Top 10 Wedding Reception Party Songs – July 2016

Photo: Miki Vargas Photography // @mikivargasphoto

Anybody who has ever attempted an “iPod Wedding” will readily tell you, there’s more to throwing an awesome dance party than just playing whatever songs you like to listen to in your car. It’s not even just playing the most popular songs on radio (imagine if your wedding band or DJ played “Hello” by Adele at your wedding). We play close to 50 weddings a year, and even we are occasionally surprised about the songs that people will or will not dance to at a wedding reception. That said, here are the top 10 songs that we guarantee will get your wedding guests up and dancing this season.

1. Uptown Funk (Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars) – A top 40 song that sounds retro. What could be better for an all-ages dance party? This song is over a year old, but it’s become ubiquitous and will get all your guests on the dance floor. It’s (more or less) appropriate for all ages, and it’s a great party starter.

2. September (Earth Wind & Fire) – You can’t go wrong with this classic. Forty years later, this song will still set off your guests’ party neurons. It’s nostalgic for older generations and fun for the younger ones. Make sure you have a horn player in your band to make this one extra special.

3. Shut Up & Dance (Walk The Moon) – One of the most popular radio songs of 2015, this is another great party starter. Guests love to sing along, and it’s a great one for those attending without a date. For couples with thing for rock & roll, this is a great current top 40 song that still has a rock feel to it.

4. Billie Jean (Michael Jackson) – We often will corral guests into a “dance-off” circle for this MJ classic. Brave souls will show off moves that you never knew they had! Make sure your photographer and videographer are nearby.

5. Blurred Lines (Robin Thicke) – Sorry, everyone. Despite all the controversy this song and its music video caused, it’s still one of the best songs to get guests shaking their tail feathers! We love to throw it in about halfway through the night after guests have had a few drinks. It’s a great way to start a second wave of dancing.

6. One Dance (Drake) – The “Blurred Lines” of 2016. Even though not all of your guests will know this tune yet, they will respond to this smooth and sexy groove only Drake can provide. It’s also a great one for later in the evening.

Photo: Miki Vargas Photography // @mikivargasphoto

7. Shout (Isley Brothers) – Couples often ask me not to play this one. If you have a DJ, I agree. Skip it. The recording sounds super outdated and cheesy. BUT, a band will make this song the absolute highlight of the evening. We use Shout to trigger some really fun audience participation, and our home-run-of-a-finish always has guests hooting and hollering!

8. Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond) – Some call it lame, but even the most hipster of hipsters can’t resist singing along to this chorus. Seriously, they’ll sing along to it and then shake their heads at themselves for daring to have fun. (Am I getting too personal here?) My point is: it’s a party and people are drinking and having fun. Don’t shy away from playing a song that will have everybody wrapping their arms around each other like a bunch of drunken Irishmen. Trust me, you’ll cherish the memory!

9. Wagon Wheel (Darius Rucker) – I always ask, “Where are my country fans?!” Nobody ever responds, but they DO dance once we start playing this tune. It’s a feel-good rockabilly tune that plays particularly well at barn and winery weddings.

10. Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) – You’ll want mostly upbeat tunes at your reception, of course, but a couple slow dances thrown in the mix are essential. We love this one because it gets all the couples out on the floor, even if they haven’t danced all night. It’s often a really special moment for the couple to have another special dance with each other or with their parents.

Wanna talk shop? Planning your own wedding and need some advice? We know about wedding music and love to help! E-mail Ben at ben@benmallare.com or check us out on WeddingWire for more information.