2016 Wedding Music Master Class

Congratulations on your engagement! Now it’s time to start planning. Building an appropriate musical playlist for a wedding can be a daunting task for many couples. Special songs such as parent dances can be particularly challenging.

Welcome to the Wedding Music Master Class, updated for 2016. This blog article is published by wedding entertainment specialist Ambient DJ Service. The Wedding Music Master Class is now in its fourth year of publication and contains over 1,800 hand-selected songs. We hope this blog will make planning your wedding a bit easier.

Who is Ambient DJ Service? Ambient DJ is a New Jersey-based mobile DJ company specializing in weddings. We are a 2016 winner of The Knot Best of Weddings and WeddingWire Couples Choice Award. Music is our business – and our passion!

Unfortunately, there are many inferior musical playlists circulating the internet that were not compiled by working wedding professionals. To that end, we are sharing this Master List of our best song ideas for a wedding: from ceremony music, to the reception portion with lists for Grand Entrance songs, First Dance, Father-Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Dance, Cake Cutting, Bouquet and Garter songs and Grand Finale songs. We also share our Top 100 Songs for a 2016 Wedding, 78 Themed Cocktail Hour playlists, 10 Songs NOT to play at a wedding, 7 Musical Programming Tips for a Wedding, and more. The majority of the songs in this blog were used by our actual clients, while the rest were selected with great care with regards to lyrics, mood and danceability.

An important enhancement to this year’s Master Class is that each section of song selections are followed by links to our Spotify channel where you can listen to the music. We recommend using Spotify as a powerful online resource to help organize your wedding song ideas. Create a free Spotify account, start a playlist, and begin adding your song candidates to it.

If you find these lists and ideas useful, please share them with a friend by posting on Social Media. You can follow us on Facebook here or on Pinterest here. We are a New Jersey-based mobile DJ entertainment company with an expertise in weddings. If you are a New Jersey-based bride or groom, please keep us in mind for your special day!

For a wealth of additional planning tips, check out our book available on Amazon “The Bride’s Guide to Selecting the Perfect Wedding DJ”. It is available as either a hard copy or ebook.

Now let’s get into the music!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Wedding Ceremony Music – Classical Selections

• Wedding Ceremony Music – Modern Selections

• Grand Entrance Songs

• First Dance Songs – Modern Selections

• First Dance Songs – Classic and Timeless Selections

• First Dance Songs Used by Celebrities

• Father-Daughter Dance

• Mother-Son Dance

• Cake Cutting Songs

• Bouquet & Garter Songs

• Grand Finale Songs

• 100 Songs for a 2016 Wedding

• Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlists

• 25 Songs for a California / West Coast Wedding

• 25 Key Latin Tracks for a Wedding

• 25 Key Country Tracks for a Wedding

• 10 Songs Not to Play at a Wedding

• Tips for Musical Programming at a Wedding

• About Ambient DJ Service – The New Jersey-based Wedding DJ /Author of this blog

Wedding Ceremony Music – Classical Selections (Prelude or Processional unless otherwise noted)

1. Canon in D – Pachelbel
2. Sleepers Awake – Johann Sebastian Bach
3. Sarabande – Johann Sebastian Bach
4. Air on a G String – Johann Sebastian Bach
5. Nimrod (from Enigma Variations) – Edward Elgar
6. Romantic Pieces, Op. 75 (Allegro Moderato) – Antonin Dvorak
7. I Was Glad – Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (used by Prince William & Princess Kate)
8. Spring (from The Four Seasons) – Antonio Vivaldi
9. Bridal Chorus (“Here Comes the Bride”) – Richard Wagner (* do not use for Jewish couples)
10. Trumpet Voluntary (Prince of Denmark’s March) – Jeremiah Clarke
11. Trumpet Tune – Henry Purcell
12. Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy
13. Gymnopedies No. 1 – Erik Satie
14. Highland Cathedral – Phil Coulter (Celtic selection)
15. Alla Hornpipe – G.F. Handel (recessional)
16. Wedding March – Felix Mendelssohn (recessional) (* do not use for Jewish couples)
17. Scotland the Brave – Boston Pops Orchestra (recessional, Celtic)

Wedding Ceremony Music – Modern Selections (Prelude or Processional unless otherwise noted)

1. La Califfa – Sung by Sarah Brightman
2. Paint the Sky with Stars – Enya
3. First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes
4. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
5. 1, 2, 3, 4 – Cover Version of Plain White Tees performed by Vitamin String Quartet
6. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
7. Halo – Beyonce
8. A Thousand Years (piano instrumental) – The Piano Guys
9. Bittersweet Symphony (instrumental only) – The Verve
10. Bless the Broken Road (piano instrumental) – performed by The O’Neill Brothers
11. Songbird (cover) – Eva Cassidy
12. Bellissimo – Ilya
13. Fairytale – Enya
14. Angels – Robin Thicke
15. Ribbon in the Sky – Stevie Wonder
16. This Ring – T. Carter Music
17. Holocene – Cover Version of Bon Iver performed by Vitamin String Quartet
18. The Prayer (instrumental) – The O’Neill Brothers (candlelighting or sand ceremony)
19. Here We Stand – T. Carter Music (candlelighting or sand ceremony)
20. Somewhere Over the Rainbow – “Iz” (candelighting or sand ceremony)
21. All You Need is Love – Beatles (recessional)
22. The Dog Days are Over – Florence and the Machine (recessional)
23. Everlasting Love (This Will Be) – Natalie Cole
24. Cheerleader – OMI (recessional)
25. You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne (recessional)

To listen to these wedding ceremony song ideas on Spotify, click here.

Helpful Hints – Looking for a blend of classical and modern? Check out the strings arrangements of classic rock, modern rock, Indie rock and dance music performed by the Vitamin String Quartet (www.vitaminstringquartet.com). For special songs that were custom-written for weddings, visit T. Carter Music or Wedding Music Central. To read Ambient DJ’s interview with Wedding Music Central, click here. To read Ambient DJ’s interview with T. Carter Music, click here.

Grand Entrance Songs for Wedding Reception

1. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson w/ Bruno Mars (pop/funk)
2. Sugar – Maroon 5 (pop)
3. Theme Song from Star Wars (soundtracks)
4. Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) – Silento (hip hop)
5. Cheerleader – OMI (reggae/tropical)
6. Turn Down for What – DJ Snake w/ Lil’ Jon (trap music)
7. It Takes Scoop (Mashup) – Fatman Scoop (hip hop)
8. Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon (dance)
9. Boneless – Steve Aoki (EDM)
10. Top Gun Anthem – Harold Faltermeyer (soundtracks)
11. Chank – John Scofield (funky jazz)
12. Booty Swing – Parov Stelar (electro-swing)
13. Happy – Pharrell Williams (pop)
14. Best Day of My Life – American Authors (pop)
15. Forever – Chris Brown (pop)
16. Marry You – Bruno Mars (pop)
17. United State of Pop 2015 (50 Shades of Pop) – DJ Earworm (mash-up)
18. How Deep is Your Love – Calvin Harris & the Disciples (electronic)
19. Time of Our Lives – Pitbull f/ Ne-Yo (dance)
20. Tremor – Dmitri Vegas, Martin Garrix and Like Mike (EDM)
21. Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO (dance)
22. Pump It Up – Danzel (dance)
23. Bailando (Gregor Salto Remix) – Enrique Iglesias f/ Sean Paul (Latin/Trap)
24. Now That We Found Love – Heavy D. and the Boyz (90s/dance)
25. Paper Planes – M.I.A. (alternative)
26. You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates (80s)
27. I Blame You – Ledisi (R&B)
28. When Love Takes Over – David Guetta f/Kelly Rowland (dance)
29. Thunderstruck – AC/DC (rock)
30. I Believe in a Thing Called Love – The Darkness (modern rock)
31. The Final Countdown – Europe (80s glam rock)
32. Let’s Get Married (Remix f/ Reverend Run) – Jagged Edge (R&B)
33. Beautiful Day – U2 (rock)
34. Life is a Highway – Rascal Flatts (country)
35. Theme Song from Pirates of the Caribbean (soundtracks)
36. Theme Song form the Avengers (soundtracks)
37. Sirius – Alan Parsons Project (i.e. Chicago Bulls theme song)
38. Heavy Action – Johnny Pearson (i.e. Monday Night football theme song)
39. Viva La Vida – Coldplay (modern rock)
40. Welcome to the Jungle – Guns and Roses (rock)
41. I Gotta Feeling – The Black Eyed Peas (dance)
42. Pursuit of Happiness (clean version) – Steve Aoki (EDM)
43. We Will Rock You – Queen (rock)
44. Bring Em’ Out – T.I. (hip hop)
45. Levels – Avicii (EDM)
46. Give Me Everything Tonight – Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo and Nayer (dance)

To listen to these wedding grand entrance song ideas on Spotify, click here.

First Dance Songs – Modern or Alternative Selections

1. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran (pop)
2. I Will Be There – Odessa (indie)
3. Last Night on Earth – Green Day (rock)
4. Between The Raindrops – Lifehouse f/ Natasha Bedingfield
5. Grow Old With Me – The Postal Service (indie)
6. Hey Pretty Girl – Kip Moore (country)
7. Whatever It Is – Zac Brown Band (country)
8. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding (pop)
9. Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor w/ John Legend (pop)
10. All of Me – John Legend (R&B)
11. Earned It – The Weeknd (R&B/Soundtrack)
12. I Choose You – Sara Bareilles (pop)
13. Cinema (Cover Version) – Jason Evigan (acoustic rock)
14. Then – Brad Paisley (country)
15. You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne (folk rock)
16. Wanted – Hunter Hayes (country)
17. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri (pop)
18. Best Friend – Jason Mraz (pop)
19. Just a Kiss – Lady Antebellum (country)
20. God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton (country)
21. Me and You – Kenny Chesney (country)
22. Smile – Uncle Kracker (pop)
23. Cheerleader – OMI (Reggae/Tropical)
24. Fade Into You – Mazzy Star (alternative rock)
25. Such Great Heights – Iron & Wine (alternative)
26. First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes (alternative)
27. The Blower’s Daughter – Damien Rice (folk rock)
28. I Only Have Eyes for You – Jamie Cullum (cover)
29. Marry Me – Train (pop)
30. Count on Me – Bruno Mars (pop)
31. True Companion – Marc Cohn (folk rock)
32. I Don’t Dance – Lee Brice (country)
33. Head Over Heels – Rascal Flatts (country)
34. Love Never Fails – Brandon Heath (acoustic)
35. Of Crows and Crowns – Dustin Kensrue (Christian)
36. You and Me – Lifehouse (modern rock)
37. Tangled Up in You – Staind (rock)
38. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz (pop rock)
39. Better Together – Jack Johnson (folk rock)
40. I’ll Be – Edwin McCain (pop rock)
41. Low Light – Pearl Jam (rock)
42. Two Luv Birds – Robin Thicke (R&B)
43. By Your Side – Sade (R&B)
44. No One – Alicia Keys (R&B)
45. Stay With You – John Legend (R&B)
46. Come Away With Me – Norah Jones (adult contemporary)
47. The Way You Look Tonight – Michael Buble
48. Fallen – Lauren Wood (from Pretty Woman sountrack)
49. Lovesong – The Cure, or 311 (80s/New Wave)
50. The Way I Am – Ingrid Michaelson (indie folk)
51. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) – The Talking Heads (for stripped down acoustic version, check out Shawn Colvin’s rendition) (80s/New Wave)
52. All Mine – Portishead (electronic downtempo)
53. Angels – The XX (electronic downtempo)
54. Holocene – Bon Iver (indie rock)
55. The Luckiest – Ben Folds (pop rock)
56. My Favourite Book – Stars (indie pop)
57. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley (acoustic rock)
58. I Could Not Ask for More – Edwin McCain (pop rock)
59. When the Stars Go Blue – Ryan Adams (indie)
60. I Will Follow You Into the Dark – Death Cab for Cutie (indie)
61. History in the Making – Darius Rucker (country)

To listen to these modern first dance song ideas on Spotify, click here.

First Dance Songs – Traditional and Timeless Selections

1. When a Man Loves a Woman – Percy Sledge (soul)
2. My One and Only Love – John Coltrane w/ Johnny Hartman (jazz/vocalist)
3. Little Trip to Heaven – Tom Waits (jazz/vocalist)
4. You Make Me Feel Brand New – The Stylistics (soul)
5. The Closer I Get to You – Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway (soul)
6. These Arms of Mine – Otis Redding (soul)
7. It Had To Be You – Harry Connick, Jr. (jazz/big band)
8. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra (big band) or Tony Bennett (ballad)
9. Crazy Love – Van Morrison (acoustic rock)
10. My Baby Just Cares for Me – Nina Simone (soul)
11. I Will – The Beatles (pop rock)
12. Bless the Broken Road – Rascal Flatts (country)
13. Amazed – Lonestar (country)
14. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton (rock)
15. I’ll Stand By You – The Pretenders (rock)
16. Love of a Lifetime – Firehouse (rock)
17. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis (oldies)
18. Faithfully – Journey (rock)
19. Heaven – Bryan Adams (80s)
20. I Will Be Here – Steven Curtis Chapman (Christian)
21. Don’t Want To Miss a Thing – Aerosmith (rock)
22. I Want to Know What Love is – Foreigner (rock)
23. Is This Love – Bob Marley (reggae)
24. Little Wing – Jimi Hendrix (classic rock)
25. At Last – Etta James (soul)
26. Always and Forever – Heatwave (R&B)
27. All My Life – K.C. and Jojo (R&B)
28. Through the Fire – Chaka Khan (R&B)
29. Here and Now – Luther Vandross (R&B)
30. One in a Million You – Larry Graham (R&B)
31. Ribbon in the Sky – Stevie Wonder (R&B)
32. From This Moment – Shania Twain w/Bryan White (country)
33. It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw and Faith Hill (country)
34. I Cross My Heart – George Strait (country)
35. I Swear – John Michael Montgomery (country)
36. Best of My Love – The Eagles (soft rock)
37. How Deep is Your Love – The Bee Gees (disco/soft rock)
38. Crazy for You – Madonna (80s)
39. Lost in Love – Air Supply (soft rock)
40. Into the Mystic – Van Morrison (soft rock)
41. Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers (oldies)
42. We Have All the Time in the World – Louis Armstrong (jazz/vocalist)
43. Follow You, Follow Me – Genesis (pop)

To listen to these classic first dance song ideas on Spotify, click here.

First Dance Songs -Used by Celebrities

1. Jennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux – “Chandelier” – Sia (live performance)
2. Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt – “It Had to Be You” – Frank Sinatra
3. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia deRossi – “Ribbon in the Sky” – Stevie Wonder
4. Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odum – “Angel” – Anita Baker
5. Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto – “On the Ocean” – K’Jon
6. John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette – “Forever in My Life” – Prince
7. John F. Kennedy and Jackie O. – “I Married an Angel” – performed by The Meyer Davis Orchestra at the Waldorf Astoria, NYC
8. Prince William and Princess Kate – “Your Song” by Elton John, performed live by Ellie Goulding
9. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama – “You and I” – Stevie Wonder
10. Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz – “First Day of My Life” – Bright Eyes
11. Reese Witherspoon and Jim Tosh – “Make You Feel My Love” – Bob Dylan
12. Shannen Doherty and Kurt Iswarienko – “My Baby Just Cares for Me” – Nina Simone
13. Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman – “No One’s Gonna Love You” – Band of Horses
14. Fergie and Josh Duhamel – “Sweethearts Together” – The Rolling Stones
15. Ivanka Trump and Jason Kushner – “This Years’ Love” – David Gray
16. Michael Buble and Luisano Lopilato – “Everybody Loves Somebody” – Dean Martin
17. LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian – “When It Don’t Come Easy” – Patti Griffin
18. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban – “At Last” – Etta James
19. Shania Twain and Frederic Thiebauld – “I’m Your Man” – Michael Buble
20. Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton – “No Doubt About It” – Neal McCoy
21. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes – “Songbird” – Fleetwood Mac
22. Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards – “Open Arms” – Journey
23. Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan – “Last Night on Earth” – Green Day
24. Katherine Heigl & Josh Kelley – “Heavenly Day” – Patti Griffin
25. Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott – “Amazed” – Lonestar
26. Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher – “Love Never Fails” – Brandon Heath
27. George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin – “Why Shouldn’t I? – Cole Porter

Father-Daughter Dance

1. Father & Daughter – Paul Simon (folk rock)
2. Daddy Dance With Me – Krystal Keith (country) (for alternate version, try Krystal’s duet with Christopher Keith)
3. I Loved Her First – Heartland (country)
4. Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman (vocalist)
5. Upside Down – Jack Johnson (folk rock)
6. Walk With You – Edwin McCain (acoustic rock)
7. My Little Girl – Tim McGraw (country)
8. Stealing Cinderella – Chuck Wicks (country)
9. Mom – Garth Brooks (country)
10. Ready, Set, Don’t Go – Billy Ray Cyrus (country)
11. Just Fishin’ – Trace Atkins (country)
12. Daddy’s Angel – T. Carter (Wedding/Country)
13. Dad, You’re My Hero – Teresa James (Wedding)
14. Daddy’s Little Girl – Michael Buble or Al Martino (vocalists)
15. I Believe in Happy Endings – Neil Diamond (vocalists)
16. Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion (vocalists)
17. Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle (Christian)
18. Daughters – John Mayer (pop)
19. Daughter – Loudon Wainwright III (folk)
20. My Little Girl – Steve Kirwan (wedding)
21. Gracie – Ben Folds (singer/songwriter)
22. Time in a Bottle – Jim Croce (singer/songwriter)
23. If It Wasn’t For Your Love – Heather Headley
24. Somewhere Over the Rainbow – “Iz” (Acoustic/Hawaiian)
25. Look to the Rainbow – Astrud Gilberto (Brazilian/International)
26. Tu Guardian – Juanes (Latin)
27. You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban (classical)
28. Unforgettable – Natalie Cole w/Nat King Cole (wedding classic)
29. Daddy – Beyonce (R&B)
30. Ballerina Girl – Lionel Ritchie (80s ballad)
31. Isn’t She Lovely -Stevie Wonder (soul) (note: we recommend editing out the intro section with crying baby)
32. My Girl – The Temptations (Motown/Soul)
33. Wildflowers – Tom Petty (acoustic rock)

To listen to these Father-Daughter song ideas on Spotify, click here.

Mother-Son Dance

1. Never Alone – Jim Brickman f/ Lady Antebellum w/ Hillary Scott
2. Mama – Lunchmoney Lewis (upbeat pop, fun song!)
3. All to You – DJ Keo (country)
4. My Wish – Rascal Flatts (country)
5. Stand By Me – Ben E. King (soul)
6. A Mother’s Song- T. Carter Music (wedding/country)
7. On This Day – Christian Barnes (wedding)
8. Mom – Garth Brooks (country)
9. Don’t Blink – Kenny Chesney (country)
10. I’ll Always Love My Mama – The Intruders (R&B/Soul)
11. There You’ll Be – Faith Hill (country)
12. Singing a Song for My Mother – Bohannon (R&B/Soul)
13. A Song for Mama – Boyz II Men (R&B/Soul)
14. You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban (classical)
15. I Wish You Love – Luke Higgins
16. Close to You – The Carpenters (soft rock)
17. Child of Mine – Carole King (folk)
18. Song for My Son – Mikki Viereck (wedding)
19. It Happens in a Heartbeat – Teresa James (wedding)
20. The Man You’ve Become – Molly Pasutti (wedding)
21. You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Randy Newman w/Lyle Lovett (Disney)
22. The Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler (vocalist)
23. I Hope You Dance – LeAnn Womack (country)
24. Through the Years – Kenny Rogers (country)
25. The Circle Game – Joni Mitchell (folk)
26. You’ll Be in My Heart – Phil Collins (pop)
27. Happy Everafter In Your Eyes – Ben Harper (singer/songwriter)
28. Forever Young – Alphaville (80s)
29. Simple Man – Lynrd Skynrd (southern rock)
30. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong (classic)
31. High Tide or Low Tide – Bob Marley (reggae)
32. Baby Mine – Bette Midler (vocalist)
33. The Perfect Fan – Backstreet Boys (Boy Band)
34. Can’t Smile WIthout You – Barry Manilow (vocalist)

To listen to these Mother-Son song ideas on Spotify, click here.

Cake Cutting Songs

1. Sugar, Sugar – The Archies (oldies)
2. Chapel of Love – The Dixie Cups (oldies)
3. Sugar – Maroon 5 (pop)
4. Everlasting Love (This Must Be) – Natalie Cole (R&B/soul)
5. L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole (R&B/soul)
6. Theme from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Ennio Morricone (soundtracks)
7. Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benatar (80s)
8. I Want Candy – The Bow Wow Wow (80s)
9. Pour Some Sugar on Me – Def Leppard (80s rock)
10. Lips Like Sugar – Echo & the Bunnymen (80s/New Wave)
11. Cuts Like a Knife – Bryan Adams (rock)
12. Silly Love Songs – Paul McCartney & Wings (pop)
13. I Got You Babe – Sonny & Cher (60s)
14. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) – Marvin Gaye or James Taylor (R&B/soft rock)
15. For Once in My Life – Stevie Wonder (R&B)
16. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) – The Four Tops (Motown)
17. When I’m 64 – The Beatles (pop)
18. Love is Strange – Mickey & Sylvia (oldies)
19. Cut the Cake – Average White Band (disco)
20. Candy – Cameo (funk)
21. Wanna Grow Old with You – Adam Sandler (soundtrack)
22. Super Mario Brothers Theme Song (soundtrack)
23. Eat It – ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic (song parody)
24. Candy Man – Christina Aguilera (pop)
25. Marry You – Bruno Mars (pop)
26. Lucky – Jason Mraz f/ Colbie Caillat (pop)
27. I Do – Colbie Caillat (pop)
28. Safe and Sound – Capital Cities (modern)
29. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran (pop) (note: the new “When I’m 64”?)
30. Firecracker – Josh Turner (country)
31. Honey Bee – Blake Shelton (country)
32. Say Hey, I Love You – Michael Franti (dance)
33. My Favourite Book – Stars (alternative)
34. No One’s Gonna Love You – Band of Horses (alternative)
35. Rain or Shine – Matthew Perryman Jones (rock)
36. Love and Marriage – Frank Sinatra (vocalist)
37. It Had to Be You – Harry Connick, Jr. (big band/vocalist)
38. Everything – Michael Buble (vocalist)
39. Ice Cream – Sara McLachlan (vocalist)
40. Candy – Mandy Moore (pop)
41. Gymnopedies No. 1 – Erik Satie (classical/soundtrack)
42. The Sweetest Love – Robin Thicke (R&B)
43. By Your Side – Sade (R&B)
44. The Power of Love/Love Power – Luther Vandross (R&B)
45. Love Light in Flight – Stevie Wonder (R&B)
46. P.D.A. (We Just Don’t Care) – John Legend (R&B)
47. Birthday Cake – Rihanna (R&B) (note: loop chorus only… other lyrics may be inappropriate!)
48. Dearest (cover) – The Black Keys (rock)
49. Spin Spin Sugar (Armand Van Helden Remix) – Sneaker Pimps (electronic)
50. Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen (rock)
51. You’re My Best Friend – Queen (rock)
52. Dessert – Dawin (R&B/modern)

To listen to these Cake Cutting song ideas on Spotify, click here.

Bouquet & Garter Ceremony

1. Single Ladies – Beyonce (Bouquet Toss)
2. Dear Future Husband – Meghan Trainor (Bouquet Toss)
3. Country Girl, Shake It – Luke Bryan (Bouquet Toss)
4. Haven’t Met You Yet – Michael Buble (Bouquet Toss)
5. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper (Bouquet Toss)
6. Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison (Bouquet Toss)
7. Girls, Girls, Girls – Motley Crue (Bouquet Toss)
8. Where Them Girls At – Flo Rida, David Guetta and Nicki Minaj (Bouquet Toss)
9. Holding Out for a Hero – Bonnie Tyler (Bouquet Toss)
10. American Woman – Lenny Kravitz (Bouquet Toss)
11. Chapel of Love – The Dixie Cups (Bouquet Toss)
12. Theme from Mission Impossible (Garter Removal)
13. Don’t You Feel My Leg – Dirty Dozen Brass Band (Garter Removal)
14. Bad Things (from First Blood) – Jace Everett (Garter Removal)
15. Legs – ZZ Top (Garter Removal)
16. The Stripper – Traditional (Garter Removal)
17. Pink Panther Theme Song (Garter Removal)
18. Foxey Lady – Jimi Hendrix (Garter Removal)
19. You Can Leave Your Hat On – Joe Cocker (Garter Removal)
20. Theme from the movie Jaws (Garter Removal)
21. Hot Legs – Rod Stewart (Garter Removal)
22. The Man – Aloe Blacc (Garter Removal)
23. Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins (Garter Removal)
24. Peter Gunn – The Blues Brothers (Garter Toss)
25. Theme from Rocky – Rocky Orchestra (Garter Toss)
26. Oh Yeah (Yello) – from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Garter Toss)
27. The Harlem Shake – Baauer (Garter Toss)
28. Bad Boys – Inner Circle (Garter Toss)
29. Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top (Garter Toss)
30. The Boys of Summer (cover) – The Ataris (Garter Toss)
31. Bad to the Bone – George Thorogood (Garter Toss)
32. Big Pimpin’ – Jay-Z (Garter Toss)
33. Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf (Garter Toss)
34. Another One Bites the Dust – Queen (Grand Finale)
35. Keep Your Hands to Yourself – The Georgia Satellites (Grand Finale)
36. Let’s Get it On – Marvin Gaye (Grand Finale)
37. You Sexy Thing – Hot Chocolate (Grand Finale)
38. I’m Too Sexy – Right Said Fred (Grand Finale)
39. Marvin Gaye – Charlie Puth f/ Meghan Trainor (Grand Finale)
40. Sensual Seduction – Snoop Dogg (Grand Finale)
41. Bump n’ Grind – R. Kelly (Grand Finale)
42. I Wanna Sex You Up – Color Me Badd (Grand Finale)
43. The Distance – Cake (Grand Finale)
44. Pony – Ginuwine (Grand Finale)
45. Hot in Herre – Nelly (Grand Finale)
46. Cherry Pie – Warrant (Grand Finale)
47. Sexy and I Know It – LMFAO (Grand Finale)
48. Wild Thing – Tone Loc (Grand Finale)
49. Whoomp! (There It is Is) – Tag Team (Grand Finale)
50. Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? – Rod Stewart (Grand Finale)

To listen to these Bouquet and Garter song ideas on Spotify, click here.

Grand Finale (Final Song of Reception)

1. Save the Last Dance for Me – Michael Buble (contemporary)
2. (I’ve Had the) Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes (soundtracks)
3. Time (the Dirty Bit) – The Black Eyed Peas (modern dance)
4. One More Time – Daft Punk (electronic dance)
5. Piano Man – Billy Joel (singer/songwriter)
6. New York, New York – Frank Sinatra (crooners)
7. Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon (dance)
8. Glad You Came – The Wanted (pop dance)
9. Let’s Get Married (Remix) – Jagged Edge with Reverend Run from Run-D.M.C. (R&B)
10. Times of Your Life (Good Riddance) – Green Day (punk rock)
11. Take Me Home Tonight – Eddie Money (80s rock)
12. Your Love – The Outfield (80s rock)
13. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) – Talking Heads (80s/New Wave)
14. Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight – The Spaniels (oldies)
15. Shower the People (live version) – James Taylor (folk rock)
16. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton (soft rock)
17. At Last – Etta James (soul)
18. See You Again – Wiz Khalifa f/ Charlie Puth (pop / hip hop)
19. Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z f/ Alicia Keys (hip hop / R&B)
20. Amazed – Lonestar (country)
21. Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks (country)
22. Closing Time – Semisonic (rock)
23. Save Tonight – Eagle Eye Cherry (rock)
24. Home – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros (alternative rock)
25. Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root (alternative rock)
26. Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen (rock)
27. Don’t Stop Believing- Journey (rock)
28. Last Dance – Donna Summer… for a modern day twist, try the 2013 Masters at Work Remix which gives the original a smooth house treatment (disco/house)
29. Please Don’t Go – KWS (freestyle)
30. Don’t Stop the Party – Pitbull f/ TJR (modern dance)
31. Feel This Moment – Pitbull f/ Christina Aguilera (modern dance)
32. Tremor – Dmitri Vegas, Martin Garrix and Like Mike (EDM)
33. Sandstorm – Darude (EDM)

To listen to these Grand Finale song ideas on Spotify, click here.

100 Songs for a 2016 Wedding (Mixed Genres)

1. Quando, Quando, Quando – Michael Buble with Nelly Furtado (cocktail hour/dinner)
2. Our Day Will Come – Amy Winehouse (cocktail/dinner)
3. The Girl from Ipanema – Bebel Gilberto & Kenny G. (cocktail/dinner)
4. Beyond the Sea – Bobby Darin (oldies)
5. Runaround Sue – Dion (oldies)
6. Twist & Shout – The Beatles (oldies/rock)
7. Shout (Parts 1 and 2) – The Isley Brothers (oldies)
8. Mony, Mony – Tommy James & the Shondells
9. Chapel of Love – The Dixie Cups (oldies)
10. Marry You – Bruno Mars (pop)
11. In the Mood – Glen Miller Band (big band)
12. That’s Amore – Dean Martin (oldies)
13. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond (party classic)
14. My Girl – The Temptations (Motown)
15. Respect – Aretha Franklin (Motown)
16. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye (Motown)
17. What You Won’t Do for Love – Bobby Caldwell (R&B)
18. Midnight Train to Georgia – Gladys Knight & the Pips (Soul)
19. My Baby Just Cares for Me – Nina Simone (Soul)
20. For Once in My Life – Stevie Wonder (Motown)
21. I Blame You – Ledisi (R&B)
22. Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show or Darius Rucker (country)
23. House Party – Sam Hunt (country)
24. Honey, I’m Good – Andy Grammar (pop)
25. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson f/ Bruno Mars (pop/funk)
26. Can’t Feel My Face – The Weeknd (R&B)
27. Lean On – Major Lazer w/ DJ Snake & Mo (pop)
28. How Deep Is Your Love – Calvin Harris (dance)
29. Hold My Hand – Jess Glynne (dance)
30. G.D.F.R. – Flo Rida & friends (dance)
31. Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix) – OMI (reggae/tropical)
32. She’s Royal – Tarrus Riley (reggae)
33. Could You Be Loved – Bob Marley (reggae)
34. Vivir Mi Vida – Marc Anthony (salsa)
35. Let’s Get Loud – Jennifer Lopez (Latin dance)
36. Danza Kuduro – Don Omar (Latin dance)
37. El Mismo Sol – Alvaro Soler f/ Jennifer Lopez (Latin dance)
38. Cha Cha Slide – DJ Casper (line dance)
39. Cupid Shuffle – Cupid (line dance)
40. Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae) – Silento (hip hop line dance)
41. Hotline Bling – Drake (R&B)
42. El Taxi – Pitbull, Sensato & Friends (Latin)
43. Love Light in Flight – Stevie Wonder (R&B/Soul)
44. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green (R&B/Soul)
45. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran (modern ballad)
46. Always and Forever – Heatwave (R&B/Soul)
47. Send Me on My Way – Rusted Root (alternative)
48. Home – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros (alternative)
49. Yeah! – Usher with Lil’ Jon (party starter)
50. Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z with Alicia Keys (hip hop)
51. Got To Be Real – Cheryl Lynn (disco)
52. Show Me Love – Robin S. (90s dance)
53. That’s the Way I Like It – K.C. & the Sunshine Band (disco)
54. Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry (disco)
55. Hot Stuff – Donna Summer (disco)
56. Got to Give It Up (part 1) – Marvin Gaye (funk)
57. Kiss – Prince (funk)
58. Super Freak – Rick James (funk)
59. Can’t Touch This – MC Hammer (90s dance)
60. I Want it That Way – The Backstreet Boys (boy bands)
61. Push It – Salt n’ Pepa (80s)
62. Take on Me – a-Ha (80s)
63. Need You Tonight – INXS (80s)
64. P.Y.T. – Michael Jackson (80s)
65. Red, Red, Wine – UB40 (reggae)
66. I Can’t Wait – Nu-Shooz (freestyle/party starter)
67. Rock Your Body – Justin Timberlake (pop/party starter)
68. Happy – Pharrell Williams (pop/party starter)
69. It Takes Two – DJ Rob Base and EZ Rock (90s)
70. Jump Around – House of Pain (90s)
71. Hip Hop Hooray – Naughty by Nature (90s hip hop)
72. Good Vibrations – Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch (90s)
73. Poison – Bel Biv Devoe (90s)
74. La Rebelion – Joe Arroyo (salsa)
75. Spring Love – Stevie B. (freestyle)
76. In Da Club (clean) – 50 Cent (hip hop)
77. Nuthin’ But a G Thang (clean) – Dr. Dre f/ Snoop Dogg (hip hop)
78. Wild Thing – Tone Loc (rap)
79. Wanna Be Startin’ Something – Michael Jackson (party starter)
80. I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston (80s)
81. Country Girl, Shake it for Me – Luke Bryan (country)
82. Cruise (remix) – Florida Georgia Line f/ Nelly (country)
83. Merengue Electronico – Omega (Latin/Merengue)
84. Unforgettable – Natalie Cole w/ Nat King Cole (wedding ballad)
85. Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers (ballad)
86. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra (ballad)
87. I’ll Always Love You – Taylor Dayne (ballad)
88. You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC (rock)
89. Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi (rock)
90. Don’t Stop Believing – Journey (rock)
91. Ride Wit Me – Nelly (90s)
92. Wake Me Up – Avicii (dance/EDM)
93. Save the World Tonight – Swedish House Mafia (dance/EDM)
94. Bailando – Enrique Iglesias w/ Sean Paul an Gente de Zona (Latin)
95. I Need Your Love – Shaggy & Friends (reggae/tropical)
96. Echa Pa’lla (Manos Pa’rriba) – Pitbull (Latin dance)
97. Turn Down for What – DJ Snake f/ Lil’ Jon (trap music)
98. Can’t Stop the Feeling! – Justin Timberlake (pop)
99. Love Never Felt So Good – Michael Jackson w/ Justin Timberlake (R&B)
100. Let’s Dance – David Bowie (80s)

To listen to these Top 100 wedding song ideas for 2016 on Spotify, click here.

The Ambient DJ Service Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist Menu

The list below features the name/theme of the Cocktail Hour Mix, the selected accompanying cocktail, and the DJ who created the playlist in parentheses. Access the individual blog entries/playlists by clicking on the links.

1. Alternative Rock Cocktail Hour, Craft Beer (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
2. The Quintessentially Mixed Cocktail Hour, Long Island Iced Tea (DJ AQ). Click here.
3. Good Vibes Cocktail Hour, Pina Colada (DJ Iron Mike). Click here.
4. Head to Shoulder Dip Cocktail Hour, Hairy Navel (DJ Gary G). Click here.
5. Retro Soul Cocktail Hour, Ciroc Havana Coconut Martini (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
6. Smooth Sail Cocktail Hour, Malibu Bay Breeze (DJ Mike K). Click here.
7. Back to the Eighties Cocktail Hour, Midori Sour (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
8. Beach Themed Cocktail Hour, Red Stripe Beer (DJ Spinz). Click here.
9. Classic Wedding Cocktail Hour, Tanqueray & Tonic (DJ Garrett B.). Click here.
10. International Excursions Wedding Cocktail Hour, Sangria (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
11. Country Wedding Cocktail Hour, Manhattan (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
12. Crooners Wedding Cocktail Hour, Jack Daniels on the Rocks with a Splash of Water (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
13. Chanteuse Wedding Cocktail Hour, The White Lady (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
14. TV Theme Songs Wedding Cocktail Hour, Coca-Cola with a side of Popcorn (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
15. Christmas Wedding Cocktail Hour, Eggnog (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
16. Boardwalk Empire / Great Gatsby Wedding Cocktail Hour, Rum Punch for a Crowd (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
17. Classic R&B Wedding Cocktail Hour, Ciroc Blue Ocean (DJ Iron Mike). Click here.
18. James Bond Wedding Cocktail Hour, Vespa Martini that is shaken not stirred! (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
19. Valentines Wedding Cocktail Hour, Godiva Chocolate Martini (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
20. Miami Vice Wedding Cocktail Hour, Cuba Libre (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
21. The “Super Happy Hour” Wedding Cocktail Hour, The Bob Marley (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
22. The Brazilian Wedding Cocktail Hour, Caipirinha (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
23. The New Jersey Homegrown Wedding Cocktail Hour, Boat Beer (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
24. The French Connection Wedding Cocktail Hour, 2010 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere St. Emilion (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
25. The Disco Love Wedding Cocktail Hour, Sloe Gin Fizz (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
26. The Super Funky Soul Wedding Cocktail Hour, Funky Cold Medina (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
27. The Acid Jazz Wedding Cocktail Hour, Gimlet (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
28. The 70s Soft Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour, Miller High Life (DJ Iron Mike). Click here.
29. The New York State of Mind Wedding Cocktail Hour, Bronx Martini (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
30. The Disney Wedding Cocktail Hour, Vibrant Orange Juice Frosty (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
31. The Summer Pop Wedding Cocktail Hour, Jameson & Ginger Ale (DJ Spinz). Click here.
32. The Colorful Wedding Cocktail Hour, Shot of Goldschlager (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
33. The Inspiring Women of Music Wedding Cocktail Hour, Brandy Alexander (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
34. The Psychedelic Wedding Cocktail Hour, Death in the Afternoon (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
35. The Surf’s Up Wedding Cocktail Hour, Italian Surfer (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
36. The 90s Grunge Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour, Whiskey Sour (Guest bloggers Pash & David). Click here.
37. The “Nice and Easy” Wedding Cocktail Hour, Dirty Martini (DJ Greg Nice). Click here.
38. The All Beatles Wedding Cocktail Hour, Bass Ale (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
39. The Savannah Southern Charm Wedding Cocktail Hour, Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade Mojito (Guest Blogger Cindy Brown). Click here.
40. The All Covers Version Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 1) , Tecate Beer (Team Ambient ). Click here.
41. The Giants of Jazz Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , The Jazz Martini (DJ Gregg Ambient ). Click here.
42. The Smooth Jazz Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Kahlua & Cream (DJ Gregg Ambient ). Click here.
43. The Vintage Soul Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Old-Fashioned (Guest Blogger DJ Ali Gruber ). Click here.
44. The Acquired Taste Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Fernet Branca (Guest Blogger DJ Toad). Click here.
45. The Jamaican Love Song Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Hummingbird (DJ Jazz). Click here.
46. The Motown Wedding Cocktail Hour, The Last Word (DJ Spinz) . Click here.
47. The All-Broadway Wedding Cocktail Hour, Fuzz Greyhound (Guest Bloggers Kris Longwell and Wesley Loon) . Click here.
48. The Fifty Shades of Grey Wedding Cocktail Hour, Bollinger La Grande Annee Rose (1999) (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
49. The Hip Hop Wedding Cocktail Hour, Cristal Champagne (DJ Iron Mike) . Click here.
50. The Tropical Trade Winds Wedding Cocktail Hour, Barbados Rum Punch (DJ Marti Gras) . Click here.
51. The Reggae Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Red Stripe Beer/ Dirty Banana Cocktail (DJ Sully) . Click here.
52. The Mellow Country Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Cherry Coke & Cola (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
53. The Space Travelers Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Astronaut (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
54. The Freestyle Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Dark and Stormy (DJ Iron Mike) . Click here.
55. The African Safari Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Castle Lager Beer (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
56. The Sunset Sessions Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Mojito (Guest Blogger, DJ Troy Michael via Hawaii) . Click here.
57. The 70s Soft Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist – Volume 2 , Scotch on the Rocks (DJ Iron Mike) . Click here.
58. The Bar Life Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Margarita (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
59. The New Orleans Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Hurricane (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
60. The Classy Covers Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Southern Revival (DJ Spinz) . Click here.
61. The Blues Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Blonde Manhattan (DJ Marti Gras) . Click here.
62. The 80s 90s Something Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Bottle of Zima (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
63. The “Lush” Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Botanist Cocktail (DJ Cloak Dagger) . Click here.
64. The Boy Bands Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist (Volume One) , Bubble Martini (DJ Iron Mike) . Click here.
65. The New Years Eve Style Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
66. The Valentines Day Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 2), Frangelico on the Rocks (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
67. The New Age Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 1), Maple Breakfast Stout (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
68. The 420 High Times Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Summer Shandy beer (Joint DJ Collaboration).  Click here.
69. The Bossa Chill Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Caipirinha (DJ Dre Ovalle).  Click here.
70. The Fourth of July Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Bottle of Budweiser (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
71. The Vineyard Vibes Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Bottle of 2012 St. Eden Vineyards Chardonnay (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
72. The 60s Gold Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Zombie (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
73. The 1990s R&B Wedding Cocktail Hour, Espresso Martini (DJ Iron Mike). Click here.
74. The “Cool, Relax” Wedding Cocktail Hour, Basilico (DJ Statle). Click here.
75. The A List B-Side Wedding Cocktail Hour, Black Russian (guest blogger Darrell Gartrell). Click here.
76. The Stone Cold Soul Wedding Cocktail Hour, Laid Back (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
77. The Bar Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour, Bloody Mary (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
78. The Disco Love Wedding Cocktail Hour, Singapore Sling (DJ Iron Mike).  Click here.
79. The Far East Wedding Cocktail Hour, Suntory Whiskey on the rocks (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
80. The Doo-Wop Wedding Cocktail Hour, Tom Collins (DJ Iron Mike).  Click here.

25 Key Songs for a California / West Coast Wedding

The following list was curated by our friend and respected industry colleague Dan Rosenbach. Dan is a NJ transplant who operates “Love in the Mix” located in the San Francisco Bay Area. As per Dan, “the following playlist is a collection of songs you might typically hear at the most modern San Francisco venue or a rustic vineyard setting in Napa. From country to hip hop, a summary of Bay Area flavors.”

Love in the Mix is the Bay Area’s freshest DJ and lighting design team. Featured in DJ Times Magazine and TLC’s Four Weddings, the company provides beautiful sights and sounds to create unforgettable weddings and corporate events. To learn more about Dan’s awesome DJ service, visit www.loveinthemix.com.

1. California Love – 2Pac Shakur
2. California Gurls – Katy Perry f/ Snoop Dogg
3. Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks
4. Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show
5. Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys
6. I Left My Heart in San Francisco – Tony Bennett
7. Shakedown Street – The Grateful Dead
8. (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding
9. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
10. Regulate – Warren G.
11. This is How We Do It – Montell Jordan
12. The Sound of San Francisco – Global Deejays
13. California Soul – Marlena Shaw
14. San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair) – Scott McKenzie
15. We Built This City – Starship
16. Save Me, San Francisco – Train
17. Bernie Lean – ATM
18. Happy Ending – Sugarland
19. My Wish – Rascal Flatts
20. Blow the Whistle (clean) – Too $hort
21. Playaz Club (clean) – Rappin’ 4-Tay
22. Players Holiday – T.W.D.Y. f/ Too $hort
23. Sprinkle Me – E-40 & Suga-T
24. Game Recognize Game – JT the Bigga Figga & Mac Mall
25. Get Stupid (Remix) – Mac Dre

25 Key Latin Tracks for a Wedding

The following list was compiled by our friend and respected industry colleague Raul Chiriboga, owner/operator of Ultrafonk Entertainment based in Union NJ. A native of Ecuador and an expert in Latin music, Raul has been generous in sharing musical programming tips with fellow DJs through the years. Rule #1 is that one size does not fit all. Therefore, Raul’s selections below feature an assortment of Latin dance styles designed to appeal to a variety of cultures – including Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Valienato, Cumbia and Reggaeton.

Raul’s team includes the talented Portuguese specialist DJ Frankie Gravato. To learn more about the Ultrafonk team and their sensational wedding productions, visit www.ultrafonk.com.

1. Tu Sonrisa – Elvis Crespo (Merengue)
2. El costo de la Vida – Juan Luis Guerra (Merengue)
3. Caballito de Palo – Joseph Fonseca (Merengue)
4. El Tiburon – Proyecto Uno (Merengue House)
5. Dos Locos – Monchy y Alexandra (Bachata)
6. Propuesta Indecente – Romeo Santos (Bachata)
7. 24 Horas – Frank Reyes (Bachata)
8. La Gota Fria – Carlos Vives (Vallenato)
9. La Vida es un Carnaval – Celia Cruz (Salsa)
10. Esta Vida – Jorge Celedon (Valienato)
11. El Ciclon – Sonora Dinamita (Cumbia)
12. Cumbia pa’ Oriente – Lisandro Meza (Cumbia)
13. Pollera Colorada – Charlie Zaa (Cumbia)
14. Micaela – Sonora Carruseles (Salsa)
15. Yay boy – Africando (Salsa)
16. Talento de TV – Willie Colon (Salsa)
17. Brujeria – El Gran Combo (Salsa)
18. La Rebelion – Joe Arroyo (Salsa)
19. Vivir mi Vida – Marc Anthony (Salsa)
20. Mi Reina – La Makina (Merengue)
21. Rescate Tipico #1 – Los Toros Band (Merengue Tipico)
22. Yo te lo Dije – J Balvin (Reggaeton)
23. 6 am – J Balvin feat Farruko (Reggaeton)
24. La Pregunta – J Alvarez (Reggaeton)
25. Que Viva la Vida – Wisin (Latin Fusion)

25 Key Country Tracks for a Wedding

This list is dedicated to our blog readers located in the South – we know there are many of you! A collection of classic and contemporary country tunes, ballads and line dances – this playlist will delight country music lovers from across the region.

1. Crazy – Patsy Cline
2. Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show
3. Forever and Ever, Amen – Randy Travis
4. Don’t Rock the Jukebox – Alan Jackson
5. I Walk the Line – Johnny Cash
6. Family Tradition – Hank Williams
7. Same Ole Me – George Jones
8. For the Good Times – Ray Price
9. I Swear – John Michael Montgomery
10. I Cross My Heart – George Strait
11. Boot Scootin’ Boogie – Brooks & Dunn (line dance)
12. Achy Breaky Heart – Billy Ray Cyrus (line dance)
13. Copperhead Road – Steve Earle (line dance)
14. Islands in the Stream – Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton
15. Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy – Big & Rich
16. Just a Kiss – Lady Antebellum
17. Wanted – Hunter Hayes
18. House Party – Sam Hunt
19. Amazed – Lonestar
20. From This Moment On – Shania Twain w/ Bryan White
21. Me and You – Kenny Chesney
22. Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not – Thompson Square
23. This is How We Roll – Florida Georgia Line f/ Luke Bryan
24. Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks
25. Life is a Highway – Rascal Flatts

10 Songs Not to Play at a Wedding

1. Hello – Adele. Despite being an emotionally powerful song, this hit single off Adele’s new album is a break-up song. Substitute with her cover version of the Cure’s “Lovesong” or Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.”
2. Stay With Me – Sam Smith. In this song, the emotionally tortured protagonist is a master of “one night stands” and proclaims “this ain’t love it’s clear to see, but darling, stay with me” and “deep down I know this never works, but you can lay with me so it doesn’t hurt.” Hardly appropriate wedding fare!
3. You’ll Never Find a Love Like Mine – Lou Rawls. This song oozes sex appeal with Rawl’s baritone voice over a vintage piano and strings disco arrangement. However, the premise of the song is that Rawl’s former partner will never find a love as good as his post their breakup. As a substitute, try George McCrae’s “Rock Your Baby.”
4. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor. This song is about a woman’s turmoil and strength after a breakup. As a disco alternative at a similar tempo, try Cheryl Lynn’s uplifting “Got To Be Real.”
5. Brown Sugar – The Rolling Stones. This infectious rock n’ roll jam regrettably contains lyrics that one music critic describes as “gross, sexist and stunningly offensive to black women” – trust us, the lyrics are that bad. If you love the Stones, try “Start Me Up” or another hit song from their extensive catalog.
6. Paradise by the Dashboard Light – Meatloaf. It could be a personal pet peeve of mine, but I really do not like this song. It is a time hog at over ten minutes long. One of the song’s final lyrics, “praying for the end of time, so I can end my time with you” is hardly romantic. If you crave a rock and roll sing-a-long, try Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” or Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin.” But if you really enjoy the theatrical aspects of this song, I say go ahead, bend the rules and have some fun!
7. What’s Going On? – Marvin Gaye. If you enjoy hearing about war, picket lines and police brutality, then play this song at your wedding. Otherwise, try soulful crooner Gaye’s “Aint’ No Mountain High Enough” or super-funky “Got to Give it Up” which your DJ can then skillfully mix into Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines.”
8. The Macarena – Los del Rio. Line dances at a wedding can be great ice breakers. However, this cheesy line dance has grown even more fungus with age. Modernize your wedding with a newer line dance such as the “Cupid Shuffle.”
9. Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin is my favorite rock band of all time. Yet this anthem is hard to dance to with its long, uncomfortable breakdowns. If you must play Zeppelin at your wedding, try “All of My Love” or “Thank You.” For a beach wedding, try their hidden gem “Down by the Seaside.”
10. Strokin’ – Clarence Carter. This graphic song is cringeworthy at a seedy karaoke night, let alone at a wedding. Avoid at all costs, and stick with Rick James’ “Super Freak” or “Give it to Me.”

To preview these selected “no play” songs on Spotify, click here.

For additional thoughts on musical lyrics at wedding receptions, check out our article on that topic here.

Tips for Musical Programming at a Wedding

After engaging the services of a wedding DJ for your special day, a key task in the planning process is picking music for your wedding reception. Some couples are very “hands on” with the playlist, while others give a general direction to their DJ, trusting his or her expertise.

Assuming a four hour reception and 15 songs per hour, you would have a playlist of 60 songs. How many songs should you pick in advance? Our recommendation would be to prepare a list of up to 20 “must play” songs, plus another 20 “play If possible” tracks. That leaves an additional 20 tracks for your DJ to select. However, the DJ will pick these additional songs within your genre parameters. For example, if you love 90s dance music but dislike country music, the DJ would keep the mix within these guidelines.

In picking specific songs for your wedding reception, listed below are seven tips:

1. Select a variety of musical styles. Your wedding reception will feature a wide range of guest ages, most likely from teenagers to older adults. You would be wise to select songs that cater to the various age brackets, so all guests feel like they are a part of your special day.
2. Start your dance sets with recognizable oldies. For the initial dance set after your first appetizer course, begin with oldies genres such as 60s Rock, Motown, or Disco, to gain the trust of older guests. By doing so, they are more likely to go with the flow for your modern dance selections later in the night!
3. Use non-danceable selections for cocktail hour or dinner music. If you enjoy non-danceable genres such as indie rock, use these selections for the atmospheric cocktail hour or dinner music. For open dancing after dinner, this eclectic fare will likely fail and result in a thin or empty dance floor.
4. For open dancing, gravitate towards mainstream selections. After dinner, the DJ needs to quickly mobilize your diverse group of guests and create a packed dance floor. It is sound advice to use songs that are recognized by most guests! For example, young adults will recognize a classic party jam like “Shout” from the movies, while adult guests will have heard today’s super-hits by the likes of Pitbull, Rihanna or Jennifer Lopez on the radio.
5. Consider using line dances as icebreakers. Yes, there has been a trend in recent years towards “non-tacky” DJ entertainment with minimal or no line dancing. You know, the usual suspects like the Electric Slide and Cupid Shuffle. That said, for the right crowd, line dances can quickly pack a dance floor with guests of all ages. The DJ can then guide this packed dance floor to the music that you really want to hear.
6. Include several ballad sets. Wedding receptions are celebrations that should feature a combination of romance and fun. We recommend two or three ballad sets of two songs each. Incorporating slow dancing makes sense because; first, this allows your shy and older guests to join the action. Second, ballads are a welcome relief from extended sets of high tempo dancing. We recommend programming ballads in pairs because typically a couple will not get to the dance floor until the middle of the first song.
7. Have a detailed discussion about music with your wedding DJ. Professional wedding DJs are highly experienced with musical programming and can provide suggestions that will enhance the quality of your event. Show the DJ your playlist and ask for their candid feedback. Have a detailed discussion with the DJ about your guest demographics that may provide clues on what music will work. Discuss your policy on fielding guest requests, line dances, and your expectations for the dance floor action. If you envision a mellower party, don’t be afraid to let the DJ know that a frenetic dance floor is not your goal.

If you found these playlists and tips helpful, please check out our book available on Amazon “The Bride’s Guide to Selecting the Perfect Wedding DJ”. Thank you for your support!

About Ambient DJ Service

Ambient DJ Service is a full-service mobile NJ DJ entertainment company based in Central New Jersey that specializes in wedding DJ entertainment. Ambient DJ is a 2016 winner of the Knot Best of Weddings award as well as of the WeddingWire Couple’s Choice Award. We have a deep passion for the music that we play and enjoy collaborating with our brides and grooms to create unforgettable parties! We would be delighted to perform at your wedding in the New Jersey / Philadelphia / New York Tri-State area, or destination wedding. For more info and to read our wedding reviews, visit us on the web at www.ambientdj.com.