The Best Wedding Songs for Your Reception 

Ready to really get the party started? If you’re like me and my friends, the dance floor is the highlight of the night, and Nick has tips for getting your guests out there – and staying there all night long!

First, talk with your DJ about the kinds of music you want to hear. “The music doesn’t have to be a typical playlist of Top 40s if that’s not what you want!” says Nick. “We work with couples to make sure the playlists are reflective of their tastes.” 

Secondly, give your DJ an idea of what your guest list looks like so they can tailor the playlist to your crew. “Since there are often guests of all ages, we like to cater the song list to appeal to many generations,” explains Nick. This usually involves sprinkling in some more “classic” dance songs, especially toward the beginning of the reception.

You can also work with your DJ to create a “do not play” list if there are songs or genres you specifically want to exclude. (For example, some couples do not want any “group” songs like the Macarena or Cotton-Eyed Joe.) 

And what about requests from guests? “We always make sure that couples are okay with us taking requests,” says Nick. “Sometimes guests can come up to us and let us know, and other times it’s easier to communicate via a request sheet. We let guests know that we will do our best to play their requests, but we can’t guarantee it…This is especially helpful when people request songs that are on the couple’s ‘Do Not Play’ List! Ultimately, we want to make sure our couples are happy with the music!”

The Best Wedding Songs – Reception Hits: 

1. Runaround Sue (Nick suggests this is great for the beginning of the night) – Dion DiMucci and The Belmonts
2. Staying Alive or You Should Be Dancing – Bee Gees
3. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers
4. I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
5. Yeah! – Usher
6. Mr. Brightside – The Killer
7. We Found Love – Rihanna, Calvin Harris 
8. You Makes My Dreams – Hall and Oates
9. Starships – Nikki Minaj (the last five are especially popular toward the end of the night, says Nick)

First Dance Songs

When choosing your first dance song, many couples choose a specific song or artist that has meaning to them. (Perhaps it’s “your song” or the first concert you went to together, etc.) If you don’t have a specific song in mind, Nick suggests narrowing in on a genre that you both like, and sampling some songs from there. (He’s also happy to make suggestions!) 

One tip: be sure to read through the lyrics and ensure the song is wedding-appropriate! And know that your first dance doesn’t have to be the full length of a song; you can work with your DJ to find a good place to fade it out if you’re done! 

First Dance Song Suggestions: 

1. Crazy Love – Van Morrison
2. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
3. All of Me – John Legend
4. Nothing Can Change This Love – Sam Cooke
5. At Last – Etta James

Traditional Parent Dances: Father Daughter Dance Songs & Mother Son Dance Songs

Many couples choose to honor their parents through a dedicated dance (ex. Mother/Son, Father/Daughter dance). This can be a very special moment! Similar to your first dance, please note that you don’t have to play the full song if you don’t feel comfortable being the center of attention for that long. Another option is to do one combined parent dance where each partner dances with their parent. That’s what we did at my wedding, and it was nice to have a special moment without it taking up too much time away from the reception. (We danced to “In My Life” by the Beatles) 

The Best Wedding Songs For Parent Dances: 

1. I Hope You Dance – Leann Womack
2. Simple Man – Lynyrd Skynyrd
3. My Wish – Rascal Flatts 
4. Father and Daughter – Paul Simon 
5. Daughters – John Mayer
6. Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle

Last Dance Songs

Real talk: I don’t think couples think about this moment enough! It’s common to give a lot of thought to your first song, but how you close the night can also be a core memory. “Think about what you want the vibe of the last song to be: Do you want it to be an upbeat song that everyone can sing to? Something dancy? A slow song?” says Nick. Can’t choose? “We’ve had a few couples choose to do a last group song for everyone to enjoy, and then have a final, private last dance.” 

The Best Wedding Songs for Your Last Dance:

1. When Love Takes Over – David Guetta, Kelly Rowland
2. Last Dance – Donna Summer
3.  (I’ve Had) the Time of My Life – Bill Medley, Jennifer Warner
4. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
5. Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader