Spotlight: Essential Hits for Your Wedding Playlist

Katrina Jayne Photography with Tyler Varnell
Spotlight
These unforgettable dance anthems are must-haves on your wedding playlist
Written by
Laura Cross

When it comes to wedding celebrations, few elements are as eagerly anticipated as the dance floor. It's where guests young and old come together to revel in the joyous atmosphere, creating memories that last a lifetime. Behind every unforgettable dance party is a carefully curated playlist, filled with tracks that speak to the hearts of all in attendance.

Whether you've secured a live band or enlisted the expertise of a DJ committed to keeping the revelry alive until dawn, we've compiled a selection of beloved dance anthems straight from the music experts themselves that you won't want to forget on your must-play list. These bangers and ballads consistently spark the flames of celebration, ensuring an unforgettable soirée for all involved.

PARTY STARTER: "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Murtaza Ezzy, MKEshoots Photography
"This funky jam never fails to get everyone grooving. With its infectious beat and Bruno Mars's smooth vocals, it's like a shot of pure energy straight to the dance floor. Couples love it because it's impossible to resist moving your feet to its catchy rhythm, turning every moment into a celebration of joy and excitement."

CROWD PLEASER: "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk The Moon
Carol Keiner, The Blushing Details
"I get a ton of requests for Bruno Mars' 'Uptown Funk' and "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon. 'Uptown Funk” has this former's blend of new-age elements with timeless classics gets everyone moving on the dance floor, while "Shut Up and Dance" has this infectious beat and catchy lyrics make it a popular choice for people wanting to dance and have a good time."

FEEL GOOD GROOVE: "Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake
Anastasia, Sheff Production Photography & Videography
"I love the energy 'Can't Stop the Feeling!' brings to weddings. It's infectious, uplifting, and always gets everyone on their feet. As photographers and videographers, it's a joy to capture the genuine smiles and carefree moments it inspires, creating timeless memories for couples to cherish."

DANCE FLOOR STAPLE: "Cha Cha Slide" by DJ Casper
Erika Bowers, Erika's Elegance Weddings & Events
"I think everybody loves this song because you don't have to know how to dance to join in the fun and the artist spells on the dance moves and its totally okay if you put your own twist to the move."

TIMELESS SERENADE: "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley
Vai Tiare, VAI x CO / Stone Mountain Estates
"'Can't Help Falling In Love' is one of the most requested songs for a couple's first dance, but also one of our favorites. It's not just a classic song with meaningful words, it's way more than that - is an experience that allows all of us to travel within ourselves and find that feeling again. As we stand around the dance floor and watch the newlyweds embrace, an instinct kicks in and we all remember what love feels like - inevitable. In those moments, when we let go of any control, we get to see real magic at weddings." 

CLASSIC FLOOR FILLER: "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston
Murtaza Ezzy, MKEshoots Photography
"Whitney's powerhouse vocals paired with the upbeat tempo of this '80s classic make it a surefire hit at weddings. It's not just a song; it's an invitation to let loose and dance the night away with the one you love. Couples adore it because it embodies the sheer euphoria of being in each other's arms, surrounded by friends and family, and lost in the magic of the moment."

ETERNAL BALLAD: "A Thousand Years"  by Christina Perri
Vai Tiare, VAI x CO / Stone Mountain Estates
"This song is the heart-touching ballad that we have all seen in the "Twilight" sequel of epic love stories, romanticising the idea of eternal love that conquers it all. When couples express their desire to execute a choreographed first dance, and as a former professional choreographer, I like to guide them into picking a song they can actually manage to dance to. With a slow and steady rhythm that is easy to familiarize themselves with along with some great musical cues for fancy entertaining moves such as dips and lifts, this song is always a winner in our books!" 

MODERN FAVORITE: "Levels" by Avicii
Tyler Varnell
"Levels by Avicii is always EPIC. I jump out on Saxophone at the biggest part and everyone goes wild!"

SING-ALONG ANTHEM: "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
Tyler Varnell
"An all-time anthem, Mr Brightside always leads to jumping and singing at the top of your lungs! Plus I make a surprise appearance on Saxophone!"

Main Photo: Katrina Jayne Photography with Tyler Varnell