Are you having a hard time finding music to fill out your wedding playlist? If so, consider an alternative path and go the classical route. Classical music, that is.
For those already familiar with The Piano Guys, you know their classical performances of iconic songs like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” have transformed those pieces of music into something ethereal and timeless.
With eight chart-topping classical albums and recording contracts with Disney, The Piano Guys are a force on the classical music scene. And with a discography spanning ten years, they have a piece of music for every occasion.
Now you might be thinking ten years is a lot of music, but don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite Piano Guys wedding songs, so give it a read; we’re sure you’ll find at least one piece you’ll love.
“Just the Way You Are” – The Piano Guys
Not to be confused with the popular Billy Joel song by the same name, though you should definitely consider that one for your wedding song playlist, too; this cover is of the popular Bruno Mars song.
This beautiful song about a man absolutely and completely in adoring love with a woman makes this a great first dance. The lyrics themselves are beautiful and heaven-sent, but without them, this gentle piano ballad’s wonderful and familiar music really stands out.
Imagine using this song for your first dance, gazing into each other’s eyes, and just getting lost in one another. A song like this, without lyrics, really lets your love shine through, and your family and friends will be able to see that plain as day. Choose this song for your first dance to let everyone see how much you love one another.
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” – The Piano Guys
If you’re not an 80s rock person, you might not think “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns & Roses belongs on your wedding playlist. But what about a classical reimagining played on the piano and cello as a lullaby?
The Piano Guys have said it themselves their version of this song is a father-daughter dance song for weddings. It embodies the nearly overwhelming and complex tide of emotions a father or really any parent might feel on that proud day.
The piano starts gently but is eventually joined by the cello. The two instruments seem to dance through the piece as the music soars and swells beautifully, making this an excellent choice for your father-daughter dance!
But don’t let us tell you what to do. The beauty part of classical music is that with no lyrics, the song can be whatever you think it should be: bridal march, processional, recessional, or just playing softly as your guests arrive. Choose this song and put it wherever you want on your playlist.
“Someone You Loved” – The Piano Guys
Who says the music video is dead? Known as much for their music videos as they are for their famous reimaginings, this is another excellent Piano Guys tune. The song and its video tell the story of two lovers facing a long separation and their faith, devotion, and yearning for one another.
While stories like this are more about lovers being apart than together, they speak to the enduring nature of love and its power to sustain us through just about any hardship.
A gentle piano ballad, “Someone You Loved,” is an ideal piece for your bridal march.
“A Thousand Years” – The Piano Guys
Already a popular choice for weddings, thanks to Christina Perri and Twilight, The Piano Guys take this song to a whole new level. The piano trips and trickles beautifully through this piece, and the cello grows throughout until the two instruments come to the swelling crescendo that the group is famous for. Consider this classical rendition of “A Thousand Years” for your bridal march.
And don’t forget to thank Pianist Jon Schmidt’s daughter if you do; she was the one who suggested they cover it.
“Bless the Broken Road” – The Piano Guys
This is one of the songs I was talking about earlier. The song has beautiful sentiments with themes of optimism, love’s perseverance, and how good can come from bad. But maybe we don’t want to be reminded of the bad stuff on our wedding day.
If you like the emotion behind songs like “Bless the Broken Road” but are iffy on the lyrics, these Piano Guys cover is perfect for you. Like many of the songs on this list, the reimagining is a piano ballad, tender and stirring, the perfect kind of song for a bride and groom to sway and back forth to during a first dance.
“What Makes You Beautiful” – The Piano Guys
No cello in this cover, just an upbeat reimagining of the One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful.” Most of the songs on this list have been traditional, downtempo love songs suitable for slow dances or the bridal march. Upbeat and cheerful, we recommend this one for your recessional.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” – The Piano Guys
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” has been covered repeatedly since its initial release by Elvis Presley in 1961. Listen to any version, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a great song and was listed as one of the greatest songs ever by Rolling Stone magazine in 2012.
Another of the more upbeat songs on this list, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” could serve for an uptempo first dance or a cheerful, fun song to play as your guest file in before the wedding starts. Either way, we recommend adding this excellent cover to your list.
“Perfect” – The Piano Guy
Would it be a bit much to say that “Perfect” is the perfect ballad to play for your first dance because, well, it is.
Written to celebrate the love and fidelity Ed Sheeran has for his wife Cherry Seaborn, “Perfect” was already achingly beautiful. Rendered as a piano ballad, warmth and tenderness comes through as the cover flows beautifully from note to note. Swaying back and forth to this for your first dance, as you gaze lovingly into one another’s eyes, you’re sure to make your guest tear up just a little.
But don’t take my word for it; give it a listen and see for yourself and then choose it for your first dance.
“Over the Rainbow” – The Piano Guys
I wonder, when Harold Arlen wrote “Over the Rainbow” for The Wizard of Oz nearly 100 years ago, if he had any idea that he’d created an enduring piece of music that would have worldwide appeal across generations and cultures?
Perhaps it’s the simplicity and imagery of the song or the optimistic nature of the lyrics. Whatever it is, “Over the Rainbow” is a classic. The Piano Guys’ iteration is filled with such warmth and love that you have to consider adding it to your wedding playlist.
“First Dance” – The Piano Guys
John Schmidt has said this song is about the emotions a father feels for his daughter as he watches her go through many firsts. The love, the pride, perhaps tinged with a bit of sadness as her growing independence takes her further from him, but ultimately joy at the woman she becomes.
Whether you use it for your first dance or not, this piano-focused ballad about the love a father has for his daughter is stirring and gentle. Consider it for your first dance, father-daughter dance, bridal march, or recessional.
“Me & My Cello (Happy Together)” – The Piano Guys
Originally recorded in 1967 pop hit “Happy Together” is one of the most unassuming yet enduring love songs of the late 20th century. In addition to topping the charts way back when it’s been played in numerous films and television shows, making it iconic, so of course, The Piano Guys covered it.
Now the title isn’t exactly romantic, but this jaunty classical cover of “Happy Together” is fun, upbeat, and familiar. A light, upbeat song is exactly what you need for your recessional. The familiar tune is immediately recognizable and will put a smile on your guests’ faces as they exit for your reception or cocktail hour.
“You’ll Be in My Heart” – The Piano Guys
Popular in the 80s & 90s, Phill Collins is that performer that no one talks about, but if you say his name, everyone smiles and reminisces about how much they love his music. So, of course, The Piano Guys had to cover one of his songs.
Beautiful and timeless this cover has a sweeping, romantic nature to it. The sentiment and pacing make it an excellent first dance wedding song, but you can use it for just about any part of your wedding playlist.
