R&B Wedding Songs: New, Trending, and Classic Hits for Timeless Love

Updated on June 12, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)

Whether you want hoppin’ dance hits or smooth slow vibes, discover a list of the most popular and unique R&B wedding songs for your wedding day.

Every couple’s R&B music tastes are different. Thus, I selected wedding songs from modern songs to classic hits.

New R&B Wedding Songs

1. “4 Me” by Don Toliver, Kali Uchis (2023)
2. “You” by Omar Cunningham (2023)
3. “Baby Will You Love Me” by MAJOR. (2023)
4. Die For You (Remix) – The Weeknd, Ariana Grande (2023)
5. “This Is” by Ella Mai (2023)
6. “As a matter of fact” by Babyface (2023)
7. “I Choose U” by RIMON, Rini (2023)
8. “I Caught You” by Ar’mon (2023)
9. “Make Me Say It Again, Girl” by The Isley Brothers, Beyonce (2022)
10. “Keeps On Fallin'” by Babyface, Ella Mai (2022)

Trending R&B Wedding Songs

1. “Celebration” by Kool and The Gang (1980)
2. “Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé (2003)
3. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd (2020)
4. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson (1982)
5. “All Of Me” by John Legend (2013)
6. “Yeah!” by Usher feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris (2004)
7. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers (1972)
8. “Sure Thing” by Miguel (2010)
9. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson (1982)
10. “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry (1976)

As you know, there are so many great R&B songs perfect for weddings from the walk down the aisle to the dance party to the bouquet toss. Hopefully, this list gives you some great ideas and conjures up good memories, too.

We selected a generous cross-section of R&B songs for your wedding. If you have a song that should be on our list, be sure to share it in the comments.

My Wedding Songs is a reader-supported website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission but also support the artists.

2020s Modern Tracks

Forever – Vedo

Released in 2022 on the album Forever

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I’m yours if you want it / Let’s make it forever girl / All you gotta do is say / Yes yes yes yeah yeah yeah”

A pledge of love in an acoustic love song.

Where I Go – NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge) feat. H.E.R.

Released in 2022 on the album Where I Go

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “So when we celebrate, I’ma hit you up / I had to go and find a runnin’ mate who didn’t rush / I hope you know it was imperative for both of us”

A straight up jam to play as a background vibe or dance tune.

Forever – Lee Fields

Released in 2022 on the album Sentimental Fool

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I wanna hold you forever / I wanna love you forever / I wanna love you, yes I do now”

A timeless soul ballad with an old sound to a new romantic song.

Make Me Say It Again, Girl – The Isley Brothers, Beyonce

Released in 2022 on the album Make Me Say It Again, Girl

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re all I need, oh, yes, you are / You’re all, all / You’re all I need”

A remake with Queen Bey as a romantic slow song for a first dance as a dedication that you are all each other needs.

Handle Me Gently – Ne-Yo

Released in 2022 on the album Self Explanatory

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Baby, I’d love you no less than the day you said, “Yes” / So know I hear you clearly when you say, “Hey” / “Love me tender, love me sweet”

A mid-tempo song to set the tone for a night full of love and fun as guests arrive at the reception.

Keeps On Fallin’ – Babyface, Ella Mai

Released in 2022 on the album Keeps On Fallin’

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “He’s my guy I love him / He’s so fine, oh-ooh-whoa-oh / And if you ask me why I want him / I can’t lie I love him / I won’t let it go”

A fun groove about falling in love and loving another that is perfect for cocktail hour or dinner.

About Damn Time – Lizzo

Released in 2022 on the album Special

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “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 of the ladies.

You (Rework) – Selah Sue

Released in 2022 on the album Persona

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “’Cause you are all I need / Yes, you are all I want”

A very romantic love song to accent any moment of your wedding day even as a song for walking down the aisle.

Angel (Acoustic) – Ric Hassani

Released in 2022 on the album Angel (Acoustic)

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I might lose sleep tonight / ‘Cause finally my dream has come true / I was created for you / You are my angel”

A slower love song about finding your one true love and made for your wedding day!

Stuck On You – Kem

Released in 2022 on the album Full Circle

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “And baby your love / Is so amazing / It drives me crazy / Baby I’m stuck on you”

Kem has many fantastic love songs for your big day and this is one about being in love with your lover.

No Stoppin’ Us – Charlie Wilson, Johnny Gill, Babyface, K-Ci Hailey

Released in 2022 on the album No Stoppin’ Us

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “We’re feeling good / And as long as you’re here with me / Everyday gon’ be a birthday party / Ain’t no stoppin’ us now”

An upbeat song to play as guests arrive at the reception to set the mood for a good time.

Marry Me – Teddy Campbell Band

Released in 2021 on the album Marry Me

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I don’t want nobody but you / Marry me girl”

A song to play as you say your vows to each other as you are asking each other to marry – or as a marriage proposal song too.

I Do – Rotimi

Released in 2021 on the album All or Nothing

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “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”

The music video even shows a wedding and this song sets the mood for romance that can play while the meal is being served.

Leave the Door Open – Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic

Released in 2021 on the album An Evening with Silk Sonic

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Every word that I say is coming straight from the heart / So (if you) if you (tryna) tryna lay in these arms / I’ma leave the door open”

A chilln’ vibes song to play as a background song during the wedding reception.

Kiss Me More – Doja Cat, SZA

Released in 2021 on the album Kiss Me More

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Can you kiss me more / We’re so young, boy / We ain’t got nothin’ to lose”

A mid-tempo dance song for all of the couples on the dance floor.

Blessed – Hil St. Soul, Noel Gourdin

Released in 2021 on the album Blessed

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I’m feeling so blessed, blessed / Yeah, blessed / To be loved by you (ooh) / Nobody but you”

An upbeat afrobeat song to play as a love song about being blessed for finding your one true love.

Incomplete – Jay Sean

Released in 2021 on the album Incomplete

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “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.

I Found A Love (Live at Levon Helm Studios) – José James, Taali

Released in 2021 on the album José James: New York 2020 (Live)

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I found a love / That lifts me up / You see my weaknesses and stay no matter what / And every day I find I’m falling more and more in love with you”

An acoustic piano love song made for a wedding ceremony as a song to play while walking down the aisle or as a unity ceremony song.

You’re The One – Leela James

Released in 2021 on the album See Me

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re all that I want / It’s the reason why I / Know for sure, oh / You’re the one”

A groove all about acknowledging and finding the one you want to spend your life with to play during dinner.

Fell In Love – LeVelle, Anthony Hamilton

Released in 2021 on the album Fell In Love

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I’ll never let you go / We are going to be invincible”

A soulful love song about finding your soulmate to accent any part of your wedding day.

Flawless Diamond – Lyfe Jennings, Amina Buddafly

Released in 2021 on the album Flawless Diamond

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Look at this flawless diamond / Where you been hiding / Found you finally”

A mid-tempo love song about finding your true love out of all of the people in the world.

Silly Love Songs – Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr.

Released in 2021 on the album Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “With silly love songs / And what’s wrong with that? / I’d like to know / ‘Cause here I go again / I love you, I love you”

At My Worst – Pink Sweat$ feat. Kehlani

Released in 2021 on the album At My Worst

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I need somebody who can love me at my worst / No, I’m not perfect, but I hope you see my worth”

A fun duet song to play as a wedding song because the song tells about accepting the other with all their little quirks.

All I Need Is You – Salaam Remi

Released in 2021 on the album All I Need Is You

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Make my dreams come true (True, and I believe) / I believe in you (Yes, I believe, I believe in you, and my life changed) / My life changed since the very first time that I met you”

A slow duet love song to let your lover know that they are all you need in their life.

Love of My Life – Sentury

Released in 2021 on the album Love of My Life

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “When I grow older / I will be there at your side to remind you how I still love you, I still love you”

A popular first dance song to play as newlyweds lets the bride know that the groom thinks that he thinks that she is his whole life.

Take My Breath – The Weeknd

Released in 2021 on the album Take My Breath

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Take my breath away / And make it last forever, babe / Do it now or never, babe”

A disco-infused dance song to play to keep the dance floor hopping.

Conversations in the Dark – John Legend

Released in 2020 on the album Bigger Love

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Keep the secrets that you told me, told me / And your love is all you owe me / And I won’t break your heart”

For those that are tired of Legend’s mega-hit “All Of Me”, this song has taken over as a popular replacement for the first dance or any moment of your wedding day.

Marry Your Daughter – Brian McKnight Jr.

Released in 2020 on the album Marry Your Daughter

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I’m gonna marry your princess / And make her my queen / She’ll be the most beautiful bride that I’ve ever seen”

The song speaks of a wedding day of a groom speaking of his FIL and wanting to care for his beautiful daughter.

Nobody – Brian McKnight

Released in 2020 on the album Nobody

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I’ll hold / Nobody’s hand but yours / You can believe for sure / I’ll be nobody’s man but yours”

A song McKnight wrote for his bride on their anniversary about not wanting anyone else to love.

All Of My Love – Charlie Wilson feat. Smokey Robinson

Released in 2020 on the album All Of My Love

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “If all of my love just ain’t enough / Then I’ll keep giving reasons until you believe in / All of my love”

Two R&B legends collaborate on this song that sets the mood for love.

Go Crazy – Chris Brown & Young Thug

Released in 2020 on the album Slime & B

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh, baby, everythin’ you do is amazin’ / Ain’t nobody watchin’, go crazy / (I got what you need) 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.

All I Need Is You – Hasan Christopher

Released in 2020 on the album All I Need Is You

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Cause all I ever wanted was you / All I need is you”

A very romantic and soulful about wanting to spend the rest of your life with the one you love.

Anything For You (The Duet) – Ledisi & PJ Morton

Released in 2020 on the album Anything For You (The Duet)

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I will do anything for you, you / You are my life, one means us two / Anything, anything for you”

The perfect slow love duet to mark the beginning of your new life together.

U 2 Luv – Ne-Yo & Jeremih

Released in 2020 on the album U 2 Luv

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I only want you to love (You to love, oh, oh) / I don’t want nobody else (Nobody else, yeah, yeah)”

An upbeat love song to play as guests arrive at the reception ready to have a good time.

Forever Mine – Robin Thicke

Released in 2020 on the album Forever Mine

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Tell me your secrets / And I will tell no lies / I want you to be / Forever mine”

A slow groove about dedicating your life to your lover and looking forward to the future.

Love Somebody – Rotimi

Released in 2020 on the album Love Somebody

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Until you love somebody / Like one, two, three / Trust me you haven’t lived / Until you love somebody”

An upbeat afrobeat love song to play during the cocktail hour or as a recessional song.

One in a Million – Will Downing

Released in 2020 on the album Romantique, Pt. 2

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh one in a million / Chance of a lifetime / And I showed compassion / As sent to me a struck of luck called you”

A very slow and romantic love song about being lucky to find your forever love.

If you like this list, be sure to check out an Afrobeats love playlist.

2010s Popular Hits

Consider Me – Allen Stone

Released in 2019 on the album Building Balance

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “If you’re looking for some magic / That will not end tragic / Darling, all I ask is you consider me”

A song you can send to the one you are about to marry as a love dedication while getting dressed for your big day.

Say So – Doja Cat

Released in 2019 on the album Hot Pink

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Day to night to morning, keep with me in the moment / I’d let you had I known it, why don’t you say so?”

An upbeat dance song that will have dancers singing along.

Yearning For Your Love – Pj Morton

Released in 2019 on the album Yearning For Your Love

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Said, you can’t keep runnin’ in and out of my life, yeah / I need to have you as my lover and my wife”

This groovy tune can set the tone while guests are eating and enjoying each other’s company.

Sent From Heaven – Rahsaan Patterson

Released in 2019 on the album Heroes & Gods

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Stay for / Ever make me yours / And we’ll / Love through eternity”

A beautiful love dedication for a first dance or accent a wedding moment.

Find Someone Like You – Snoh Aalegra

Released in 2019 on the album Find Someone Like You

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Though we got a past, I want you, yeah / And even when it’s bad, I love you / I’ve been waitin’ my whole life, to find someone like you”

A popular song to play for a first dance as a married couple for a love that will last forever.

Our Song – Tank

Released in 2019 on the album ELEVATION

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Kind of life you told me you’ve been looking for / From the beginning, it felt so right, and / I can’t think of anything I’ve needed more”

A song that Tank wrote for his wedding anniversary and one you could play as an anniversary dance for the longest-married couple.

Collide – Tiana Major9 & EARTHGANG

Released in 2019 on the album Queen & Slim Soundtrack

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Without you, I’m just a fraction / Closing in on my demise / And I love you religiously / With everything inside of me”

Even though the couple dies at the end of the movie, the lyrics are very meaningful about being with the one you love.

A Good Night – John Legend feat. BloodPop®

Released in 2018 on the album A Good Night

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You got me talking crazy / I figure if I say it / You just might be my lady / Baby, it’s you”

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.

Better – Khalid

Released in 2018 on the album Suncity

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “We don’t gotta hide / This is what you like, I admit / Nothin’ feels better than this”

A song about how life is better when you are together and fits an upbeat wedding exit song to groove down the aisle.

Beyond – Leon Bridges

Released in 2018 on the album Good Thing

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I’m scared to death that she might be it / That the love is real, that the shoe might fit / She might just be my everything and beyond”

A personal favorite! The song has so much emotion and desire for the one you love and the possibilities of loving each other for eternity.

Today I Do – Tamia

Released in 2018 on the album Today I Do

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Today I do, today I do / Today I’m saying I do to you / Today I do, today I do”

The song describes a wedding day and giving yourself to each other. A song made as a ceremony song.

Every Kind Of Way – H.E.R.

Released in 2017 on the album H.E.R.

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “If the world should end tomorrow and we only have today / I’m gonna love you in every kind of way”

A slow song about being totally in love with another and wanting them.

Why I Love You – MAJOR.

Released in 2016 on the album I Am MAJOR.

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I found love in you / And no other love will do / Every moment that you smile chases all of the pain away / Forever and a while in my heart is where you’ll stay”

The ultimate love dedication for a wedding day that you could play at any moment.

Forever Mine – Andra Day

Released in 2015 on the album Cheers to the Fall

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Look I’m tired of the fine line / I just want you to be, to be / Forever mine (be forever mine)”

A thematic selection for a recessional song after the I Do’s.

Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor feat. John Legend

Released in 2015 on the album Title

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Wherever we’re standing, I won’t take you for granted / ‘Cause we’ll never know when, when we’ll run out of time / So I’m gonna love you like I’m gonna lose you”

A love duet of the music superstars that adds a bit of levity to a first dance or any moment.

Fall For You – Leela James

Released in 2014 on the album Fall for You

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “My heart is ready / For love and to be loved / And I chose you, baby / That’s the one thing I’m sure of”

So much emotion and soulfulness in this love song made for your wedding day.

You & I – Avant feat. KeKe Wyatt

Released in 2013 on the album Face the Music

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You and I / Together for always / Baby I / Breathe every single breath for you baby”

A love duet about wanting to love your lover for the rest of your life.

Marry Me – Jason Derulo

Released in 2013 on the album Tattoos

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Girl, I have you / To get right down on bended knee / Nothing else would ever be better, better / The day when I / I’ll say, “Will you marry me?”

A very popular wedding song obviously but its mid-tempo song makes it perfect for an exit song or an intro song in the reception hall.

All Of Me – John Legend

Released in 2013 on the album Love in the Future

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Give your all to me / I’ll give my all to you / You’re my end and my beginnin’ / Even when I lose, I’m winnin'”

The quintessential wedding song from the 2010s you could play at any point of your big day.

This Is Love – Kelly Rowland

Released in 2013 on the album Ms. Kelly

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “This is love / Like a diamond in the sand / It took so long to find you / I cannot wait another day to say / This is love”

A song all about being in love and can highlight any wedding moment.

I’m Sure It’s You (The Wedding Song) – Sheléa

Released in 2013 on the album I’m Sure It’s You

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “My heart belongs to you / I know we’ll make it through / I’m sure it’s you”

A slow love song that fits as a song to play while walking down the aisle during the ceremony.

Adorn – Miguel

Released in 2012 on the album Kaleidoscope Dream

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Don’t you let nobody tell you different, baby / I’ll always adore you / You gotta know now”

A mid-tempo love song letting your lover know that they are your whole life and you love them.

4evermore – Anthony David

Released in 2011 on the album Algebra

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Just you and me babe, till the days are blue / And I ain’t ashamed love, to say I do, I do / 4evermore”

We all want the type of love that lasts forever. If you do, this song can signify that you want forever with the one you love.

So In Love – Jill Scott feat. Anthony Hamilton

Released in 2011 on the album The Light of the Sun

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I hope you’re thinking of me / ‘Cause all I want is time with you / And only nothing more / (So in love with you)”

A dance song is all about being in love to play near the beginning of the dancing or at the beginning of the reception.

Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars

Released in 2010 on the album Doo-Wops & Hooligans

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “When I see your face / There’s not a thing that I would change / ‘Cause you’re amazing / Just the way you are”

An upbeat song all about accepting the one you love for who they are.

Share My Life – Kem

Released in 2010 on the album Intimacy: Album III

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re my dream / And my joy / My heart belongs to you girl / So I sat down one day and I / I wrote this song / ‘Cause I need you, in my world”

A song about wanting to share your life with the one you love and fits as a first dance song.

If you are more in the party mood, see a Hip Hop wedding playlist.

2000s Best Songs

Yeah – Usher Feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris

Released in 2004 on the album Confessions

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “So I got up and followed her to the floor / She said, baby let’s go / When I told her (let’s go!) I said / Yeah!”

One of the best party songs of all time that will get everyone jumped up and dancing.

If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys

Released in 2003 on the album The Diary of Alicia Keys

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Some people want diamond rings / Some just want everything / But everything means nothing / If I ain’t got you”

Keys and her piano on a beautiful love song that life is not living if you don’t have each other.

Crazy In Love – Beyonce

Released in 2003 on the album Dangerously in Love

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Cause I know I don’t understand / Just how your love can do what no one else can / Got me looking so crazy right now, your love”

A party starter to get everyone hyped up as the wedding couple is introduced as newlyweds. It is commonly played at many points during a wedding reception. Up to you when to play.

Love Of My Life – Brian McKnight

Released in 2001 on the album Superhero

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re more than wonderful / More than amazing / The irreplaceable, love, love, of my life”

A romantic first dance song as a married couple. One of the many love songs in McKnight’s discography.

Forever – Jaheim

Released in 2001 on the album Ghetto Love

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “The love I have for you will last forever / Loving you always / Forever”

Even though many couples have played it as a first dance song you can play it during the wedding ceremony or a passionate moment during a reception.

Lifetime – Maxwell

Released in 2001 on the album Now

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Now I, I can let my life pass me by / Or I can get down and try / Work it all out this lifetime”

Your wedding day marks the beginning of a lifetime of love together and this song sets that moment.

Let’s Get Married (ReMarqable Remix) – Jagged Edge

Released in 2000 on the album J.E. Heartbreak

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “We ain’t gettin’ no younger, we might as well do it / Been feelin’ you all the while, girl, I must confess / Let’s just get married”

A very popular wedding tune that you can play as part of your grand entrance into the reception venue.

Check out our complete list of greatest 90s R&B love ballads.

1990s Favorites

Happily Ever After – Case

Released in 1999 on the album Personal Conversation

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “We could be strong together for so long / Couldn’t we please be happily ever after”

A song you can play as a ceremony exit song while leaving the ceremony location and celebrating forever after together.

Spend My Life With You – Eric Benet and Tamia

Released in 1999 on the album A Day in the Life

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Can we just feel this way together ’til the end of all time / Can I just spend my life with you”

A well-liked wedding duet song that has been played as a first dance song since first being released. You can play it to accent any moment.

By Your Side – Sade

Released in 1999 on the album Lovers Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “When you’re lost and you’re alone / And you can’t get back again / I will find you / Darling, and I will bring you home”

A song you can play for lovers but can also play as a parent-child dance song letting each other know that you will be there for each other.

Incomplete – Sisqo

Released in 1999 on the album Unleash the Dragon

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “So I can make believe I have everything, but I can’t pretend that I don’t see / That without you girl my life is incomplete”

A love dedication about how your life would not be complete without the one you love.

For You I Will – Monica

Released in 1998 on the album The Boy Is Mine

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I’m here for you, I’m here forever / I will be your fortress tall and strong / I’ll keep you safe, I’ll stand beside you right or wrong”

A song letting another know that you will be there for them and care for them. It could be for lovers or a family relationship.

All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo

Released in 1997 on the album Love Always

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “All my life / I prayed for someone like you / And I thank God / That I / That I finally found you”

One of the greatest love songs of all time and is still relevant today that will be on wedding playlists for years to come.

For You – Kenny Lattimore

Released in 1996 on the album Kenny Lattimore

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Nothing I’ve said is hard to understand / All I feel, I feel deeper still / And always will, all this love is for you”

A lovey-dovey song to play during your wedding day.

Return of the Mack – Mark Morrison

Released in 1996 on the album Return of the Mack

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “’Cause I knew it from the start / Baby, when you broke my heart / That I had to come again, and show you that I’m real”

A classic party song and dance floor filler that will have dancers grooving!

Lady – D’Angelo

Released in 1995 on the album Brown Sugar

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “But I know I love you and you love me / There’s no other lover for you or me / You’re my lady”

A mid-tempo song to play for the cutting of the wedding cake or the garter removal. It reminds the couple that they are now married.

This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan

Released in 1995 on the album This Is How We Do It

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “This is how we do it, all hands are in the air / And wave them from here to there”

A pure banger that will get everyone dancing.

Unforgettable – Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole

Released in 1991 on the album Unforgettable… with Love

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “That’s why darling, it’s incredible / That someone so unforgettable / Thinks that I am unforgettable too”

A song by a dad and daughter that can be played for a father and daughter dance.

If older R&B is your thing, check out our list of biggest Motown love hits.

Classic Tunes

Here And Now – Luther Vandross

Released in 1989 on the album The Best of Luther Vandross… The Best of Love

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I promise to love faithfully / You’re all I need / Here and now”

A very intimate love song to play for a first dance while gazing into each other’s eyes.

I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston

Released in 1989 on the album Whitney

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody / With somebody who loves me”

A girl anthem that will have all of the ladies on the dance floor singing their hearts out while dancing.

Billie Jean – Michael Jackson

Released in 1982  on the album Thriller

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Billie Jean is not my lover / She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one / But the kid is not my son”

OK, the lyrics are not the best for a wedding but no one can deny the beat and danceability.

You’re Latest, Greatest Inspiration – Teddy Pendergrass

Released in 1980 on the album It’s Time for Love

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I plan to give you all that I have / I’ll be everything, everything you think I am / You make life a joy to live / Yes I’m blessed, yes I’m thankful just to know you”

A song for an anniversary dance or as a slow dance for couples of all generations.

Endless Love – Lionel Richie & Diana Ross

Released in 1981 on the album Endless Love Soundtrack

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Ooh, yes / You will always be / My endless love”

One of the most prominent duet love songs ever that can be played throughout a wedding.

When We Get Married – Larry Graham

Released in 1980 on the album One in a Million You

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “We’ll have a ball / Dancin’ and all / When we get married”

A song very fitting for a wedding day as it describes one.

I Do Love You – G.Q.

Released in 1979 on the album Disco Nights

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I do love you / My girl, I prayed that your love / It would come to me / Someday / Because I love you so, babe”

A mid-tempo love song that I think people forget about but will bring back memories to be a background song while the meal is being served and enjoyed.

I Wanna Be Your Lover – Prince

Released in 1979 on the album Prince

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I didn’t wanna pressure you, baby / But all I ever wanted to do / I wanna be your lover”

There are many Prince wedding songs but don’t sleep on this dance hit!

Forever Mine – The O’Jays

Released in 1979 on the album Identify Yourself

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Forever mine / `Cause you and me, we get along just fine / Aw, baby / I got what you want / You got what I want / And we were made for each other”

A slow song to play after your wedding vows to signify that you are now married.

Brick House – The Commodores

Released in 1977 on the album Commodores

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “’Cause she’s a brick house / Yeah, she’s mighty mighty, just lettin’ it all hang out”

This is an epic party song to play near the beginning of dancing at the reception to get the party started.

Always and Forever – Heatwave

Released in 1976 on the album Too Hot to Handle

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Take time to tell me you really care / And we’ll share tomorrow together / I’ll always love you ever”

A classic R&B love song to play for all of the couples at your reception for a slow dance.

Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder

Released in 1976 on the album Songs in the Key of Life

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Isn’t she pretty? / Truly the angel’s best / Boy, I’m so happy / We have been Heaven-blessed”

An upbeat song to play for a special dad and daughter dance during a wedding reception.

This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole

Released in 1975 on the album Inseparable

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “This will be / You and me / Yes sir-ee / Eternally”

A fun wedding song to play at any moment but many couples choose to play it as a recessional song as the ceremony ends.

Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe – Barry White

Released in 1974 on the album Can’t Get Enough

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Girl, your love for me is all I need / And more than I can stand”

A mid-tempo song to play after a slow dance song to bring the speed of the music faster.

Let’s Stay Together – Al Green

Released in 1972 on the album Stay Together

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Let me say that since, baby / Since we’ve been together / Ooh / Loving you forever / Is what I need”

Another popular wedding anniversary song to play for married couples at your reception.

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder

Released in 1972 on the album Talking Book

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You are the sunshine of my life / That’s why I’ll always be around / You are the apple of my eye / Forever you’ll stay in my heart”

The song was written by Wonder as a dedication to his daughter and one that fits as a dad and bride dance song.

September – Earth, Wind & Fire

Released in 1971 on the album Earth, Wind & Fire

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Found the love we shared in September / Only blue talk and love / Remember / True love we share today”

One of the best party songs of all time and a great party starter to play as the dancing begins at your reception that all generations will enjoy.

I Want You Back – Jackson 5

Released in 1969 on the album Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Won’t you please let me back in your heart / Oh, darlin’, I was blind to let you go / But now since I see you in his arms”

Wow, this song is so much fun and people love dancing to it. Forget about what the song is about.

At Last – Etta James

Released in 1960 on the album At Last!

Most Meaningful Lyrics: “At last / My love has come along / My lonely days are over / And life is like a song”

One of the top 5 wedding songs of all time and one you can play to highlight a moment of forever for the wedding couple.

Spotify R&B Wedding Playlist

FAQs

Why play R&B at your wedding?

I mean, if you want to play ABBA be our guest. (Snooze Fest) The better question is why wouldn’t you play R&B at your wedding? Weddings are about love. Real love. Nothing says that better than the smooth, silky vocals of Luther Vandross. The spoken words of Barry White, reassure us that we are loved. Oh, don’t forget the Sisters of Soul starting with the Queen: Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Alicia Keys.

The roots of R&B in Soul are apparent not just in the beats and bass lines, but in the emotion expressed. Those lyrics, girl. You know it. Your friends are getting the chill vibe, the love vibe.

Planning your reception songs? See our list of R&B wedding cake cutting songs, R&B wedding first dance songs, and R&B hits for a garter toss.

What are the best R&B songs for dancing?

If you want to get folks on the dance floor, these are sure to do it. Our list includes some recent hits along with classics in a variety of tempos and eras. Pick your favorites to include in your wedding. You can use them for your wedding reception, first dance, and father-daughter dance.

Music Sources:

• DJs’ Playlists
• Couples’ Playlists
• DJ Event Planner
• DJ Intelligence
• Amazon Best Sellers
• Billboard
• Spotify

Why trust Matthew Campbell?

DJ, Editor, Music Lover

Matthew (Matt) Campbell is the founder/editor of My Wedding Songs from his experience as a wedding DJ. He is the author of two wedding planners: ‘Wedding Songs Planner’ and ‘The Wedding Music Toolkit’. Matt is the host of the ‘Wedding Songs Podcast’. He shares music inspiration in his weekly newsletter the ‘Wedding MusicLetter’. His articles have been published on Rolling Stone, DJ Life Magazine, and DJ Times. Matt resides in the wedding capital of the world – Las Vegas.