If you are looking for an expert’s song playlist of the best wedding songs to dance to and play at your wedding reception, you’ve found it.

You may be looking for the best wedding reception songs, best wedding ceremony songs, best wedding reception songs, etc. – there is a lot that goes into a wedding. The bottom line is that this list gives you many of the best wedding songs of all time.

SO, here are the top suggested 147 wedding songs – in order! – to provide your Professional Wedding DJ. Now, just relax on your wedding day and have a great time with your guests.

We understand how overwhelming it can be to worry about each song at each moment of your wedding day. With this song playlist, you can be assured that it is expertly put together (we’ve been running weddings since 1987), curated and the inappropriate songs have been filtered out.

This song playlist has a wide range of genres so that everyone at your wedding is guaranteed to hear something they enjoy. The transitions will be smooth from the ceremony to the cocktail hour to dinner and into dancing. All you’ll have to do is enjoy the day by spending it with your partner and enjoying each guest who came to celebrate your amazingly important day.

This list is put together for you while assuming you have hired a Professional Wedding DJ. While there are plenty of wonderful and experienced live wedding bands out there, most couples there are more bands that are not. It’s very nice to know that your music, announcements, communication with other vendors and more are handled by a seasoned professional.

The special song playlist is built for the most common wedding schedule. Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, Dinner and then Dancing. We leave out Toasts, First Dance, Cake Cutting, etc. for obvious reasons.

Understand that this list is for everyone. We have plenty of options for religious weddings and we fully expect that you’ll swap a few songs for yourself in this list to make it your own. We are also not including specific ceremony songs or important dances like first dance, mother-son and father-daughter. This list is for everything else. We make it easy!

Here is our best playlist for your marriage songs

Ceremony Seating Music

Seating music is for ambiance. It sets the mood prior to the ceremony beginning. This music is for guests finding their seats and chatting with each other quietly before the bride is ready to begin.

Our expert opinion is that it’s best to keep things light, semi-upbeat and mellow. We like to play a mix of instrumentals of popular music. We typically play piano music, acoustic guitar and light strings. It makes for a uniquely sweet atmosphere.

The Ceremony Seating Music Song Playlist

“Safe and Sound” by Vitamin String Quartet (3 min)
“Wildest Dreams” by Duomo (3 min)
“Hey There Delilah – Piano Version” by Henry Smith (3 min)
“A Thousand Years” by The Piano Guys (4 min)
“The Cello Song” by The Piano Guys (3 min)
“Summer’s Lament” by Allen & Bright (2 min)
“More Than Words” by Eddy Tyler (3 min)
“Running Up That Hill” by Henry Smith (4 min)
“Here Comes the Sun” by Hollow Man (3 min)
“Love Me Like You Do” by Brooklyn Duo (3 min)
“Clocks” by Alexander Moore (4 min)

11 Songs – Roughly 35 Minutes

Cocktail Hour Music

Cocktail Hour is typically the hour prior to dinner. It’s generally the time that the newlyweds take photos with their bridal party as well as photos with their family.

It’s a time for guests to unwind, have something to drink and some appetizers. It is also the first time that everyone has been able to mingle with everyone since the ceremony.

Our favorite background music to this time is mostly acoustic versions of popular songs – at a volume where everyone can converse above the music. We also like to throw in a few upbeat casual songs that people really enjoy.

The Cocktail Hour Song Playlist

“At Last” by Amber Leigh Irish (3 min)
“Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae (3 min)
“My Girl” by Tiago Iorc (3 min)
“Perfect – Acoustic” by Ed Sheeran (4 min)
“Crazy Love – Acoustic” by Laurence O’Brien (3 min)
“Colors” by Langhorne Slim (2 min)
“Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” by P.M. Dawn (4 min)
“Higher and Higher” by Jackie Wilson (3 min)
“Smile (Album Version)” by Uncle Kracker (3 min)
“I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash (2 min)
“Wildflowers” by Tom Petty (3 min)
“The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson (2 min)
“Ants Marching” by Dave Matthews Band (4 min)
“Sweet Thing” by Rufus Feat. Chaka Khan (3 min)
“Vienna” by Billy Joel (3 min)
“Signed, Sealed Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder (2 min)
“Layla – Acoustic” by Eric Clapton (4 min)
“Hey, Soul Sister” by Train (3 min)
“Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee (2 min)
“The Joker” by Steve Miller Band (4 min)

20 Songs – Roughly 60 Minutes

A Second Hour of Cocktail Music (if needed)

Typically, Cocktail Hour can be up to 2 hours, depending on the time taking photos of the newlyweds. Sometimes the new couple simply wants to relax alone for a little bit (maybe even change) before joining everyone for dinner.

For that reason, we’ve added another hour long Cocktail Hour Playlist. Of course – just as the first list – these are in no particular order, so leave the mix to your DJ.

“Shallow” by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper (3 min)
“Let’s Do It” by Billie Holiday (3 min)
“Love On The Brain” by Rihanna (3 min)
“Your Kiss is on My List” by Hall & Oates (4 min)
“Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer (3 min)
“Lucky” by Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat (3 min)
“Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson (3 min)
“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay (4 min)
“(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding (2 min)
“Last Kiss” by Pearl Jam (3 min)
“Free (Radio Edit)” by Zac Brown Band (3 min)
“Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley (5 min)
“Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (3 min)
“Blackbird” by The Beatles (2 min)
“You Were Meant For Me” by Jewel (4 min)
“Love Song” by Sara Bareilles (4 min)
“You Are My Sunshine” by Ray Charles (3 min)
“Sea of Love” by The Honeydrippers (3 min)
“Red Red Wine” by UB40 (5 min)

19 Songs – Roughly 60 Minutes

Dinner Music

Dinner time is typically 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Whether it is a sit-down dinner or a buffet, it can take quite a bit of time to feed 100-200 (or more) people. As with other parts of a wedding, dinner music should be played at an appropriate volume. The best situation is to play music a little lower than the volume of music played during the Cocktail Hour.

Dinner is a time for visiting and the music played is for setting the ambiance and a mellow vibe. This way your guests can enjoy their meal and the people seated at the same table without dinner music being played at a loud volume.

We’ll use 2 hours as a guideline, so the playlist below will cover all 2 hours for you.

The Dinner Music Song Playlist

“Our Love is Here to Stay” by Frank Sinatra (3 min)
“She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5 & Buena Vista Social Club (4 min)
“Riviera Paradise” by Stevie Ray Vaughan (9 min)
“Sea of Love” by Cat Power (2 min)
“Colour My World” by Chicago (3 min)
“Cruisin'” by Huey Lewis & Gwynethe Paltrow (5 min)
“Wait For You” by Elliott Yamin (4 min)
“You Had Me From Hello” by Kenny Chesney (4 min)
“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder (3 min)
“Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion (4 min)
“Better Together” by Jack Johnson (3 min)
“Spend Another Night” by Billy Gilman (4 min)
“Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones (3 min)
“Falling Into Love” by Dana Glover (4 min)
“Here and Now” by Luther Vandross (5 min)
–ONE HOUR–
“Kind & Generous” by Natalie Merchant (4 min)
“Today” by Joshua Radin (3 min)
“Then” by Brad Paisley (4 min)
“You Make It Real” by James Morrison (3 min)
“Have I Told You Lately” by Van Morrison (4 min)
“No Ordinary Love” by Sade (7 min)
“Forever Like That” by Ben Rector (4 min)
“Faithfully” by Journey (4 min)
“Perfect (Duet)” by Ed Sheeran & Beyoncé (4 min)
“Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper (4 min)
“Amazed” by Lonestar (4 min)
“Crazy” by Patsy Cline (3 min)
“Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton (4 min)
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri (5 min)
“From This Moment On” by Shania Twain (4 min)
–TWO HOURS–

30 Songs – Roughly 120 Minutes

Dancing Music

The ceremony is over. Cocktail hour is through. Dinner is done. Everyone is happy, fulfilled…and ready to DANCE! Everyone has been sitting or standing the entire day to this point. Your guests are more than ready to get up and move on the dance floor.

Depending on how much time is left at the wedding reception, there should be plenty of time for everyone to hear the types of music they like to hear and dance to. Heck, some of your guests may enjoy dancing to ANY genre of music!

We are loosely playing sets of 2 to 4 songs of a certain genre and then switching it up. Generally speaking, it ensures that everyone hears something they like. If you are working with a Professional Wedding DJ, allow them to use their expertise and knowledge to switch things up based on what is happening (or not happening) on the dance floor at any given time.

Another thing to keep in mind is that – unlike the music played earlier in the event – dance songs are not all played from the very start to the very end, so these times will probably vary from the full times listed next to each song.

For convenience, we supplied song lists divided into hourly playlists. As with every song and playlist on this page and throughout The Best Wedding Music web site, these lists are meant to give you a head start. Use what you want, substitute songs that you like better or use these lists as they are and just enjoy yourself!

First Hour of Dance Music Song Playlist

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams (4 min)
“Shut Up and Dance” by WALK THE MOON (3 min)
“Honey, I’m Good” by Andy Grammer (3 min)
“Me, Too” by Meghan Trainor (3 min)
“Worth It” by Fifth Harmony (3 min)
–Transition Song– “Cha Cha Slide (Original Live)” by DJ Casper (6 min)
“In The Mood” by Glenn Miller Orchestra (3 min)
“Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets (3 min)
“Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley (2 min)
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin (2 min)
“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond (3 min)
“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (4 min)
“Old Time Rock & Roll” by Bob Seger (3 min)
“Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen (3 min)
“Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy” by Big & Rich (3 min)
“Man, I Feel Like A Woman!” by Shania Twain (4 min)
“Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” by Luke Bryan (3 min)
–Slow Dance Song– “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers (3 min)
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper (3 min)
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston (5 min)

20 Songs, 61 Minutes (1 Hour Total)

“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins (4 min)
–Transition Song– “Macarena” by Los Del Mar (4 min)
“Feel It Still” by Portugal.The Man (3 min)
“Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z (4 min)
“24K Magic” by Bruno Mars (3 min)
“Despacito” by Luis Fonsi (4 min)
“Yeah!” by Usher (4 min)
“The Way I Are” by Timbaland (4 min)
“Low” by Flo Rida w/ T-Pain (4 min)
“Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star (5 min)
–Transition Song – “Cupid Shuffle” by Cupid (4 min)
“Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry (5 min)

12 Songs, 122 Minutes (2 Hours Total)

Third Hour of Dance Music Song Playlist

“Le Freak” by CHIC (3 min)
“Disco Inferno” by The Trammps (10 min)
“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire (3 min)
“Bye Bye Bye” by *NSYNC (3 min)
“Toxic” by Britney Spears (3 min)
“Hey Ya!” by Outkast (4 min)
“Pon de Replay” by Rihanna (4 min)
“Bang Bang” by Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj (3 min)
“Levitating” by Dua Lipa (3 min)
“About Damn Time” by Lizzo (3 min)
“Dance Monkey” by Tones And I (3 min)
–Slow Dance Song– “Take The World” by Johnnyswim (4 min)
“Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift (3 min)
“The Real Slim Shady” by Eminem (4 min)
“Cheap Thrills” by Sia & Sean Paul (4 min)
“Wake Me Up” by Avicii (4 min)

16 Songs, 183 Minutes (3 Hours Total)

Fourth Hour of Dance Music Song Playlist

“Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake (4 min)
“Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot (4 min)
“Hot In Herre” by Nelly (4 min)
“Wobble” by Vic (5 min)
“I Like It” by Cardi B., Bad Bunny & J Balvin (4 min)
“Turn Down For What?” by DJ Snake & Lil Jon (3 min)
“Animals – Radio Edit” by Martin Garrix (3 min)
“I Love It” by Icona Pop & Charlie XCX (2 min)
“In Da Club” by 50 Cent (3 min)
“Like A G6” by Far East Movement (3 min)
“Titanium” by David Guetta & Sia (4 min)
“Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd (3 min)
“Don’t You Worry” by Black Eyed Peas (3 min)
“I Feel Like Dancing” by Hardwell (4 min)
“Thrift Shop” by Macklemore (4 min)
“Fancy” by Iggy Azalea & Charlie XCX (3 min)
“Smack That” by Akon & Eminem (3 min)
“Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO (4 min)
–Last Song– “California Love” by 2pac & Dr. Dre (6 min)

19 Songs, 240 Minutes (4 Hours Total)

Well, that is a playlist for Ceremony Music, Cocktail Hour, Dinner and 4 Hours of Dance Music. Whew! While most won’t use these playlists verbatim, this is a great start. As we said before, use the expertise of a Professional Wedding DJ for substituting songs/genres. Most importantly, allow your DJ to take guest song requests – as long as they fit the dancing vibe of the night.

Last Updated: February, 2023