When you choose the songs to play on your wedding day, you're soundtracking an experience that you and your loved ones will hopefully remember for many years to come, from the procession at your ceremony, your first dance, and the festive hours beyond. Music emotionally guides each person in attendance through the wedding day with you: It signals the beginning of the joyful event, tells everyone when it's time to enjoy their meal, and—perhaps most importantly—cues when it's officially time to dance. Regardless of how many guests you have, if you've decided to throw a party for your nuptials, it should be bursting with joy, love, and all your favorite songs.
And when it comes to selecting music for your wedding reception, be it this year, next, or one day in the distant future, why not start a running list of your favorite jams and genres? Work on it with your spouse-to-be, and share it with your entertainment experts, band, or DJ when the time comes to plan. Think about tunes the two of you have enjoyed together over the course of your relationship, the love songs that get you all misty-eyed, and what you like to dance to. Consider which songs are family-approved, if that's important to you both, and which tracks are most likely to get your friends out of their seats.
In compiling our own best-wedding-ever playlist, we asked the best in the business of luxury entertainment to share what their most requested reception songs are, and which songs they love playing or performing once it's time to let loose. With their help, here are the top 40 best wedding reception songs to play on your wedding day.
"September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
Whether you're getting married in September or any other month of the year, this Earth, Wind & Fire favorite is the top pick for Keanna O'Quinn of Honey & Vinyl. After all, who doesn't love singing along to that "Ba duda, ba duda, ba duda, badu" chorus?
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"This Is How We Do It" by Montell Jordan
This song just tells you what to do: "All hands are in the air / And wave them from here to there." It's a classic, and makes for a foolproof dance floor favorite.
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"Sugar" by Maroon 5
Maroon 5's "Sugar" is upbeat, salty, and of course, a little sweet, for any post-ceremony celebration.
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"Shout" by The Isley Brothers
The Isley Brothers, whose members once included a young Jimi Hendrix, have one of the most notably lasting imprints on music of all time—and this song is case in point. It's ideal for capping off the dinner hour, giving the older crowd the chance to celebrate while the younger set gears up for a roaring bash.
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder
The most requested reception song for Chris Byrne of wedding music company Dart Collective, this Stevie Wonder hit has one of the most iconic lyrical phrases at its center, and it's an upbeat banger about a long-awaited commitment to love.
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"Kiss" by Prince
A sexy bop worthy of any celebratory get-together, Prince's funky "Kiss" makes guests of all ages get on their feet and head to the dance floor. "You don't have to be rich to be my girl / You don't have to be cool to rule my world."
"Higher Love" by Kygo & Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston's posthumous collaboration on this Kygo-produced Steve Winwood cover is one we would've never expected—or thought possible. When Houston's estate decided to issue these never-before-released vocals, they teamed up with Kygo to produce it. What resulted is a party song for the century, and one we highly recommend that you blast while guests are in a dancing mood...or sipping cocktails.
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"Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd
The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" became an instant dance floor favorite upon its 2020 release.
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"Nice for What" by Drake
With lyrics about how life is short and that killer Lauryn Hill sample, "Nice For What" will get all the heads in the room bobbing, priming guests for a fun evening.
"We Found Love" by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
This pop EDM song lights up a room even when you've heard it a hundred times before. The beat alone makes us want to jump around in celebration.
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"I Wanna Be Your Lover" by Prince
Led by Prince's inimitable falsetto, "I Wanna Be Your Lover" is a love song that brings both funk and romanticism.
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"Love on Top" by Beyoncé
With its key changes alone, "Love on Top" is a wildly impressive vocal performance. But it's the song's breezy sass that makes it one of Beyoncé's best odes to Jay-Z—and a must at any party celebrating a partnership.
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"Modern Love" by David Bowie
Considered one of Bowie's greatest hits, this rock favorite's purpose on a reception song list is all in its title.
"Burning Down the House" by Talking Heads
This new wave song from the '80s is always a crowd-pleaser.
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"Love" by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick's slow, romantic jam is a fresh choice for the cocktail hour.
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"Groove Is In the Heart" by Deee-Lite
A top wedding pick by DJ Hannah Bronfman for BAZAAR Bride, this '90s dance-pop bop is whimsical fun.
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"Dancing In the Dark" by Bruce Springsteen
If you want a rock song you can move to that's about living life to the fullest, opt for this Springsteen classic.
"Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac
A song about the highs and lows of any relationship, "Dreams" is a powerful melody that your guests will undoubtedly enjoy when it's time to slow things down.
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"Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye
"Sexual Healing" is one of the most iconic, sensual tracks of its time—and it's great to include for a nostalgic element that doesn't take itself too seriously.
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"If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys
"If I Ain’t Got You" is one of the greatest love songs of all time, and a consistent top choice for Alex Le Roux of ALR Music. Alicia Keys's staggering vocals build as the track progresses and then quietly and sweetly descend.
"Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles
Elan Artists' most popular contemporary pick? A song that owned the summer of 2020 and still endures: "Watermelon Sugar." It's a pop cut that etches itself deep into memory, and one that a lot of people know the words to by now.
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"Juice" by Lizzo
An anthem about joy and self-respect, it's no wonder this Lizzo bop is so wildly loved. This will get folks out on the dance floor when nothing else can.
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"CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!" by Justin Timberlake
"Can't Stop the Feeling" is a groovy tune that gets everyone—from your oldest guests to your youngest—moving and shaking.
"I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5: Enough said.
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"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen
From "Fat Bottomed Girls" to friendship, Queen is king when it comes to turning some of life's simplest pleasures into stadium-level hits. "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" is a perfect example, as Freddie Mercury reluctantly, yet happily, sings about falling in love.
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"Brand New" by Ben Rector
A reception song favorite from Ray Jarrell of Jarrell Entertainment, Ben Rector's "Brand New" is a lighthearted pop rock gem about being in love. What better way to ring in your post-ceremony celebration?
"24K Magic" by Bruno Mars
This feel-good moment livens up any dance floor, at any time.
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"Safe & Sound" by Capital Cities
Capital Cities' "Safe & Sound" promises that you'll keep each other close, with lyrics like, "You could be my luck / Even if the sky is falling down / I know that we'll be safe and sound / We're safe and sound" that will turn up any party in the best way.
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"Rain On Me" by Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande
Enter Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande's duet "Rain on Me," a.k.a. a pop ballad for the ages. This '90s house-inspired song is technically about a breakup, but its positive spin is all weathering the storm. Your guests will sing in solidarity to this one, guaranteed.
"Body" by Loud Luxury
Start—or end—your dance party with this upbeat pick, and you won't regret it. Trust us: This tune is fresh and dance party-approved.
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"This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole
Whether you’re playing it during your first dance, cocktail hour, dinner or beyond, you can't go wrong with this celebratory song. The title even doubles as the perfect wedding wish to write in a card.
"Hey Ya!" by Outkast
Psychic prediction: The second that Andre 3000 starts things off with a "one, two, three, uh," every wedding attendee will spring to their feet, leaving their cake and wine behind to converge on the dance floor.
"Sea of Love" by Cat Power
This soft rendition of the '50s hit is a sweet dream of a slow-dance song, because ukuleles always evoke romance.
"Cha Cha Slide" by DJ Casper
From "The Electric Slide" to the "Cupid Shuffle," is it even a wedding reception if the DJ doesn't play at least one song with easy-to-understand instructions? If you're attending a Chicago-area wedding, this selection's practically mandatory.
"Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS
The Australian band's epic '80s rock ballad is an unexpected, tortured-in-a-great-way choice for your first dance. It's you two against the world, and they'll never tear you apart.
"In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" by Neutral Milk Hotel
"What a beautiful face I have found in this place, That is circling all 'round the sun": This sentimental song about the beauty and fragility of life and love just might put a lump in your throat, even if you're hearing it for the first time.
"(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher" by Jackie Wilson
Another jubilant classic that's easy to dance—or even simply clap along—to.
"Lover (First Dance Remix)" by Taylor Swift
If anyone knows how to infuse a moment with drama, it's Taylor Swift—and she knew exactly what she was doing with this aptly titled, reception-ready 2019 remix.
"Best Part" by Daniel Caesar feat. H.E.R.
This tender, Grammy-winning duet has been a wedding mainstay in recent years—for good reason, with lyrics like, "You're the coffee that I need in the morning / You're my sunshine in the rain when it's pouring."
"I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston
Whitney's vocals and the effervescent, synth-heavy '80s production remain undeniable, so this song still unites generations during party time—because we all wanna to dance with somebody.
Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her own events and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com, Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, and Style Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typically researching the next fun workout class to try, or finding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.
