You got married and now you’re headed to the reception, YAY! It’s an exciting time and one for celebration so it’s time to party and dance with your family, friends and all those guests from near and far who have come to be with you!

Many people don’t give importance to the songs of the day, but it is one of the most fun parts of your day! Choosing songs that are either meaningful to both or one of you to keep the celebration going is so exciting.

Oftentimes, DJ’s don’t get a list back from the couple with the songs they want played throughout the reception time and that’s quite unfortunate.  They’ll end up playing whatever they want during those times.

Now there’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s a missed opportunity for you as a couple to create an awesome and powerful song list to keep the celebration going strong.

Here is a list of 11 songs you need to choose (if you are having these events at your wedding) so the DJ doesn’t press play to whatever song he/she wants.  We’ve also added 5 sample songs for each to get you started.

Let’s go!

1: Introduction Song

The Introduction song is key! Your guests are all settled and now they’re patiently waiting for you to come in so they can clap it up and celebrate YOU! Make it fun by choosing an upbeat song and dancing right on into the room or a slower romantic song and take your time.  Soak in the moment- it’s all yours!

1. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
2. Beautiful Day – U2
3. On The Floor – Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull
4. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
5. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

2: First Dance Song

Ahh, the first dance song.  As a couple, spend time listening to romantic music together and start putting together a  list of your favorites.  Practice dancing to them and listen to the lyrics again.  There’s no right or wrong song- this is all about what is meaningful to you two!

1. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
2. At Last – Etta James
3. All of Me – John Legend
4. Make You Feel My Love – Adele
5. Everything – Michael Buble

3: Bridal Party Dance

Some couples like to have the Bridal party on the dance floor to celebrate with them.  You can either choose to have them dancing around you in a circle, or just get on in there with you to cheer and bring the excitement!

1. Let’s Get It Started – Black Eyed Peas
2. My Wish – Rascal Flats
3. I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
4. We Are Family – Sister Sledge
5. I’ve Had The Time of My Life – Bill & Jennifer Warnes

4: Father/Daughter Dance

Where’s the tissue?

These songs are some of the most precious tear-jerkers you’ll ever hear in your life.  The list is endless on these so do your research and find the one that means the most to you and your dad!

1. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
2. You are the Sunshine of my Life – Stevie Wonder
3. I Loved Her First – Heartland
4. Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman
5. Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)

5: Mother/Son Dance

This is a sweet and tender moment between mamas and sons that is irreplaceable.  Moms of Grooms oftentimes have the smallest role in the wedding and can get overlooked, but by giving her a dance, you’ll give her the place of honor she deserves!

1. A Song for Mama – Boys II Men
2. I’ll Always Love My Mama – The Intruders
3. You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
4. The First Lady in My Life – Paul Todd
5. Thank You Mom – Good Charlotte

6: Group Dance

After all these dances and some refreshments, your guests are going to want to join in on the fun.  Choose a really upbeat song to get the dancing rolling and have a great time partying away!

1. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
2. DJ God Us Fallin’ In Love – Usher Ft. Pitbull
3. Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees
4. Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars
5. U Can’t Touch This – MC Hammer

7: Cake Cutting

Who knew you needed a song for cake cutting? Choose something sweet and fun for this time since no one is dancing, yet everyone is watching!

1. Sugar – Maroon 5
2. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) – Four Tops
3. Today Was a Fairytale – Taylor Swift
4. Everything – Michael Buble
5. Marry You – Bruno mars

8: Bouquet Toss

Ohhh, bouquet toss. So many options for this song, but so little time. Find the song you like and tell your DJ exactly where to play from (even if that’s 1:33 of the song).

1. Dear Future Husband – Meghan Trainor
2. Country Girl (Shake It For Me) – Luke Bryan
3. I Just Haven’t Met You Yet – Michael Buble
4. Happy – Pharell
5. All for You – Janet Jackson

9: Garter Toss

Let your groom pick the song for this.  Anything manly and strong will do!

1. Another One Bites the Dust – Queen
2. Suit and Tie – Justin Timberlake and Jay Z
3. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
4. James Bond Theme Song – John Barry and the London Symphony Orchestra
5. Drunk in Love – Beyonce

10: Anniversary Song

One of the sweetest parts in weddings if you’re doing it.  Have all the married couples dance to a song and shout out years until you’re down to the longest married couple still dancing.

1. You’re Still the One – Shania Twain
2. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
3. I’ve Had the Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
4. Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
5. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra

11: Send Off Song

Finish the party strong and choose something to send you flying out of those doors and on to your honeymoon! Something upbeat and fun is usually a great way to end the night!

1. Feel So Close – Calvin Harris
2. The Good Life – One Republic
3. That’s What I Like About You – The Romantics
4. Marry Me – Train
5. How Sweet It Is – James Taylor

BONUS: Songs not to Play

Maybe you are a free for all in the music department. That’s cool, just let your DJ know.  However, there have to be a couple of songs out there that aren’t your favorite.  Be sure to give your DJ a list of any songs you do not want played at your wedding so there’s nothing sad or annoying about it. You’re bound to have way more fun.

This is a list to get you started in your song selection process! If you have a favorite song for any of these categories, please share it below!