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  • Writer's pictureNick Stackhouse

20 Essential 2000s Songs For Your Wedding Playlist

Updated: Mar 16, 2023

Today we’re going to outline the best 2000s songs for every part of your Essex & London Wedding.


You might find yourself bopping along to Miley Cyrus' "Party In The U.S.A.", grooving to OutKast's "The Way You Move" or swaying your hips to Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars".


If you're planning your wedding, be sure to include some of the best 2000s songs from this article on your request list - your guests will thank you for it! From boy bands to hip-hop, there's something for every one of your guests.


Cocktail hour, first dance, floor-fillers and last dance songs; we’ve got it all for you.


It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for something upbeat to get the party started, or a romantic ballad to sway along to during your first dance - we have a list of 2000s wedding songs to suit any occasion.


I’ve broken the list down into 4 categories: Cocktail hour, first dance songs, floor fillers and ending songs.


Let’s get ready to rock the dance floor and take a look at the top wedding songs from the 2000s:



2000s Cocktail Hour Wedding Songs


From Latin-inspired beats to upbeat pop tunes, 2000s music has something for everyone. These songs bring energy and enthusiasm ready for the dance floor in the evening. So break out your dancing shoes, pick a favourite tune from the 2000s and get them added to your request list!



1. Dido - Thank You

Dido's 2001 hit song "Thank You" is a wedding staple from the 2000s that is still popular today. With its simple yet beautiful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and uplifting message of appreciation and love, “Thank You” is a timeless classic for your wedding playlist.



2. Mariah Carey - We Belong Together

The song is an ode to a lost love, with Mariah Carey's emotive vocals and powerful lyrics reflecting on how hard it is when two people who once shared such a strong connection are no longer together. This heartfelt message resonated with many listeners, and remains one of her most iconic songs.


Whether you're looking for a classic love song or just need some inspiration, "We Belong Together" is the perfect choice. With its heartfelt lyrics, it's sure to stand the test of time as one of Mariah Carey's greatest hits from the 2000s.



3. Metro Station - Shake It

"Shake It" by Metro Station is one of the most iconic wedding songs from the 2000s. Released in 2007, this catchy pop-punk song quickly became a hit on the radio and at weddings all over the world. "Shake It" has become an incredibly popular wedding song over the years.


So if you’re looking for a catchy, easy-going wedding song from the 2000s, "Shake It" by Metro Station is a great choice. Celebrate your special day with this classic tune!



4. Maroon 5 - She Will Be Loved

"She Will Be Loved" and its catchy melody is one of the best-known wedding songs from the 2000s. The song's lyrics tell the story of a man's love for a woman who has been neglected by her family and he promises to always be there for her.


The music combines pop, rock, R&B and soul elements, creating an uplifting yet comforting tune perfect for any wedding celebration. With its smooth guitar riffs and sweet lyrics, "She Will Be Loved" is sure to make any wedding feel special. So, if you are looking for the perfect song to set off your 2000s-themed wedding, this is definitely one to consider!



5. U2 - Beautiful Day

"Beautiful Day" by U2 is a classic wedding song from the 2000s. Released in 2000, this upbeat love song has become one of U2's most popular and recognizable tracks.


Beautiful Day is a timeless classic that continues to bring joy and happy memories to newlyweds as they share their special day with friends and family. Its uplifting message will surely be remembered for years to come - making it the perfect way to begin a marriage full of love and hope.


Now let's move on to some options for your first dance:



2000s First Dance Wedding Songs


Your first dance will likely be personal to you, but here are some options that might help you make your decision.



1. Jack Johnson - Better Together

The 2000s saw a plethora of great first dance songs, but one that stands out to me is Jack Johnson's "Better Together." This timeless love ballad has a laid-back vibe and meaningful lyrics that make it an excellent choice for your first dance.


Its catchy chorus will get everyone singing along and its acoustic sound will provide the perfect backdrop to your special moment. With its uplifting message and easy-going melody, "Better Together" is sure to make your first dance one you'll remember forever. So turn up the volume, grab your partner and sway the night away as you share this special moment together.



2. James Blunt - You're Beautiful

"You're Beautiful" by James Blunt is a great choice for a first dance song. The lyrics are emotive, poetic and speak to the feeling of being in love. The gentle guitar strums create an intimate atmosphere that will make any wedding feel special. With its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics, this song is sure to have everyone tearing up and basking in the beauty of a relationship.


The 2000s saw an explosion in wedding songs, but "You're Beautiful" stands out as one of the best. It's perfect for any couple wanting to start off their special day with a romantic moment that they'll never forget.



3. Enrique Iglesias - Hero

"Hero" by Enrique Iglesias is the perfect first dance song for a wedding. Its timeless lyrics of love and devotion will make any couple feel like they are the only two people in the room, making it an incredibly romantic way to start a marriage.


The song is upbeat enough to get guests out on the dance floor, but also has a mellow quality that will allow couples to take their time as they sway together in perfect harmony. With its beautiful lyrics and sensual rhythm, "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias will make your first dance as a married couple one to truly remember.



4. Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars

"Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol is an iconic wedding song from the 2000s and a great choice for couples looking for their first dance. Its beautiful lyrics speak to the joy of being in love and its soulful melody makes for a truly romantic atmosphere.


It's a wedding song that will never go out of style and one that you will fondly remember for years to come. So if you're looking for a romantic, timeless first dance song, "Chasing Cars" is an excellent choice!



5. Alicia Keys - Fallin'

"Fallin'" by Alicia Keys is a great choice for a romantic first dance. It showcases Keys' beautiful vocals, simple yet powerful lyrics, and soulful sound. The song speaks to the ups and downs of relationships, making it an excellent choice for couples to express the emotions that their union has brought forth.


The combination of Keys' emotional delivery and the song's powerful lyrics make it an ideal first dance song. "Fallin'" is sure to be a beautiful and memorable part of any wedding day.


Now the first dance is over, let's get everyone else on the dance floor:



2000s Floor Filler Wedding Songs


The romantic bit is out of the way, now it's time to party. Here are some 2000s songs that will amp up the energy in no time.



1. Chris Brown - Forever

"Forever" by Chris Brown is one of our favorite songs to play at weddings - it has an upbeat rhythm and chorus that gets people on the dance floor.


Whether you're young or old, Forever by Chris Brown is sure to get everyone dancing and having a great time at your wedding!



2. Miley Cyrus - Party In The U.S.A.

"Party in the U.S.A." by Miley Cyrus is a song that has exploded in popularity at weddings in recent years. Released in 2009, this infectious pop hit has become a favourite amongst wedding guests of all ages. With lyrics like “I hopped off the plane at LAX / with a dream and my cardigan”, it serves as a celebration of life and adventure.


Whether you’re celebrating with family or friends, this song is sure to get your guests up on the dance floor. So if you're looking for a way to add some energy to your wedding reception, this is one song you won’t want to miss. Party on!



3. Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten

"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield is a timeless classic that always gets people up and dancing at weddings. With uplifting lyrics that inspire hope and optimism, it's easy to see why this track resonates with couples tying the knot. The song speaks of a new beginning – making it perfect for couples starting out on their journey together.


With its optimistic lyrics, "Unwritten" is the perfect way to start your wedding party in style. For those looking for an exciting and memorable wedding song, look no further – this one's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!



4. Outkast - The Way You Move

"The Way You Move" by OutKast gets people out of their seats and onto the dance floor - simple as that. The song has an infectious groove, making it impossible to stay still when it's playing. And its upbeat nature is perfect for a wedding celebration where couples and their guests want to celebrate the joy of being in love.


So if you're looking for a surefire way to get people out on the dance floor at your wedding, choose "The Way You Move" by OutKast - you won't be disappointed!



5. Jagged Edge - Let's Get Married (ReMarqable Remix)

"Let's Get Married" by Jagged Edge is an iconic wedding staple for any wedding. This classic R&B track perfectly captures the feeling of romance and excitement when getting married. The smooth production, catchy hook, and soulful chorus make it a true jam that gets people out of their seats and dancing. With its infectious energy, it certainly won't fail to get people in the celebration spirit!


Just make sure you add the "ReMarqable" remix to your playlist (the original is much slower).


Next, it's time to close out your night with some sweet 2000s tunes. Get ready:



2000s Ending Wedding Songs


These songs are hand-picked to bring everyone together at the end of the night in a big circle singing at the top of their lungs.


The perfect ending to your Essex & London wedding party.



1. The Darkness - I Believe In A Thing Called Love

"I Believe in a Thing Called Love" by The Darkness is a great song to finish your wedding on. Released in 2003, this catchy rock anthem is perfect for bringing everyone to the dance floor and celebrating true love. Its cheerful chorus will have couples singing along and its upbeat tempo makes it an ideal choice for any wedding reception.


So if you’re looking for an upbeat and memorable song to add to your wedding playlist, don't forget about "I Believe in a Thing Called Love".



2. Ronan Keating - Life Is A Rollercoaster

When it comes to wedding songs from the 2000s, the classic "Life Is a Rollercoaster" by Ronan Keating is guaranteed to get your guests singing! Not only is this song incredibly catchy and fun, but its lyrics are also perfect for celebrating love as Ronan sings “no matter what you do/life is a rollercoaster/ just gotta ride it through”.


If you're looking for an upbeat bop that perfectly captures the spirit of marriage, "Life Is a Rollercoaster" by Ronan Keating is definitely the song for you.



3. Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor

"I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" by Arctic Monkeys is an absolute banger for your wedding! It's a classic indie rock anthem that'll get everyone up and shaking their hips. The song oozes confidence and charm.


Get ready for some serious hip-shaking, foot-stomping fun. No wedding is complete without this iconic song - so crank up the volume and get ready to party like there's no tomorrow!



4. Counting Crows - Accidentally In Love

"Accidentally in Love" by Counting Crows is sure to make any wedding feel extra special. The lyrics are incredibly romantic and heartfelt for a song that was created solely for Shrek 2. From lines about falling deeply in love with someone at first sight to expressing joy at being in the presence of your special someone, this song perfectly captures the feeling of love.


If you're looking for a great wedding song from the 2000s, look no further — Accidently in Love by Counting Crows should definitely be at the top of your list!



5. Florence + The Machine - You’ve Got The Love

If you want to make the end of your wedding a memorable one, "You’ve Got The Love" by Florence + The Machine is the perfect pick. This classic from the 2000s has all the ingredients for an unforgettable end of the night.


So don’t wait – put this track on your request list and watch the good times roll! It will certainly be a night to remember.


So there you have it - the top wedding songs from the 2000s! From pop songs to hip-hop, we hope this list has inspired you to get your groove on at your wedding. A special shout-out goes to all those couples out there who made these tunes a part of their big day. Now just add a sprinkling of confetti and you're ready to boogie all night long!


Happy wedding planning!


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