Recommended Western ballad songs for weddings and receptions: moving classics and popular hits, both old and new.

Ode To My FamilyThe Cranberries

The Cranberries – Ode To My Family (Official Music Video)

Ode To My Family, sung by The Cranberries’ charismatic female vocalist Dolores O’Riordan, is a gentle, heartwarming ballad in which she expresses her feelings for her family.

Formed in 1989, The Cranberries are an Irish rock band that has released numerous hit songs—such as the classic Dreams, the acoustic Linger, and the heavy-sounding Zombie—and has sold over 38 million albums, making them a hugely popular band.

My LoveWestlife

Westlife – My Love (Coast to Coast)

“My Love,” a song by Westlife, an Irish vocal group from Ireland, is an elegant ballad that beautifully expresses feelings for a beloved person through poetic lyrics.

The track appears on the album “Coast to Coast” and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in November 2000.

Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (Official Music Video)

A gem of a love song that gently sings of the wonder of eternal love.

It’s a single from the British artist Ed Sheeran’s 2014 June album “×.” With a warm gaze upon two people growing old together as time passes, it paints the unchanging depth of their love.

The music video, memorable for its graceful dance scenes with American dancer Brittany Cherry, was completed after Sheeran practiced for three weeks.

At the 58th Annual Grammy Awards in 2016, it won Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.

It was also used as an insert song in the film “Me Before You,” and is cherished as a wedding staple.

It’s a track that will make the days spent with your loved one shine even brighter.

Kiss MeSixpence None The Richer

Sixpence None The Richer – Kiss Me (She’s All That official music video)

Released in 1997, “Kiss Me” is a signature song by the American rock band Sixpence None the Richer—a neo-acoustic pure love song.

The sweet, adorable voice of female vocalist Leigh Nash makes it irresistibly charming.

If you play it for the bride and groom’s entrance at a wedding or reception, it will surely fill the entire venue with a warm, cheerful atmosphere.

Love On TopBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Love On Top (Official Video)

This is a gem of an up-tempo R&B song that sings of gratitude and happiness for a loved one.

Released by Beyoncé in September 2011, the track weaves in musical elements from the 1980s throughout, elevating them into a sweeping love song.

As the song progresses, it modulates four times, and its exhilarating melody and powerful vocals captivate the listener from start to finish.

Issued as a single from the album “4,” it won hearts around the world and earned the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance.

Still beloved by many couples today, it’s a perfect choice to play on special days with someone you cherish—such as proposals or wedding anniversaries.