Wedding Reception Songs: 120 Hits For Your Wedding Party (2024)

Choosing your wedding reception songs can be a tricky process. You want to choose songs that you like, but you want your guests to like them too. You want to create a playlist that’s unique and noticeable, but you also want to deliver music that people are familiar with and can dance to.
These concepts seem to contradict each other. It seems hard but with our guidance and a few samples, you’ll find that perfect balance.

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Wedding Reception Songs: 120 Hits For Your Wedding Party (1)

Brides Often Ask

How Many Songs Do You Need for a Wedding Reception?

What Songs Do You Need For a Wedding Reception Playlist

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  • Fun Songs For Wedding Reception
  • Love Songs For Wedding Reception
  • Classic Wedding Reception Songs
  • Popular Pop Wedding Reception Songs
  • Best Oldies for a Wedding Reception
  • Top Country Wedding Reception Songs

What music will you have at your reception?

Anonymous quiz

  • A DJ playing fun, danceable songs
  • The coolest playlist completed by me and my fiance
  • My best friends band jamming out their hits
  • A professional wedding band

Vote to see results

What music will you have at your reception?

The coolest playlist completed by me and my fiance

34.76 %

My best friends band jamming out their hits

2.90 %

A professional wedding band

4.98 %

Voted : 863

Fun Wedding Songs for Wedding Reception

Regardless of how many obscure songs end up on your wedding reception songs list, including a few upbeat familiar hits is always a good idea. Everybody wants to dance at your wedding but coaxing those first few couples to shake their nerves is sometimes a little bit of a stubborn process. Choosing a few wedding songs from this fun list gets toes tapping and encourages couples to hit the floor.

  1. Somebody Like You – Keith Urban
  2. Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRock
  3. Celebration – Kool & The Gang
  4. Feel So Close – Calvin Harris
  5. Best Day Of My Life – American Authors
  6. Dance With Me Tonight – Olly Murs
  7. She Looks So Perfect – 5 Seconds of Summer
  8. Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera
  9. This Is What It Feels Like – Armin van Buuren ft. Trevor Guthrie
  10. Get The Party Started – Pink
  11. Good Feeling – Flo Rida
  12. Rock Your Body – Justin Timberlake
  13. I’m Gonna Be – The Proclaimers
  14. Super Bass – Nicki Minaj
  15. All About That Bass – Meghan Trainor
  16. Me Too – Meghan Trainor
  17. Chained To The Rhythm – Katy Perry
  18. Popular Song – MIKA ft. Ariana Grande
  19. This Is How We Do – Katy Perry
  20. Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen

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Love Songs For Wedding Reception

No list of good wedding reception songs would be complete without a few love ballads. These are a few reliable go-to songs that are perfect for first dances, father and bride, or just a moment of romance for the entire crowd. There’s really no such thing as too many love songs at a wedding, so feel free to get greedy with this category.

  1. I Will Follow You Into The Dark – Death Cab for Cutie
  2. Magic – Coldplay
  3. I Found Love (Cindy’s Song) – BeBe Winans
  4. I Do (Cherish You) – 98º
  5. Tonight I Celebrate My Love – Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack
  6. Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars
  7. Fly Me To The Moon (live in Paris) – Diana Krall
  8. Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Katharine McPhee
  9. A Whole New World – Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle
  10. Before I Fall in Love – CoCo Lee
  11. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You – Rod Stewart
  12. L.O.V.E. – Michael Buble
  13. The Power Of Love – Celine Dion
  14. This I Promise You – NSYNC
  15. Truly Madly Deeply – Savage Garden
  16. The Moment – Kenny G
  17. The Wedding Song – Kenny G
  18. Autumn Leaves – Paula Cole
  19. Let Me Love You – Mario
  20. Dilemma – Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland

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Classic Wedding Reception Songs

Save to Wedding Reception Songs: 120 Hits For Your Wedding Party (4)

There are a few traditional wedding reception songs that you’re naturally going to second guess because they’re so cliche. Well, they’re cliche for a reason. For one reason or another, this particular category of wedding reception music strikes a chord with the crowd. Maybe it’s the lyrics, maybe it’s the music, or maybe it’s a sweet tradition that’s been passed down the generations. Whatever the reasons, these songs are great choices for your reception playlist.

  1. Here and Now – Luther Vandross
  2. As Time Goes By – Dooley Wilson
  3. Crazy Love – Van Morrison
  4. Grow Old With Me – Mary Chapin Carpenter
  5. Never Too Much – Luther Vandross
  6. La Vie en Rose – Edith Piaf
  7. Stand by Me – Ben E. King
  8. The Best Is Yet to Come – Frank Sinatra
  9. Up Where We Belong – Joe co*cker and Jennifer Warnes
  10. You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
  11. You’re My Best Friend – Queen
  12. My Girl – The Temptations
  13. Respect – Aretha Franklin
  14. Last Dance – 1978
  15. Superstition – Stevie Wonder
  16. Crazy – Gnarls Barkley
  17. California Dreaming – The Mamas and the Papas
  18. Ain’t No Stopping Us Now – McFadden & Whitehead
  19. Great Balls Of Fire – Jerry Lee LewisWhat’d I Say – Ray Charles

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Popular Pop Wedding Reception Songs

New wedding songs can be complicated if you have multiple generations at your wedding reception. Don’t feel bad. At all. It’s perfectly fine to choose a few top-40 singles or even a few that haven’t hit the radio just yet. The only rule is that have to know enough to the younger crowd that they’re on their feet and enjoy wedding receptions dances. The older couples can sit this one out. Pop music may come and go quickly, but your top wedding reception songs will be today’s hits.

  1. I Gotta Feeling – The Black Eyed Peas
  2. Can’t Stop the Feeling! – Justin Timberlake
  3. Ice Cream – Mika
  4. Somebody That I Used To Know – Gotye
  5. We Are Young – Fun
  6. Paradise – Coldplay
  7. A Sky Full Of Stars – Coldplay
  8. Marry You – Bruno Mars
  9. Safe And Sound – Capital Cities
  10. This Is What You Came For – Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna
  11. Get Lucky – Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams
  12. Let’s Shut Up & Dance – Jason Derulo, LAY, NCT 127
  13. Sugar – Maroon 5
  14. Last Friday Night – Katy Perry
  15. Shake It Off – Taylor Swift
  16. Can’t Feel My Face – Weeknd
  17. This is How We Do It – Montell Jordan
  18. Better Together – Jack Johnson
  19. Mi Gente – J Balvin, Willy William
  20. Taki Taki – DJ Snake

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Best Oldies for a Wedding Reception

After Cardi B has had her turn, it’s time for a few wedding party songs that cater to mom and dad’s generation. You can’t go wrong with a few classic crooners or some boot-tapping country wedding songs. This category is nice because there are both fast and slow songs to dance to and everyone is at least a little bit familiar. Listen to a few of these by yourself and you may not fully appreciate it. But, play them in front of a crowd and you quickly agree that these are some of the best wedding reception songs out there.

  1. Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
  2. You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins
  3. No Matter What – Calum Scott
  4. Mama’s Hand – Queen Naija
  5. You Are Loved – Josh Groban
  6. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
  7. Can I Have This Dance – Anne Murray
  8. Ain’t That a Kick in the Head – Dean Martin
  9. You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman – Aretha Franklin
  10. Dancing Queen – ABBA
  11. Gimme, Gimme, Gimme! – ABBA
  12. Uptown Girl – Billy Joel
  13. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
  14. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli
  15. September – Earth, Wind & Fire
  16. Forever Young – Rod Stewart
  17. Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder
  18. Bust a Move – Young MC
  19. Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees
  20. I’ve Got You Under My Skin – Frank Sinatra

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Top Country Wedding Reception Songs

There are some great classic country songs, but even top-40 radio stations are playing the current country these days. It’s a growing segment of music that’s managed to cross a lot of genres. Some are stereotypically sad, but there are more than enough good times and dance tunes to set the party off.

  1. Keeper of the Stars – Tracy Byrd
  2. Amazed – Lonestar
  3. Bless the Broken Road – Rascal Flatts
  4. Hey Pretty Girl – Kip Moore
  5. Meanwhile Back At Mama’s – Tim McGraw
  6. Speak to a Girl – Tim McGraw ft. Faith Hill
  7. Forever and For Always – Shania Twain
  8. When You Kiss Me – Shania Twain
  9. Copperhead Road – Steve Earle
  10. I Need You – LeAnn Rimes
  11. She’s Everything – Brad Paisley
  12. I Hope You Dance – Leann Womack
  13. My little girl – Tim McGraw
  14. Daddy’s Angel – Anthony Carter
  15. I Loved Her First – Heartland
  16. Through the Years – Kenny Rogers
  17. My Wish – Rascal Flatts
  18. Boot Scootin’ Boogie – Brooks & Dunn
  19. Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker
  20. Country Girl (Shake It For Me) – Luke Bryan

The best way to approach songs for wedding dinner choices is diversity. Instead of picking 100% songs that you love, make sure to sprinkle in some wedding standards and a few classics for other generations.

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Wedding Reception Songs: 120 Hits For Your Wedding Party (2024)

FAQs

Wedding Reception Songs: 120 Hits For Your Wedding Party? ›

Choosing a few wedding songs from this fun list gets toes tapping and encourages couples to hit the floor.
  • Somebody Like You – Keith Urban.
  • Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO ft. ...
  • Celebration – Kool & The Gang.
  • Feel So Close – Calvin Harris.
  • Best Day Of My Life – American Authors.
  • Dance With Me Tonight – Olly Murs.
May 7, 2022

What are some good songs to play at a wedding reception? ›

Top 50 Wedding Reception Songs
  • Don't Stop Believin'Journey.
  • I Gotta FeelingBlack Eyed Peas.
  • Billie JeanMichael Jackson.
  • Marry YouBruno Mars.
  • Hey Ya! Outkast.
  • Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)Beyoncé
  • Dancing QueenABBA.
  • I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)Whitney Houston.

How many songs should I have for my wedding reception? ›

How Many Songs Should You Pick? A good rule of thumb is 15 songs per hour. 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 song should the wedding party walk into? ›

Best Wedding Party Entrance Songs
  1. 1. " Can't Stop the Feeling," by Justin Timberlake. ...
  2. 2. " 24K Magic," by Bruno Mars. ...
  3. 3. " I Gotta Feeling," by Black Eyed Peas. ...
  4. 4. " Feel This Moment," by Pitbull ft. ...
  5. 5. " Without You," by David Guetta ft. ...
  6. 6. " Forever," by Chris Brown. ...
  7. 7. " Uptown Funk," by Bruno Mars. ...
  8. 8. "

What is the number 1 wedding song? ›

The Most Popular Wedding Songs
  • "All of Me" by John Legend.
  • "Marry You" by Bruno Mars.
  • "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran.
  • "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri.
  • "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers.
  • "Marry Me" by Train.
  • "Lucky" by Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat.
  • "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne.

What song gets everyone to the dance floor? ›

We've included songs like “Everybody” by the Backstreet Boys, “Rock Your Body” by Justin Timberlake, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins, “Stop” by Spice Girls, “Hey Ya” by Outkast, “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars and more!

What song do bridesmaids walk down the aisle to? ›

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 you arrange music for a wedding reception? ›

Tips for Creating the Perfect Reception Playlist
  1. If you're making the set list on your own, make sure to include PLENTY of music. ...
  2. Add a mix of genres. ...
  3. Play 1 slow song for every 5 fast songs. ...
  4. Avoid any overly-negative or non-romantic songs. ...
  5. Listen to your entire playlist. ...
  6. Stay true to your musical tastes.

How many songs does a band typically play at a wedding? ›

With each song averaging about 4 minutes, you can safely assume there will be about 7 to 10 songs played in one set.

What parts of wedding need music? ›

Tennessee, Alabama and Missouri's Leading Wedding Resource
  • Processional. The processional song is played while the wedding party enters the ceremony. ...
  • Bridal Processional. ...
  • Recessional. ...
  • Reception Entrance. ...
  • First Dance. ...
  • Father/Daughter Dance. ...
  • Mother/Son Dance. ...
  • The Party-Starter.
Aug 3, 2017

How does the wedding party walk out? ›

Bridesmaids and ushers walk in pairs (if there are uneven numbers, the odd person can walk alone, or two maids or groomsmen can walk together). The maid or matron of honor walks alone. The ring bearer walks alone, followed by the flower girl, or the children can walk together.

What is the number one wedding song of 2021? ›

A Thousand Years

What is the number one wedding song for 2020? ›

A poll by event specialists Chillisauce has revealed the most popular wedding songs for the ceremony and reception. 'A Thousand Years' by Christina Perri was found to be the top ceremony song, and 'Perfect' by Ed Sheeran topped the list of reception first dance songs.

What songs should you not play at a wedding? ›

50 Songs To Avoid On Your Wedding Day
  • 50 songs you should never play at your wedding – unless you're a hardcore connoisseur of irony! ...
  • You Give Love a Bad Name – Bon Jovi.
  • You're So Vain – Carly Simon.
  • Fake Love – Drake.
  • Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley. ...
  • Mother In Law – Ernie K-Doe.
  • All My Exes Live in Texas – George Strait.
Feb 14, 2022

What is the most danceable song? ›

Top 100 Dance Songs of All Time
  • Y.M.C.A. –•– The Village People.
  • Night Fever –•– Bee Gees.
  • Dancing Queen –•– ABBA.
  • I'm So Excited –•– The Pointer Sisters.
  • We Are Family –•– Sister Sledge.
  • The Hustle –•– Van McCoy.
  • I Will Survive –•– Gloria Gaynor.
  • Thank You (Falettin Me Be Mice Elf Agin) –•– Sly & The Family Stone.

What are the top 10 party songs? ›

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)”
May 1, 2022

What is the most upbeat song ever? ›

These are the 10 finest pick-you-ups the world can offer, according to Alba's research and Jolij's analysis.
  • "I'm a Believer" by the Monkees. ...
  • "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper. ...
  • "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi. ...
  • "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. ...
  • "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves.
Sep 21, 2016

Do the bridesmaids walk down the aisle to the same song as the bride? ›

Wedding music commences, either a separate song for the Bridesmaids to enter and a different song for the Bride. Alternatively, the entire wedding party can use just one song. Groom, Best Man and Groomsmen are standing up front facing towards the seated guests. The Usher leads the Groom's mother to her seat.

What song does ring bearer walk to? ›

ISREAL KAMAKAWIWO'OLE – SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW. FOREST GUMP – FEATHER THEME.

What songs do the groomsmen walk out to? ›

Best Intro Songs For Groomsmen:
  • Rascal Flatts – Me & My Gang.
  • Queen – We Will Rock You.
  • Justin Timberlake – SexyBack.
  • Black Eyed Peas – Let's Get It Started.
  • Usher ft Lil Jon and Ludacris – Yeah!
  • Rick Ross – Hustlin'
  • Talking Heads – Burning Down The House.
  • Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger.
May 9, 2022

How many songs are played at a wedding ceremony? ›

Most civil ceremonies will have: One song during the processional (walk down the aisle / bridal entrance) Three songs during the signing of the register. One song during the recessional (exit of the married couple)

What dances are popular at weddings? ›

Most Famous Wedding Line Dances of All Time
  • Cupid Shuffle. ...
  • Cha Cha Slide. ...
  • Electric Slide. ...
  • The Wobble. ...
  • Y.M.C.A. ...
  • The Chicken Dance. ...
  • Cotton Eyed Joe. ...
  • Old Town Road.
Mar 24, 2022

How many slow songs should be played at a wedding? ›

Something to keep in mind is that too many slow songs can bring down the mood of a wedding reception. A good rule of thumb is to have one slow song for every five fast songs. Guests typically need a rest from dancing after about 20-30 minutes, which equals about five fast songs.

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