Photo Courtesy Capture Cleveland Photography
While you don’t need to have an anniversary dance as part of your reception, it is a great way to honor grandparents or older relatives who may not get out on the dance floor otherwise.
If you’re not familiar with the anniversary dance, it normally begins with all married couples on the dance floor. The DJ will ask couples to leave depending on how long they’ve been married, e.g., less than one day, less than one year, less than five years, etc., until one couple remains who has been married the longest.
Many couples give a prize to the pair and/or take a picture with them.
Most anniversary dance songs focus on a theme of lifelong love. Check out our picks below for some of the best selections.
1. The Beatles — “When I’m Sixty-Four”
Released in 1967 on the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, “When I’m Sixty-Four” is as sweet today as it was 50 years ago – even if the remaining Beatles are older than 64 now!
2. 98 Degrees — “I Do (Cherish You)”
This 1998 hit by the boy band is also a popular first dance song. However, its theme of lifelong love is also perfect for an anniversary dance song!
3. Ben. E. King — “Stand By Me”
There are more than 400 recorded versions of this song, but Ben E. King was the original in 1961. In 2015, the Library of Congress inducted the song into the National Recording Registry.
4. Frank Sinatra — “The Best Is Yet To Come”
Originally recorded by Tony Bennett, the most popular version of this song is Frank Sinatra’s in 1964. “The Best is Yet to Come” is the last song Sinatra ever sang in public, and the words are etched on his tombstone in Cathedral City, California.
5. Kelly Clarkson — “A Moment Like This”
“American Idol” Winner Kelly Clarkson sang this song when she won the contest in 2002. It went on to become the best-selling U.S. single that year.
6. Dooley Wilson — “As Time Goes By”
Written in 1931 by Herman Hupfeld, this song was made popular in 1943 with the movie “Casablanca” when the character Sam, played by Dooley Wilson, sang it in the most famous gin joint.
7. Andy Williams — “Anniversary Song”
What we know as “Anniversary Song” actually started out as “Waves of the Danube,” a famous Romanian tune. It was given the name “Anniversary Song” when it was adapted in the United States by Al Jolson and Saul Chaplin. We at SPE enjoy the Andy Williams version, although there are many out there.
8. Adam Sandler — “I Wanna Grow Old With You”
Introduced in “The Wedding Singer,” this song is beautiful in its simplicity. The movie, released in 1998, has become a cult classic.
9. Randy Travis — “Forever and Ever, Amen”
“Forever and Ever, Amen” was Randy Travis’ third No. 1 single. Released in 1987, this country ballad is popular for both anniversary and first dances.
10. Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie — “Endless Love”
Released for the movie of the same name in 1981, “Endless Love” was the best-selling single of that year in the United States. The movie was somewhat less popular.
To discuss the songs you’d like to hear at your wedding, contact Sound Precision Entertainment at (216) 870-4513 or scott@spedj.com.
