2016 Wedding Songs for 24K Magic and Love On The Brain

Many girls dream about their wedding day their whole lives! The music you play at your wedding reception should reflect both the bride and groom’s personalities. Finding music that sets the tone for your big day can be a daunting task!

Best 2016 Wedding Songs

2016 was a good year for wedding songs in many different musical genres. From the country sounds of Tim McGraw and Maren Morris to the modern pop vibe of Bruno Mars, there is something for everyone on our list of the best 2016 wedding songs. You can use them in parts of your ceremony, or you can have the DJ turn them up at the reception.

Cheap Thrills – Sia Featuring Sean Paul

Released in February 2016 on the album This Is Acting

True love is not about money or possessions, and that is exactly the sentiment of this Sia tune that features some help from Sean Paul. You can have all the cheap thrills you want by adding this to the wedding reception playlist and watching everyone hit the dance floor.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

As long as I can feel the beat
I don’t need no money
As long as I keep dancing

24K Magic – Bruno Mars

Released in October 2016 on the album 24K Magic

The Hawaiian-born Bruno Mars scored another huge hit with this dance number, a song that finds favor with audiences young and old. You might want to consider using it as the song to get the wedding reception party started.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Players only, come on
Put your pinky rings up to the moon
Girls, what y’all trying to do?
Twenty four karat magic in the air
Head to toe so player

This Is What You Came For – Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna

Released in April 2016 on the album This Is What You Came For

Calvin Harris has become a true R&B presence and this song featuring a little help from Rihanna showcases the strengths of Harris as a performer. It combines a strong beat with catchy lyrics that make people want to sing along, and that is just the type of music you want to have played at your wedding.  Makes for a great dance floor filler too!

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Baby, this is what you came for
Lightning strikes every time she moves
And everybody’s watching her
But she’s looking at you

Closer – The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey

Released in July 2016 on the album EP Collage

One of the most popular 2016 wedding song choices is “Closer” by The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey, a song that embraces the current trend of using guest artists on recordings. The song is lyrically complex, but it has a message many modern newlyweds can appreciate.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

You look as good as the day I met you
I forget just why I left you, I was insane
Stay and play that Blink-182 song

From The Ground Up – Dan + Shay

Released in February 2016 on the album Obsessed

Dan + Shay represents the new country sound that is taking over the airwaves and music streaming services, and that sound is what makes this tune from 2016 a nice wedding choice. You can play any song by Dan + Shay at your wedding, but this one and others like “Speechless” are made for the processional.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

And we’ll build this love from the ground up
For worse or for better
And I will be all you need

Into You – Ariana Grande

Released on May 6, 2016 on the album Dangerous Woman

Ariana Grande scores two selections on this list of 2016 wedding songs, and this one has a stronger love ballad feel than the other choice. You could use this song in a number of ways, but most couples have it played while the guests are filing in before the bridal party enters the chapel.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

A little less conversation, and
A little more touch my body
‘Cause I’m so into you

One Dance – Drake

Released in April 2016 on the album Views

Here is the song that you need for the first dance between you and your new spouse, a tune from Drake that features Wizkid & Kyla. Put this one on and join your partner for a first dance that all of your wedding guests will long remember.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

And that’s why I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time before I go

Humble And Kind – Tim McGraw

Released in January 2016 on the album Damn Country Music

Few qualities are more important than the ones referenced in this song by Tim McGraw, one of the true legends of country music. Some couples choose this as a wedding song because it sets the appropriate vibe, and lets everyone know that the couple is aware of their personal values.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind

Handclap – Fitz & The Tantrums

Released in March 2016 on the album Fitz and The Tantrums

Get the party rolling with this song from Fitz & The Tantrums, a lively 2016 wedding dance tune. The song encourages participation, so you might want to play it during the middle portion of your wedding reception when the energy starts to fade.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

‘Cause you don’t even know
I can make your hands clap
Said I can make your hands clap

Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur

Released in September 2016 on the album Back from the Edge

Some music chosen for weddings needs to be soulful and sentimental, and the lyrics of this song from James Arthur meet those requirements. It is a song that was made for the most tender moments on the wedding day between the wedding couple.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

I knew I loved you then
But you’d never know
‘Cause I played it cool when I was scared of letting go
I know I needed you
But I never showed
But I wanna stay with you until we’re grey and old

Can’t Stop The Feeling! – Justin Timberlake

Released in May 2016 on the album Trolls Soundtrack

Justin Timberlake was selling out big arenas in 2016 on the back of this song and a few others, a tune that reflects J.T. at his best. Music by Justin Timberlake is straight-up dance music, so have the DJ add it to your wedding day mix.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

I can’t take my eyes up off it, moving so phenomenally
You gone like the way we rock it, so don’t stop

Dangerous Woman – Ariana Grande

Released in March 2016 on the album Dangerous Woman

There is something about Ariana Grande that is a little bit dangerous and forbidden, sort of like this hit song from 2016 which can be an empowering song for women. Brides have found creative ways to use the song such as a spotlight dance with all the bridesmaids, or it can be shared with the entire reception crowd.  A great song for the bouquet tosses too!

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Nothing to prove and I’m bulletproof and
Know what I’m doing
The way we’re movin’ like introducing
Us to a new thing

H.O.L.Y. – Florida Georgia Line

Released in April 2016 on the album Dig Your Roots

Florida Georgia Line has produced award-winning country hits year after year since they made their debut, but a few like this one stand out as wedding choices. Don’t be surprised to discover that some modern brides have chosen this song for the formal recessional.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

You’re holy, holy, holy, holy
I’m high on loving you, high on loving you

Formation – Beyoncé

Released on February 6, 2016 on the album Lemonade

You are probably wondering how this controversial song from Beyoncé could be considered a 2016 wedding choice, but it is often heard at wedding receptions for young couples. You may find your wedding guests on the dance floor when this song from Bey hits the speakers.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

I see it, I want it, I stunt, yellow-bone it
I dream it, I work hard, I grind ’til I own it

80s Mercedes – Maren Morris

Released in June 2016 on the album Hero

Maren Morris has two songs on our list of wedding music suggestions, and both of them helped to launch the career of the Texas songstress. Morris will appeal to millennial brides with this song, a fond look back at the attitudes of the 1990s.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Got them Ray-Ban shades pretty in pink
Call me old school but hey
I’m a nineties baby
In my eighties Mercedes

American Country Love Song – Jake Owen

Released in March 2016 on the album American Love

Jake Owen keeps it simple and directs with this self-titled love song, and many brides raised in the country will surely relate to the lyrics. There aren’t too many songs that are better suited for introducing the new couple to their wedding reception guests.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

It’s one last kiss in the driveway
Hey radio DJ, can you play that song that she loves
So I can turn it up, and maybe turn her on
An American country love song

My Church – Maren Morris

Released in January 2016 on the album Hero

This was the country hit that truly made Maren Morris a country star, a wholesome tune that reflects small-town country values. It should be used by newlyweds who want to retain a spiritual influence in their wedding song choices.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

I find my soul revival
Singing every single verse
Yeah I guess that’s my church

I Met a Girl – William Michael Morgan

Released in September 201 on the album Vinyl

Of course, you did, and look where that meeting has taken you. You can play this song by William Michael Morgan as a special dedication to her on your wedding day, and she will know how life-changing that moment was when you saw one another for the very first time.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

I met a girl with crazy shoes and baby blues
The way she moves is changing my whole world
I met a girl

Nobody – Selena Gomez

Released in October 2015 carryover on the album Revival Deluxe Edition

This song has a slow sultry feel to it. The lyrics evoke images of the perfect relationship. This song would make a perfect first dance for a couple that likes to keep things slow.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

No kiss, no lips, no feel, no rush
Can you keep me high, I swear no one
Can love me like you do, can love me like you do, no

Sweetest Devotion – Adele

Released in November 2015 carryover on the album 25

Adele is the queen of all things soulful. While this song isn’t the best for dancing, you could easily use it during a photo slideshow or a transition period.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

I’m heading straight for you
You will only be eternally
The one that I belong to

Love On The Brain – Rihanna

Released in January 2016 on the album Anti

In this Rihanna homage to Aretha Franklin, I find a tempo that would be perfect for a simple waltz or slow tango. The voice and tone are reminiscent of the 1960s lounge number. It’s both casual and sophisticated at the same time.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Baby you got me like ah, woo, ah
Don’t you stop loving me
Don’t quit loving me
Just start loving me

Footprints – Sia

Released in January 2016 on the album This Is Acting

Sia is one of the hottest artists on the charts for 2016. Her music is perfect for a modern and chic wedding. This would also be a perfect song for a father-daughter dance.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

You had never left my side
Picked me up when I thought I would die
You helped me and I was fine

Hopeless Romantic – Meghan Trainor

Released in May 2016 on the album Thank You

Meghan Trainor put out one of the best albums of the year in 2016. Her song Hopeless Romantic tells the story of a girl, who envisions a storybook picture of love, looking for her soul mate.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Not giving up
Cause I deserve to find my own
I can feel it in my bones
Yes, I know you’re somewhere close
Giving me hope

Starving – Hailee Steinfeld & Grey

Released in July 2016 on the album Starving

This song is upbeat and fast-paced. It would be a great pick me up when your party starts to wind down. The song also features Zedd, who has created some of the best party beats of 2016.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

By the way, right away, you do things to my body
I didn’t know that I was starving till I tasted you

Stars – Alessia Cara

Released in November 2015 carryover on the album Know-It-All

Alessia Cara is a fairly new name; however, she has a phenomenal voice. This song has a great tempo, and the lyrics are sweet.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

See, I need you and baby I need to
Let down my guard and give you my scars
Open up my heart
We could be stars

Let Me Love You – DJ Snake (Feat. Justin Bieber)

Released in August 2016 on the album Encore

This fast-paced song is invigorating. Dancers among your guests will love this rhythm. The beat of the song is catchy, and the lyrics present a great message.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Don’t you give up, nah-nah-nah
I won’t give up, nah-nah-nah
Let me love you

Luv – Tory Lanez

Released in June 2016 on the album I Told You

Tory Lanez isn’t a well-known hip-hop artist, but his contemporary rap style will win over any fan of the genre. This song would be a great way to end the perfect night.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Everyone falls in love sometimes
I don’t know ’bout you but it ain’t a crime
Neefi let me love you, love you, love you for long time baby

Death of a Bachelor – Panic! At the Disco

Released in January 2016 on the album Panic! at the Disco

This could offer some comedic relief for your new groom. The song contains surprisingly romantic lyrics but still doesn’t seem to take itself too seriously.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

The death of a bachelor
Oh oh
Seems so fitting for
Happily ever after

Die a Happy Man – Thomas Rhett

Released in September 2015 carryover on the album Tangled Up

There isn’t a country song right now that can compete with this song in the romance department. Thomas Rhett’s deep crooning vocals will make all of your female guests melt in their seats.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

If I never get to see the Northern Lights
Or if I never get to see the Eiffel Tower at night
Oh, if all I got is your hand in my hand
Baby, I could die a happy man

My Kind of Girl – Michael Bublé

Released in October 2016 on the album Nobody but Me

Michael Bublé’s modern take on the Frank Sinatra style is perfect for lovers of the oldies. Bublé makes it possible for you to enjoy classic style with a modern flair!

Lyrics To Inspire You:

With eyes like an angel’s eyes
And a smile like a kind of pearl
To my mind, she’s my kind of girl

I Don’t Mind – Joseph

Released in August 2016 on the album I’m Alone, No You’re Not

Haunting is the best way to describe the harmonies of this sisterly trio. Their folksy style and slow melodies are perfect for anyone who enjoys the alternative genre.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

I will love you anyway with all your demons in the way
Nothing can keep us apart
I walk through walls into your heart

Still Falling For You – Ellie Goulding

Released in August 2016 on the album Bridget Jones’s Baby Soundtrack

Ellie Goulding has been turning out pop hits for years now. This dance tune is no exception.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Beautiful mind
Your heart got a story with mine
Your heart got me hurting at times
Your heart gave me new kind of highs

Whether your style is more country or soulful, there are music options out there to make your big day special. From pop to hip-hop to alternative rock, this list of songs is diverse enough to please any wedding guest.

It’s important to remember that your wedding playlist should really reflect who you are as both individuals and as a couple. Let your personality shine, and the most important day of your life will be amazing.