Under The Vintage Veil Article: Top 20 vintage wedding songs

Posted on 5 September 2013

One of my most frequently asked music questions as a vintage wedding blogger is “how do I choose vintage-inspired music that will fit my theme but still get people out of their seats?” Building up a party atmosphere can be tricky at the best of times, but when the success of your party relies on your guests knowing the songs and being able to dance to them, adding in a vintage element can seem impossible.

When one talks of vintage music the options are vast – swing to R&B, rock ‘n’ roll to jazz etc. This list dips into these genres and gives a little flavour of the possibilities. Vintage themes don’t need to just stick to old music – many new bands/artists are producing vintage-inspired sounds such Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Swing Republic, Imelda May, Puppini Sisters and many more. Many people find it easy to go with obvious party pleasers, such as the Beatles, The Pet Shop Boys, the Rolling Stones etc. but earlier eras can be harder to navigate. In no particular order, here are 20 well-known and less well-known tried and tested songs we have had the pleasure of jiving to at vintage-themed weddings…

1. Buddy Holly – Not Fade Away
2. Big Joe Turner – Shake Rattle Roll
3. Coasters – Along Came Jones
4. Drifters – Honey Love
5. Chuck Berry – Never Can Tell
6. Link Wray – Rumble
7. Johnny Burnette – Honey Hush
8. Frank Sinatra – Get Happy
9. Hank Mizell – Jungle Rock
10. Fats Waller – Chant of the Groove
11. Louis Jordan – Caledonia
12. Billy Fury – Wondrous Place
13. Dinah Washington – Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t
14. Doris Day – Que Sera Sera
15. Bobby Darin – Beyond The Sea
16. Ruth Brown – Daddy, Daddy
17. Louis Prima – Fever
18. Varetta Dillard – So Many Ways (To Love You)
19. Smiley Lewis – She’s Got Me Hook Line & Sinker
20. James Brown Band – Chonnie on Chon

Mighty Fine Entertainment’s top vintage playlist tips

? If you’ve themed your wedding by era, for example the fifties, have soft music playing during quieter times, like when the meal is served, to set the tone for the evening.
? Stick to tried and tested classics that everybody will have at least heard before.
? Songs that have been covered by modern artists will create instant recognition and get people on their feet.
? Ease through the eras and build up to more modern tunes that people can dance to.
? Go the extra mile and teach people a dance from your chosen era to really get people in the right vibe.

Originally posted on underthevintageveil.com