Photo:Getty
Getty
Esther Lee, deputy editor of The Knot, tells PEOPLE that the recent release of two major Elvis-related films,ElvisandPriscilla, has likely contributed to the “All Shook Up” singer being included on couples' wedding playlists. For theElvisbiopic, country music starKacey Musgravesrecorded an emotional version of the timeless song.
Elvis Presley.Getty Images
Getty Images
“Beyond that, the lyrics and musical composition of the song, which was released in November 1961 [as part of] Presley’sBlue Hawaiialbum, remain timelessly romantic for couples who want to convey the sentiment of falling — and staying — in love,” Lee notes.
Behind “Perfect,“Taylor Swifttook the No. 3 spot on the list with “Lover,” off her 2019 album of the same name.
“Calling all Swifties!” Lee says. “If there’s anything we learned about the power of fandom this year, it’s that followers of an artist will pull their favorite songs into special occasions, be it a milestone birthday party, engagement moment and, of course, the first dance. Music is a powerful way to connect with the senses and one that speaks to pop culture history.”
Swift has beeneverywherethis year — most notably, traveling the world for her Eras Tour and cheering on boyfriendTravis Kelceat NFL stadiums across the country — so it’s no surprise that couples had her on their mind when choosing their first dance song.
Taylor Swift.Lisa Lake/TAS23/Getty
Lisa Lake/TAS23/Getty
“If we reflect on this past year, we’ve seen Taylor Swift experience breakout professional and personal successes. Naturally, fans continued to include her chromatic song ‘Lover’ on their wedding playlists, including one to commemorate their first dance,” Lee tells PEOPLE.
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Chris Stapleton.Emma McIntyre/Getty
Emma McIntyre/Getty
According to The Knot, couples continue to make music a key part of their weddings. Forty-four percent of couples surveyed in the Real Weddings Study said they incorporated unique musical choices into their ceremony, including bagpipes and rock music.
A last dance is a growing trend. The survey found that 26 percent of couples savored one final turn on the dance floor together after all of their guests had left the venue.
DJs also remain a popular choice. More than 70 percent of brides and grooms hired a DJ to spin their wedding playlist, while 13 percent brought in a live band.
The Knot’s 2023 Real Weddings Study captured responses from 9,318 U.S. couples married between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2023.
To help bring their weddings to life — including the music — couples can useThe Knot Vendor Marketplaceto find and connect with DJs and live bands, as well as all types of other vendors.Additionally, entries for The Knot’s second annualWin a Weddingare open, which covers the cost of up to 10 U.S. vendors and up to $50,000 for weddings taking place between March 28 and March 28, with entries open now until Feb. 28.
source: people.com
