The 25 Best Wedding Songs: What to Include in Your Playlist

The best wedding songs all depend on the couple. The MUST have songs for you will be hit or miss for another couple. However, the average wedding requires 120 to 150 songs throughout the night. For any given couple, it can be overwhelming to come up with this many songs.

When you pick the right wedding DJ, you don’t have to. As your choice wedding DJ in Charleston, SC, I recommend providing 10 to 20 of your favorite songs and allowing your DJ to work their magic. After having a conversation with your DJ, they’ll know the general layout of your event and what you want the atmosphere to be.

If you’re looking for the best wedding songs to give your DJ for your wedding reception, here’s what I recommend!

1. ''I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)'' by Whitney Houston

This song is beloved by just about everyone who hears it. In fact, it’s rumored that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first dance song was this tune. If you want to get everyone out on the dance floor, this is the best way to do it.

2. ''Uptown Funk'' by Mark Ronson Feat. Bruno Mars

Another fun radio song that’ll have everyone’s dad and favorite uncle dancing like nobody’s watching! This is another great option to open up the dance floor. Young guests will know the song, and even if older guests don’t…you can’t resist that beat!

3. ''Cupid Shuffle'' by Cupid

Not everyone loves line dancing at their wedding, but if you do, this can be a great pick. Kids especially will have fun with this one if you choose to have them at your wedding!

4. ''Don't Stop Believin''' by Journey

Although it came out in 1981, it reentered the public consciousness in 2007 when it was used to soundtrack the final scene of the final episodes of the Sopranos. The following year, it became the most downloaded song ever in the iTunes Music Store. According to Nielsen Music, this song holds the record as the most downloaded 20th-century song.

If you decide to play this song at your wedding, you can be sure of one thing…full participation. Who doesn’t know the words to this song?!

5. ''Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good)'' by Neil Diamond

Or this one…? Sometimes “Sweet Caroline” makes a couple’s “DO NOT PLAY” list and other times it’s a must! Consider which one it is for you.

6. ''Yeah'' by Usher Feat. Ludacris & Lil' Jon

Did you love jamming to “Yeah” by Usher in the early 2000s? It’s a must on your wedding day — especially if those seeing you down the aisle also walked the hallways with you in high school.

7. ''Shut Up and Dance'' by Walk the Moon

"Oh don't you dare look back. Just keep your eyes on me" I said, "You're holding back" She said, "Shut up and dance with me!" This woman is my destiny

This song is all about letting go and having fun — something you should definitely be doing with the woman or man of your dreams (your destiny!) on your wedding day.

8. ''September'' by Earth, Wind & Fire

September is an iconic, groovy song about living in the moment and remembering the good times of the past. It’s especially perfect if you’re getting married in the month of September (or on the 21st night of the month).

9. ''Wobble” by V.I.C.

If you were in middle or high school when the wobble was popular in 2011-2012, you may think it’s fun to bring back this dance with all your friends and family at your wedding.

10. ''Can't Stop the Feeling!'' by Justin Timberlake

This upbeat song is the perfect addition to your playlist. It’ll get the vibe of the party moving if it isn’t already.

11. ''Cha Cha Slide'' by DJ Casper

This is another great line dancing option that you might consider suggesting to your DJ. One of the benefits of line dancing is that it helps you get every guest out of their seat and on the dance floor at some point. And you want your dance floor to be a hot place to be!

12. ''Dancing Queen'' by ABBA

Similar to “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” this ABBA song captures the joyful feelings that dancing can bring. It’s a song that can bring everyone together on your dance floor and get your night started or end it strong.

13. ''Hey Ya!'' by Outkast

This song makes the list because it makes people want to dance and reminds them of their middle and high school days. Don’t be afraid to pick the music you like for your reception! It’s your party — don’t worry about what’s trendy or cool. That’s what makes the best wedding songs.

14. ''24k Magic'' by Bruno Mars

This song makes the list because wedding couples often love to use it for their wedding party to enter the reception. Get the party rolling!

15. ''Livin' On A Prayer'' by Bon Jovi

Like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” this song appears to a wide audience. Just about everyone knows this song. It was popular in the 1980s, which means it’ll likely draw everyone to the dance floor (including the older crowd invited to your wedding), even if they haven’t been loving the 2000s radio hits you’ve been playing so far.

16. ''I Gotta Feeling'' by Black Eyed Peas

If you want a song to kick off the night strong, you’ve met your match. What’s better than having your guests here, “I got a feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night”?

17. ''Footloose'' by Kenny Loggins

An ideal song to electrify your dance floor! If you’re a fan of the Footloose movie or musical, you may love having this song in your playlist, so you can jam out or do the associated line dance.

18. ''Marry You'' by Bruno Mars

This sweet song by Bruno Mars is wedding-appropriate in every way. It’s an upbeat song that’ll make people want to dance and carries the theme of exactly what you want your special day/night to carry.

Is it the look in your eyes, or is it this dancing juice? Who cares, baby. I think I wanna marry you.

19. ''Tennessee Whiskey'' by Chris Stapleton

If you’re a country fan and want a fun slow-dance song, this romantic Chris Stapleton song is one of the best to play at weddings.

20. ''Party In The U.S.A.'' by Miley Cyrus

For Millennial couples, it doesn’t get more nostalgic than playing Miley Cyrus at your wedding. This song is a party song through and through. You can play it at birthdays, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and

21. ''Brown Eyed Girl'' by Van Morrison

Believe it or not, Van Morrison originally wrote this song and titled it “Brown Skinned Girl.” However, the song’s nostalgic lyrics about his ex-lover were considered too explicit to be played on many radio stations at that time.

Today, the song remains a beloved classic. Guys sing it to their girls and fathers sing it to their daughters. It’s perfect for any bride with brown eyes or a big Van Morrison fan!

22. “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks

If you love country, then you have to consider including “Friends in Low Places” in your wedding playlist. This massive hit has won Single of the Year at various country music awards. It also stayed number 1 for four weeks.

23. “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC

Cover Grandma’s ears…this classic song is a little bit scandalous! But that’s a big reason why it’s so popular at weddings. Enjoy rocking out to whatever you want — it’s your day! You can choose to play explicit music in words or meaning if you want to.

24. “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by Backstreet Boys

Are you looking for the perfect song to have a flash mob to at your wedding? Believe it or not, this song has been a popular choice. It gets the crowd engaged and all eyes will be on whoever takes the dance floor. It’s hard not to dance when you hear, “Now throw your hands up in the air and wave ‘em around like you just don’t care!”

25. “Wannabe” by Spice Girls

This dance-pop song talks about the value of female friendships when in a relationship. “If you wanna be with my lover, you gotta get with my friends.”

This is a great song for the bride and bridesmaids to sing to the groom. It’s fun and lighthearted while emphasizing girl power!

Final Thoughts

What songs are you hoping to request as a couple? Your Charleston Wedding DJ can help fill in the gaps with a little guidance — picking your must-have songs is up to you! Hopefully, this list of best wedding songs provided some ideas of where to start.

If you’re looking for a great wedding DJ in the Charleston, SC area, reach out to Shane Griffin Entertainment.