26 Memorial Songs For Weddings:
Wedding Reception Music Memory Ideas
to Honor Deceased Loved Ones
While a great deal of time is spent deciding on wedding songs for a first dance or wedding songs for a father daughter dance, it's a bit less common to search out memorial songs for a wedding.
When the bride or groom, however, is missing one or more special people who have passed away, and looking for memorial wedding ideas to honor them, providing a moment for a special tribute can be unique wedding memorial idea.
Weddings are one of the most joyous moments of our lives as we celebrate and share the beginning of a new life together. It's also a time of reflection. As a newlywed couple looks around at their loved ones who gathered together at the reception, the absence of others they love can weigh heavy on their hearts. It may leave them wondering how to honor lost loved ones at a wedding.
Playing one or two wedding memorial songs dedicated to one who has passed away can bring attention to those who are missed and make them part of the day.
When one has passed away, family members may all be thinking of this person. Providing them with a chance to quietly reflect or even join others on the dance floor, is a positive way to feel that moment of grief and then continue to enjoy the day.
Both Victor Hugo and William Shakespeare are credited with this poignant quote: “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” A wedding reception can be bittersweet when you are missing a loved one who has passed away. Having a wedding memorial song during the ceremony or reception is a unique wedding memorial idea.
Choosing a song doesn't have to be a formal part of the reception.
Many couples now have a wedding memorial table, a wedding memory bouquet charm or lapel pin, or wedding memorial signs.
A favorite song of a loved one can even be incorporated into the wedding memorial table idea as part of the framed photos and then have these songs quietly mixed in by the DJ or wedding band, as part of the playlist.
It should feel like a natural part of the day and not leave everyone sobbing and running to the bathroom to fix their makeup. If you are the bride, take a day before the wedding and look at photos, watch videos, get through some of those emotions before the wedding day.
While there is no shortage of music about grief and losing loved ones, not all are appropriate for one's wedding day. So, we've put together a list of wedding songs that can be dedicated to the deceased.
If you are getting married and want to honor a loved one by asking your DJ or band to add a special song at the wedding reception, here is a list of beautiful yet bittersweet songs for your consideration.
Here are 26 songs that specifically honor those who have passed away that are also appropriate to play on this special day.
1. "You Should Be Here" with Cole Swindell [country]
This song is an emotional tribute to a loved one who is no longer present. The lyrics recount everyday events and memories that a person would have shared with their family members if they had been there instead of being gone too soon. The lyrics are extremely heartfelt as they describe everything from going out to dinner together to riding bikes around town or watching movies together on the couch at home.
Listen to "You Should Be Here"
2. "Jealous of the Angels" by Jenn Bostic [country, folk]
It's not easy to honor a loved one in your wedding, but we think this song is a beautiful option. It's about her father, James Regan Bostic, who was killed in a motoring accident when Jenn was ten years old. This event had a huge impact on her decision to become a musician—she wrote this song as an homage to him after his death.
Listen to "Jealous of the Angels"
3. "I Will Always Love You" with Whitney Houston [pop]
This classic song appeared on the soundtrack of The Bodyguard and explains the cruel fate that although life changes love can go on indefinitely.
It's a beautiful sentiment, especially when you're honoring someone who passed away recently and you need a reminder that their love will always oversee you. When considering music 'in memory' wedding ideas look beyond songs of grief to those that remind of us the love in our lives.
4. "We’ll Meet Again" Vera Lynn [classic]
This song is about how no matter what happens, you're never truly gone from someone's life—you just aren't there in person, you'll always be together in spirit and memory. "We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when, but I know we'll meet again some sunny day.”
The song was written during World War II as an anthem of hope for those who were separated from loved ones during war time.
5. "Please Remember" with Leann Rhimes [country, pop]
Of all the wedding memorial songs I listened to, this was one of my favorites. This song has lyrics that speak of a relationship ending, but if you listen to it closely it's a thoughtful way to reminisce about a loved one who has gone to heaven.
Dancing at a wedding reception, it would be the words that they would ask of you, to please remember them, especially during these meaningful moments in your life. It's definitely a song that may leave guests wiping away tears, but it's also uplifting.
6. "Hero" with Mariah Carey [pop]
The best songs to honor a deceased loved one at your wedding are the ones that mean the most to you. This is about a woman reflecting on her relationship with her husband and how she felt honored to have been there for him during his time of need.
Whoever you are missing who was your hero, may this song bring you comfort. When we are searching for wedding memorial sayings it's good to remember that it should not be all about our grief, but rather honoring all they taught us and who they perhaps raised us to be.
7. "Carry On" with Kygo and Rita Ora [dance, electronic]
It can be challenging to find memorial songs for weddings that are in the dance genre. And although this song is about being separated from someone you love, and how difficult it can be to keep going without them, it also emphasizes how you are a better person because of them being in your life and how you promise to carry on for them.
If you're looking for an upbeat message for this special moment, this may be the song as you celebrate getting married and starting a new season in life.
8. "I Will Remember You" with Sarah McLachlan [pop, country]
This song is about how hard it is to move on after losing someone you love and how much they mean to you. When discovering music for in memory wedding ideas, I looked at lyrics like this that talk about how, no matter what, loved ones will always be in our hearts.
These lyrics are comforting because they tell us that our loved ones are never forgotten no matter where they are or what happens in our lives--like a wedding.
Listen to "I Will Remember You"
9. "Dance with My Father" with Luther Vandross [R&B, soul]
This sentimental 2003 R&B ballad honors Luther Vandross' father who died of complications of diabetes when the singer was only seven. One of the most vivid memories of Vandross' joyful childhood was dancing around the house with his dad.
The song describes being lifted high and spun around as his father danced with his mother and him.
Listen to "Dance with My Father"
10. "Butterfly Kisses" with Bob Carlisle [christian, R&B, soul]
Thing song quickly went to the top of the charts and decades later is still a song many brides choose for a Father Daughter Dance. It may cause tears, but as far as memorial wedding ideas this one ranks high on the list.
Carlisle has shared that "Butterfly Kisses" is not so much a song about fatherhood but a song about gratitude and imperfection. That despite all one has done wrong, one must have done something right. It's a song about appreciation of time well spent.
As with any good thing, there is a bittersweet sadness in letting go and even the saying Butterfly Kisses has become part of wedding memorial sayings.
11. "You Will Never be Forgotten" with Jessica Andrews [pop]
Whether it is a wedding song dedicated to deceased mom, dad, or any loved one, this is a sweet song with simple lyrics that communicates what so many brides and grooms wish to say to those who are missed. "I still feel you here with me, You're more than a memory. Oh you will never be forgotten."
12. "There You'll Be" with Faith Hill [pop, R&B]
This is a song about being present with your loved one who has passed away—and how even though their physical presence isn't there, they're still with you in spirit.
When choosing memorial songs for weddings it's good to be reminded that we never really lose our loved ones; we just get to continue loving them from afar, transcending time and space, and they can still be part of our special day.
13. "Let It Be" with The Beatles [pop]
It may seem odd to choose the Beatles for one of our wedding memorial songs. However, sometimes the deceased can provide sage words of advice and have a calming effect on those left behind.
This is what Paul McCartney's late mother, Mary, did from the great beyond when he was struggling with anxiety and conflict during the waning days of the Beatles.
Mary McCartney had passed away from cancer when her son was only 14, however she returned to him in a dream to reassure him, "It's gonna be OK. Just let it be... ." These soothing words inspired him to pen this 1970 rock tune.
14. "My Heart Will Go On" with Celine Dion [pop]
This list wouldn't be complete without a song by Celion, known for her power ballads that stir the heart. "My Heart Will Go On" was the romantic song of the movie Titanic in 1997.
The familiarity of this song makes it a classic that everyone will recognize but perhaps not get too overly emotional. You can also use it as an opportunity to dedicate some time at the reception for people who have lost someone dear to them, too.
Listen to "My Heart Will Go On"
15. "You're Gonna Be" Reba McEntire [country]
If the bride or groom has lost a parent, the wedding day can feel like there is huge missing piece. When looking for a wedding song dedicated to deceased moms or dad, this one should be considered because it has a message every adult still longs to hear from a parent, "You're gonna be just fine."
This is a thoughtful song about how a parent's love for their child never dies, even when the child has grown up and moved on. The lyrics are perfect for honoring someone who died too soon, like a parent or grandparent who passed away before the wedding day.
16. "You’ll Never Walk Alone" with Judy Garland [classic]
Garland's "You'll Never Walk Alone" is the perfect song to honor a loved one who has passed away. It is a classic that was written for the 1945 Broadway musical "Carousel" by Rodgers and Hammerstein. You may discover this song to be life-affirming.
Judy Garland sings that whether the sky is “windy, rainy or golden,” you’ll never walk alone. When we are seeking out wedding memorial sayings it's good to remember these classic songs that remind us we are not alone.
17. "My Superman" Robert Ray [country]
This country song is a wonderful way to honor a man like a father, grandfather, brother, or uncle. Although it is about the struggle to accept their death and find a new normal, it also honors them by speaking of how you must learn to live your life without them, like getting married and starting a family.
The song is about finding strength in yourself, and knowing that even though your loved one is gone, they will always be with you in your mind and heart.
18. "I Hope You Dance" with Lee Ann Womack [country]
This song has a thoughtful message brides may be seeking when choosing wedding memorial songs for the reception. It has a message of hope, especially if you're looking for something to convey the importance of living life to its fullest and appreciating every day.
The lyrics are simple and beautiful, as they read: "I hope you never lose your sense of Wonder, you get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger, May you never take one single breath for granted, God forbid love ever leave you empty handed."
19. "See You Again" with Carrie Underwood [country]
See you again is a song written about a grandmother who has passed away. It's about letting go of a loved one and feeling them with you, even though they are no longer physically present. It's a perfect fit for your in memory wedding ideas because it reminds us that our loved ones are always with us in spirit, and they will always be there to support us.
20. "Holes In The Floor Of Heaven" with Steve Wariner [country]
A song about picking yourself up and moving on after a tremendous loss is an appropriate as a way to celebrate those you miss and definitely is on the list of our favorite wedding memorial songs. The lyrics express how one doesn't have to look for love because it's everywhere and of course, weddings have more love than anywhere else we can think of.
21.
"Mama's Song" with Carrie Underwood [country]
Written from the perspective of the bride reassuring her mom that the man she is marrying is good and will never leave, so her mama doesn't need to worry. Although this is for any mom who needs a bit of assurance, it also works for a wedding memorial saying.
For the bride missing her mom who is deceased, these lyrics have an especially meaningful purpose in taking this step into marriage and being okay, even though her mom isn't there.
22. "Not a Day Goes By" with Lonestar [country]
If not a day goes by that you don't think about someone who is missed, this song will remind you of the wonderful times you shared together. This song is perfect because it describes exactly what we want our guests to feel during our ceremony—that sense of loss that comes when someone passes away, but also that sense of strength and love that comes from remembering.
23. "This Is Your Song" with Ronan Keating [pop, R&B]
Written in honor of his mom, this song is about letting go of someone who has passed away. When trying to find appropriate memorial songs for weddings, it can be a struggle to not make song choices too sad. This song is about holding onto their memories, but also allowing yourself to move forward in life without them at your side.
24. "You Can Let Go" with Crystal Shawanda [country]
The lyrics of this song are particularly poignant, as a daughter is speaking to her father on her wedding day. If it's your father you are honoring this song may be touching or it may leave everyone in tears. Read the lyrics carefully, as they are full of emotion as a daughter tells her father on her wedding day "you can let go now, daddy."
25. "One Sweet Day" Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men [pop, R&B]
This song is idea for your in memory wedding ideas because it will help you remember your loved one in a positive way. It will also remind you that it's okay to feel sad sometimes, but you should also be happy for all the good memories you had together.
26. "Someday It’ll All Make Sense" with Bill Anderson and Dolly Parton [country]
"Some Day it Will All Make Sense" is a song that reminds us that we have to keep going, even when things don't make sense. It's a song about hope, and the belief that in the end, everything will work out, making it a nice addition to the songs playing at your reception when you are missing someone special.
Listen to "Someday It’ll All Make Sense"
Conclusion
These songs are about overcoming loss and moving forward with hope for the future. Memorial songs for weddings should serve a purpose of bringing loved ones together in sharing the memory of someone special, but not bringing everyone down.
If you are wondering how to honor lost loved ones at a wedding, remember, this is a day to celebrate! The perfect song will offer an emotional tribute that will make your guests feel connected to the person you're honoring, even if they never knew them personally.
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