciation of those guiding principles with this song. It should be used by couples who want to preserve the religious significance of a wedding while also adding a modern musical touch.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
And for when I think I lost my way There are no words here left to say, it’s true God gave me you
1+1 – Beyoncé
Released in May 2011 on the album 4
Beyoncé is a musical artist who has become nothing less than royalty, and you will want to include hits like this one from her large catalog at your wedding celebration. Most songs from Bey are intense in both music and lyrics, and this song is no exception.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Make love to me When my days look low Pull me in close and don’t let me go Make love to me
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Released in October 2011 on the album The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1: Soundtrack
Some modern songs and love ballads can be used to replace the standard bridal march, and this smash from Christina Perri is one of the rare tunes you can use for your wedding processional. It’s soft and poignant, and it has a powerful message of devotion that lasts forever.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Darling, don’t be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years I’ll love you for a thousand more
Celebrating weddings of 2011. Where were you and what was happening?
If you were one of the weddings of 2011
Congratulations on your wedding of 2011. You share your anniversary with the following events.
Music Highlights of 2011
Grammy’s Song of 2010: Need You Now – Lady A
Beg, Steal or Borrow – Ray LaMontagne
Fuck You – Cee-Lo Green
The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert
Love the Way You Lie – Eminem and Rihanna
Rolling in the Deep – Adele
Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO
Firework – Katy Perry
Give Me Everything – Pitbull
Grenade – Bruno Mars
Super Bass – Nicki Minaj
Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera
On The Floor – Jennifer Lopez
Pumped Up Kicks – Foster The People
Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars
Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) – Katy Perry
Good Life – OneRepublic
Stereo Hearts – Gym Class Heroes
If I Die Young – The Band Perry
Celebrity Weddings of 2011
Prince William wed Kate Middleton
Nikki Reed married Paul McDonald
Nick Lachey married Vanessa Minnillo
Nancy Shevell wed Paul McCartney
Kim Kardashian married Kris Humphries
News Highlights of 2011
Michael Jackson’s physician Dr. Conrad Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to four years in jail.
8.9 earthquake shook Japan in March and created a massive tsunami.
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver divorced after 25 years.
Casey Anthony trial and found not guilty.
Prince William and Kate Middleton married in London’s Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011.
The wedding saga and eventual divorce of Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries.
The end to one of the highest-grossing movie series in history: Harry Potter
The rescue of Jaycee Dugard after 18 years.
TV star Charlie Sheen’s lapse of judgment and eventual release from “Two and a Half Men”
Rep. Anthony Weiner stepped down after being released that he was sexting.
Osama Bin Laden’s Death
Shooting rampage in Tucson, Arizona at a Safeway including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords
Libya celebrates at Saha Kish Square and the Death of Moammar Gadhafi.
Death of British Pop Star Amy Winehouse
The Occupy Wall Street movement
2011 Sports Champions
The Saint Louis Cardinals beat the Texas Rangers in seven games to win the World Series.
In a close 21-17 win for the New York Giants over the New England Patriots they became the Super Bowl Champions.
In a five-game series, the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the NBA Title.
The Los Angeles Kings beat the New Jersey Devils to win the Stanley Cup.
Entertainment Highlights of 2011
Best Picture: The King’s Speech
Best Actor: Colin Firth – The King’s Speech
Best Actress: Natalie Portman – Black Swan
Top Television Shows
Modern Family, True Blood, Boardwalk Empire, Friday Night Lights, The Walking Dead, Parks, and Recreation Breaking Bad, How I Met Your Mother, American Idol, Dancing With The Stars, NCIS, The Big Bang Theory, Two Broke Girls, Grey’s Anatomy, The Voice.
I have always had a love for music and the way it makes you feel. My passion grew for wedding celebrations with years as a wedding DJ. Now, as a wedding music planner, I research popular and unique wedding songs to create personalized playlists for couples and help wedding pros curate crowd-cheering music. Let's get the party started! - Read More About Me
