My Best Friend's Wedding Songs for Your Wedding

Released in 1997, My Best Friend’s Wedding remains one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time. Beyond the iconic performance by Julia Roberts, the film is celebrated for a soundtrack that breathed new life into classic 1960s pop and jazz standards. For a wedding, these songs offer a perfect blend of high-energy fun and sophisticated romance. Whether you want to recreate the famous restaurant sing-along or share a polished first dance, this soundtrack provides the ultimate cinematic backdrop for your big day.

Iconic Soundtrack Moments

The Quintessential First Dance: “The Way You Look Tonight” (Tony Bennett). Originally performed by Fred Astaire in Swing Time, Tony Bennett’s version is the standout wedding track from the film. Its sophisticated arrangement makes it a premier choice for a first dance, a father-daughter dance, or even a formal parent introduction.
The Ultimate Group Sing-Along: “I Say A Little Prayer.” Whether you choose the reggae-infused version by Diana King or the classic cast recording featuring Rupert Everett, this song is a wedding powerhouse. It’s perfect for a playful bridal party entrance or a lighthearted moment during the reception.
The Sophisticated Processional: “What The World Needs Now Is Love” (Jackie DeShannon). As I highlighted in my 1960s book, Jackie DeShannon’s 1965 hit is an anthem of hope and universal love. Its gentle waltz-like rhythm makes it a beautiful and unique choice for a wedding processional.
The Quirky Cocktail Hour: “Wishin’ and Hopin'” (Ani DiFranco). This cover of the Dusty Springfield classic adds a modern, indie-pop twist to a 60s favorite. It’s a great “vibe-setter” for a sunny outdoor cocktail hour.

Expert DJ Tips for a Movie-Themed Set

The “Bacharach” Influence: Much of the film’s charm comes from the songs of Burt Bacharach. As noted in my 1960s book, Bacharach is one of the 20th century’s most important composers. Playing his tracks like “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” or “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” (Mary Chapin Carpenter) adds a layer of musical pedigree to your event.
The Sing-Along Factor: If your guests are a fan of the movie, don’t be afraid to lean into the “Cast Version” of “I Say A Little Prayer.” It’s a great way to break the ice and get everyone involved in a low-pressure, high-fun moment.
Nostalgic Party Hits: For a boost of energy, include “If You Wanna Be Happy” by Jimmy Soul. It’s a 60s party classic that fits perfectly with the upbeat, slightly irreverent tone of the film.

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My Best Friend’s Wedding Soundtrack

“I Say A Little Prayer (Reggae Mix)” by Diana King
“Wishin’ and Hopin'” by Ani Difranco
“You Don’t Know Me” by Jann Arden
“Tell Him” by The Exciters
“I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself” by Nicky Holland
“I’ll Be Okay” by Amanda Marshall
“The Way You Look Tonight” by Tony Bennett
“What The World Needs Now Is Love” by Jackie DeShannon
“I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” by Mary Chapin Carpenter
“Always You” by Sophie Zelmani
“If You Wanna Be Happy” by Jimmy Soul
“I Say A Little Prayer” by Cast
“Suite from My Best Friend’s Wedding” by James Newton Howard

My Best Friend’s Wedding Spotify Playlist

The most popular wedding song from the film is “The Way You Look Tonight” by Tony Bennett. The song is commonly played as a first dance song, a father-daughter dance song, and as an introduction song for the parents of the wedding couple.

When the world is cold,
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight.

Soundtrack Credits

“Wishin’ and Hopin'” by Ani DiFranco
“You Don’t Know Me” Jann Arden
“A Man and a Woman” by Francis Lai
“Louie Louie” by Richard Berry
“I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy
“(You’ve Got) Personality” by Lloyd Price
“I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself” by Cameron Diaz (uncredited)
“If You Wanna Be Happy” by Jimmy Soul
“Do You Know the Way to San Jose” – written by Burt Bacharach & Hal Davi
“The Way You Look Tonight” by Tony Bennett
“I Say a Little Prayer” by Diana King
“Annie’s Song” (written by John Denver) by Christopher Masterson, Joseph Sikora & Shale Marks (uncredited)
“What the World Needs Now is Love” by Jackie DeShannon
“Khvalitye Imya Gospodnye (Praise the Name of the Lord)” by Dale Warland Singers, Dale Warland, conductor
“I’ll Be Okay” by Amanda Marshall
“I Say a Little Prayer” by Rupert Everett and Cast
“I Say A Little Prayer (Reggae Mix)” by Diana King
“The Way You Look Tonight” (uncredited) by Dermot Mulroney
“The Way You Look Tonight” (uncredited) by Carrie Preston & Rachel Griffiths

My Best Friend’s Wedding Film

My Best Friend’s Wedding was released in 1997. The style of the movie is “Rom-Com” (meaning Romantic Comedy). The main actors in the movie are Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney, and Cameron Diaz.

The movie cost an estimated $38 million and grossed $299 million worldwide.

Director: P.J. Hogan
Writer: Ron Bass

What is My Best Friend’s Wedding about?

A woman who, by a promise made years earlier, is supposed to marry her best friend in three weeks, even though she doesn’t want to. When she finds out that he’s marrying someone else, she becomes jealous and tries to break off the wedding.

See all of the details about the film on IMDB.

Fun Facts

The most successful version of Richard Berry’s “Louis Louis” was released in 1963 by The Kingsmen.

“Wishin’ and Hopin'” was first released by Dionne Warwick in 1962 on the B-side of Warwick’s single “This Empty Place”. Another popular cover was by Dusty Springfield in 1964 and reached #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. She had two other songs peak at #1 -“Delta Dawn” and “Angie Baby”.

Burt Bacharach is considered one of the most important composers of 20th-century popular music. He has written more than 70 U.S. Top 40 hits!

“The Way You Look Tonight” was originally performed by Fred Astaire in the film Swing Time. There have been many covers but the only version to chart was by The Lettermen. However, the most popular version was recorded by Frank Sinatra.

Diana King’s biggest hit was released in 1995 and titled “Shy Guy”.