When it comes to selecting wedding dance songs, your guests should enjoy them and feel connected with them. But not all songs are created equal.
A great DJ knows exactly the type of music their audience prefers and will tailor their performance accordingly. So whether you need romantic first dance songs or high-energy tunes that will get your party moving, here are a few songs guaranteed to make your reception unforgettable!
1. ” Footloose ” by Kenny Loggins
If your wedding includes dancing, consider starting the reception off right by playing some upbeat dance songs such as those found in “Footloose,” which was an immense hit during the mid ’80s and has inspired an entire generation of high schoolers.
“Footloose” may have an upbeat sound, but its lyrics also convey deeper themes about finding true love. This song makes a perfect way to introduce guests to the idea of long-term commitment through marriage; plus its catchy melody is easy for all ages to dance to!
FootLoose is an energetic contra dance band, drawing inspiration from Celtic, Quebecois, southern old time and jazz music. Their debut CD includes traditional and modern waltzes, hambos, schottisches and zwiefachers; while their performances showcase tight arrangements as well as solid improvisations in different styles, tempos, textures and styles.
2. ” Gangnam Style ” by Psy
Psy revolutionized how people danced and enjoyed music with his hit single, “Gangnam Style,” becoming an instant classic that quickly propelled him to global stardom.
This tune is a clever satire of Gangnam district of Seoul. It pokes fun at its lifestyle that many associate with Gangnam district and it has resonated internationally.
Although at first glance the lyrics may seem childishly irreverent, they’re actually very thought-provoking. According to scholar Max Fisher, PSY “does not just criticize an allegedly luxurious lifestyle; he questions its capitalistic underpinnings as well.”
This song and video have amassed more than 4.7 billion views on YouTube and continues to gain fans daily, inspiring parodies, covers, workout routines and even workout programs! Don’t make any errors at your wedding with such a classic K-Pop dance number as your wedding dance song choice.
3. ” The Locomotion ” by Little Eva
Little Eva is one of the best-known American singers, best remembered for her 1962 hit single, “The Locomotion.” It remains popular today and remains an ideal dance music wedding song choice.
Carole King and Gerry Goffin wrote an upbeat song called “Up and Dance!,” encouraging listeners to get up and move! Its catchy lyrics detail a train journey across several states while inviting listeners to join in the fun!
Little Eva made her initial version, however it has also been recorded by Grand Funk Railroad and Kylie Minogue; both versions reached the Top 5 charts and continue to remain popular today.
4. ” The Electric Slide ” by The Beatles
The Electric Slide is a classic wedding dance tune and line dance that has long been associated with wedding celebrations. Easy and engaging for guests of any age to learn, the Electric Slide makes for a fantastic way to get everyone up on their feet and dancing at your event!
This song first released in 1981 is still as beloved today, making learning its steps sure to get your guests dancing on the floor! Here, you can learn them to dance along to it.
This song showcases The Beatles’ incredible versatility by featuring several instruments – acoustic and electric guitar, bass, drums and more! John Lennon and Paul McCartney each played guitar on it while George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Ringo Starr all contributed bass playing or drumming skills respectively – offering The Beatles an opportunity to show their abilities across many instruments within one song!
5. ” We Are Family
If you’re searching for ways to add music into your wedding ceremony, look no further than your cultural heritage. From songs that were especially meaningful for your grandmother or associated with specific traditions in your culture, music can add even more meaning and personalization to this milestone day.
“We Are Family” by The Beatles is an iconic love song that many will recognize from their past. Perfect for any reception playlist and sure to get everyone dancing!
6. ” YMCA ” by The Beatles
The Beatles revolutionized music in 1960, and their songs continue to be performed today. Their sound blended elements from classical music with 1950s rock ‘n’ roll for songs with great depth in both lyrics and musicality.
They had an enormous effect on dance music, with many iconic tracks from their career becoming staples on wedding playlists – some being performed for decades while others only recently making an impressionful statement.
“YMCA” is one of the best-known Beatles songs, and for good reason! This catchy tune will have everyone at your wedding singing along. Make sure that this track makes an appearance during both your first dance with your new partner as well as in your recessional at the end of the night.
7. ” I Wanna Dance With Somebody ” by Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston is an excellent choice when selecting songs to set the mood of your reception or liven up a dance floor – her “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” being one of her best known tracks and an absolute must for your wedding playlist!
Kasi Lemmons’ I Wanna Dance With Somebody attempts to portray Whitney Houston without glossing over any of her most tragic moments, yet often condenses events and timelines of her life into one picture.
8. ” Crank That ” by Soulja Boy
“Crank That” is an iconic song, perfect for wedding receptions to get people moving.
Soulja Boy is an iconic rapper from Batesville, Mississippi who began making music as soon as he turned 16. Born in Atlanta and relocated to Batesville when he was 16, Soulja has since released six studio albums of music since.
Rapper Lil Wayne was among the pioneering artists to use social media and YouTube to market his music. His “Crank That” video attracted millions of views, which helped establish him as an Internet phenomenon.
Soulja Boy has maintained his relevance within rap music despite significant industry shifts. His ability to capitalize on trends is what’s propelled his longstanding popularity; unlike many musicians who coast by on social media fame alone, he knows how to craft great tunes.
9. ” I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch’s “I Can’t Help Myself” makes an excellent selection to use as the entrance and exit song at your dance music wedding reception. With lyrics that both encourage hopefulness and remind one to look back with fondness, “I Can’t Help Myself” will surely have your guests singing along and dancing along to this timeless love classic.
As part of your ceremony processional or recessional music selection, consider choosing something slow and romantic, such as this timeless ballad by Etta James with its violin orchestration and emotive lyrics – it will certainly set the mood perfectly!
Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Motown makes for another touching processional or recessional song option; its lyrics promise long-term commitment between two people who love each other – making this romantic wedding song ideal for new couples.
10. ” Can’t Help Falling in Love” by The Beatles
If you’re in search of timeless classic, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by The Beatles will remain popular through time – making it ideal for wedding ceremonies.
This charming and romantic song makes an excellent first dance or exit song choice, with emotive lyrics that will have your guests singing along all night long. With its beautiful vocals and memorable refrain, its unforgettable tune will leave a lasting impression with guests singing along all evening long!
This track may not be as engaging, but it still makes for a fantastic choice of dance music for weddings. No matter the age of your guests, they will likely enjoy this tune and want to get up and dance the night away!