Back in the 40s, a new genre of music called Rhythm and Blues was born. Who knew back then that one day, the world would fall in love with this style of music? Let’s jump into our Best R&B Wedding Songs of All Time!
Today, everyone loves R&B so much that whether or not they’re African-American, they want to add these songs to their wedding playlists! So today, we have for you a list of R&B weddings songs!
Check More: Romantic Wedding Ceremony Songs
20 R&B Wedding First Dance Songs
The first dance that you and your partner will share in front of friends and family on your wedding day is one of the most beautiful moments in your life that you will cherish forever.
For this dance to be even more special, you need the perfect romantic song that speaks the words of your heart. Below is a list of beautiful R&B romantic tracks that can be ideal for the first dance that you and your spouse will share.
- By Your Side – Sade
- All Of Me – John Legend
- Overjoyed – Stevie Wonder
- No One – Alicia Keys
- XO – Beyoncé
- Adorn – Miguel
- You Send Me – Sam Cooke
- All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo
- Back At One – Brian McKnight
- No Place Like You – After 7
- These Arms – All 4 One
- Beautiful As You – All 4 one
- Tell It Like It Is– Aaron Neville
- Make Me Whole – Amel Larrieux
- I’m Glad You’re Mine – Al Green
- Found – Jacob Banks
- Acapulco – Jason Derulo
- Incomplete – Jay Sean
- Dance Party – Kelly Price
- This Love – Khalea Lynee’
Check: Frank Sinatra Wedding Songs
20 Top R & B Wedding Songs to Dance On
Even after the first dance that you share as a newlywed couple, you will still be the center of attention while your guests follow suit and take to the dance floor to sway to beautiful songs.
For that, you can select some beautiful R&B songs that will surely fill your guests’ hearts with romance.
- You Are – Charlie Wilson
- Love – Musiq Soulchild
- Stay With You – John Legend
- Love Ballad – L.T.D.
- Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
- Happy – Ashanti
- For You – Kenny Lattimore
- Always – Atlantic Starr
- Endless Love – Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
- I Believe in You And Me – Whitney Houston
- Baby I’m yours – Barbara Lewis
- I’m On Your Side – Angela Bofill
- Falling – Alicia Keys
- Just In Case – Jaheim
- Into You – Tamia and Fabolous
- Spanish Guitar – Toni Braxton
- Hold Me – Whitney Houston & Teddy Pendergrass
- The Way You Make Me Feel – Michael Jackson
- Big Boy – Jackson 5
- Three Minutes To Hey Girl – George Kerr
20 R&B Wedding Songs for Bridesmaid Entrance
When your beautifully dressed bridesmaids start to make an entrance and start walking down the aisle, it is a gorgeous scene at any wedding.
This moment demands a set of wedding songs that will set the mood and make everyone excited for what’s coming next: the wedding ceremony to unite two souls in love. For the bridesmaid entrance, we have for you the world’s favorite R&B wedding song list. Check it out!
- I Believe In You – Four tops
- Here And Now – Luther Vandross
- Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love – Barry White
- Don’t Change – Musiq Soulchild
- Giving Myself – Jennifer Hudson
- 1+1 – Beyoncé
- Lovely Day – Bill Withers
- So Damn Happy – Aretha Franklin
- My Girl – Temptations
- Untitled (How Does It Feel) – D’Angelo
- One In A Million – Aaliyah
- Burn – Usher
- Thank God I Found You – Mariah Carey ft Joe & & 98 degrees
- Nite And Day – Al. B sure
- Twisted – Keith Sweat
- Ain’t That Love – Ray Charles
- All I Have – Jennifer Lopez and LL Cool J
- Can You Stand The Rain – Boyz 11 men
- Wonderful World – Sam Cooke
- Body And Soul – Soul Generation
10 R&B Wedding Processional Songs
When the wedding procession walks down the aisle, it is a grand and beautiful moment that reminds everyone present that the most beautiful moment of the ceremony is about to start.
R&B songs are ideal for the amazingly beautiful for this moment – and you have many options to add to your wedding playlist.
If you’re wondering what R&B wedding processional songs – check out the list below!
- Halo – Beyoncé
- Ribbon In The Sky – Stevie Wonder
- Purple Rain – Prince
- If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
- Respect – Aretha Franklin
- Ain’t Nobody – Chaka Khan
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder
- You’re My First, My Last, My Everything – Barry White
- September – Earth Wind & Fire
- I Say A Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin
Check: Country Wedding Reception Songs
10 R&B Songs to Walk Down the Aisle to
The moment you will walk down the aisle is going to be full of excitement, hopes, nervousness, and dreams. It is the moment when every pair of eyes gets teary and every heart is filled with romance.
This walk down the aisle can become even more special if you succeed in choosing the perfect song. Today, we have put together a list of R&B songs for you to add to your wedding playlist.
- This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
- Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations
- Umbrella – Rihanna
- My Boo – Usher and Alicia keys
- After All Is Said And Done – Beyoncé
- Angel Of Mine – Monica
- Count On Me – Whitney Houston
- Crazy Love – Brian McKnight
- Because Of You – Neyo
- American Boy – Estelle
Top R & B Wedding Songs – Top 30
You also don’t want to miss these other hot picks in this category:
- Most Captivating 90s Wedding Songs Of All Time
- Parent Entrance Songs For Wedding Receptions
- Songs for Parents Dance at Weddings
1. “Halo” by Beyoncé
Lyrics you’ll love: “You’re everything I need and more/It’s written all over your face!”
It’s a song that many guests will know by heart, and it’s not overdone. In fact, it’s the quintessential first dance song for any couple and one that will have everyone in their feels.
2. “How Will I Know” by Whitney Houston
Lyrics you’ll love: “I fall in love whenever we meet I’m asking you what you know about these things”
An iconic bop about falling in love and wondering if said person feels the same way. This classic has to be played at least once during your wedding.
3. “All Of Me” by John Legend
Lyrics you’ll love: “Cause all of me Loves all of you Love your curves and all your edges all your perfect imperfections”
Just a look at the lyrics, and you’ll melt into a puddle. John really outdid himself on this song. Definitely a top 5 and a hit that never misses.
4. “No Air” by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown
Lyrics you’ll love: “Tell me how I’m supposed to breathe with no air Can’t live, can’t breathe with no air It’s how I feel whenever you ain’t there It’s no air, no air”
Though released in 2008. This song remains a top 5 at weddings. The lyrics reaffirms a love worth dying for.
5. “Unconditionally” by Katy Perry
Lyrics you’ll love: “When I was led to you/I knew you were the one for me/I swear the whole world could feel my heartbeat”
Perfect for a first dance. This song Evokes the right emotions. Your guests would definitely be needing tissues for this number.
6. “Kiss of Life” by Sade
Lyrics you’ll love: ”There must have been an angel by my side/Something heavenly came down from above/He led me to you”
Perfect background song for the moments before the first kiss as a couple.
7. “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
Lyrics you’ll love: “For all those times you stood by me/For all the truth that you made me see/For all the joy you brought to my life”
If you or your spouse are romantics at heart, consider making “Because You Loved Me” your first dance song. The poetic lyrics and Celine Dion’s signature vocals make it an absolute show-stopper.
8. “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men
Lyrics you’ll love: “You taught me everything/And everything you’ve given me/I’ll always keep it inside/You’re the driving force in my life, yeah”
Perfect for a mother-son dance. A little something for the mama’s boys.
9. “Drunk in Love” by Beyoncé
Lyrics you’ll love: “We be all night, love, love/We be all night, love, love”
The sexy song is most appropriate for the reception when the party is in full force, and guests are on the dance floor.
10. “My Love Is Your Love” by Whitney Houston
Lyrics you’ll love: “Cause your love is my love/And my love is your love/It would take an eternity to break us”
Searching for the perfect father and daughter dance song? My Love Is Your Love” is often considered a song about the parent-child relationship, making it a great option for your father-daughter dance.
11. “Conversations in the Dark” by John Legend.
Lyrics you’ll love: “I won’t ever try to change you, change you/ will always want the same you, same you/Swear on everything I pray to/That I won’t break your heart”
Underrated but most definitely a Hit. In this deeply intimate tune, the singer gets raw and real about pure, unconditional love. The soft, soothing melody and the swoon-worthy lyrics may even make you shed a tear or two.
12. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
Lyrics you’ll love: “Love was when I loved you/One true time I’d hold to/In my life, we’ll always go on”
Also known as “Love Theme from Titanic,” this now-iconic song is one of Celine Dion’s most famous tracks. The lyrics are a bit too emotional for a first dance, but you can certainly play it as a slow dance or during co*cktail hour.
13. “Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z
Lyrics you’ll love: “I look and stare so deep in your eyes/I touch on you more and more every time/When you leave, I’m begging you not to go”
This jam, featuring her husband, Jay-Z, is undoubtedly one of the most popular songs in recent history. At your wedding, it would make for a truly epic recessional, entrance, or final song
14. “Saving All My Love for You” by Whitney Houston
Lyrics you’ll love: “You used to tell me we’d run away together/Love gives you the right to be free/You said, ‘Be patient, just wait a little longer’/But that’s just an old fantasy”
An absolutely perfect song for the first dance. Sure to evoke the right emotions from the audience
15. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Lyrics you’ll love: “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof/Because I’m happy/Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth/Because I’m happy”
This song will draw guests like a magnet to the dance floor.
16. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Huston
Lyrics you’ll love: “Oh, I wanna dance with somebody/I wanna feel the heat with somebody/Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody/With somebody who loves me”
You should certainly play it for your moment in the spotlight; this tune tends to beckon wedding guests to head onto the dance floor, so it’s the perfect song to kick off a reception.
17. Let’s Get Married by Jagged Edge
Lyrics you’ll love: “Meet me in the altar in your white dress/We ain’t getting no younger, we might as well do it”
The perfect wedding entrance song for the groom on the big day. Definitely a show stopper
18. “Real Love” by Mary J. Blige
Lyrics you’ll love: “Real love/I’m searching’ for a real love/Someone to set my heart free/Real love/I’m searching’ for a real love”
A perfect song for a reception dance-off.
19. “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead
Lyrics you’ll love: “There’s been so many things that’s held us down/But now it looks like things are finally comin’ around”
Most definitely perfect for the last dance of the night!
20. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Diana Ross
Lyrics you’ll love: “Ain’t no mountain high enough/Ain’t no valley low enough/Ain’t no river wild enough/To keep me from you”
The perfect icing on the cake and a crowd favourite!
21. “Tonight (Best You Ever Had)” by John Legend
Lyrics you’ll love: “I don’t wanna brag, but I’ll be/The best you ever had”
John Legend leaves little to the imagination with its explicit lyrics. Absolutely made for lovers.
22. “About Damn Time” by Lizzo
Lyrics you’ll love: “Turn up the music, let’s celebrate (alright)/I got a feelin’ I’m gon’ be okay/Okay (okay), alright/It’s about damn time”
A dance tune to play for dancing or as a bouquet toss song for all the ladies.
23. “Marry Me” by Teddy Campbell Band
Lyrics you’ll love: “if I asked you to do it again would you do it baby/Marry me”
A song to play as you say your vows to each other
24. “I Do” by Rotimi
Lyrics you’ll love: “We made it this far and now we’re standing hand and hand / No doubts in my heart that I found the one that’s Heaven sent”
A staple of your wedding vows, showcasing all there is to love.
25. “Leave The Door Open” by Silk Sonic
Lyrics you’ll love: “I ain’t playing no games/Every word that I say is coming straight from the heart/So if you tryna lay in these arms”
A chill vibes song to play as a background song during the wedding reception.
26. “Incomplete” by Jay Sean
Lyrics you’ll love: “Never know when it could be different/If there was no you, I’d be, I’d be incomplete”
An R&B love song that was made for a first dance while the spotlight is on the newlyweds about being lucky to find each other.
27. “Take My Breath” by The Weeknd
Lyrics you’ll love: “Take my breath away/And make it last forever, babe/Do it now or never, babe (ah)”
A disco-infused dance song to play to keep the dance floor hopping.
28. “Go Crazy” by Chris Brown & Young Thug
Lyrics you’ll love: “Oh, baby, everythin’ you do is amazin’/Ain’t nobody watchin’, go crazy/I got what you need”
A fun dance song to play later in the night when dancers are tired and want to slow things down to a nice groove.
29. “Forever Mine” by Robin Thicke
Lyrics you’ll love: “Forever mine/Pray for each other/Dance like no other/Passing a lifetime oh-oh
A slow groove about dedicating your life to your lover and looking forward to the future”
30. “A Good Night” by John Legend feat. BloodPop
Lyrics you’ll love: “I can’t think when you’re looking like that/Can’t breathe when you’re moving like that/Tell me when you’re gonna do me like that, yeah”
An upbeat hit to play to set the mood for fun and romance as a wedding reception begins or even as an introduction song for the wedding party.
Top 30 R and B Wedding Reception Songs
These are absolutely the best wedding songs, from the first dance to entrance songs to reception, mother-son, and father-daughter dances. Above are amazing picks, and if you want more?
There are definitely more good picks.
1. “Love on Top” by Beyoncé
Lyrics you’ll love: “When I need to make everything stop/Finally you put my love on top”
A joyful song that expresses the pure feeling of love.
2. “Share My Life” by Kem
Lyrics you’ll love: “Listen, I want you right here in my world/Here in my life, here in my soul/I want the world to know that I need you”
This song is all about love for one’s partner.
3. “Dangerously in Love 2” by Beyoncé
Lyrics you’ll love: “I am in love with you/You set me free/I can’t do this thing/Called life without you here with me”
The song is about being romantically obsessed.
4. “Why I Love You” by MAJOR
Lyrics you’ll love: “I found love in you/Every moment that you smile chases all of the pain away”
The singer explains that he found love in the person he sings for.
5. “I Believe in You and Me” by Whitney Houston
Lyrics you’ll love: “I believe in miracles/Love’s a miracle/And baby you’re a dream come true”
A perfect song for the reaffirmation of love.
6. “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics you’ll love: “And though you don’t believe that they do/They do come true”
The song is about the strength of believing in love.
7. “Angel of Mine” by Monica
Lyrics you’ll love: “When I first saw you, I already knew/There was something inside of you”
This Song is bound to make the bride Teary.
8. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
Lyrics you’ll love: “If the sky that we look upon/Should tumble and fall/Or the mountain should crumble to the sea/I won’t cry, I won’t cry/No, I won’t shed a tear/Just as long as you stand, stand by me”
The song is about friendship and loyalty.
9. “Save the Best for Last” by Vanessa Williams
Lyrics you’ll love: “And now we’re standing face to face/Isn’t this world a crazy place?/Just when I thought our chance had passed/You go and save the best for last”
A song about satisfaction in love.
10. “Are You That Somebody” by Aaliyah
Lyrics you’ll love: “Boy, I promise you if we keep bumpin’ heads/I know that one of these days (days)”
The lyrics speak volumes about trustworthiness.
11. “Stay With You” by John Legend
Lyrics you’ll love: “Oh I’ll stay with you through the ups and the downs/Oh I’ll stay with you when no one else is around”
The lyrics express a commitment to lasting love and support for each other.
12. “Best of My Love” by The Emotions
Lyrics you’ll love: “l like the way you make me feel about you, baby/Want the whole wide world to see”
This song reaffirms being taken care of by a lover.
13. “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” by Usher ft. Pitbull
Lyrics you’ll love: “Cause baby, tonight, the DJ got us falling in love again (love again)”
Song to definitely bring the guest to the dance floor.
14. “Ready Or Not” by Ms. Lauryn Hill
Lyrics you’ll love: “Ready or not, here I come, you can’t hide/Gonna find you and take it slowly”
A song suitable for a couple’s dance.
15. “Adorn” by Miguel
Lyrics you’ll love: “Just let my love, just let my love adorn you, please baby/And you gotta know, you gotta know/You know that I adore you, yeah baby”
The song is a declaration of love and devotion to your woman.
16. “That’s the Way Love Goes” by Janet Jackson
Lyrics you’ll love: “Come with me don’t you worry/I’m gonna make you crazy/I’ll give you the time of your life”
The song has a slow tempo, mixing R&B, pop, funk and soul.
17. “Cuff It” by Beyoncé
Lyrics you’ll love: “I feel like fallin’ in love (fallin’ love)/I’m in the mood to f*ck somethin’ up (tonight, I’m f*ckin’ somethin’ up, baby)”
The song has a strong message about empowerment.
18. “For Once In My Life” by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics you’ll love: “For once I can touch what my heart used to dream of/Long before I knew”
Lyrics showcase strong emotions of love.
19. “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child
Lyrics you’ll love: “Say my name, say my name/If no one is around you/Say baby I love you/If you ain’t runnin’ game”
A song to reaffirm love.
20. “No One” by Alicia Keys
Lyrics you’ll love: “No one, no one, no one/Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you”
This song highlights the joy of being comforted by one’s partner’s presence.
21. “Nervous” by John Legend
Lyrics you’ll love: “When you walk through the door/And you look in my eyes/Yeah, it feels, yeah, it feels like the very first time”
This song brings a rush of adrenaline!
22. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics you’ll love: “Isn’t she pretty/Truly the angel’s best/Boy, I’m so happy/We have been heaven blessed”
A perfect song for a son-mother dance.
23. “All night long” by Lionel Richie
Lyrics you’ll love: “Well, my friends, the time has come/To raise the roof and have some fun”
Perfect wedding party song.
24. “Ne Yo” by Because of you
Lyrics you’ll love: “And I know this much is true/Baby, you have become my addiction/I’m so strung out on you”
A song perfect for partners obsessed with one another.
25. “Aretha Franklin” by So damn Happy
Lyrics you’ll love: “Of course this is love/And I never say/I didn’t care about you/You sweet thing”
A song perfect for a reception entrance.
26. “Endless love” by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
Lyrics you’ll love: “And your eyes/Your eyes, your eyes/They tell me how much you care/Ooh yes, you will always be/My endless love”
The song captures the essence of eternal love.
27. “1+1” by Beyoncé
Lyrics you’ll love: “Pull me in close and don’t let me go/Make love to me”
Strong vocals and lyrics are perfect for the first dance!
28. “Sexual healing” by Marvin Gaye
Lyrics you’ll love: “And baby, I can’t hold it much longer (heal me my darling, heal me my darling)”
Song to definitely bring lovers to the dance floor!
29. Sittin’ Up in My Room by Brandy
Lyrics you’ll love: “Be sitting up in my room/Back here thinking ’bout you/I must confess I’m a mess for you”
A song for daydreamers who got the love they desired.
30. “Giving Myself” by Jennifer Hudson
Lyrics you’ll love: “Oh, I’m giving myself Iver to you/Body and soul/I’m giving it over”
A beautiful song to end a wedding party, a total surrender of love.
Summary
There is a good reason why most people choose R&B songs for their wedding ceremonies, mostly because it’s often relatable and passionate lyrics can strongly encourage a good mood.
The strong sense of rhythm can feel comforting, and the confident vocals inject amazing emotions. This complication is the best there is to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
You now have a list of songs that you will love to add to your wedding playlist if you are a fan of R&B music. The charm of R&B will certainly make your night magical. But do you still have questions about R&B music and using the right songs for your wedding ceremony?
Don’t worry, because we have tried to answer the questions that I get most often – and have compiled them below to help you out!
What are good R&B songs for bridesmaids to walk down the aisle to?
When the gorgeously dressed bridesmaids walk down the aisle, you must ensure that the wedding DJ or band has a wonderful list of songs to play. You can pick songs like Luther Vandross’ Here and Now, John Legend’s All Of Me, Musiq Soulchild’s Don’t Change, etc., for this segment.
What is a R&B song?
R&B stands for Rhythm and Blues – and it is one of the most popular music genres in the world. Smooth vocals on a melodious canvas of drumbeats, piano, harmonica, bass, guitar, trombone, trumpet, saxophone, etc., makes R&B one of the most melodious and versatile styles [1].
What are the best R&B songs for dancing?
If you’re trying to curate an R&B playlist for a dance, you can choose songs likeLove Ballad by L.T.D.,Let’s Stay Together by Al Green, Happy by Ashanti, For You by Kenny Lattimore, Always by Atlantic Starr, etc. This playlist can be a stunning wedding dance playlist to get everyone on their feet.
What are the best R&B songs for a black wedding?
For a black wedding, R&B songs can be a great addition to the playlist. There are many wonderful songs that you can use, such asAll Of Me by John Legend, All My Life by K-Ci & JoJo, Purple Rain by Prince, If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys, Halo by Beyoncé, Let’s Stay Together by Al Green, etc.
What are the best 90s R&B wedding songs?
The 90s was a time when the world saw the influences of many different music genres in pop music. R&B songs were huge hits at that time – and you can pick some of them for your wedding playlist, like Make It Happen by Mariah Carey, Live and Learn by Joe Public, Real Love by Mary J. Blige, etc.
What are the best mother and son wedding songs R&B?
The mother-son dance at a wedding is always one of the favorite segments at the ceremony. This dance can become more wonderful with R&B songs like You Are The Sunshine Of My Life by Stevie Wonder, Mama Hold My Hand by Aloe Blacc, Stand by Me by Ben E. King, and more.
What are the best father-daughter wedding songs R&B?
When the bride dances with her father, the world realize that no one can love her more than her first hero. This moment on the dance floor needs a wonderful song like Like My Daddy by Lenasia Tyson, My Girl by The Temptations, Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder, Stand by Me by Ben E. King, etc.
Final Words
R&B music is enjoyed by people all across the world because of the wide variety of soundscapes and heart-touching words. R&B songs can be perfect for a wedding where the ambiance is all about romance, happiness, and dreams. We hope that our list of songs will help you find the perfect songs for your wedding playlist – and inspire you to fall in love with love and your beautiful future.
References
- 1. Mark Edward Nero. The American Musical Art Form of Rhythm and Blues [Internet]. LiveAbout. 2018 [cited 2021 Dec 10]. Available from: https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-randb-music-2851217
- 2. rhythm and blues | Definition, History, Artists, Songs, & Facts | Britannica [Internet]. Encyclopædia Britannica. 2021 [cited 2021 Dec 10]. Available from: https://www.britannica.com/art/rhythm-and-blues
What are your favorite R&B wedding songs? Please let us know in the comments below!
NIKKI
Nicole is the editor-in-chief and regular staff writer forLoveYouWedding. What does that mean? Basically, she handles all the day-to-day tasks related to managing writers and bringing you stellar content on planning the LGBTQ+ wedding of your dreams.
She loves writing about quirky and unique wedding ideas, probably because she’s pretty quirky herself!
