Featured image - Best Wedding Party Songs

The 29 Best Wedding Party Songs to Add to Your Setlist

by Alex /
11/08/2025

Table of Contents

Need some inspiration for wedding hits to soundtrack the big day? Whether it’s a floor-filling anthem that everyone knows word-for-word or a romantic slow number that gives couples a moment to themselves, music is the heartbeat of every wedding reception.

For DJs and live bands, choosing the right setlist is everything. You need songs that work for all ages, from teenagers to grandparents, and that keep the vibe moving.

We’ve put together the 29 best wedding party songs to guarantee a packed dance floor all night long, plus three pieces of pro gear to make your performance shine.

Secondhand live gear

In a hurry? Here are our top 5 wedding party songs

  1. “Dancing Queen” – ABBA
  2. “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
  3. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley
  4. “Chelsea Dagger” – The Fratellis
  5. “Champagne Supernova” – Oasis

Wedding bands and record

Pro live performance gear to make your set sound amazing

NUX B-6 Wireless Saxophone Mic System

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G4M Dynamic Vocal Microphone (Cardioid)

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Xvive U35 5.8GHz Microphone Wireless System

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The best wedding songs

1. “Dancing Queen” – ABBA

The ultimate disco singalong. When that chorus hits, teenagers, parents, and grandparents all hit the floor, singing and twirling like it’s 1976. It’s a rare track that unites generations with pure, glittery joy.

Expect impromptu group choreography, conga lines, and at least one person shouting, “You can dance, you can jive” like they are auditioning for Eurovision. A guaranteed high point of any wedding reception.


2. “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran

A modern wedding slow dance classic. Its heartfelt lyrics and warm melody are tailor-made for first dances or couples’ moments. Guests sway, singles pair up awkwardly, and at least one phone flashlight makes an appearance. It’s romantic, heartfelt, and perfect for slowing down the pace before unleashing the party chaos.

There will be hugs, misty eyes, and one uncle claiming “it’s a bit dusty in here” as he wipes away a tear.


3. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley

One of the most timeless romantic songs ever recorded, the king creates a truly magical moment. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” works for slow dancing, the first dance, or even walking down the aisle.

It’s an emotional cornerstone of any wedding playlist and one of the ultimate love songs.


4. “Chelsea Dagger” – The Fratellis

The Fratellis’ “Chelsea Dagger” is a cheeky anthem with a football terrace vibe that turns any dance floor into a party pit. That hook is impossible not to chant, and it’s full of fun, bouncing energy, perfect for when you want guests jumping, hugging, and singing like they’re at Wembley.

This is wedding chaos in its best form and an absolute highlight for peak energy moments when everyone is fully in the party mood.


5. “Champagne Supernova” – Oasis

An emotional Britpop classic that starts mellow, then blooms into a euphoric singalong, “Champagne Supernova” will bring everyone together. Add this to your setlist and you can guarantee couples will sway, mates will hug, and someone is sure to channel their inner Liam Gallagher stance.

This is a late-night anthem, perfect for winding down but keeping the sentiment high. It’s romantic, nostalgic and made for that point when guests are full of love, joy, and maybe a little tipsy reflection. A perfect emotional counterpoint to the high-energy numbers.


6. “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

This modern funk monster fills dance floors faster than free prosecco. The bassline, horn stabs, and catchy lyrics of “Uptown Funk” make it irresistible. When the chorus hits and everyone shouts, “Don’t believe me, just watch!”, it becomes the unofficial party anthem of the night, with dad dancing taking hold of the guests and at least one misguided attempt at the splits.

It’s a track that guarantees maximum hype and effortless good vibes every single time.


7. “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon

Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance” is for the people who swear they are not dancing tonight, then spend half the song on their knees performing dubious slides. It is pure, unfiltered energy with lyrics that scream carefree fun.

It’s ideal for early in the evening when you need to drag shy guests onto the dance floor or later to keep the momentum alive and rowdy throughout.


8. “September” – Earth, Wind & Fire

Disco classic “September” is scientifically proven to make hips move. That brass section is iconic and the groove irresistible, so even those who say they don’t dance will find themselves bopping by the chorus. Nobody actually knows all the words beyond “Ba-dee-ya”, but that does not stop the full room from singing along. It works anywhere in the night, whether as a warm-up track or to keep energy high when needed.


9. “Valerie” – Amy Winehouse & Mark Ronson

Retro soul cool with a cheeky twist. Whinehouse’s vocals and the swinging rhythm get people moving without too much exertion, perfect for building the vibe mid-evening. It’s also the song that turns any guest into a wannabe soul diva after one glass of prosecco. A track like this balances energy and style, making it a crowd favourite for both live bands and DJs.


10. “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder

With a funk riff is so iconic that even non-musicians attempt to airplay it, “Superstition” is one of the best wedding songs to add to your set. Its groovy beat is ideal for live bands who want to show off, while DJs keep the floor busy with those unmistakable rhythms. People who claim they do not dance inevitably break into at least one shoulder shuffle. Smooth, funky and timeless, it always delivers.


11. “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey

This power ballad is really just a giant karaoke track waiting to happen. People start soft, then suddenly the whole room is belting out “hold on to that feelin’” like they’re in a stadium. It’s best saved for later in the night when strangers are hugging, air guitars are out, and inhibitions are gone. Plus, it’s hilarious watching people attempt that high note after a few drinks.


12. “Sex on Fire” – Kings of Leon

This modern rock hit has pure passion and raw energy. By the chorus, everyone is shouting along while clutching their drink like a microphone. It works brilliantly as a mid-evening track to spike the energy and keep things rowdy. Be warned, though, when your nan sings “your sex is on fire”, you may never recover. It is raucous, infectious, and guaranteed to turn even the shyest guest into a headbanger.


13. “Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond

“Sweet Caroline” is an absolute wedding law. That “So good, so good, so good” chant unites a room faster than free cake. It’s pure joy in song form, and every single person sings it at maximum volume… although there may be one crying into their pint. Use it late when the energy is high and people are ready for pure, shameless singing. It never, ever fails.


14. “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi

A classic rock anthem that makes guests believe they have stadium-worthy voices. Once that key change hits, chaos reigns, and people pump fists like they’re front row at Wembley.

“Livin’ on a Prayer” is a peak energy track that’s perfect for igniting late-night dancing, temporary rock poses, and wild air guitar. It is big, bold and unashamedly cheesy, which is exactly what you want at a wedding.


15. “You’ve Got the Love” – Florence + The Machine

If you need a mid-evening breather before heading back into chaos, “You’ve Got the Love” is perfect. This uplifting anthem brings a touch of emotional soul to the night without slowing things down too much. It’s heartfelt, yet still has enough beat to keep people moving.


16. “Footloose” – Kenny Loggins

“Footloose” screams “dance like nobody’s watching”, even though literally everyone is watching. It’s ’80s energy at full blast and works wonders on shy guests, forcing them to abandon their drinks and join in. The result is often a combination of questionable kicks, clapping, and frantic finger-pointing. It’s a feel-good track that injects energy whenever the room needs a boost, plus it is great fun to sing.


17. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston

The infectious beat and powerhouse vocals of Whitney’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” guarantee a packed dance floor. People who normally watch from the sidelines are sure to find themselves spinning in circles like it’s 1987 again.

It’s perfect for creating joyous chaos and looks incredible on film.


18. “Marry You” – Bruno Mars

Cheeky, playful, and utterly perfect for wedding celebrations. “Marry You” is romantic but doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it perfect for bouquet tosses, cheeky couple moments, or simply making everyone smile. Guests clap along, couples grin, and the energy is high without feeling too cheesy.


19. “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran

“Shape of You” is a modern pop anthem that appeals across generations. It works well as a mid-evening or warm-up track that keeps the vibe friendly and inclusive. You’ll have everyone up swaying and playfully slow dancing, trying to imitate the music video choreography.


20. “All Night Long” – Lionel Richie

Smooth and infectious, “All Night Long” is perfect for earlier dancing when the energy is building. Its Caribbean influence and catchy chorus create a relaxed, joyful vibe, setting the stage for more high-energy numbers later. It’s warm, welcoming, and guaranteed to get people moving gently, even if they were hesitant to dance at first.


21. “Get Lucky” – Daft Punk ft. Pharrell

Slick, modern disco with a groove so tight even the least coordinated guest can find the beat. “Get Lucky” bridges generations; it’s modern production with a retro feel, making it versatile for live bands and DJs alike. Plus, it’s just cool, ideal for inviting everyone onto the dancefloor.


22. “Raise Your Glass” – P!nk

Modern anthem “Raise Your Glass” is perfect for toasts, celebrations, or simply kicking the night into high gear. Its shout-along chorus encourages maximum participation, and it works brilliantly for breaking down inhibitions. You’ll have guests singing along like it’s a karaoke final.

This can flip the switch from “polite wedding reception” to “full-on party.” It delivers pure celebratory energy and gets people laughing and dancing instantly.


23. “Love Shack” – The B-52’s

Quirky, loud, and unapologetically weird, “Love Shack” is a guaranteed fun track. Guests who normally avoid dancing end up joining in, and everyone waits to shout “Tin roof, rusted!” like their lives depend on it. Lookg forward to silly dancing, a conga line or two, and one overenthusiastic guest pretending to drive an imaginary car. It’s wedding playlist magic.


24. “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison

If you need to add a nostalgic, family-friendly, sing-along classic to your set, “Brown Eyed Girl” is the gem you’re looking for. Guests will sway, sing, and smile while reminiscing about their own summer love stories.

It’s an easy-going track that works early in the evening or as a breather between high-energy hits. Its sweet lyrics and simple structure make it universal and one of those songs everyone just happily joins in with.


25. “Parklife” – Blur

Britpop anthem “Parklife” will get everyone up and dancing, with half the crowd singing and the other half mumbling through the spoken-word bits. It’s quintessentially British, combining indie energy with humour and swagger.


26. “Should I Stay or Should I Go” – The Clash

Punk energy with a playful twist, “Should I Stay or Should I Go” is perfect for late-night sing-alongs. The guests will spur you on with their yelling of the chorus, and the beat will keep even the shyest feet moving,

It’s raw, iconic, and a proper crowd-pleasing British classic.


27. “Town Called Malice” – The Jam

Sharp, soulful, and full of mod revival energy, “Town Called Malice” is a British institution. Its marching beat gets people doing that strange step-dance thing, and the sing-along chorus unites the room. It works well to maintain high energy while still feeling a bit cooler than your standard wedding fare. A proper UK wedding winner.


28. “I’m Coming Out” – Diana Ross

An LGBTQ+ anthem that screams joy and self-love. It’s funky, proud, and perfect for weddings that celebrate love in all its forms. The bassline is iconic, the brass is pure disco, and the message is universal: everyone belongs, and everyone should celebrate exactly who they are.


29. “You Make My Dreams” – Hall & Oates

A joyful pop classic that instantly lifts the mood and sends guests home on a high. Perfect as a closing track, “You Make My Dreams” has that movie-ending vibe where people hug, cheer, and sing even on the way out.

FAQs

What is the most popular wedding dance song?

“Uptown Funk” and “Shut Up and Dance” are two of the most requested wedding dance tracks. Their cross-generational appeal and upbeat energy make them ideal for filling the dance floor throughout the night.


How many songs should be on a wedding playlist?

You need around 30–50 songs for a wedding playlist to cover the evening smoothly. This length allows flexibility for varied tempos and styles while keeping guests engaged from cocktails to the final dance.


What’s a good mix of slow and upbeat songs?

A playlist with 70% upbeat and 30% slow songs strikes the perfect balance. This ratio keeps energy levels high while leaving space for intimate moments like first dances and slow romantic interludes.

Wedding DJ

Final thoughts

After seeing our list of the best wedding party songs, we hope you feel confident about creating the perfect setlist. There’s something for every couple and every guest. Whether you’re a DJ or a band, the main thing is to have fun and make lasting memories. Play your heart out and keep the smiles coming!

 

Content Writer - Live Sound

Content writer for Gear4music

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