Play These 155 Top Songs at a Wedding Reception

Get ready to party all night long.
chapelle johnson the knot associate editor
by
Chapelle Johnson
chapelle johnson the knot associate editor
Chapelle Johnson
Associate Editor
  • Chapelle writes articles for The Knot Worldwide. She covers all things wedding-related and has a personal interest in covering traditions and history.
  • Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Chapelle was an editorial intern for Subvrt Magazine.
  • Chapelle has a degree in English writing from Loyola University New Orleans.
Updated Sep 18, 2024

In order to play the top songs at a wedding, you'll want to make sure you don't leave your reception playlist on the back burner. Having the best wedding songs (along with tracks you and your partner love) will get everyone on the dancefloor. So if you're looking for the top songs to play at a wedding, you've come to the right place.

Our editors have rounded up the best wedding music songs, from classic hits to new unique tunes, that'll inspire your reception setlist. And whether you hire a wedding band or ask your wedding DJ about a special wedding song request, your chosen wedding expert will have your guests on the dance floor all night long with these editor-approved selections.

Keep reading to see the best reception songs, as well as standout options in each genre. Your guests will never want your celebration to end with these tunes.

Top wedding reception songs in this article:

Entrance Song | Dance Songs | Country Songs | Fun Songs | Classic Songs | Unique Songs | Exit Songs | New Songs

Bonus: Listen to our picks with The Knot's Top Songs At A Wedding playlist on Spotify.

Top Wedding Reception Entrance Songs

Your wedding entrance song sets the tone for the rest of the evening. And these are some of the best reception songs because they're romantic, energetic and downright fun. Whether it's your wedding party in the spotlight or you making your grand entrance as newlyweds, get your wedding DJ or band to play any of these hits and start the party off right.

Editor's Pick: "CUFF IT," by Beyoncé. The song is about falling in love and having wild (and slightly raunchy) fun in the process. I love the groove this song has and recognize that it's had a chokehold on me since its release in 2022––and I'm okay with that.

  • "Lovebug," by The Jonas Brothers
  • "You Belong With Me," by Taylor Swift
  • "Love Me Harder," by Ariana Grande (feat. The Weeknd)
  • "Someone to You," by Banners
  • "Can't Feel My Face," by The Weeknd
  • "One Kiss," by Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa
  • "All I Do is Win," by DJ Khaled (feat. Ludacris, Rick Ross, Snoop Dog and T-Pain)
  • "On Top of The World," by Imagine Dragons
  • "Get Lucky," by Daft Punk (feat. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers)
  • "Love Me Like You Do," by Ellie Goulding
  • "...Ready For It?" Taylor Swift
  • "What Lovers Do," by Maroon 5 (feat. SZA)
  • "Like I'm Gonna Lose You," by Meghan Trainor (feat. John Legend)
  • "Crazy in Love," by Beyoncé (feat. Jay-Z)
  • "Skate," by Silk Sonic
  • "Happy Now," by Kali Uchis

Top Dance Songs For the Wedding Reception

If you're looking for upbeat wedding songs for the reception, you can't go wrong with any of our selections below. Remember, the goal is to keep guests on their feet so they have no choice but to break out their best moves. Take it to a whole other level by having these picks played live by a wedding band (or other wedding musicians).

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Editor's Pick: "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," by Whitney Houston. Not only was this song played at least twice at each of my high school dances, but it's a classic that every guest will know. Fun fact: According to actor and now celebrity DJ Idris Elba, Meghan Markle had this hit on her royal wedding reception playlist.

  • "Dancing Queen," by ABBA
  • "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)," by Backstreet Boys
  • "Don't Stop Me Now," by Queen
  • "Yeah!," by Usher (feat. Lil Jon and Ludacris)
  • "Low," by Flo Rida (feat. T-Pain)
  • "WOP," by J. Dash (feat. Flo Rida)
  • "Wobble," by V.I.C.
  • "DJ Got Us Falling In Love," by Usher
  • "Pour Some Sugar On Me," by Def Leppard
  • "Raise Your Glass," by P!nk
  • "We Speak No Americano," by Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP
  • "Sweet Home Alabama," by Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • "U Can't Touch This," by MC Hammer
  • "Gasolina," by Daddy Yankee
  • "Everytime We Touch," by Cascada
  • "About Damn Time," by Lizzo
  • "I Like You (A Happier Song)," by Post Malone (feat. Doja Cat)

Top Country Wedding Reception Songs

These tunes are the epitome of what makes country wedding music a go-to for receptions. From soulful ballads to high-tempo hits, these top country wedding reception songs are sure to give you something to tap your feet to.

Editor's Pick: "Something To Dance To," by Willie Jones. One of my favorite parts about weddings (besides the tasty desserts) is the uninhibited dancing that good music inspires. This song, filled with banjo strumming and lyrics about dancing and letting loose, is the perfect influence.

  • "Butterflies," by Kacey Musgraves
  • "One Thing Right," by Marshmello and Kane Brown
  • "Bless the Broken Road," by Rascal Flatts
  • "God Gave Me You," by Blake Shelton
  • "Make Me Wanna," by Thomas Rhett
  • "Alright," by Darius Rucker
  • "Make It Sweet," by Old Dominion
  • "The Fighter," by Keith Urban (feat. Carrie Underwood)
  • "Born to Love You," by LANCO
  • "I Don't Care Who Sees," by Devin Dawson
  • "Round the Clock," by Dan + Shay
  • "I Like the Sound of That," by Rascal Flatts
  • "Every Little Thing," by Russell Dickerson
  • "Here Tonight," by Brett Young
  • "Love Someone," by Brett Eldredge
  • "H.O.L.Y.," by Florida Georgia Line.
  • "Brain on Love," by Karley Scott Collins
  • "Boys In Boots," by Erin Kinsey

Fun Wedding Reception Songs

Tell the DJ or live band to play any of these fun wedding dance songs for a guaranteed good time. The addition of a few popular hits will keep guests entertained for the entire night.

Editor's Pick: "Sucker," by The Jonas Brothers. Take advantage of the Jonas Brothers' comeback by adding this fun song, inspired by their wives, to your wedding reception playlist. Fun Fact: I had an unhealthy obsession with The Jonas Brothers as a kid and took every opportunity to tell people that Nick was my favorite.

  • "Cuz I Love You," by Lizzo
  • "Paper Rings," by Taylor Swift
  • "Meant to Be," by Bebe Rexha (feat. Florida Georgia Line)
  • "God's Plan," by Drake
  • "Can't Stop the Feeling," by Justin Timberlake
  • "We Found Love," by Rihanna
  • "Party in the USA," by Miley Cyrus
  • "Best Day of My Life," by American Authors
  • "Lottery (Renegade)," by K CAMP
  • "This Is What You Came For," by Calvin Harris (feat. Rihanna)
  • "Rollin," by Calvin Harris (feat. Future and Khalid)
  • "I Found You," by Andy Grammer
  • "Hold On, We're Going Home," by Drake (feat. Majid Jordan)
  • "Fancy Like," by Walker Hayes (feat. Kesha)
  • "Begin Again," by Jessie Ware

Classic Wedding Reception Songs

There's a reason you hear these tunes at just about every wedding reception—it's wedding music everyone loves. These beloved tunes are no-fail options to get your guests to shake their tail feathers (yes, that's a Nelly reference).

Editor's Pick: "Shout," by The Isley Brothers. While writing this song list, I listened to this hit on YouTube and saw a hilarious comment that said, "At my wedding last weekend, my uncle was shirtless within seconds of this song being played." So if that doesn't tell you how iconic this tune is, I don't know what will.

  • "Shut Up and Dance," by WALK THE MOON
  • "Don't Stop Believin'," by Journey
  • "Sweet Caroline," by Neil Diamond
  • "September," by Earth, Wind & Fire
  • "Love Shack," by The B-52's
  • "Take Me Home, Country Roads," by John Denver
  • "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)," by Stevie Wonder
  • "You're My Best Friend," by Queen
  • "Marry You," by Bruno Mars
  • "Now That We've Found Love," by Heavy D & The Boyz
  • "The Way You Make Me Feel," by Michael Jackson
  • "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)," by James Taylor
  • "You Make My Dreams," by Hall & Oates
  • "Walking on Sunshine," by Katrina and the Waves
  • "I'm a Believer," by The Monkees
  • "I Gotta Feeling," by The Black Eyed Peas
  • "Lovely Day," by Bill Withers
  • "Proud Mary," by Tina Turner

Unique Wedding Reception Songs

One of the most important things to some to-be-weds, besides the food, is making their big day feel unique. So here is a list of cool songs you typically don't hear at every wedding reception.

Editor's Pick: "Crave," by Paramore. I've always been a Paramore fan, so I'm happy I found a song from their 2023 album, This Is Why, that could fit on this list. It's a tune about trying to live in the present but being too excited about reliving it to appreciate it. This is a good reminder to savor the beautiful moments on your wedding day while they're happening.

  • "Adore You," by Harry Styles
  • "Taking Me Higher," by Illenium
  • "goodnight n go," by Ariana Grande
  • "You & Me," by That band Honey.
  • "Best Part of Me," by Ed Sheeran (feat. YEBBA)
  • "They Don't Know About Us," by One Direction
  • "Kiss Me," by Ed Sheeran
  • "XO," by Beyoncé
  • "Love on the Brain," by Rihanna
  • "Fallin' All in You," by Shawn Mendes
  • "Like Real People Do," by Hozier
  • "Unapologetically," by Kelsea Ballerini
  • "All the Stars," by Kendrick Lamar and SZA
  • "Can We Kiss Forever?," by Kina (feat. Adriana Proenza)
  • "Together Again," by Janet Jackson
  • "Ring My Bell," by Anita Ward
  • "Let The Light In," by Lana Del Rey
  • "Diamond Life," by Leo Kalyan (feat. MNEK)

Top Wedding Reception Exit Songs

This selection of wedding reception exit songs would make the perfect addition to your newlywed departure at the end of the night. Make it a grand exit that everyone will remember.

Editor's Pick: "Bye Bye Bye," by *NSYNC. Listen, the lyrics speak for themselves. And if you and your partner don't do some of the signature dance moves from the music video, you might regret the missed opportunity later.

  • "Countdown," by Beyoncé
  • "Closing Time," by Semisonic
  • "All You Need Is Love," by The Beatles
  • "Save the Last Dance for Me," by Michael Bublé
  • "You've Got the Love," by Florence + the Machine
  • "Love on Top," by Beyoncé
  • "Happy," by Pharrell Williams
  • "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)," by Natalie Cole
  • "Evacuate the Dancefloor," by Cascada
  • "Unconditionally," by Katy Perry
  • "Somewhere Only We Know," by Keane
  • "Forever," by Lee Fields
  • "Happy Face," by Destiny's Child
  • "HONEYMOON," by Jo Hill

Top New Songs For the Wedding Reception

For the freshest, trendiest wedding songs for 2024-2025 to play during your reception, here are a few songs that were released in 2023 and 2024.

Editor's Pick: "HOT TO GO!" by Chappell Roan will be such a fun addition to your wedding reception playlist, especially if you learn the music video choreography ahead of time.

  • "Water," by Tyla
  • "Houdini," by Dua Lipa
  • "Bed Chem," by Sabrina Carpenter
  • "Femininonmenon," by Chappell Roan
  • "Let's Go Back," by Jungle
  • "BBA," by Paris Hilton, Megan Thee Stallion
  • "Dance The Night," by Dua Lipa
  • "Espresso," by Sabrina Carpenter
  • "BABY I'M BACK," by The Kid LAROI
  • "Guess featuring Billie Eilish," by Charli xcx, Billie Eilish
  • "New Woman," by LISA, ROSALÍA
  • "HOT TO GO!" by Chappell Roan
  • "For Cryin' Out Loud!" by FINNEAS
  • "True," by CYRIL, Kita Alexander
  • "Pink Pony Club," by Chappell Roan
  • "Midnight Ride," by Orville Peck, Kylie Minogue, Diplo
  • "GUCCIYANKA," by Priyanka, Lemon
  • "the boy is mine," by Ariana Grande
  • "Taste," by Sabrina Carpenter
  • "Who," by Jimin
  • "Too Sweet," by Hozier
  • "Good Guy," by Devon Cole
  • "Touch," by KATSEYE
  • "LUNCH," by Billie Eilish
  • "Flowers," by Miley Cyrus
  • "Woof," by Sofi Tukker, Kah-Lo
  • "Make A Move," by Meghan Trainor
  • "LIFETIMES," by Katy Perry
  • "Heatstroke," by Khalid
  • "Angel Of My Dreams," by JADE
  • "I Had Some Help," by Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
  • "All To Myself," by Andye

          Additional reporting by Brittany Barber.

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