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All Your Wedding Songs in One Place! Entertainment Experts from Across the Globe Share the Ultimate Wedding Playlist with Songs for Every Ceremony

A wedding is the harmony of two souls, who dance to the rhythm of their hearts that beat as one. And life without music would certainly B flat!

Most of us associate songs with our moods and situations. There’s always one song perfect for a long night drive, and one you can fearlessly belt out in the shower. There’s one that reminds you of your favorite holiday, while another takes you to the moment you first felt love for your partner, or when you knew they’re the one you want to marry.

And a wedding party definitely isn’t a party without some memorable tunes. So whether it’s a song for your bridal entry, that special first dance, or the ultimate reception playlist that gets everyone grooving, you’ll want the songs that can set the tone just right and create each moment memorable for all.

We got in touch with the wedding industry’s top musicians to help you select the best songs for each wedding occasion. Here to help take your big day to the next level, we have Tim Reynolds, Founder of UK’s world-class luxury wedding entertainment company Next Level Music, sharing his favorite wedding must-plays and some great advice on song selection. Andreina Borg, Owner of Versatile Brass, Malta, one of the world’s leading brass function bands, lends her thoughtfully curated playlists for brides and grooms, while Roger A-SmithFounder of Music-A, Lebanon gives us his insights on how you can personalize your playlist and make it unique to your celebration. We’ve also gathered quotes from Kliber Benjamin, owner of Selecktive, an entertainment company providing tailor-made musical experiences worldwide, and Alex Beker, Founding Director of Jazz Around Midnight, a music agency specializing in live music production and talent booking for luxury events and weddings across the world, both based in France.

 

From their top song choices to tips on selecting the right music, read on to see what this panel of experts has to share!

 

Setting The Tone – Nailing The Vibe With Your Playlist

 

Picture Courtesy: @discotecnik

 

When it comes to curating your wedding playlist, you’ll find a billion songs that you’ll want to include. From your personal favorites to timeless classics, even the latest pop hits that are topping the charts. But thinking about how to set the tone is key. With each moment being different, you want to highlight what makes them stand out from the rest of your celebration, rather than randomly blending it all together. After all, you wouldn’t want a gospel choir song played during your reception party now, would you?

 

Inspiration Comes from Within

Carefully planning out your playlist takes time. Listing out all your songs and considering your DJ/Bands recommendations, there are plenty of tunes that are going to be added or taken off as you map it all out. “We usually first ask the groom and bride to do a shared common note file, and since they book their wedding ahead of time, we tell them to write any music (dance or soft – usual or unusual) that they both love. After a few months of doing so, they will have a list for their wedding” shares Roger. After a few months, the couple usually has enough songs to create their customized playlist, of which, certain songs are chosen for the band performances, DJ set, and dance boosters.

 

Listen to the Experts

“When you’re booking a band, it’s important to take their advice on which songs will work – they’re the experts. While the temptation might be there to want to pick all of their songs, for the party to best its absolute best, it’s better to leave it to the professionals. You wouldn’t tell the chef which ingredients to use, right?” Suggests Tim.

Taking both, Roger and Tim’s advice, discuss the vibe you’re going for with each event and find a common ground to balance out what you want with how the musicians like to perform. This way, you can have a good mix of your personal taste while nailing the ambiance of each occasion.

P.S, this can help you avoid awkward moments that could disrupt a good flow. (Imagine if Baby’s Got Back played during your dinner!)

“Throughout the evening, which usually lasts for several hours, it is customary for the music to be more discreet at times, without ever disappearing completely. It should always be present to punctuate the key moments of your wedding, as well as the interludes. Since music is almost ubiquitous at an event like this, you must however take into account the tastes of your guests. It should neither be too loud nor too absent. Your guests should feel comfortable. So it’s best that you avoid radical changes and extreme tastes, and rely on harmony and parsimony.” Adds Kilber. 

Also stressing on ambiance is Alex: “Be sure not to overwhelm your guests with music, especially during dinner. It is nice to have quieter moments throughout the day.”

 

Getting Everyone on The Dance Floor

 

Picture Courtesy: @nextlevelmusicuk

 

After a sober dinner, your reception is your chance to break out those moves you’ve been practicing for months! From the first dance to the finale, it’s a no seats allowed party. To keep up the lively spirit, Tim advises couples to keep the slow songs to a minimum. “It’s great to have a couple of slow dances in your evening, but it’s important to keep the majority of it up-tempo & fun.”

Tim further shares that when it comes to making everyone get their groove on, it’s important to remember your guests have their own tastes and preferences too!

“It’s your big day, but take your guests into consideration – are people going to enjoy your song choices, or are they songs that just you like? It’s best to keep the song list inclusive & familiar so that everyone can enjoy it & have an incredible party. Start the evening with the most inclusive music, tunes for everyone of all ages to enjoy. Towards the end of the evening, you can pull out the more modern hits for the younger party animals to enjoy late into the night.”

“Whatever happens on the night, ENJOY IT. If your DJ plays a song you didn’t expect, don’t worry – they’re doing what they do best, creating a party atmosphere for everyone to enjoy & keeping the dance floor pumping.” He says.

A unique way to get your guests involved is by quite literally making them part of it all! Be open to having them request a few of their favorites, and if they have a performance with the band up their sleeve, let them have the limelight. It’s guaranteed to make the night a bit more personalized and special for them too!

“It is always great to share music with people since it is the mood setter during the eve and party, and that playlist becomes a kind of unique fingerprint for each wedding” Roger further adds. Sharing your playlist with your guests makes it all the more special, giving them a song to cherish and reminisce each moment they shared on your wedding day. This smart move lets you relive those special moments whenever you want, turning something so simple and intangible into a personalized gift.

 

The Ultimate Guide To Your Wedding Day Playlist

 

Picture Courtesy: @jazzaroundmidnight

 

Our experts have shared their best advice for creating the perfect wedding playlist if you want to make yours the night everyone talks about.  Now, take a look at their individual selection of songs to help narrow down the perfect ones for your special moments, from your bridal entry to your father/daughter dance.

 

Hottest Wedding Songs to Groove to!

Once your guests hear the first notes of these familiar tunes, they won’t be able to stop themselves from hitting the dance floor!

 

Tim’s Suggestions:

September – Earth Wind & Fire

Crazy in Love – Beyonce & Jay Z

Everybody Dance – Chic

 

Andreina’s Suggestions:

Shut Up ‘n Dance – Walk the Moon

Billie Jean – Michael Jackson 

Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera

ABBA Medley

Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

Levitating – Dua Lipa

Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi

On the Floor – Jennifer Lopez ft. Ptbull

Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes

Freed from Desire – Gala

We Will Rock You – Queen

I Want to Break Free – Queen

Saturday Night Fever – Bee Gees

Can’t Take My Eyes Off You

You Should Be Dancing – Bee Gees

Don’t You Worry Child – Swedish House Mafia

Summer – Calvin Harris

L’Amour Toujours – Gigi D’Agostino

Livin’ La Vida Loca – Ricky Martin

Samba De Janeiro – Bellini

Per Colpa Di Chi? – Zucchero Fornaciari

Baila Morena – Zucchero Fornaciari

Bamboleo – Gipsy Kings

Carnaval de Paris – Dario G

Jubel – Klingande

New York – Alicia Keys

Conga – Gloria Estefan, Miami Sound Machine

Danza Kuduro – Don Omar

Wake Me Up – Avicii

Highway to Hell – AC/DC

Head n Heart – Joel Corry ft MNEK

Viva La Vida – Coldplay

My Way – Frank Sinatra

Rasputin – Boney M.

La Bamba + Twist n Shout – Johnny Rivers

Summer of 69 – Bryan Adams

Friday – Nightcrawlers, Riton ft. Mufasa & Hypeman

Sex on Fire – Kings Of Leon

Blinding Lights – The Weeknd

Grease Medley – John Travolta and Olivia Newton

Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley

Volare – Gipsy Kings

We Found Love – Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris

Dance Monkey – Tones & I

Party Anthem + Rain Over Me (mix)

Locked out of Heaven remix

Bailando – Enrique Iglesias

I’m a Believer + I’m So Excited (mix)

Ain’t Nobody – Rufus and Chaka Khan

Let’s Get Loud – Jennifer Lopez

Smoke on the Water – Deep Purple

Satisfaction – The Rollin Stones

September – Earth Wind & Fire

Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

Vespa 50 Special – Lùnapop

Johnny Be Good  + Jailhouse Rock

Y.M.C.A – Village People 

 

Roger’s Suggestion:

Danza Koduro – Don Omar

 

Listen to the playlist:

 

Songs for a Memorable Wedding Party Entry

It’s your wedding day, but you can let your wedding party bask in the limelight for a bit. After sticking by your side through the entire process, they deserve their moment too! Having your sidekicks dance down the aisle to these songs is bound to create a fun memory all of you will cherish in the years to come. And if you’re looking for songs to make your bridal entrance to, we’ve got you covered!

 

Tim’s Suggestions:

Still D.R.E – Dr. Dre

Eye of the Tiger – Survivor

The Best – Tina Turner 

 

Andreina’s Suggestions:

Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay

Celebration – Eumir Deodato, Kool & The Gang

Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake

You To Me Are Everything – The Real Thing

One Love – Blue/Bob Marley

 

Cultural numbers:

Habibi – Ricky Rich 

10 Oloubi – Muhammad El Majzoub

 

Roger’s Suggestion:

Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen

 

Listen to the playlist:

 

Distinctive First Dance Songs

Your first dance song is probably the most important and most special song of the evening. If you’re stuck trying to decide on the perfect one, here are a few suggestions to help get you started.

 

Tim’s Suggestions:

I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing – Aerosmith

You Got The Love

Hold My Hand (Acoustic) – Jess Glynne

 

Andreina’s Suggestions:

Something I Need – OneRepublic

Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees

We Found Love – Rihanna

Lay All Your Love On Me – ABBA

One Love by Bob Marley and the Wailers 

 

If you’re thinking of how to make your first dance more personal and unique to the two of you, Roger has just the right idea.

“Find 2 songs that you both love or that mean something to you or your relationship. We edit them for you, mash them, add some musicians, and create the perfect simple first dance. Another opinion in regards to this matter, in the Middle East, especially for Lebanese and Arab weddings, they like to mash up an oriental song from a renowned artist with another occidental pop song so we rearrange the music set with the DJ, or production house or with the band and singer to create a new vibe to the music chosen.”

 

Listen to the playlist:

 

Recessional Songs for a Celebratory Exit

Yay! You’re officially married! This calls for an immediate celebration before you get ready to bust those moves you’ve been saving up for the reception. If you’re into giving everyone a little sneak preview into what you’re bringing to the dance floor, here are some happy tunes to walk back down the aisle to… As NEWLYWEDS!

 

Andreina’s Suggestions:

Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson

Wedding March – Felix Mendelssohn

You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne

Can’t Help Falling in Love with You – Elvis Presley

What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

 

Roger’s Suggestion:

All You Need is Love – The Beatles 

 

Listen to the playlist:

 

Mother-Son & Father-Daughter Songs

Another heartfelt moment at any wedding is the dance with your beloved parent. Here are a few suggestions that can perfectly reflect your sweet relationship with your mum/dad.

 

Tim’s Suggestions:

Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

A Song for Mama – Boyz 2 Men

Sweet Child O’ Mine – Sheryl Crow

 

Listen to the playlist:

 

Reception Songs to Light up your Dance Floor

These bangers are a must-play to get any party started! If there is anyone still seated at your reception, you can count on these hits to get them on their feet as quick as lightning!

 

Tim’s Suggestions:

Never Too Much – Luther Vandross

Rappers Delight – The Sugarhill Gang

Let’s Groove – Earth Wind & Fire

 

Andreina’s Suggestions:

Sweet Child of Mine – Guns N’ Roses

Ai Se Eu Te Pego (Nossa Nossa) – Michel Teló

Have You Ever Seen the Rain – Creedence Clearwater Revival

Could You Be Loved – Bob Marley and the Wailers

Come Together – The Beatles

Do It To It – ACRAZE ft. Cherish

Rhythm is a Dancer – Snap!

Blame it on the BOOGIE – The Jacksons

Cold Heart – Dua Lipa, Elton John

The Way You Make Me Feel – Michael Jackson

24K Magic – Bruno Mars

Take My Breath – The Weekend

Don’t Go Yet – Camila Cabello

Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) – Backstreet Boys

Destination Calibria – Alex Gaudino

How Will I Know – Whitney Houston

Scream – Usher

Let Me Entertain You – Robbie Williams

Footloose – Kenny Loggins

Loaded – Primal Scream

Fireball – Pitbull ft. John Ryan

 

Roger’s Suggestions:

Get Lucky – Daft Punk

Dance Monkey – Tones & I 

Despacito – Luis Fonsi

Havana – Camila Cabello

New Rules – Dua Lipa

Aicha – Khaled

Shape of You – Ed Sheeran

 

Listen to the playlist:

 

Picture Courtesy: @versatilebrass

 

Last Dance Songs Perfect for Going Out with a Bang and Closing the Night

You’ve had the most magical day and the time of your life with the people you love! And although you may not want the night to end, these last dance songs are sure to leave you buzzing with joy, ending a great celebration on the highest note, as it should.

 

Tim’s Suggestions:

Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen

Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo

 

Andreina’s Suggestions:

Sweet Caroline  – DJ Otzi Version (This is a killer in some EU countries,  just like an anthem!! )

Celebration – Eumir Deodato, Kool & The Gang

L’Amour Toujours – Gigi D’Agostino

Freed From Desire – Gala

We Are the Champions – Queen 

 

Roger’s Suggestion:

I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor (Sometimes some people who aren’t supposedly Greek ask for Zorba and then break plates.)

 

Listen to the playlist:

 

Songs to Add to Your ‘Do Not Play’ List

You gotta admit, there are some songs you absolutely don’t want to be played at your wedding. Whether it’s about being mindful of the different age groups and tastes of your guests or about straight-up avoiding those songs that you know drunk uncle Sam’s going to embarrass himself with, or maybe it’s just you not wanting to play the cliches, these are the ones you might want to strike off your playlist.

 

Tim’s Suggestions:

My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion

WAP – Nicki Minaj

Hotel California – Eagles 

 

Andreina’s Suggestions:

Cha Cha Slide – DJ Casper

Chicken Dance – The Emeralds

Macarena – Los Del Río

 

Roger isn’t too specific when it comes to this list. He leaves this open with just one thought to share, giving couples the liberty to go with their heart. “Do not put anything you don’t know or don’t like at your wedding. That’s what I tell the couples. So there’s no ‘do not play list’ for everyone, there’s a ‘do not play list’ for each couple and they know it! Usually, our DJs and music consultants make sure to ask this question at the end of the meeting with the couples. Some ‘do not play list’ of a wedding work just fine for other weddings, so we just go with the flow and advise the couples accordingly so they have the best time at their one night of a lifetime.”

 

Listen to the playlist:

 


 

Next Level Music is an award-winning live entertainment company with an unbelievably talented archive of world-class performers. Being experts in crowd engagement and energizing a party, it’s no surprise these guys are the best in the business when it comes to luxury wedding entertainment! They make sure all your guests are included in the fun with their masterfully constructed set lists and plenty of audience participation, electrifying the dancefloor and giving you the ultimate party atmosphere.

Versatile Brass is one of the world’s leading brass function bands. A showpiece band that can play a range of styles to suit your tastes, from Jazz, Pop, Rock, Funk, Swing, and Motown, to Disco, Soul, and ethnic styles, they are perfect for creating a fully immersive musical experience on your special day.

Jazz Around Midnight is a music agency specializing in live music production and talent booking for luxury events and weddings across the world. Producing exceptionally talented bands and artists to work musical wonders, these guys have everything you need for a memorable wedding celebration. It’s no wonder they are one of the most sought-after music agencies in France!

Selecktive is a leader in entertainment creation that offers a range of customized services to corporate and private clients, including Excellence Private DJs, Live Band Performance, Musicians, Music Styling, Event Production, Technical Design, and Creative Direction. Taking care of your event scenography and acting as your artistic director by developing stylish live talents, their approach to music styling is unique, eclectic, and totally focused on creating an outstanding party experience. Driven by emotions, they are experts in creating tailor-made concepts that reflect your identity.

Music-A was initially conceived as an initiative to gather musicians under one umbrella for the pure joy of playing music. Developing the brand and expanding over the years, they have quickly become a trusted entertainment platform in the Lebanese and MENA luxury market. Having a reputed directory with established musicians and tailored musical concepts, they can elevate any event into the most lively celebration!

 

With these guys as your entertainment specialists, you can rest assured, that your dance floor will be PACKED! Learn more about these entertainment pros and book them for your next event now!

 

Featured Image Credit: @jazzaroundmidnight