Motown combines elements of jazz with R&B to create a unique rhythmic gospel sound that has given us so many hits to look back on. With an upbeat tempo perfect for dancing, Motown songs are perfect to cheer guests up at your wedding reception.
You can sprinkle Motown songs all over your playlist or mix it up with jazz and soul numbers for a vintage playlist. For a classic vibe at your wedding reception, Motown artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Four Tops, and Lionel Richie can cast a spell.
Let’s take a look at the most amazing Motown songs to play at your wedding reception to get everyone’s blood pumping.
Motown music has an evergreen sound with relatable and beautiful lyrics that everyone can enjoy at a wedding. Here are our top choices for a wedding reception.
Part of the 1970 album “Marvin Gaye And Tammi Terrell's Greatest Hits”, “You’re All I Need To Get By,” is a timeless masterpiece. This powerhouse duo has great chemistry, and it’s clearly audible on this track.
The lyrics are tender and sweet, and the narrator proclaims that their partner is enough for them and that they feel the inevitable tug of destiny. This song is a grand declaration of love where both narrators make a lot of promises.
You can even consider it for your first dance or just dedicate this song to your partner.
With sweet lyrics and an upbeat tempo, this song has a way of making you feel good instantly as it comes on. We have all had someone in our life who can give us happiness even on the darkest day.
David Ruffin’s amazing vocals lend this song a smooth harmony that goes wonderfully with the blend of R&B, gospel and pop that is this song. You can feel the joy reverberating through you as you listen to this timeless piece.
One of Van Morrison's best songs and hands down his most successful jazz composition, “Moondance,” will have all your guests dancing.
The song is all about the first flush of romance and how wonderful it feels to want someone. What makes it special is the beautiful composition. It has the most amazing soprano sax solo that’s the cherry on top of an already delicious cake.
It’s the sunshine of a song. Vance Morrison has a clear, seductive voice that’s spell-binding. It’s a perfect song to add to a vintage wedding playlist.
Stevie Wonder is undoubtedly the most famous name in Motown. So, it’s really not a surprise he double-features on our list.
Undoubtedly, one of Stevie Wonder’s best songs, “I Just Called To Say I Love You,” is a beautiful song. It’s one of those songs that everyone knows and enjoys. A timeless composition that lives on as one of music's best.
It reminds us that showing love towards our partner doesn’t require a special occasion. Sometimes, we just want to give voice to all the care and love we feel towards them and let them know.
Jackson 5’s fourth nationwide single ever released, “I’ll Be There,” proved the Jackson brothers' crazy talent. It was especially fantastic how Michael Jackson, who was just shy of twelve years old at the time, delivered an empathetic and mature performance.
It’s a song about endless support, promising, “Where there is love, I’ll be there.” It’s a song that you can dedicate to your partner to make them feel extra-special and looked after.
It’s a sweet love song, perfect for a slow dance.
A Rhythms & Souls interpretation of Billy Joel’s “Just The Way You Are,” this song was an instant classic. It’s one of Barry White’s most successful songs, and it’s still marvellous to listen to. The song has aged gracefully.
The lyrics are simple and can be condensed into the title of the song. The narrator is requesting his partner not to try to change herself for his benefit. He loves her and her familiar ways.
Such unconditional acceptance is everyone’s dream when it comes to love and marriage.
Undoubtedly the best Motown girls group of all time, The Supremes feature wonderful talent. “You Can’t Hurry Love” is a fun song backed by some serious vocals and exceptional composition.
The narrator is tired of her lonely days and wants to find love to share her life with someone. However, she has been made aware that love takes time and will arrive when it’s ready to arrive.
A cheerful, upbeat song to get your guests on their feet and moving, shaking, and dancing.
The King of Motown, Lionel Richie, has to be featured on a list of Motown wedding songs.
“All Night Long” topped the Billboard chart and stayed at number 01 for 4 weeks. His vocals are effortless, and the lyrics are very unserious. The song is mostly about how it’s the night to party and dance away.
Though not very romantic, it will bring any party alive with its upbeat notes and catchy tune. Having a live wedding band perform it will make the song even more magical.
Another lovely Stevie Wonder song that’s a timeless classic. The title means my darling or sweetheart in French. It’s a tale of unrequited love but quite a joyful one at that.
With lyrics like “you’re the only one my heart beats for,” you can say it’s a bit corny but absolutely adorable. Stevie’s vocal prowess shines through in this song, and the composition is beautiful and wholesome.
It’s romantic and perfect for a slow dance.
This soulful, sweet, joyful track is one of the best pieces of Motown music to date. The Four Tops were a well-seasoned band by the time they got to recording this song.
With piano and bass starting off the music and impressive sax solos making up the composition of this song, it’s catchy and has you dancing. Although the lyrics are full of sweet nicknames and the music is playful and light, it’s about a guy madly in love.
It’s a sweet tale of longing and madness that’s perfect for your wedding reception.
Motown songs are perfect to set a cheerful mood for your wedding reception. It’s a wonderful style of music that is playful and captures the best of rhythm and pop.
With amazing Motown artists contributing to this sub-genre of music, there’s really no shortage of songs to choose from. We went through the discography of the most acclaimed artists to compile our list of the 10 best hits.
However, to really make the music come alive, there’s no alternative to having live musicians perform. UK Live Entertainment has a selection of talented and promising wedding musicians from which you can choose.
