An oldie – or a goodie? Sure, a song can be both. The “usual wedding songs” got that way for a reason – guests know ‘em, guests like ‘em, and at least some of your guests will usually get up and dance to ‘em.

But that doesn’t mean you have to play ‘em.

In three hours of dancing, you’ll have time for around 50 songs. There’s plenty of music for your DJ to lean on without resorting to “YMCA.” If you’re the type of couple who wants to keep it unpredictable – or, like us, you prefer to keep the cheeseball moments to a minimum – then consider these suggestions from some of our top DJs.

                             

Stephen

DJ Stephen Vaughn

“Sweet Caroline” is a popular last-dance choice – it’s goofy and fun to sing along to when everybody’s had a few drinks. But for something more modern, try “Country Grammar” by Nelly or, depending on the crowd, an up-tempo choice like “Shots” by LMFAO.
 
Bonus tip: When I open up the dance floor, it’s always tons of fun to have the couple give me a sign once they are ready – then cut into a good first dance song that they like. I’ll let the wedding couple dance solo for 30 seconds or so, then ask everyone else to join in and dance with them. It’s a can’t-fail way to pack your dance floor from the start.

 

DJ IsobelaIsobela Gloria

– “Don’t Stop Believing” is a popular choice for guests to sing along to later in the evening. Want something that’s a bit less predictable, though? I like to try older songs like “My Girl” by The Temptations and sometimes even “More Than A Feeling” by Boston.  

“Cake By The Ocean” by DNCE is a more modern choice if your crowd is right – or you could work the mid-2000s nostalgia and try “Dance Dance” by Fall Out Boy. I think this upcoming wedding season will see a return of a lot of 2000’s alternative!

 

ScottDJ Scott Krema

Instead of opening the dance floor with something traditional like The Twist, sometimes I like to jump right into the 80’s with “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall & Oates. It’s an up-beat, fast song all generations love. 

I’ve found that often when I get to the last half hour or the night, everyone is pretty tired from all that dancing! So instead of ending with a high-energy song, it can be fun to pull out a slower anthem like “Piano Man” by Billy Joel. I’ll even get everyone in a circle around the couple for it. It’s a little on the cheesy side, but it can be a very sweet way to end the night. Not to mention a great send-off!

 

 AndrewDJ Andrew McGarvey

 Rather than opening up the dance floor with an up-tempo, high energy song like “Party Rock Anthem,”   start with a well-known slow song like “At Last” by Etta James or “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. A popular slow dance is great for getting all age groups out on the dance floor immediately, and it creates a smoother transition from your first dance, father-daughter dance, and/or mother-son dance into open dancing time.
 
Bonus tip: If you don’t love participation dances but you know your guests do, ask your DJ for options! Here are a few…
 
  • Option 1: Ask your DJ to play them while you’re out of the room taking pictures, talking, or grabbing a bite to eat.
  • Option 2: Let your DJ play just part of the song. For example, we can let those Cupid Shuffle-loving friends and family have their fun, then fade into another tune before DJ Cupid starts to wear thin.

 

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