When it comes to wedding celebrations, few elements are as eagerly anticipated as the dance floor. It's where guests young and old come together to revel in the joyous atmosphere, creating memories that last a lifetime. Behind every unforgettable dance party is a carefully curated playlist, filled with tracks that speak to the hearts of all in attendance.
Whether you've secured a live band or enlisted the expertise of a DJ committed to keeping the revelry alive until dawn, we've compiled a selection of beloved dance anthems straight from the music experts themselves that you won't want to forget on your must-play list. These bangers and ballads consistently spark the flames of celebration, ensuring an unforgettable soirée for all involved.
PARTY STARTER: "We Are Family"
Kelly Grundhauser of Kelly Birch Photography
"'We Are Family' by Sister Sledge song is a throw back that gets all generations on the dance floor not only dancing but singing along. Its almost a 100% guarantee."
HIDDEN GEM: "Calabria"
Kasper, GenerationNOW Entertainment
"Calabria" by Enur (the original mix) is, has, and will be one of my favorites to drop at a wedding. I usually like to drop it early when I first shift into uptempo vibes. When the horns hit, there’s always a pop from the crowd. It’s definitely a tune people know and love, but it’s often overlooked. Certified dance floor hitter.
TIMELESS CLASSIC: "Footloose"
DJ Dudley D, GenerationNOW Entertainment
"Kenny Loggins's "Footloose" - A timeless classic. Grandpa knows the moves; Mom knows the moves, and so do the kids. For some reason, people want to outdo each other so it gets them going!"
CLASSIC FLOOR FILLER: "Yeah!"
Anna, Adagio DJay Entertainment
"'Yeah!' by Usher is decades old and still makes people scream in surprise when it comes on. I love to use it as a signal towards the middle of the dance that we’re about to transition into more of a club atmosphere."
CROWD PLEASERS: "I Want You Back" and "Natural Woman"
Jana Anderson, Synergy Dance Band
"These songs make people happy, one slow song, one fast song, and across the board they pack the dance floor and create an atmosphere of synergy 'with' Synergy Dance Band and the audience, the dance floor, and the joy of the memories people have with these songs, and work in every crowd, every time."
SING-ALONG SENSATION: "Unwritten"
DJ Mad Mardigan, GenerationNOW Entertainment
"'Unwritten' by Natasha Bedingfield- This song gets a huge reaction, especially from the ladies. It’s a top notch sing-along that never fails! It’s also 100 bpm, which makes it perfect to mix it with some throwback Hip-Hop."
FEEL GOOD GROOVE: "Can't Stop the Feeling!"
Kelly Grundhauser of Kelly Birch Photography
"'Can't Stop the Feeling!' by Justin Timberlake is a feel good sing along dance along. No required dance moves so all can "dance" along, no mater their talent!"
TIMELESS BALLAD: "At Last"
Anna, Adagio DJay Entertainment
"'At Last' by Etta James is my favorite slow song to play. It appeals to all generations, feels timeless and romantic, and the line “my heart was wrapped up in clover the night I met you” brings a tear to my eye every time!"
Kelly Birch Photography
GENERATIONAL ANTHEM: "Mr. Brightside"
André Rodriguez, The Silver Alchemist
"The New York Times recently labeled Mr. Brightside by The Killers "a generation's anthem," and this is definitely on full display at wedding receptions. Filled with 2000s nostalgia, the high-energy, emo meets pop-rock hit is the perfect closing song, especially with a live band!"
MODERN FAVORITE: "About Damn Time"
Kasper, GenerationNOW Entertainment
"I love playing "About Damn Time (Purple Disco Machine Remix)" by Lizzo. It’s stays true to the original, but adds a disco flavor that gets all the generations dancing and singing along."
DANCE FLOOR DELIGHT: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
André Rodriguez, The Silver Alchemist
"This American classic by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell is sure to get people of all ages on the dance floor. The Motown sound is timeless, and everything about this tune exudes joy and love."
TIMELESS HIT: "Yeah!"
DJ Dudley D, GenerationNOW Entertainment
"'Yeah!' by Usher will never die and it probably came out when your Mom was in high school or college. Your aunt knows all the lyrics and your jaw might drop when you see her "bend over to the front and touch her toes"!"
DISCO BANGER: "Dance the Night"
André Rodriguez, The Silver Alchemist
Nothing is more on point than a call to "dance the night away." This hit by Dua Lipa from the blockbuster hit movie, "Barbie," is sure to have everyone showing off their favorite dance moves.
PEAK-HOUR ANTHEM: "Clarity"
DJ Mad Mardigan, GenerationNOW Entertainment
“'Clarity (Tiesto Remix)' - I love playing this during peak hour when everyone is raging & dancing to EDM bangers. This remix keeps the integrity of the original so people can sing along, but then the drop hits hard!"
EPIC FINALE: "Don't Stop Believing"
Jana Anderson, Synergy Dance Band
"I'd say that March 2024 declaring 'Don't Stop Believing' "The Biggest Song of All Time" by Forbes shows why it's requested often. It goes across all ages and genre's. It's played at ball games, at weddings, in personal play lists, and creates the emotion of 'Hope'. No matter where we're from, "Just a small town girl living in a lonely world" (Starts Verse 1), to the end of the song, it's all hope for everyone."
Rob Morgan courtesy of The Silver Alchemist
Main Photo: Courtesy of Adagio DJay Entertainment
