Jun 1, 20224 min
Creating a playlist for a wedding can be a challenging task. You want your guests to dance, but not everyone likes every type of music - or even every tempo of the music. Finding the right balance of dance songs to slow songs to keep the party flowing smoothly is not easy. Hiring a DJ or band is great because they have most likely seen it all. However, if you decide to go the playlist route, here are a few songs you may want to include (and some to avoid) to make sure your reception is a party your guests will never forget!
Let’s get this party started! It is tradition for the bride and groom to have a first dance before the reception really gets going. You can choreograph a routine with your spouse or just sway gently while gazing into each other’s eyes. Pick a song that reflects your relationship and journey you are embarking on together.
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
At Last – Etta James
All of Me – John Legend
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Make You Feel My Love – Bob Dylan/Billy Joel/Garth Brooks/Adele
Everything – Michael Buble
Better Together – Jack Johnson
Lucky – Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
Crazy Love – Van Morrison
How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
Marry You – Bruno Mars
The Way You Look Tonight – Tony Bennett/Frank Sinatra
Then – Brad Paisley
Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
You Are So Beautiful – Joe Cocker
L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole
You and Me – Lifehouse
My Best Friend – Tim McGraw
Bring on the tissues! The father/daughter dance is one that seems to get all the wedding guests all choked up! There are so many wonderful songs about the love between a father and his daughter. Find the perfect one that encapsulates your relationship with you and your dad.
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole & Natalie King Cole
You’ll be in my hHeart - Phil Collins
Love me Now - John Legend
I hope you Dance - Lee Ann Wommack
Humble and Kind - Tim McGraw
It Won’t be like this for Long - Darrius Rucker
I Loved her First - Heartland
Fathers and Daughters - Michael Bolton
Isn’t she Lovely - Stevie Wonder
Fathers and Daughters - Paul Simon
Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlise
Wind Beneath my Wings - Bette Midler
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Dance with my Father - Luther Vandross
Perfect - Ed Shereen
Your Song - Elton John
Thank you - Dido
In my Life - The Beatles
I’ll Stand by you - The Pretenders
Lullabye (Goodnight my angel) - Billy Joel
The groom and his mother should have their moment in the spotlight, too. Sometimes finding the right song to celebrate their relationship can be tricky, so here are a few songs that showcase the special bond between moms and their sons.
You are my Sunshine - Chris Stapleton
The First Lady in my Life - Paul Todd
Beautiful Boy - John Lennon
Wildflowers - Tom Petty
My mother’s Eyes - Frankie Valli
I’ll be There - Jackson Five
You are the Sunshine of my Life - Stevie Wonder
Rainbow Connection - The Muppets
He Gets that From me - Reba McEntire
Just the Way you are - Billy Joel
Because you Loved me - Celine Dion
Close to you - The Carpenters
Home - Jack Johnson
Over the Rainbow - Israel “IZ” kamakawiwo’ole
Do I Make you Proud - Taylor Hicks
Hero - Mariah Carrey
Mama’s Song - Carrie Underwood
Have I told you Lately - Van Morrison
Don’t Blink - Kenny Chesney
How Sweet it is (to be Loved by you) - James Taylor
Your reception is a party - a celebration! So have some fun! Here are 20 great dance songs that will show off your guests’ dance moves - both young and old!
Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
Shake it off - Taylor Swift
Raise your Glass - P!nk
Celebration - Kool & the Gang
Stain’ Alive - Bee Gees
September - Earth, Wind & Fire
Livin’ on a Prayer - Bon Jovi
Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Don’t Stop Believing - Journey
Friends in Low Places - Garth Brooks
Country Girl (shake if for me) - Luke Bryan
Chicken Fried - Zac Brown Band
Sugar - Maroon 5
Levitating (feat. DaBaby) - Dua Lipa
Wannabe - Spice Girls
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Footloose - Kenny Loggins
You Shook me all Night Long - AC/DC
Cotton Eyed Joe - Rednex
Whether they have been overplayed at nauseum or contain some inappropriate lyrics, or just have a downer vibe, these songs may be best to avoid at your reception.
Baby got Back - Sir Mix a Lot
Locomotion - Little Eva
Single Ladies - Beyonce
I will Survive - Gloria Ganer
Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke
Who Let the Dogs Out - Baha Men
All my exes live in Texas - George Strait
Love Stinks - J. Geils Band
GoldDigger - Kanye West
My Humps - Black Eyed Peas
Before he Cheats - Carrie Underwood
Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Hey Ya - OutKast
White Wedding - Billy Idol
Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) - Big and Rich
Honky Tonk Badonkadonk - Trace Adkins
Watch Me (Nae, Nae) - Silento
Hot in Here - Nelly
Hello - Adele
I Touch Myself - Divinyls
Here are 10 Songs almost guaranteed to get everyone out on the dance floor!
We are Family - Sister Sledge
Cha Cha Slide - DJ Casper
The Macarena - Los Del Rio
Shout - Otis Day and the Knights
YMCA - Village People
Boot Scootin Boogie - Brooks and Dunn
Love Shack - B52’s
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
Chicken Dance - The Tweets
Cupid Shuffle - Cupid
No matter what songs you choose (or choose not to have) at your reception, make sure you have fun! You just got married! It’s time to celebrate!