The Most Requested Wedding Reception Songs

Get the Party Started: Your Ultimate Guide to the Most Requested Wedding Reception Songs

Your wedding reception is where the celebration truly kicks into high gear, and the soundtrack is absolutely crucial for creating an unforgettable atmosphere. From getting guests onto the dance floor to those heartwarming sing-alongs, the right music sets the tone for a night of joy and memories. Wondering which tunes are tried-and-true favorites? You’ve come to the right place!

Choosing the perfect music to underscore your wedding day is a deeply personal endeavor, yet certain melodies have consistently resonated with couples across generations. While your unique love story deserves its own anthem, understanding the most requested wedding songs can offer inspiration and a touchstone for crafting your own unforgettable playlist.

Guaranteed Crowd-Pleasers:

  • “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” Whitney Houston (Why This Song? Lea Palmieri notes it’s the #1 added song to Spotify wedding playlists – a feel-good anthem about dancing with loved ones.)
  • “September,” Earth, Wind & Fire ( A “bulletproof classic” for the dance floor with an infectious groove.)
  • “Respect,” Aretha Franklin
  • “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Journey ( Often the iconic last song of the night, prompting one final burst of energy and a collective sing-along.)
  • “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” Stevie Wonder
  • “Brown Eyed Girl,” Van Morrison
  • “Higher Ground,” Stevie Wonder
  • “Sir Duke,” Stevie Wonder
  • “Dancing Queen,” Abba
  • “Let’s Dance,” David Bowie
  • “December, 1963 (Oh What a Night),” Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
  • “Sweet Caroline,” Neil Diamond (Its sing-along charm and crescendo make it a beloved wedding reception classic.)
  • “Dreams,” Fleetwood Mac
  • “Jolene,” Dolly Parton
  • “Tell Me Something Good,” Rufus, Chaka Khan
  • “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher,” Jackie Wilson
  • “You Make My Dreams (Come True),” Hall & Oates (Often used for energetic reception entrances and a guaranteed mood-lifter.)
  • “Kiss,” Prince (A “fun party-starter” with an irresistible funk.)
  • “You Can Call Me Al,” Paul Simon
  • “Come and Get Your Love,” Redbone
  • “Time After Time,” Cyndi Lauper
  • “Rock Lobster,” The B-52’s
  • “Golden Years,” David Bowie
  • “Cha Cha Slide (Original Live Platinum Band Mix),” DJ Casper
  • “Lean On Me,” Bill Withers (Often a meaningful final song, encouraging connection and support.)

Modern Hits:

  • “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter
  • “Lover,” Taylor Swift
  • “Move On Up,” Curtis Mayfield
  • “Modern Love,” David Bowie
  • “Once in a Lifetime,” Talking Heads
  • “Happy,” Pharrell Williams (It simply puts everyone in a good mood.)
  • “Party in the U.S.A.,” Miley Cyrus
  • “Shape of You,” Ed Sheeran
  • “Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift
  • “Rolling in the Deep,” Adele
  • “You’ve Got the Love,” Florence + The Machine
  • “Beautiful,” Snoop Dogg feat. Pharrell Williams and Charlie Wilson
  • “Can’t Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton),” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
  • “Mr. Brightside,” The Killers
  • “Ho Hey,” The Lumineers
  • “Home,” Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
  • “Cosmic Girl,” Jamiroquai
  • “Hey Ya!,” Outcast
  • “Valerie (feat. Amy Winehouse),” Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse
  • “Pony,” Ginuwine
  • “In My Mind,” Dyrono & Gigi D’Agostino
  • “I Gotta Feeling,” Black Eyed Peas ( Iconic lyrics set the tone for a fantastic night.)
  • “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” Justin Timberlake
  • “SexyBack,” Justin Timberlake feat. Timbaland
  • “One More Time,” Daft Punk (A perfect high-energy final anthem.)
  • “Something Just Like This,” The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
  • “Closer,” The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey
  • “One Kiss (with Dua Lipa),” Calvin Harris
  • “Shut Up and Dance,” Walk The Moon
  • “D.A.N.C.E.,” Justice
  • “Break My Soul,” Beyoncé
  • “About Damn Time,” Lizzo
  • “Cold Heart” (PNAU Remix), Elton John and Dua Lipa
  • “Blinding Lights,” The Weeknd
  • “Levitating,” Dua Lipa
  • “Kiss Me More,” Doja Cat feat. SZA
  • “Big Energy,” Latto
  • “Juice,” Lizzo
  • “Higher Love,” Kygo and Whitney Houston
  • “Gimme Gimme—Club Mix,”
  • “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God),” Kate Hill
  • “Love You Better,” Alex Preston
  • “Rasputin,” Boney M., Majestic Remix (“TikTok dance moment” appeal.)
  • “Havana (feat. Young Thug),” Camila Cabello
  • “The Middle,” Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey

Timeless Slow Dances & Sentimental Favorites (Often Requested):

  • “Let’s Stay Together,” Al Green
  • “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” Marvin Gaye (original), also James Taylor (cover)
  • “The Way You Look Tonight,” Frank Sinatra
  • “Somewhere Beyond the Sea,” Bobby Darin
  • “L-O-V-E,” Nat King Cole
  • “I Only Have Eyes for You,” The Flamingos
  • “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World,” Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
  • “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Elvis Presley
  • “You Send Me,” Sam Cooke
  • “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” Otis Redding
  • “The Best Is Yet to Come,” Frank Sinatra and Count Basie
  • “At Last,” Etta James
  • “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” Natalie Cole
  • “Your Song,” Elton John

The Everlasting First Dance:

For the pivotal first dance, couples often gravitate towards songs that encapsulate romance and intimacy.

  • Etta James – “At Last”
  • Van Morrison – “Crazy Love”
  • Elvis Presley – “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
  • John Legend – “All of Me”

Tips for Crafting Your Reception Playlist:

  • Start early: Begin thinking about your music selections well in advance of your wedding day.
  • Don’t underestimate instrumentals: Elegant instrumental pieces can add a touch of sophistication to the ceremony and cocktail hour.
  • Listen Together: Make the process a fun activity by listening to songs together and noting which ones resonate with you as a couple and bring back special memories.
  • Consider the Flow: Think about the different stages of your reception. You might want more upbeat music for the initial dancing, slower songs for dinner, and high-energy anthems for the late-night party.
  • Think About Your Guests (A Little): While your preferences are paramount, including some songs that appeal to a range of ages can help keep the dance floor lively.
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Be Unique: While this list is a great starting point, don’t hesitate to include songs that are deeply personal to your relationship, even if they aren’t mainstream wedding hits.
  • Communicate Clearly: Share your “must-play” and “do-not-play” lists with your DJ or band well in advance. Trust their expertise to read the room, but ensure they understand your key preferences.

Ultimately, the music at your wedding reception should be a reflection of your joy and your journey as a couple. Use this list as inspiration, explore these incredible tracks, and most importantly, choose the songs that make you want to dance the night away!

By incorporating these suggestions, the article becomes not just a list, but a more engaging and helpful guide for couples navigating their wedding reception music choices.