Are these popular 2023 wedding song cursed?

groom and groom having first dance

Research from wedding entertainment providers Function Central shows couples are taking risks choosing songs for their weddings with shockingly high divorce rates.

Function Central used existing data on the songs most likely to end in divorce to see whether couples were still taking risks by adding these songs to their upcoming nuptials. This data was then cross-referenced against existing wedding playlists of engaged couples to see whether couples were still choosing these songs for their weddings. The results were concerning for any superstitious couples worried about whether certain tracks were deemed bad luck for long lasting marriages.

The data found that Perfect by Ed Sheeran was the most popular song which has a high divorce rate, being added to at least 132 weddings this year and with a 42% divorce rate. Other risky songs still in favour include Can't Help Falling in Love With You by Elvis Presley and Everything by Michael Buble.
On the contrary, some wedding songs with a high success rate for happy marriages are being overlooked by engaged couples. Can You Feel the Love Tonight by Elton John was voted the top track for a happy marriage, with a 77% success rate, yet no couples had this on their wedding playlists for this year. Your Song by Elton John was one popular choice for weddings this year which has a positive 64% chance of a happy marriage.

Take a look at the top happy marriage and divorce songs below, alongside how many couples were planning to use these songs in their weddings for 2023...

couple having first dance outside surrounded by wedding guests

How popular are these divorce-risk wedding songs?
Rank | Artist | Song | Divorce Rate| Wedding Playlist Count 2023
1 One Direction - Little Things - 75% - 0
2 Jason Mraz - I'm Yours - 61% - 32
3 Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars - 56% - 0
4 Birdy - Skinny Love - 54% - 0
5 Randy Newman - You've Got a Friend In Me - 52% - 0
6 John Mayer - Free Fallin' - 49% - 0
7 Michael Buble - Everything - 49% - 72
8 John Legend - Stay With You - 49% - 0
9 Elvis Presley - Can't Help Falling in Love - 49% - 69
10 Ed Sheeran - Perfect - 42% - 137

couple dancing at wedding in blue suit and wedding dress

How popular are these happy marriage songs?
Rank | Artist | Song | Happy Rate | Wedding Playlist Count 2023
1 Elton John - Can You Feel the Love Tonight - 77% - 0
2 Stevie Wonder - Isn't She Lovely - 75% - 0
3 Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight - 74% - 46
4 Lea Salonga & Brad - Kane A Whole New World - 71% - 0
5 Etta James - At Last - 71% - 37
6 Westlife - You Are So Beautiful (To Me) - 70% - 0
7 Phil Collins - You'll Be In My Heart - 70% - 0
8 Aerosmith - I Don't Want to Miss a Thing - 69% - 43
9 Elton John - Your Song - 64% - 57
10 Jack Johnson - Better Together - 64% - 46

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