Prince Wedding Songs: Funk, Soul & Rock Royalty
Prince is more than just a music legend; he is a genre unto himself. His innovative style and unforgettable stage presence have left an indelible mark on music history. For your wedding, Prince offers a unique blend of “cool” and “romantic” that few other artists can match. Whether you want to “go crazy” on the dance floor or share an intimate “Purple Rain” moment, his hits are designed to make your celebration feel like royalty.
Essential Prince Wedding Moments
- The High-Energy Floor Opener: “Let’s Go Crazy.” With its iconic spoken-word intro about “dearly beloved” and “the elevator,” this track is practically made for a wedding entrance or the moment the dance floor officially opens. It sets an immediate “get nuts” tone for the night.
- The Ultimate Slow Dance: “Purple Rain.” This is one of the most powerful power ballads in history. It’s an epic choice for a final slow dance of the night, allowing you and your guests to soak in the emotion of the day under the “purple rain” of the spotlight.
- The Funky First Dance: “Adore.” For couples who want a soul-stirring R&B vibe, “Adore” is a top-tier choice. Its opening line, “From the first moment I saw you, I knew you were the one,” is one of the most romantic lyrics ever written for a wedding dance.
- The Global Dance Anthem: “Kiss.” This 1986 #1 hit is a mandatory reception staple. Its minimalist funk and infectious beat are guaranteed to get every guest, regardless of age, onto the dance floor.
Expert DJ Tips for a Prince Set
- The 1980s Powerhouse: As I detailed in my 1980s book, Prince dominated the decade. Tracks like “When Doves Cry” (1984) and “Little Red Corvette” (1983) are essential for any 80s-themed set, providing a sophisticated alternative to standard pop hits.
- The “Nothing Compares 2 U” Strategy: While Sinéad O’Connor made it famous, Prince’s original version (or live duets) offers a deeply soulful alternative for a wedding slow dance. It’s a “must-play” for fans who appreciate the depth of his songwriting.
- The “1999” Transition: In my 1980s book, I discuss the “Phased Shuffled Groove” of 80s hits. Prince’s high-tempo tracks like “1999” pair perfectly with other legendary party songs of the era, such as Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long,” ensuring a seamless energy flow on the dance floor.
- The “Diamonds and Pearls” 90s Vibe: For a 90s-leaning playlist, this 1991 hit offers a more “polished” pop-soul sound that works beautifully during the cake cutting or a mid-reception slow set.
Our Music Planning Guides.
Don’t miss any moments of your wedding to incorporate your personality.
Prince’s Highest-Ranking Billboard Hits
- #1 I Wanna Be Your Lover, 1979
- #1 When Doves Cry, 1984
- #1 Let’s Go Crazy, 1984
- #1 Kiss, 1986
- #1 Sign o’ the Times, 1987
- #1 Batdance, 1989
- #1 Thieves in the Temple, 1989
- #1 Diamonds and PearlS, 1991
- #2 The Most Beautiful Girl in the World, 1994
- #3 Controversy, 1981
- #3 Purple Rain, 1984
- #3 Raspberry Beret, 1985
- #3 Alphabet St., 1988
- #3 Insatiable, 1991
- #3 I Hate U, 1995
- #4 1999, 1982
- #5 Uptown, 1980
- #5 Partyman, 1989
- #5 Scandalous!, 1989
Wedding Songs
Kiss
Released in 1986 on the album Parade – Music From The Motion Picture Under The Cherry Moon
“Maybe u could be mine, U just leave it all up to me, We could have a good time”
1999
Released in 1982 on the album 1999
“So tonight I’m gonna party like it’s nineteen ninety-nine”
Purple Rain
Released in 1984 on the album Soundtrack to the film Purple Rain
“I only wanted to one time to see you laughing, I only wanted to see you, Laughing in the purple rain”
Let’s Go Crazy
Released in 1984 on the album Purple Rain
“Are we gonna let the elevator, Bring us down, oh, no let’s go, Let’s go crazy, let’s get nuts”
The Most Beautiful Girl In The World
Released in 1994 on the album The Beautiful Experience
“It’s plain to see you’re the reason that God made a girl, Oh, yes you are”
Raspberry Beret
Released in 1985 on the album Around the World in a Day
“She wore a Raspberry beret, The kind you find in a second-hand store”
Little Red Corvette
Released in 1983 on the album 1999
“Little red Corvette, Baby you’re much too fast, Little red Corvette, You need a love that’s gonna last”
When Doves Cry
Released in 1984 on the album Purple Rain
“Dig if you will the picture, Of you and I engaged in a kiss”
I Wanna Be Your Lover
Released in 1979 on the album Album: Prince
“I want to be your lover, I want to be the only one that makes you come, running”
Adore
Released in 1987 on the album Sign ‘O’ The Times
“From the first moment I saw you, Oh, I knew you were the one”
Diamonds and Pearls
Released in 1991 on the album Diamonds And Pearls
“If I could I would give you the world, All I can do is just offer you, my love”
Nothing Compares 2 U
Released in 1993 on the album The Hits/The B-Sides.
Made famous by Sinéad O’Connor. Also released by Chris Cornell for an awesome cover.
“‘Cause nothing compares, Nothing compares to you”
Prince can be remembered by this collection of songs by Beck wrapped up in one song.
The Paisley Experience – Beck
Released November 11, 2019
Prince Spotify Playlist
Do you have a favorite Prince song? Please share your song below in the comments!
