If you and your guests like to dance, then you’re going to want to make a starting list of some great party starters. Here’s a list of wedding party songs to get you started.
Wedding Party Songs
- All Night Long – Lionel Richie
- Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
- Celebration – Kool & The Gang
- I will survive – Gloria Gaynor
- Ain’t nobody – Chaka Khan
- I’m Outta Love – Anastacia
- Lady – Modjo
- Young Hearts Run Free – Kim Mazelle/Candi Station
- You Sexy Thing – Hot Chocolate
- Master Blaster – Stevie Wonder
- Love Shack – B52’s
- I Love The Night Life – Alicia Bridges
- Superstition – Stevie Wonder
- Love Foolosophy – Jamiroquai
- Blame It On The Boogie – Jackson 5
- Too Funky – George Michael
- Can’t Get You Out Of My Head – Kylie Minogue
- Finally – Ce Ce Peniston
- Everything I Do – Bryan Adams
- Waterloo – Abba
- Layla – Eric Clapton
- Summer of 69 – Bryan Adams
- Eagle Rock – Daddy Cool
- Mustang Sally – The Commitments
- Sweet Home Alabama – Lynard Skynard
The Ultimate Wedding Party Songs Guide
Your wedding day is a celebration of love, joy, and new beginnings – and nothing brings these emotions to life quite like the perfect playlist. The right music has the power to transform your reception from a simple gathering into an unforgettable party that your guests will talk about for years to come.
Classic Party Starters
“All Night Long” – Lionel Richie
Perfect for: Opening the dance floor after dinner
This feel-good anthem from the legendary Lionel Richie perfectly captures the celebratory spirit of a wedding reception. When it comes to unforgettable wedding party songs, this 1983 Grammy-winning track stands out, blending Caribbean rhythms with irresistible pop hooks that make it impossible not to dance. Its inclusive message of celebration and unity makes it an ideal choice for bringing guests of all ages together.
“Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
Perfect for: Creating an electric moment on the dance floor
The King of Pop’s signature hit combines an instantly recognizable bassline with mesmerizing vocals. A staple on any list of wedding party songs, this Grammy-winning masterpiece from Thriller showcases Jackson at his peak. Its innovative sound still feels fresh decades later, while the track’s steady groove and dramatic builds make it perfect for showing off your best moves on the dance floor.
“Celebration” – Kool & The Gang
Perfect for: Getting everyone up and dancing
This timeless party starter has been bringing people to the dance floor since 1980. A must-have on any list of wedding party songs, its jubilant horns and infectious chorus perfectly capture the joy of a wedding celebration. With simple, memorable lyrics, this track encourages even the most hesitant dancers to join in the fun.
Disco and Dance Classics
“I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor
Perfect for: That moment when the party needs an energy boost
This empowering disco anthem has transcended its original meaning to become a universal celebration of strength and resilience. Gaynor’s powerful vocals and the song’s driving rhythm make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its status as a cultural touchstone ensures guests of all ages will know the words.
“Ain’t Nobody” – Chaka Khan
Perfect for: Creating a sophisticated groove
This R&B classic showcases Khan’s incredible vocal range while delivering an irresistible dance groove. The song’s blend of funk, soul, and electronic elements creates a sophisticated atmosphere that appeals to music lovers of all ages. Its timeless production and heartfelt lyrics about finding perfect love make it especially appropriate for a wedding celebration.
“I’m Outta Love” – Anastacia
Perfect for: Adding contemporary energy to the playlist
Anastacia’s powerful vocals and the song’s dynamic production bring modern pop energy to your reception. As one of the standout wedding party songs, this international hit blends dance-pop beats with soulful delivery, creating an energetic atmosphere that appeals to younger guests while remaining accessible to all ages.
“Lady” – Modjo
Perfect for: Creating a Euro-chic dance moment
This French house classic brings sophisticated European club vibes to your reception. A standout among wedding party songs, its smooth vocals and filtered disco samples create an irresistible groove that appeals to both casual dancers and serious music lovers. With romantic lyrics adding the perfect touch, this track effortlessly elevates any wedding celebration.
“Young Hearts Run Free” – Candi Staton/Kim Mazelle
Perfect for: Bridging the generation gap
This disco classic, later covered beautifully by Kim Mazelle, brings timeless energy to any wedding reception. Its uplifting message about staying young at heart resonates perfectly with wedding celebrations. The memorable chorus encourages all generations to join in singing and dancing.
Soul and Funk Favorites
“You Sexy Thing” – Hot Chocolate
Perfect for: Adding playful romance to the dance floor
This iconic feel-good track combines funk grooves with romantic lyrics, making it a must-have on any wedding party songs playlist. Hot Chocolate’s distinctive vocals and the song’s memorable chorus make it instantly recognizable to guests of all ages. Its playful energy sets the perfect mood, encouraging couples to share a dance together and celebrate love in style.
“Master Blaster (Jammin’)” – Stevie Wonder
Perfect for: Bringing sophisticated funk to your reception
Wonder’s tribute to Bob Marley combines reggae rhythms with his signature funk style, creating a vibrant track that stands out among wedding party songs. The song’s intricate musicianship and joyful energy showcase why Wonder is considered one of music’s greatest talents. Its uplifting message and infectious groove make it perfect for keeping the celebration alive and the dance floor packed.
“Love Shack” – The B-52’s
Perfect for: Creating a fun group dance moment
This quirky party anthem never fails to fill the dance floor. The B-52’s unique vocal interplay and the song’s infectious energy create an atmosphere of pure fun, making it a perfect addition to wedding party songs. Its call-and-response sections naturally encourage group participation, ensuring everyone gets in on the action.
“I Love The Night Life” – Alicia Bridges
Perfect for: Keeping the party going late into the evening
This disco classic perfectly captures the excitement of a night of celebration. Bridges’ distinctive vocals and the song’s pulsing rhythm create an irresistible urge to dance. Its lyrics about enjoying nightlife make it a natural fit for wedding party songs, setting the perfect mood as the evening festivities reach their peak.
“Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
Perfect for: Showcasing timeless groove
This funk classic from Wonder is a true masterpiece, featuring one of the most recognizable keyboard riffs in popular music. With intricate rhythms and dynamic horn arrangements, it showcases his genius while keeping the dance floor alive. Its timeless appeal makes it a standout choice for wedding party songs, bringing generations together in celebration.
Modern and Pop Hits
“Love Foolosophy” – Jamiroquai
Perfect for: Adding sophisticated modern funk
Jamiroquai’s blend of funk, disco, and modern production creates an irresistible groove. The band’s signature sound brings contemporary energy while maintaining a connection to classic dance music. Its smooth vocals and deep pocket make it perfect for keeping the party flowing.
“Blame It On The Boogie” – The Jackson 5
Perfect for: Creating a joyful family moment
This upbeat Jackson 5 classic brings pure joy to any celebration. The young Michael Jackson’s vocals and the track’s bouncy rhythm make it impossible to resist dancing. Its family-friendly energy makes it perfect for getting all generations involved.
“Too Funky” – George Michael
Perfect for: Adding sultry sophistication
George Michael’s dance-floor gem combines funk elements with modern production. Its groove-laden bassline and Michael’s confident vocals create an atmosphere of cool sophistication. The track’s mix of classic and contemporary elements makes it perfect for bridging different musical tastes.
“Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” – Kylie Minogue
Perfect for: Modern pop energy
Minogue’s signature hit brings sleek, contemporary pop production to the dance floor. Its hypnotic “la la la” hook and pulsing beat are universally appealing. The song’s romantic theme and infectious rhythm make it ideal for a wedding celebration.
“Finally” – CeCe Peniston
Perfect for: Expressing wedding day joy
This house music classic captures the excitement of finding true love. Peniston’s powerful vocals and the track’s uplifting production create pure dance floor euphoria. Its lyrics about finally finding “the one” are particularly appropriate for a wedding celebration.
Rock and Pop Classics
“Everything I Do (I Do It For You)” – Bryan Adams
Perfect for: A romantic slow dance moment
This power ballad from Adams perfectly captures devoted love. Its sincere lyrics and soaring melody make it ideal for couples wanting to share a romantic moment. As one of the most timeless wedding party songs, the song’s epic production creates a memorable atmosphere for special dances.
“Waterloo” – ABBA
Perfect for: Getting everyone dancing together
ABBA’s Eurovision-winning hit brings pure pop joy to any celebration. Its catchy chorus and upbeat energy make it impossible to stay seated. The song’s historical references add a touch of cleverness to its irresistible pop charm.
“Layla” – Eric Clapton
Perfect for: Adding classic rock credibility
Clapton’s rock classic, especially in its unplugged version, brings musical sophistication to your playlist, making it a standout among wedding party songs. Its legendary guitar riff and passionate delivery appeal to music lovers of all ages. The song’s romantic theme makes it particularly appropriate for weddings.
“Summer of ’69” – Bryan Adams
Perfect for: Nostalgic energy
Adams’ nostalgic rock anthem never fails to get people singing along. Its memorable chorus and driving rhythm make it perfect for keeping energy high. The song’s themes of youth and good times resonate with wedding celebrations.
“Eagle Rock” – Daddy Cool
Perfect for: Adding Australian rock classic vibes
This Aussie rock classic brings local flavor to your celebration, making it one of the ultimate wedding party songs. Its distinctive rhythm and memorable chorus encourage unique dance moves. The track’s fun-loving spirit makes it perfect for creating memorable party moments.
“Mustang Sally” – The Commitments
Perfect for: Classic R&B energy
This R&B standard, popularized by The Commitments, brings soulful energy to any reception, making it one of the best wedding party songs. Its call-and-response chorus naturally encourages audience participation, while the horn section and driving rhythm create perfect dance floor momentum, ensuring the celebration stays alive all night long.
“Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Perfect for: Southern rock energy
This Southern rock anthem brings feel-good energy to any celebration. Its iconic guitar riff and straight-ahead rock groove get everyone moving, making it an ideal choice among wedding party songs. The song’s celebratory spirit ensures it hits the perfect note as the party peaks.
Tips for Using These Songs at Your Wedding
- Create a Flow: Arrange these songs to build and release energy throughout the night.
- Mix Genres: Space out similar styles to keep the music fresh and interesting.
- Read the Room: Work with your DJ to play these songs when they’ll have maximum impact.
- Consider Timing: Save high-energy songs for peak dancing times.
Remember, while these songs are proven crowd-pleasers, your wedding playlist should reflect your personal taste and style. Use this list as a starting point to create the perfect soundtrack for your celebration.
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