Your wedding day is celebration and no great party is complete without some fab music! If you’re looking for some guaranteed floor fillers on your big day take look at the list we’ve compiled below.
The key to getting your guests up and dancing really lies with the variety of the music you choose. Think about your audience – it’s unrealistic to imagine that your grandparents are going to enjoy the same music as your bridesmaids, so try to mix it up!
There’s nothing worse than an empty dancefloor, and we know it can be tricky trying to please to everyone’s taste in music. A wedding brings together all sorts of people and personalities, so the best way to ensure a full dancefloor is to appeal to the masses and throw in a few classics.
As a result, we’ve put our heads together and utilised our years of wedding experience to compile a list of what we think are excellent songs to get people on the dance floor.
Keep reading to discover our top 10 songs to get people dancing!
1. Aretha Franklin – Respect
Number 5 on Rolling Stone’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, this Aretha Franklin classic was a world-wide hit in 1967.
Considered one of the greatest soul tracks of all time, this ‘women’s anthem’ is not only a powerful, up-beat song but also an unapologetic declaration for independence. It became a soundtrack for the black-power movement and the rights of women everywhere.
2. ABBA – Dancing Queen
Everyone knows the words to this timeless pop classic. Released in 1976, this song became the Europop band’s biggest hit.
A firm favourite at weddings and parties, there’s a reason why it’s so popular with young and old alike. An easy listening, feel good tune, it’s the perfect song to play after the first dance to encourage guests to brave the dance floor.
3. Jackson 5 – ABC
This soul classic by The Jackson 5 was released in 1970 and even managed to push The Beatles ‘Let It Be’ from the top spot! Another favourite at weddings and parties, this up-beat song is a great way to put your guests in the mood for fun!
4. Arctic Monkeys – I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor
A catchy tune to dance to, this British rock band released this catchy number in 2006 and it went to number one in the charts. An up-beat song that is sure to get people tapping their toes, it’s a great one for a wedding reception!
5. Beyonce – Crazy in love
Released in 2003, this pop classic topped the charts for eight weeks and features Beyoncé’s husband, Jay-Z. Is there a better way to get guests up and dancing that with the Queen of pop? We think not.
Actually, we are firm believers that any Beyoncé song is sure to get your guests in the mood to dance; Single Ladies, Run The World (Girls), Naughty Girl… the list goes on.
6. Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean – Hips Don’t Lie
Who better to get people up on the dance floor than this Colombian star? A sure fire way to get people moving and grooving, there’s no way you can hear this song and not want jump up and start jiggling!
7. Bruno Mars – Marry You
What an apt name for a song to play on your wedding day! Although it’s a super romantic tune, it’s also got a really upbeat melody that is sure to make your guests feel happy and want to dance.
More than appropriate for wedded bliss, you can dance your way into married life with the help of Bruno Mars and this 2010 classic.
8. Dexys Midnight Runners – Come On Eileen
What wedding reception would be complete without a rendition from Dexys Midnight Runners, Come On Eileen? A song loved by young and old alike, all you guests can get involved with this one.
It the perfect tune for towards the end of the evening when the silliness has reached its peak and everyone is just focused on having a good time. Everyone knows the words and can have a good old sing-along.
9. Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
An 80s dancefloor hit that gets better and better every time you listen to it! The words speak for themselves when it comes to inviting guests up onto the dance floor. Even the most reluctant of guests wont be able to resist tapping their toes to this uplifting number.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody was considered by many to be her biggest hit, and we can see why!
10. Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
Nobody speaks the language of love quite like Marvin Gaye. So, what better way to end the night than with this classic funk hit by the American soul legend?
A definite way to bring all of the lovers up onto the dance floor, this is the perfect end to your wedding celebrations and a excellent way to mark your love – which is of course, what a wedding is all about!
Lastly: Tips About Planning
Have a think about what style of music you want. Have you always dreamt of a live band? Would you rather a DJ into the early hours?
The entertainer you choose will make – or break – your evening reception party. Make sure you do your research. Watch a few videos of them performing, listen to audios or even better, go off credible recommendations.
You want someone who is going to listen to you when you tell them your favourite tunes. A DJ’s ability to read a room and know what songs your guests will enjoy next is priceless.
You know your family and friends far better than the band or DJ you’ve hired, therefore if you know the songs that your guests will love, be sure to let your entertainers know beforehand.
You could even allow your guests to request a song on their RSVP card. This way each individual guest hears a song they love and they’re even more included in your special day. Of course this depends on how many guests you are inviting – but you can just select your favourite suggestions.
Think about the timings of your songs. For example, your older guests are likely to leave first, so perhaps play your throwback tunes nearer the start of your wedding reception? This is also a nice way to ease into the evening, and the older guests can enjoy some classic tunes before they leave.
Younger guests are likely to stay well into the evening – so save that time for more current songs!
We hope you’ve got some great inspo and at least a couple of tracks to request your DJ or band to play! Feel free to add any more suggestions in the comments box below, we’d love to hear your favourites.
