These Wedding Reception Songs Will Get the Party Started (2024)

When planning a wedding, the dress, venue, flowers, and food are all important, but nothing makes or breaks a reception like the music. Whether you choose a band, DJ, or make a playlist yourself, with guests of all ages and preferences it can be hard to make sure everyone's enjoying themselves on the dance floor. Worrying about whether the music is good is the last thing anyone wants to do on their wedding day so we've selected the best songs for a wedding that will make sure everyone gets up out of their seat, hits the dance floor and has the time of their lives.

“My Girl” by The Temptations

This classic tune is something wedding guests young and old will be excited to dance to.

"Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

The opening beat of this jam is like a siren song; even guests who don't normally dance will be out on the floor by the time Mars hits "Don't believe me, just watch!"

“Stay With Me” by Sam Smith

A romantic power ballad is a great opportunity to let guests catch their breath and bring it in with a slow dance.

“You’re the One that I Want” from Grease

Prepare to witness some Sandy and Zuko-like moves– nothing inspires great dancing like Grease.

“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz

You want songs that are filled with love on your wedding day, Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" is sweet without being overly corny.

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston

There's nothing quite like an 80's dance floor hit — and no one did those better than the late-great Whitney Houston.

“Marry Me” by Train

A lot of people use this song as their first dance, but even if you've already chosen something else it's a great way to incorporate a ballad into the mix.

“You and Me” by Dave Mathews Band

Dave Mathews is universally liked by all ages and his song "You and Me" is perfect score for a slow dance on your big day.

“Best Day of my Life” by American Authors

It is the best day of your life and you deserve to belt it out to the "Best Day of my Life".

“Could It Be I’m Falling in Love” by The Spinners

No one will want to leave the dance floor when this soulful classic comes on.

“Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John

Does anyone really know the words to this classic tune? No. But everyone always has an amazing time singing their best guesses.

"You Make My Dreams" by Hall and Oates

There's no better time to serenade your significant other with "you make my dreams come true" than on a wedding dance floor.

“Still Falling For You” by Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding delivers a romantic dance song that's full of slow moments and anticipated build ups– the perfect song to give people a break without having the dance floor lose steam.

"Love Me Now" by John Legend

Sorry Sinatra–John Legend is the new voice of romance and the perfect addition to any wedding.

"Come on Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners

An oldie, but goodie. "Come on Eileen" is known by every age group and will have everyone from your grandmother to your niece singing in unison.

“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

No reasonable millennial can sit still when "Mr Brightside" comes on– the song by The Killers has been called this generation's version of "Stairway to Heaven".

"Body Moves" by DNCE

Appropriately titled, with it's upbeat rhythm and Joe Jonas on vocals, this song makes it impossible to stay still.

"Footloose" by Kenny Loggins

Kevin Bacon inspired a whole town to dance in the classic 80's movie this song comes from and we guarantee its theme will do the same for your wedding guests.

"The Cure" by Lady Gaga

Pop anthems like Lady Gaga's "The Cure"will ensure that no one wants to miss a minute of boogying.

"Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran has released some of the most romantic ballads and love songs of this generation, but his dancehall-inspired "Shape of You" is the best for cutting a rug.

"Dancing in the Moonlight" by Toplander

Don't forget to keep everyone dancing by mixing in some upbeat oldies.

"CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!" by Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake has been churning out catchy songs to the world since his days in N'Sync, but "CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!" proves he's got the uptempo wedding jam down pat.

"September" by Earth, Wind, & Fire

If you have a wedding reception and nobody plays "September," did you really have a wedding reception at all?

"Wake Me Up" by Avicii

Whether you're on the dance floor or not, "Wake Me Up" will have you singing along.

"Stay" by Zedd & Alessia Cara

A great song to get everyone moving—and the lyrics are PG for the younger set.

“Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie

It's never a bad idea to slow it down and remind everyone of your endless love at the end of the night.

These Wedding Reception Songs Will Get the Party Started (2024)

FAQs

What is a good song to start a wedding reception? ›

"Uptown Funk" - Mark Ronson feat.

Seemingly out of nowhere, "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars became one of the top wedding reception dance party songs, with many couples and wedding parties even choreographing dances to it for their entrance!

What is the number one requested wedding song? ›

Top 200 Requested Wedding Dance Floor Songs:
1Whitney HoustonI Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
25Bruno MarsMarry You
26Van MorrisonBrown Eyed Girl
27Elvis PresleyCan't Help Falling In Love
28Ed SheeranPerfect
152 more rows

What song should the wedding party walk into? ›

For the younger ceremony stars, like the ring bearer or the flower girl, you can play a classic, sweet song like "Over the Rainbow," and for the groomsmen and bridesmaids' first walk, a fun, upbeat track like Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" will properly kick things off.

How do I choose a wedding reception entrance song? ›

If you want to create an upbeat and energetic atmosphere, choose a song with a fast tempo. Alternatively, if you want to create a more romantic and intimate atmosphere, go for a slower tempo. Lastly, practice your entrance with the song beforehand.

What songs do you need for a reception? ›

The Best Wedding Reception Songs—According to the Experts
  • "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire.
  • "This Is How We Do It" by Montell Jordan.
  • "Sugar" by Maroon 5.
  • "Shout" by The Isley Brothers.
  • "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder.
  • "Kiss" by Prince.
  • "Higher Love" by Kygo & Whitney Houston.
  • "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd.
Aug 10, 2023

What is a grand entrance song? ›

At a wedding reception, the Grand Entrance (also known as a Grand March) is one of the highest energy parts of the event. The song that you walk in to helps set the tone for the evening, so think of fun, upbeat songs.

How many songs do you need for a wedding reception? ›

A typical wedding reception will see about 3 hours of dancing after dinner and all the formalities are over. That is just 45 songs.

What is the number one most requested song? ›

RankArtistSong Title
1Whitney HoustonI Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
2ABBADancing Queen
3The KillersMr. Brightside
4Earth, Wind and FireSeptember
154 more rows

What's the most popular wedding first dance song? ›

Most Popular First Dance Songs
  1. 1 At Last – Etta James. ...
  2. 2 Can't Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley. ...
  3. 3 Baby I'm Yours – Arctic Monkeys. ...
  4. 4 Let's Stay Together – Al Green. ...
  5. 5 Just You And I – Tom Walker. ...
  6. 6 Stand By Me – Ben E King. ...
  7. 7 A Thousand Years – Christina Perri. ...
  8. 8 Your Song – Elton John.
Feb 19, 2024

Do grooms get an entrance song? ›

Absolutely! While the bride often gets the spotlight, the groom can certainly have a designated wedding song. It could be a song that holds sentimental value for both of you or reflects your shared tastes.

Do grooms have an entrance song? ›

It requires careful consideration, vibe, and of course the song's artist and lyrics. Our best advice is to get the groom involved, songs often selected by our grooms are typically ones that have a strong emotional or personal connection to have he feels for his bride, and what she means to him.

How long should wedding reception entrance music be? ›

The average song is 3 minutes long. It can take 20 seconds for a couple to prepare and get from the entrance to their seats or the dance floor. As you increase the number of introductions, add on another song.

Does wedding party walk down the aisle to the same song? ›

I have had couples who choose the same song for the Groomsmen walk, the Bridesmaids walk, and Flower Girl/ Ring Bearer walk, and I have had others that choose a different song for each walk. It is really what you and your fiance prefer.

What type of music is played at a wedding reception? ›

While it may be normal to play light jazz or standards, there is no rule that you must follow that trend. If you love acoustic artists, they make a great soundtrack to the mingling of your guests.

What is the best song to walk out to? ›

Top Walkout Songs for Corporate Events
  • Stronger – Kanye West.
  • High Hopes – Panic! At The Disco.
  • Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac.
  • Sweet Dreams – Eurythmics.
  • Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes.
  • Power – Kanye West.
  • HUMBLE – Kendrick Lamar.
  • Truth Hurts – Lizzo.
Feb 6, 2024

How do you pick a grand entrance song? ›

While it's important to keep the guest list in mind when making your decision, it's paramount to pick something that stays true to you and your new spouse. The idea is to choose a fun, upbeat song that will kick off the celebration.

What is the best song to start a dance party? ›

Top 20 Party Songs
  • Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars- “Uptown Funk” ...
  • Pharrell Williams-“Happy” ...
  • Bon Jovi-“Livin' On A Prayer” ...
  • Usher ft. Lil Jon and Ludacris-“Yeah!” ...
  • Journey- “Don't Stop Believin'” ...
  • Beyonce- “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It” ...
  • House of Pain- “Jump Around” ...
  • Silento- “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)”
Apr 24, 2024

What is the grand entrance at a wedding reception? ›

A wedding grand entrance typically happens at the start of the reception. This is when you and your partner are announced and introduced to your guests as an "officially" married couple. It's common for couples to allow their wedding party members to make their entrances first, so they act as the grand finale.

Who has the best walkout song? ›

Top Walkout Songs for Corporate Events
  • Stronger – Kanye West.
  • High Hopes – Panic! At The Disco.
  • Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac.
  • Sweet Dreams – Eurythmics.
  • Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes.
  • Power – Kanye West.
  • HUMBLE – Kendrick Lamar.
  • Truth Hurts – Lizzo.
Feb 6, 2024

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