Being a DJ almost exclusively hired for wedding receptions for the past decade I have witnessed various song trends; seeing what is commonly requested and which song choices make a night memorable for each stage of the night. The list has been compiled to serve as a guide or give a general idea of the songs you want at each special moment to provide the sound and more importantly, the feel you want.
Entry of the Groomsmen and the Bridal Party
The songs chosen for the introduction and entry of both parties signify the real start to your night and set the tone for what is to come. Commonly songs chosen for the entry of each party are big, fun, upbeat and serve as your grand entrance - think the spectacle of a WWE wrestlers entrance without the testosterone. Great examples include:
Beyoncé - Crazy In Love
Black Eyed Peas - Lets Get it Started
Bruno Mars - Marry You
Chris Brown - Forever
Florence and the Machine - Dog Days are Over
Kool & The Gang - Celebration
Michael Jackson - The Way You Make Me Feel
U2 - Beautiful Day
If you wish to have your own song as a Bride and Groom, try to find a song that represents you and your partner best. If for example you two are heavily into 80’s rock, ACDC - Thunderstruck could be a perfect fit. Additionally, your song should be a higher tempo than that of the Groomsmen and Bridal party as you two are the big event.
The Cutting of the Cake
The cutting of the cake is often the first formality of the night as husband and wife in front of friends and family. The following is a list of light touching music to display the significance of the bond you two have with each other for all attending;
Alicia Keys - If I Ain't Got You
Billie Joel - Just The Way You Are
Jason Maraz - I'm Yours
Jack Johnson - Better Together
Marvin Gaye - How Sweet It Is
Queen - Best Friend
Your First Dance
Your first dance as husband and wife is a moment in time to remember forever. It is a chance to show your partner how deeply you feel for them while your friends and family watch on emotionally in awe. Songs chosen for the first dance are heavy, loving and emotional; the significance of the event takes away any sappiness that could potentially be associated with these songs;
Coldplay - Magic
Lifehouse - You and Me
Lonestar - Amazed
Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars
K-Ci & Jojo - All My Life
Faith Hill - Breathe
Shania Train - You're Still The One
Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You
Bride & Father and Groom & Mother dance songs that often follow a first dance should also be touching but not more so than your first dance.
The Dance Floor
It's party time! Your guests have been sitting waiting very patiently until now, itching to get on the dance-floor. The dance-floor needs to be fun, high energy and more silly as the night goes. This is the moment of the night you want everyone to enjoy themselves and truly loosen up after all of the formalities of the night. Usually dance-floors have a mix of the latest top 40 hits and classic party songs such as:
Abba - Dancing Queen
ACDC - You Shook Me All Night Long
B52s - Love Shack
Backstreet Boys - Backstreet's Back
Beyoncé - Crazy In Love
Bon Jovi - Livin On A Prayer
Cyndi Lauper - Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun
Jackson 5 - Blame It On The Boogie
Kenny Loggins - Footloose
Los Del Rio - Macarena
Madonna - Like A Prayer
Michael Jackson - Just About Any Song
Mc Hammer - Can't Touch This
Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk
Rick Springfield - Jessie's Girl
Sir Mix Alot - Baby Got Back
The Knack - My Sharona
Tina Turner - Nutbush
Toni Basil - Hey Mickey
John Travolta & Newton John - Grease Megamix
Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby
Village People - YMCA
Garter/Bouquet Toss
The fun continues with the Garter/Bouquet toss. In this case the more silly the song the better;
Beyoncé - Single Ladies
Cyndi Lauper - Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun
Dixie Cups - Chapel of Love
Def Leopard - Pour Some Sugar On Me
Kelis - Milkshake
LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It
Right Said Fred - I'm Too Sexy
Survivor - Eye of the Tiger
Weather Girls - Its Raining Men
Last Song of The Night
The last song of the night marks the close to your special day. Couples often have a farewell circle or arch where they can see their guests for the last time before going off into the night. These closing songs are either sentimental or finish the night in an upbeat manner;
Billy Joel - Piano Man
Don McLean - American Pie
Kenny Logins - The Gambler
Hopefully this guide can help you choose the perfect songs for the closing chapter of your big day. Remember which moods are important for your formalities and the type of songs that will provide the emotional impact to make your reception unforgettable.