Deborah Chan
Music is an integral part of a wedding reception, from the grand entrance of the newlyweds to the first dance and the cutting of the cake. The right songs can make the night memorable and inspire uninhibited dancing. Couples may choose to include a mix of genres, such as country, classic rock, pop, and romantic ballads, or even Broadway tunes and funny songs. Some popular wedding reception songs include Dancing Queen, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Mr. Brightside, Perfect, A Thousand Years, Uptown Funk, and Bye Bye Bye.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Country, Soulful Ballads, High-Tempo Hits, Classical, Pop, Rock, R&B, Broadway |
| Mood | Romantic, Energetic, Fun, Sentimental |
| Tempo | Upbeat, Slow |
| Lyrics | Sentimental, About Love, Trying to Live in the Present |
| Artist | Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, H.E.R., Daniel Caesar, Christina Perri, The Killers, Florida, Pitbull, Icona Pop, Charli XCX, Willie Jones, Paramore, *NSYNC, Maroon 5, Fun, Janelle Monáe, David Guetta, Nicki Minaj, Flo Rida, Wham!, Bruno Mars, Pharrell Williams |
| Song | Dancing Queen, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Shake It Off, Perfect, Everybody (Backstreet's Back), I Gotta Feeling, I've Had the Time of My Life, Uptown Funk, Can't Stop the Feeling, Titanium, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Theme Song, Macarena, Cha Cha Slide, Lover, Best Part, A Thousand Years, Mr. Brightside, Don't Stop Believing, Sweet Caroline, Amazed, Thinking Out Loud, Low (Ft. T-Pain), Fireball (feat. John Ryan), I Love It (feat. Charli XCX), Something to Dance To, This Is Why, Bye Bye Bye, CUFF IT, Moves Like Jagger, We Are Young, Where Them Girls At, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Happy |
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What You'll Learn
Entrance songs
The entrance song at a wedding is a key moment, as it's the first time the couple will be introduced as newlyweds. It's a chance to get everyone excited and in the mood to celebrate. The song should be upbeat, romantic, and energetic, and perhaps even a little cheeky!
DJ and MC Tony Winyard suggests choosing a song that has special meaning to the couple, whether it's from a film they love or reminds them of a particular time in their lives. It could be something that represents them as a couple, or a song that guests will recognise and can sing along to.
Some popular entrance songs include:
- "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars
- "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
- "Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera
- "We Are Young" by Fun ft. Janelle Monae
- "Dancing Queen"
- "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
- "I Gotta Feeling"
- "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
- "CUFF IT" by Beyoncé
- "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
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Dance songs
When it comes to dance songs for a wedding reception, there are plenty of options to choose from, depending on your style preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Classic Dance Songs
Some classic dance songs that are often played at weddings include "Dancing Queen" and "I Wanna Dance With Somebody." These songs are likely to be familiar to your guests and can bring people of all ages to the dance floor. Other popular choices include "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars, "Happy" by Pharrell Williams, and "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham!. These songs are sure to put your guests in a cheerful mood and get them moving.
Romantic Dance Songs
If you want to create a romantic atmosphere on the dance floor, consider songs like "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, or "Thinking Out Loud." These songs are perfect for slow dancing and can add a touch of sentimentality to your reception. "Best Part" by H.E.R. & Daniel Caesar is another romantic song that has become a wedding staple in recent years.
Fun and Upbeat Dance Songs
For something more lighthearted and fun, try "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)," "I Gotta Feeling," or "Shake It Off." These songs are sure to get your guests moving and grooving. "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers is another popular choice that often makes an appearance at weddings. "CUFF IT" by Beyoncé is a fun and slightly raunchy song about falling in love, perfect for getting your guests in the party mood.
Broadway Tunes
If you want to add a unique twist to your wedding reception, consider incorporating some Broadway tunes into your dance song selection. Songs like "Sunrise, Sunset" from "Fiddler on the Roof," "Someone Like You" from "Jekyll and Hyde", and "One Hand, One Heart" from "West Side Story" can make your wedding memorable and entertaining.
Remember, the key is to choose songs that resonate with you and your partner and reflect your style. These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg, and you can tailor your wedding reception dance songs to match your unique taste!
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Country songs
Country music is a style well suited for weddings, with its heartfelt ballads, classic hits, and modern chart-toppers. The genre's soulful and moving songs are perfect for romantic moments, like the first dance, while upbeat country tunes are great for keeping the energy high and the dance floor packed.
For a classic country feel, you can't go wrong with timeless country icons like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and John Denver. Their songs are sure to have guests of all ages singing along and creating a true country celebration atmosphere. Some specific song suggestions include:
- "Jolene" by Dolly Parton
- "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash
- "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver
- "On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson
If you're looking for more modern country hits, consider artists like Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, and Luke Combs. These artists bring a fresh sound to the country genre while still offering sentimental and romantic songs. Some of their popular wedding choices include:
- "Speechless" by Dan + Shay
- "Tequila" by Dan + Shay
- "10,000 Hours" by Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber
- "Body Like a Back Road" by Sam Hunt
- "Meant to Be" by Bebe Rexha ft. Florida Georgia Line
- "H.O.L.Y." by Florida Georgia Line
For a mix of old and new, Taylor Swift is a great choice, offering both early-day country-pop hits and modern chart-toppers. Other artists that can provide a range of styles include Keith Urban, with soulful and moving songs, and Dolly Parton, who has a mix of classic and modern hits.
When it comes to wedding receptions, country music is a sure way to liven up the party and get all ages out on the dance floor. Whether you lean into classic country or embrace the modern, there are plenty of options to make your wedding a memorable country celebration.
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Broadway tunes
"I'll Cover You" from Rent: This Broadway love song and duet from the musical Rent have sweet lyrics about doing anything for the person you love. It's a great choice for a wedding as it captures the feeling of starting a new adventure with your partner.
"One Hand, One Heart" from West Side Story: This song from the classic musical West Side Story is a romantic choice for a wedding. The lyrics speak of making vows and staying together forever, making it a meaningful choice for a couple's first dance.
"As Long as You're Mine" from Wicked: This sultry duet from Wicked is a beautiful choice for a first dance or slow dance. The lyrics speak of being true to yourself and embracing the moment, making it a unique and romantic option for a wedding.
"A Heart Full of Love" from Les Misérables: This Disney classic, which later found a home on Broadway, is a favourite for weddings. Whether you choose the movie or musical version, the instrumental or the lyrics, it's a unique and emotional choice for a wedding processional or first dance.
"You Matter to Me" from Waitress: This emotional ballad by Sara Bareilles is a beautiful choice for a wedding. It's perfect for a first dance, with its poignant lyrics and gorgeous melody.
"Sunday" from Sunday in the Park with George: This song from the musical by Stephen Sondheim is a breathtaking choice for a wedding. The harmonies are sure to evoke emotions and create a memorable moment during the ceremony or first dance.
These Broadway tunes will add a theatrical touch to your wedding reception and are sure to be memorable for you and your guests.
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Exit songs
The wedding recessional song, or exit song, is an important part of the ceremony as it sets the tone for the party that follows. Couples are increasingly choosing to make their exit unique and memorable, with personalised touches such as fireworks, sparklers, and confetti. The right exit song will have your guests dancing in the aisles and cheering you on as you make your grand departure.
If you're looking for a fun and upbeat exit song, there are plenty of options to choose from. "Hey Ya" by Outkast and "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas are sure to get your guests grooving. For a more classic approach, you can't go wrong with a timeless hit by The Beatles or Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered". "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole is another popular choice that will leave your guests feeling joyful.
For a more dramatic exit, consider a movie-ending closer like Arcade Fire's "Wake Up". If you're feeling sentimental, "10,000 Hours" by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber is a romantic ballad that debuted at Justin and Hailey Bieber's wedding in 2019. "Tonight Tonight" by Smashing Pumpkins is another emotional choice, perfect for couples wanting to declare their love for one another.
If you're looking for something more unique, "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers is an unusual yet upbeat choice. Alternatively, "Better Together" by Jack Johnson is a mellow option, perfect for a chilled, summer wedding with a boho vibe.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many great songs to play at a wedding reception. Some popular choices include:
- "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
- "Ho Hey" by the Lumineers
- "Better Together" by Jack Johnson
- "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson
- "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars
- "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
- "Love on Top" by Beyoncé
If you're looking for something a little more unique, you could try a Broadway tune or a funny wedding song like "Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera. You could also choose a song that has special meaning to you and your partner, such as a song from a film you both love or a song that reminds you of a holiday you took together.
Some romantic songs to play during the wedding reception include:
- "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
- "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
- "At Last" by Etta James
- "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
- "Best Part" by H.E.R. & Daniel Caesar
