Wedding Music Master Class 2025
(Cover photo - Newlyweds Sara and Brendan sneak in a record dig at the Princeton Record Exchange prior to their celebration at the Nassau Inn! Photo credit: @theblackfoxphotography)
Welcome to the updated 2025 edition of the “Wedding Music Master Class!” In this article, we share our top song ideas for the season. Our project spans wedding ceremony music, cocktail hour vibes, formal dances for the wedding reception, and party-rocking picks for open dancing. Each of our playlists is immediately followed by an accompanying Spotify playlist. We also share our Top 7 songs NOT to play at a 2025 wedding. The article concludes with top musical programming tips for a wedding.
We hope that our playlists will inspire engaged couples and wedding DJs alike!
About Ambient DJs and The Music Mixologists
Ambient DJs is a New Jersey-based mobile DJ entertainment company specializing in weddings. The Music Mixologists is side project that originated showcasing cocktail hour playlists. We have been publishing these annual music studies for ten years.
Our DJ/Music Mixologists are thrilled to exist in a golden age of musical curation. In decades past, the musical scene was centered on Top 40 radio. Currently, our musical selectors discover music on platforms like Spotify, TikTok, YouTube, satellite radio, Netflix, Apple Music, Instagram and more. It’s also a win when songs of the past are re-discovered by the youth in viral social media reels. Who could have foreseen the resurrection of songs like “Dreams” (Fleetwood Mac) and “Running up That Hill” (Kate Bush)? Or Instagram remixer “Wuki” putting a fresh new spin of the Temptations’ “My Girl”? These classics songs are ideal for weddings - relatable to guests of all ages, and a great way to bridge the gap and create packed dance floors!.
Our musical picks in this study are from the viewpoint of a New Jersey-based wedding DJ. And why not? Many refer to New Jersey as the DJ entertainment capital of the world! For those of you unfamiliar, New Jersey is adjacent to New York and is home to a multi-cultural population. Our musical selections reflect the local scene. Of course, musical tastes may vary in your local, regional market, or international market.
To connect with Ambient DJs, visit www.ambientdj.com, or follow us on Instagram at @ambientdjs
Now, let’s get into the music.
Table of Contents
Wedding Ceremony Music - Modern and Classical Selections
First Dance Songs - Modern and Timeless Selections
Father-Daughter Dance Songs
Mother-Son Dance Songs
Songs to Open the Ballroom Door for Wedding Reception
Grand Entrance Songs for Wedding Reception
Cake Cutting Songs
Bouquet Toss Songs
Garter Removal Songs
Garter Toss Songs
Garter Placement Songs
Grand Finale Songs (Last Song of the Reception)
100 Party Songs for a 2025 Wedding
100 Cocktail Hour Song Sampler
120 Themed Cocktail Hour Playlists
Top Country Songs for a Wedding
Top Latin Songs for a Wedding
Top Pop Punk Sing-along Songs for a Wedding
7 Songs Not to Play at a 2025 Wedding
Tips for Musical Programming at a Wedding
In Closing
Need Even More Wedding Music?
Wedding Ceremony Music
Wedding ceremony music continues to focus on cover versions of pop songs and wedding classics by instrumental artists like the Brooklyn Duo, Paul Hankinson, Vitamin String Quarter, and the Piano Guys. Hankinson mashes up classical songs (like Pachelbel’s Canon in D) with modern ballads (like Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect”). Here is a sampler of our top picks - appropriate for prelude music, processional music, and recessional music. The bottom portion of the playlist focuses on classical music selections.
Love Me Like You Do - Brooklyn Duo
Rather Be - Brooklyn Duo
Canon in D - Brooklyn Duo
Can’t Help Falling in Love - Brooklyn Duo
A Thousand Years - Piano Guys
Story of My Life - Piano Guys
Perfect - Paul Hankinson
Lover - Paul Hankinson
Vincent - Paul Hankinson
Married Life (from Up) - Paul Hankinson
Merry-Go-Round of Life - Joe Hisaishi
Love Someone - Daniel Jang
Can You Feel the Love Tonight - Daniel Jang
All of Me - Vesislava
Watermelon Sugar - Vitamin String Quartet
Peaches - Vitamin String Quartet
Bittersweet Symphony - Vitamin String Quartet
Kingdom Hearts - Vitamin String Quartet
Nocturne in C Sharp - HAUSER w/ London Symphony Orchestra
La Califfa - HAUSER
Bad Guy - 2Cellos
Chasing Cars - Simply Three
Somewhere Only We Know - Allen & Bright
Wishing - Alexis French
What a Wonderful World - Jaime Cordoba
Drops of Jupiter - Jaime Cordoba
Sara Smile (instrumental) - The O’Neill Brothers Group
Turning Page - Sleeping At Last
Canon in D - Canon Orchestre de Chambre
Cello Suite in G Major - J.S. Bach, performed by Yo-Yo Ma
Salut d’Amour, Op. 12 - Edward Elgar
Air on a G String - Johann Sebastian Bach
Four Romantic Pieces, Op. 75 (Allegro Moderato) - Antonin Dvorak
Spring (from The Four Seasons) - Antonio Vivaldi
Bridal Chorus (“Here Comes the Bride”) - Richard Wagner (* do not use for Jewish couples)
Trumpet Voluntary (Prince of Denmark’s March) - Jeremiah Clarke
Trumpet Tune - Henry Purcell
Ave Maria - Sarah Brightman
Claire de Lune - Claude DeBussy
Etude No. 2 - Philip Glass
Gymnopedies No. 1 - Erik Satie
Highland Cathedral - Phil Coulter (Celtic selection)
Wedding March - Felix Mendelssohn (recessional) (* do not use for Jewish couples)
Alla Hornpipe (from Water Pipe Music) - G.F. Handel (recessional)
Scotland the Brave - Boston Pops Orchestra (recessional, Celtic)
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
Therese & Vinod - Just married in New Jersey!
First Dance Songs
The stage is set for your First Dance as a married couple. Make it magical with a song from this list below that blends modern ballads with timeless love songs. Or meet in the middle - with a cover version of a classic wedding ballad.
Before You - Benson Boone
Amazing - Teddy Swims
All I Want is You - The Decemberists
Spin You Around - Morgan Wallen
Tennessee Whiskey - Chris Stapleton
Until I Found You - Stephen Sanchez
In Case You Didn’t Knot - Brett Young
Beautiful Crazy - Luke Combs
Joy of My Life - Chris Stapleton
Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding
All Your’n - Tyler Childers
Ordinary - Alex Warren
Towards You - Mayday Parade
I Love With Loving You - Ryan Montgomery
Love of My Life - Dean Lewis
Yours - Russell Dickerson
Perfect - Ed Sheeran
Lover - Taylor Swift
Anyone - Justin Bieber
Beyond - Leon Bridges
Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley
Can’t Help Falling in Love (cover) - Haley Reinhart
Can’t Help Falling in Love (cover) - Kina Grannis
Say You Won’t Let Go - James Arthur
Fade Into You - Mazzy Star
Baby I’m Yours - Arctic Monkeys
From the Ground Up - Dan + Shay
The Bones - Maren Morris
Best Part - Daniel Caesar, H.E.R.
Love - Lana Del Ray
Love Someone - Lukas Graham
Sea of Love - Cat Power
You are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne
Serendipity - BTS
Thank God - Kane Brown, Katelyn Brown
God Gave Me You - Blake Shelton
Sweet Symphony - Joy Oladokun, Chris Stapleton
First Day of My Life - Bright Eyes
True Companion - Marc Cohn
At Last - Etta James
L-O-V-E - Nat King Cole
Unforgettable - Natalie Cole w/ Nat King Cole
Somethin’ Stupid - Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra
Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You -Frank Valli
Always and Forever - Heatwave
All My Life - K-Ci & JoJo
Everytime I Close My Eyes - Kenny G w/ Babyface
You are My Starship - Norman Connors w/ Michael Henderson
Love of a Lifetime - Firehouse
Heaven (cover) - Jason Aldean
Heaven - Bryan Adams
The Greatest Day of My Life - Zach Brown
A Million Dreams - P!nk
Bless the Broken Road - Rascal Flatts
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
Father Daughter Dance Songs
The list below contains a variety of lyrical perspectives and moods to re-live family memories for the Father-Daughter Dance. It is customary to fade-out the song after a couple of minutes. Adventurous brides may choose to engineer a surprise dance, with the down-tempo Father-Daughter dance transitioned into a fun party song - with Dad busting out his dance moves!
I Loved Her First - Heartland
Isn’t She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
Stealing Cinderella - Chuck Wicks
My Little Girl - Tim McGraw
Father and Daughter - Paul Simon
My Girl - The Temptations
Wildflowers - Tom Petty
Dance With My Daughter - Jason Blaine
Gracie - Ben Folds
Daddy Dance With Me - Krystal Keith
First Man - Camila Cabello
Landslide - Fleetwood Mac
You’ll Always Be My Baby - Alan Jackson
You’ll Be in My Heart - Phil Collins
The Man Who Loves You the Most - Zac Brown Band
Sweet Child O’ Mine - Guns N’ Roses
Never Alone - Jim Brickman w/ Lady Antebellum
My Wish - Rascal Flatts
One Call Away - Charlie Puth
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
Photo Credit: Deibert Photography
Mother Son Dance Songs
The list below contains a variety of lyrical perspectives and moods for a Groom to appreciate his Mother. It is customary to fade out the Mother Son dance after a couple of minutes.
My Wish - Rascal Flatts
I Hope You Dance - LeAnn Womack
Forever Young - Rod Stewart, or Alphaville
A Song for My Son - Mikki Viereck
93 Million Miles - Jason Mraz
All to You - Scott “DJ” Keo
The Perfect Fan - Backstreet Boys
In My Life - The Beatles
Days Like This - Van Morrison
Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
Mama - LunchMoney Lewis
I'll Always Love My Mama - The Intruders
You’ll Be in My Heart - Phil Collins
You’re My Best Friend - Queen
You’ve Got a Friend - James Taylor
Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd, or Shinedown
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
Humble and Kind - Tim McGraw
Mother’s Love - Kem
Mamas Don’t Let Your Grow Up to Be Cowboys - Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
Open the Ballroom Doors for Wedding Reception Songs
DJs - set the tone for a fun and dancey wedding reception by using fun, upbeat, and rhythmic tracks such as these as guests arrive through the ballroom doors.
Soulful Strut - Young-Holt Unlimited
Back in Love Again - L.T.D., Jeffrey Osbourne
Give Me the Night - George Benson
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher - Jackie Wilson
If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be) - Leon Bridges
This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) - Talking Heads
Calling All Hearts - DJ Cassidy, Robin Thicke, Jessie J.
Rock With You - Michael Jackson
The Door - Teddy Swims
Valerie - Mark Ronson w/ Amy Winehouse
Everywhere - Fleetwood Mac
Rather Be - Clean Bandit
6’s to 9’s - Big Wild, Rationale
Boom Clap - Charli xcx
I Like Me Better - Lauv
Thinkin About You - Ciara
All Night Long - Lionel Richie
I Can’t Wait - Nu Shooz
Open Your Heart - Madonna
Take Back the Night - Justin Timberlake
Never Too Much - Luther Vandross
Escapade - Janet Jackson
Sunday Best - Surfaces
Dreamlover - Mariah Carey
Adore You - Harry Styles
Borderline - Tame Impala
Lovely Day - Bill Withers
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder
You Make Feel Like Dancing - Leo Sayer
Rise - Herb Alpert
Lowdown - Boz Scaggs
Black and White - Niall Horan
Mirage - Satin Jackets
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
Grand Entrance Songs for Wedding Reception
Energize your guests by selecting fun party songs for the entrance of parents, wedding party members, and the wedding couple (the Stars of the Show)! It is customary to pick a separate song for the parents, the wedding party, and the wedding couple. Discuss your vision with your DJ.
Easy Love - Sigala
24K Magic - Bruno Mars
It Takes Scoop - Fatman Scoop, DJ Kool
Bring Em’ Out - T.I.
APT - ROSE f/ Bruno Mars
I’m Good (Blue) - David Guetta, Bebe Rexha
Thunderstruck - AC/DC
Kill the Lights (w/ Nile Rodgers) - Alex Newell, Jess Glynne
Love Never Felt So Good - Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake
Can’t Stop the Feeling - Justin Timberlake
Walking on Sunshine - Katrina & the Waves
Shut Up and Dance - WALK THE MOON
Can’t Hold Us - Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, Ray Dalton
Classic - MKTO
Level Up - Ciara
Forever - Chris Brown
Booty Swing - Parov Stelar
Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis
Music for a Sushi Restaurant - Harry Styles
Dance the Night - Dua Lipa
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
My House - Flo Rida
All My Friends - LCD Sound System
Electric Love - BORNS
Turn Down for What - DJ Snake w/ Lil Jon
Star Wars (Main Theme) - John Williams Orchestra
The Imperial March (from Star Wars) - John Williams Orchestra
Game of Thrones Main Title - Ramin Djawadi
Red Right Hand - Nice Cave and the Bad Seeds
I Believe in a Thing Called Love - The Darkness
Let’s Get Married (ReMarquable Remxi) - Jagged Edge w/ Reverend Run
Viva La Vida - Coldplay
You Make My Dreams - Hall & Oates
Marry You - Bruno Mars
Heavy Action - Johnny Pearson
This is How We Do It - Montell Jordan
I’ll Be There for You - Rembrandts
Livin’ It Up - Ja Rule, Case
Love on Top - Beyonce
Get Ready - 2 Unlimited
Now That We Found Love - Heavy D & the Boyz
Sirius - The Alan Parson Project
Welcome to the Jungle - Guns N’Roses
Let’s Go Crazy - Prince
Levels - Avicii
On Top of the World - Imagine Dragons
Best Day of My Life - American Authors
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
Cake Cutting Songs
A good cake cutting song is fun, whimsical, and often sweets-related. Of course, the trend towards private cake cutting ceremonies continues. If you do decide to have a cake cutting ceremony, couples are well-advised to a adopt a playful but sensible approach!
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) - Marvin Gaye, or James Taylor
Cake by the Ocean - DNCE
Sugar, Sugar - The Archies
Chapel of Love - The Dixie Cups
Love on Top - Beyonce
Candy - Cameo
Marry You - Bruno Mars
Lips Like Sugar - Echo & the Bunnymen
I Want Candy - Bow Wow Wow
Wedding Cake - dvsn, Ty Dolla S$gn
Cake (Challenge Version) - Flo Rida, 99 Percent
Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Leppard
Dexter (Main Theme) - Rolfe Kent
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
You’re My Best Friend - Queen
Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar
Be Sweet - Japanese Breakfast
When I’m Sixty-Four - The Beatles
Love and Marriage - Frank Sinatra
Power of Love (Love Power) - Luther Vandross
Birthday Cake - Rihanna
Spin Spin Sugar (Armand Van Helden Remix) - Sneaker Pimps
Sweet Thing - Mary J. Blige
Sweetest Thing - U2
Watermelon Sugar - Harry Styles
Yummy - Justin Bieber
Grow Old With You - Adam Sandler
The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson
Suga Suga - Baby Bash, Frankie J
Electric Love - BORNS
Sunshine (My Girl) - Wuki
Today Was a Fairytale - Taylor Swift
Paper Rings - Taylor Swift
A Marshmallow World - Dean Martin
It Could Be Sweet - Portishead
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
Behold this “Villain Cake” from a New Jersey wedding!
Bouquet Toss Songs
Fun, girly songs are the perfect musical soundtrack for the bouquet toss. Single ladies, are you ready?
Girls Just Want to Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper
Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) - Beyonce
Move Bh*** - Ludacris, Mystikal, I-20
Ayy Ladies (f/ Tyga) - Travis Porter, Tyga
Pretty Girl Rock - Keri Hilson
Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani
Dear Future Husband - Meghan Trainor
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) - ABBA
Wannabe - Spice Girls
Man! I Feel Like a Woman - Shania Twain
Run the World (Girls) - Beyonce
Girls Night Out - Charli xcx
Ex’s & Oh’s - Elle King
Flowers - Miley Cyrus
Girls, Girls, Girls - Motley Crue
Cupid - FIFTY FIFTY
Kings & Queen - Ava Max
Good as Hell - Lizzo
Just a Girl - No Doubt
Jumpin’ Jumpin’ - Destiny’s Child
Haven’t Met You Yet - Michael Buble
Oh, Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
Only Girl in the World - Rihanna
Where Them Girls At - David Guetta w/ Nicki Minaj
American Woman - Lenny Kravitz
California Gurls - Katy Perry
Ladies Night - Kool and the Gang
Lady Marmalade - Christina Aguilera & Friends
The Distance - Cake
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
The anticipation of the bouquet toss!
Garter Removal Songs
Garter removal ceremonies are going out of style fast, but for those who want to try it - here are song candidates to accompany your choreography!
Slow Hands - Niall Horan
Mission Impossible - Adam Clayton
Body Like a Back Road - Sam Hunt
Legs - ZZ Top
The Stripper - David Rose
Hot Legs - Rod Stewart
You Can Leave Your Hat On - Joe Cocker
Foxey Lady - Jimi Hendrix
Theme from Jaws - John Williams
Boombastic - Shaggy
Nice & Slow - Usher
Fall - Davido
Fever - Michael Buble
Hungry Eyes - Eric Carmen
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
Garter Toss Songs
Fun, masculine songs are par for the course with garter toss songs. Who will be the lucky “gentleman” to catch the garter?
Death of a Bachelor - Panic! at the Disco
Suit & Tie - Justin Timberlake w/ Jay-Z
What a Man Gotta Do - Jonas Brothers
Gonna Fly Now (Rocky Theme Song) - Bill Conte Orchestra
Oh Yeah (from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) - Yello
Bad Boys - Inner Circle
The Boys are Back in Town - Thin Lizzy
Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top
Danger Zone (from Top Gun) - Kenny Loggins
The Man - Aloe Blacc
Peter Gunn - Henry Mancini
Bad to the Bone - George Thorogood
Big Pimpin’ - Jay-Z, UGK
Born to Be Wild - Steppenwolf
Another One Bites the Dust - Queen
Milkshake - Kelis
Just a Gigolo - David Lee Roth
The Man - The Killers
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
Garter Placement Songs
A fun and provocative song is a smart bet for the grand finale of the unpredictable Bouquet and Garter ceremony!
Come and Get Your Love - Redbone
The Dog Days Are Over- Florence & the Machines
Let’s Get It On - Marvin Gaye
You Sexy Thing - Hot Chocolate
Beggin’ - Maneskin
Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke
Marvin Gaye - Charlie Puth w/ Meghan Trainor
Worth It - Fifth Harmony
Body - Loud Luxury
I’m Too Sexy - Right Said Fred
Do Ya Think I’m Sexy - Rod Stewart
Sensual Seduction - Snoop Dogg
Pony - Ginuwine
Nasty Girl - Tinashe
Hot in Herre - Nelly
Cherry Pie - Warrant
The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson
Sexyback - Justin Timberlake
Ain’t No Other Man - Christina Aguilera
Earned It - The Weeknd
Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO
Get Lucky - Daft Punk w/ Pharrell Williams
Wild Thing - Tone-Loc
Versace on the Floor - Bruno Mars
Whoomp! There It Is - Tag Team
Maniac -Michael Sembello
Keep Your Hands to Yourself - Georgia Satellites
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
Grand Finale Songs (last song of the party)
It’s important to end your party with an exclamation point, and finish with a memorable moment. Pick a pumped-up dance track, a group sing-along, or a power ballad. End so strong that you leave guests wanting more!
Save the Last Dance for Me - Michael Buble
Save the Last Dance for Me - The Drifters
I Don’t Wanna Wait - David Guetta, OneRepublic
We Can’t Stop - Miley Cyrus
A Bar Song (Tipsy) - Shaboozey
Calling (Lose My Mind) - Sebastion Ingrosso, Alesso, Ryan Tedder
Piano Man - Billy Joel
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life - Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes
The Time (Dirty Bit) - Black Eyed Peas
Clarity - Zedd
Mr. Brightside - The Killers
Wagon Wheel - Darius Rucker
Theme from New York, New York - Frank Sinatra
Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z w/ Alicia Keys
Don’t Stop the Party - Pitbull, TJR
Five More Hours - Deorro, Chris Brown
Love in this Club - USHER w/ Young Jeezy
Glad You Came - The Wanted
Bye Bye Bye - *NSYNC
Closing Time - Semisonic
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
We are Young - fun f/ Janelle Monae
Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey
Don’t Stop Believin’ - George Lamond
Last Dance - Donna Summer
Shower the People - James Taylor
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) - Green Day
Can You Feel the Love Tonight - Elton John
Take Me Home, Country Roads - John Denver
Friends in Low Places - Garth Brooks
Show Me Love - Robin S
Can We Talk - Tevin Campbell
Swag Surfin’ - F.L.Y. (Fast Life Yungstaz)
Call on Me - Eric Prydz
This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) - Talking Heads
Glory Days - Bruce Springsteen
Take Me Home Tonight - Eddie Money
At Last - Etta James
One More Time - Daft Punk
Drunk (and I Don’t Want to Go Home) - Elle King, Miranda Lambert
Jump Around - House of Pain
It Was a Good Day - Ice Cube
Africa - TOTO
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
100 Songs for a 2025 Wedding (Open Format, Dance-Forward)
Enjoy this open-format sampler of dance floor fare. If anything, the list showcases the range that a wedding DJ can bring to your party.
A Bar Song (Tipsy) - Shaboozey
Pink Pony Club - Chappell Roan
Please Please Please - Sabrina Carpenter
Dancing Queen - ABBA
APT. - ROSE f/ Bruno Mars
Shiver - John Summit, HAYLA (EDM)
24K Magic - Bruno Mars (Pop)
Mr. Brightside - The Killers (Pop Punk)
My Own Worst Enemy - Lit (Pop Punk)
All the Small Things - Blink-182 (Pop Punk)
Ocean Avenue - Yellowcard (Pop Punk)
Dear Maria, Count Me In - All Time Low (Pop Punk)
The Middle - Jimmy Eat World (Pop Punk)
Sk8er Boi - Avril Lavigne (Pop Punk)
Ain’t It Fun - Paramore (Pop Punk)
Semi-Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind (Pop Punk)
Paralyzer - Finger Eleven (Pop Punk)
The Anthem - Good Charlotte (Pop Punk)
Lil Boo Thang - Paul Russell (Pop)
Blinding Lights - The Weeknd (Pop)
P.Y.T. - Michael Jackson (Party Classics)
Stayin’ Alive versus In Da Club - Rose Beat (Mashup)
Dynamite versus Don’t Stop Believin’ - Even Steve Remix (Mashup)
Chasin’ You (Morgan Wallen) versus Regulate (Warren G.) - DJ Eric Rhodes Remix (Mashup)
Shake it Off - Taylor Swift (Pop)
Yeah! - Usher w/ Lil Jon (Hip Hop)
Ride Wit Me - Nelly (Hip Hop)
California Love - 2Pac (Hip Hop)
Dance the Night - Dua Lipa (Pop Dance)
Hot to Go - Chappell Roan (Pop Dance)
I Think We’re Alone - Tiffany (80s)
Lucky Star - Madonna (80s)
Dancing on My Own - Robyn (80s)
Gloria - Laura Branigan (80s)
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper (80s)
Like a Prayer - MadHouse (Dance)
Hips Don’t Lie - Shakira (Pop)
Mr. Vain - Culture Beat (90s Dance)
Another Night - Real McCoy (90s Dance)
Be My Lover - La Bouche (90s Dance)
Jerusalema - Master KG, Nomcebo Zikode (AfroBeat)
Calm Down - Rema, Selena Gomez (AfroBeat)
Tusa - Karol G, Nicki Minaj (Latin)
Cupid Shuffle - Cupid (Line Dance)
Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) - Backstreet Boys (Boy Bands)
Wannabe - Spice Girls (90s Girl Bands)
Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC (Classic Rock)
American Girl - Tom Petty (Classic Rock)
Man, I Feel Like a Woman - Shania Twain (Country)
House Party - Sam Hunt (Country)
Lose Control - Teddy Swims (Ballad)
Fast Car - Luke Combs (Country)
Whiskey Glasses - Morgan Wallen (Country)
Livin’ on a Prayer - Bon Jovi (Classic Rock)
Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen (Classic Rock)
Don’t Stop Me Now - Queen (Classic Rock)
Love on Top - Beyonce (R&B)
Gimme Gimme (Club Mix) - Lee Cabrera (Nu-Disco)
Music Sounds Better with You - Stardust (Disco)
Wagon Wheel - Darius Rucker (Country)
Calling (Lose My Mind) - Sebastian Ingrosso, Alesso, Ryan Tedder (EDM)
Hotel Room Service - Pitbull (Latin Dance)
Danza Kuduro - Don Omar & Lucenzo (Latin Dance)
Pepas - Farruko (Latin Dance)
NUEVAYoL - Bad Bunny (Latin Dance)
Gasolina - Daddy Yankee (Reggaeton)
I Love It - Icona Pop (Pop Dance)
360 - Charli xcx (Pop Dance)
Starships - Nicki Minaj (Pop Dance)
Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen (Pop Dance)
Twist and Shout - The Beatles (Oldies)
Runaround Sue - Dion (Oldies)
Shout - Isley Brothers or Otis Day & the Knights (Oldies)
Mony, Mony - Billy Idol (Party Classics)
I Wanna Dance with Somebody - Whitney Houston (80s)
Uptown Funk (Dave Aude Remix) - Bruno Mars (Pop Dance)
Sunshine (My Girl) - Wuki (Pop Dance/Remix)
You Little Beauty - FISHER (EDM)
Automatic - Satin Jackets w/ Panama (Nu-Disco)
Could You Be Loved - Bob Marley (Reggae)
Temperature - Sean Paul (Reggae)
I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor (Disco)
That’s the Way I Like It - K.C. and the Sunshine Band (Disco)
It Takes Two - Rob Base & EZ Rock (Hip Hop)
It’s Tricky - Run-D.M.C. (Rap)
Mundian To Bach Ke - Panjabi MC (Indian/Punjabi)
Kala Chasma - Prem, Hardeep, Amar Arshi (Indian/Punjabi)
Bom Diggy Diggy - Zack Knight, Jasmin Walla (Indian/Bollywood)
Push It - Salt ‘N Pepa (90s Dance)
Show Me Love - Robin S. (90s Dance)
Poison - Bell Biv Devoe (90s Dance)
Turn Down for What - DJ Snake w/ Lil Jon (Electronic)
Low - Flo Rida (Pop)
Only Girl in the World - Rihanna (Pop Dance)
All Night Longer - Sammy Adams f/ B.O.B. (DJ Kue Remix) - Sammy Adams
Respect - Aretha Franklin (Soul)
Come and Get Your Love - Redbone (Oldies)
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder (Motown/Soul)
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye (Motown/Soul)
I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) - Four Tops (Motown/Soul)
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
100 Song Cocktail Hour Sampler (Open Format, Mixed Genres)
Cocktail hour and dinner music should never be throw-aways. Curate a playlist with great musical artistry and good vibes to set the stage for the fun dance party that is to follow. Listed below are some of our favorite songs, musical artists, and vibes for cocktail hour:
Watermelon Sugar - Harry Styles
Circles - Post Malone
Leave the Door Open - Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
All the Stars - Kendrick Lamar w/ SZA
Lose Control - Teddy Swims
Too Sweet - Hozier
Stick Season - Noah Kahan
Truth or Dare - Tyla
Plenty Lovin’ - Steve Winwood
When I’m in Your Arms - Cleo Soul
Tellin’ U- Sidibe, MonoNeon
Slide - Calvin Harris w/ Frank Ocean, Migos
People Everywhere - Khruangbin
New Light - John Mayer
Wish Well - Sananda Maitreya (formerly Terrence Trent D’Arby)
Beyond - Leon Bridges
Lovely Day - Bill Withers
Chan Chan - Buena Vista Social Club
Havana - Camila Cabello w/ Young Thug
Hotel California - Gipsy Kings
Dreams - Fleetwood Mac
Deacon Blues - Steely Dan
Reminiscing - Little River Band
Steal Away - Robbie Dupree
Summer Wind - Frank Sinatra
New York State of Mind - Tony Bennett with Billy Joel
Ain’t That a Kick in the Head - Dean Martin
Quando, Quando - Michael Buble w/ Nelly Furtado
L-O-V-E - Nat King Cole
The Girl from Ipanema - Kenny G w/ Bebel Gilberto
Meditacao - Nara Leao
Golden Hour - Kacey Musgraves
Miles on It - Marshmello, Kane Brown
Traveller - Chris Stapleton
Island Song - Zac Brown Band
All Your’n - Tyler Childers
Chasin’ You - Morgan Wallen
Something in the Orange - Zach Bryan
Fast Car - Luke Combs
Bring it on Home to Me - Sam Cooke
Just One Look - Doris Troy
Oh Honey - Delegation
Into the Mystic - Van Morrison
Let’s Stay Together - Al Greene
For Once in My Life - Stevie Wonder
What You Won’t Do for Love - Bobby Caldwell
Sara Smile - Hall & Oates
Your Smiling Face -James Taylor
Kiss Me - Sixpence None the Richer
Call Me Irresponsible - Michael Buble
You Are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne
Breezin’ - George Benson
Mystic Voyage - Roy Ayers
Just Like You - Satin Jackets
Sugar - Moon Boots
My Baby Just Cares for Me - Nina Simone
Take Five - Dave Brubeck Quartet
Blue Bossa - Joe Henderson
Paradise - Sade
Just the Way You Are - Jose James
Human Nature - Michael Jackson
For My Hand - Burna Boy, Ed Sheeran
Tadow - Masego, FKJ
She’s Royal - Tarrus Riley
Is This Love - Bob Marley & the Wailers
Red Red Wine - UB40
Out of Time - The Weekind
Midnight Pretenders - Tomoko Aran
Plastic Love - Mariya Takeuchi
Valerie - Mark Ronson w/ Amy Winehouse
The Door - Teddy Swims
Somewhere Only We Know - Keane
Riptide - Vance Joy
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - Vampire Weekend
Georgy Porgy - TOTO
Moonlight Feels Right - Starbuck
Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) - Looking Glass
Banana Pancakes - Jack Johson
Baby, I Love Your Way - Peter Frampton
Home - Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes
Send Me on My Way - Rusted Root
True - Spandau Ballet
Wrapped Around Your Finger - The Police
Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears for Fears
Never Tear Us Apart - INXX
Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover - Sophie B. Hawkins
Skyfall -Adele
XO - John Mayer
Scotch & Soda - Lou Rawls
The Coffee Song - Frank Sinatra
Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre) - Gotan Project
Ale’ Sofi - Cloak Dagger
Flowers - Miley Cyrus
It Ain’t Over ‘Til Its Over - Lenny Kravitz
Something to Talk About - Bonnie Raitt
Passionfruit - Drake
I Like You - Post Malone f/ Doja Cat
Breeze Off the Pond - Justin Timberlake
From the Start - Laufey
Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
The Mixology Experience
If you enjoyed the cocktail hour sampler and are craving more, check out our President Gregg Hollmann’s new self-published book, “The Mixology Experience” for playlists, continuous DJ mixes, and delicious craft cocktail recipes!
Visit www.mixology-experience.com for more playlists or to purchase the book!
More Wedding Cocktail Hour Themes
Listed below, in chronological order, are Ambient DJs’ 100+ Themed Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlists:
Click on the title of the playlist to be transported to the appropriate playlist. Some playlists have more detailed descriptions and accompanying continuous DJ mixes, while others simply link to a Spotify playlist.
The Alternative Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Craft Beer.
The Quintessentially Mixed Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ AQ. Signature Drink - Long Island Iced Tea.
The Good Vibes Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Iron Mike. Signature Drink - Pina Colada.
The Head to Shoulder Dip Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gary G. Signature Drink - Hairy Navel.
The Retro Soul Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Ciroc Havana Coconut Martini.
The Smooth Sail Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Mike K. Signature Drink - Malibu Bay Breeze.
The Back to the Eighties Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Midori Sour.
The Beach Themed Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Spinz. Signature Drink - Red Stripe Beer.
The Classic Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Garrett B. Signature Drink - Tanqueray & Tonic.
The International Excursions Wedding Cocktail Hour (Vol. 1) - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Sangria.
The Country Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - The Manhattan.
The Crooners Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Jack Daniels on the Rocks w/ a splash of Water.
The Chanteuse Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - The White Lady.
The TV Themes Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Coca Cola with a side of Popcorn.
The Christmas Wedding Cocktail Hour (Vol. 1) - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Eggnog.
The Boardwalk Empire / Great Gatsby Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Rum Punch for a Crowd.
The Classic R&B Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Iron Mike. Signature Drink - Ciroc Blue Ocean.
The James Bond Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - The Vespa Martini.
The Valentines Wedding Cocktail Hour (Vol. 1) - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Godiva Chocolate Martini.
The Miami Vice Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Cuba Libre.
The Super Happy Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - The Bob Marley.
The Brazilian Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - The Caipirinha.
The New Jersey Homegrown Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Boat Beer.
The French Connection Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - 2010 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere St. Emilon.
The Disco Love Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 1) - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Sloe Gin Fizz.
The Super Funky Soul Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Funky Cold Medina
The Acid Jazz Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Gimlet
The 70s Soft Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour (Vol. 1) - by DJ Iron Mike. Signature Drink - Miller High Life
The New York State of Mind Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Bronx Martini
The Disney Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Vibrant Orange Juice Frosty
The Summer Pop Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Spinz. Signature Drink - Jameson & Ginger Ale
The Colorful Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Shot of Goldschlager
The Inspiring Women of Music Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Brandy Alexander
The Psychedelic Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Death in the Afternoon
The Surf’s Up Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Italian Surfer
The 90s Grunge Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour - by Guest Bloggers Pash & David. Signature Drink -Whiskey Sour
The “Nice and Easy” Wedding Cocktail Hour - by Team Ambient. Signature Drink - Dirty Martini
The All Beatles Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink -Bass Ale
The Savannah Southern Charm Wedding Cocktail Hour - by Guest Blogger Cindy Brown. Signature Drink - Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade Mojito
The Classy Covers Version Wedding Cocktail Hour - by Team Ambient. Signature Drink - Tecate Beer
The Giants of Jazz Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Jazz Martini
The Smooth Jazz Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Kahlua & Cream
The Vintage Soul Wedding Cocktail Hour - by Guest Blogger DJ Ali Gruber. Signature Drink - Old-Fashioned
The Acquired Taste Wedding Cocktail Hour - by Guest Blogger DJ Toad. Signature Drink - Fernet Branca
The Jamaican Love Song Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Jazz. Signature Drink - Hummingbird
The Motown Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Spinz. Signature Drink - The Last Word
The All-Broadway Wedding Cocktail Hour - by Guest Bloggers Kris Longwell & Wesley Loon. Signature Drink - Fuzzy Greyhound
The 50 Shades of Grey Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Bollinger La Grande Annee Rose (1999)
The Hip Hop Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Iron Mike. Signature Drink - Cristal Champagne
The Tropical Trade Winds Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Marti Gras. Signature Drink - Barbados Rum Punch
The Reggae Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Sully. Signature Drink - Red Stripe Beer with a Dirty Banana Cocktail
The Mellow Country Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Cherry Bourbon & Cola
The Space Travelers Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Astronaut
The Freestyle Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Iron Mike. Signature Drink - Dark & Stormy
The African Safari Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Castle Lager Beer
The Sunset Sessions Wedding Cocktail Hour - by Guest Blogger DJ Troy Michael via Hawaii. Signature Drink - Mojito
The 70s Soft Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 2) - by DJ Iron Mike. Signature Drink - Scotch on the Rocks.
The Bar Life Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Margarita.
The New Orleans Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Hurricane
The Classy Covers Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Spinz. Signature Drink - Southern Revival
The Blues Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Marti Gras. Signature Drink - Blonde Manhattan
The 80s 90s Something Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Bottle of Zima
The “Lush” Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Cloak Dagger. Signature Drink - The Botanist cocktail
The Boys Bands Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume One) - by DJ Iron Mike. Signature Drink - Bubble Martini
The New Years Eve Style Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne
The Valentines Day Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 2) - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Frangelico on the Rocks
The New Age Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 1) - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Maple Breakfast Stout
The 420 High Times Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist - “Joint Team Collaboration”. Signature Drink Summer Shandy beer
The Bossa Chilla Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist - by DJ Dre Ovalle. Signature Drink - Royal Peach Tea
The Fourth of July Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Bottle of Budweiser beer
The Vineyard Vibes Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Bottle of 2012 St. Eden Vineyards Chardonnay
The 60s Gold Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist. Signature Drink - by DJ Gregg Ambient - Zombie
The 1990s R&B Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Iron Mike. Signature Drink - Espresso Martini
The “Cool, Relax” Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Statle. Signature Drink - Basilico
The A List B-Side Wedding Cocktail Hour - by Guest Blogger Darrell Gartrell. Signature Drink - Black Russian
The Stone Cold Soul Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Laid Back
The Bar Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Bloody Mary
The Disco Love Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 2) - by DJ Iron Mike. Signature Drink - Singapore Sling
The Far East Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Suntory Whiskey on the Rocks
The Doo-Wop Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Iron Mike. Signature Drink - Tom Collins
The Spa Sessions Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink -Serendipi-Tea
The Fashion Show Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Negroni
The All Trumpet Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Sparkling French Martini
The Fine Day to Say “I Do” Wedding Cocktail Hour by DJ Linda Leigh. Signature Drink - Aperol Spritz
The International Excursions Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 2) - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Aguardiente Sour
The 80s Power Ballad Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Bartyles & James Wine Cooler
The Indie Folk Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Marti Gras. Signature Drink - Hippie Juice served in a mason jar
The DJ’s Choice Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Iron Mike. Signature Drink - Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar craft beer
The Retro Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Nicholas Kaminski. Signature Drink - Pear Barbotage
The Yacht Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 1) - by DJ Iron Mike. Signature Drink - Sex on the Beach
The Noc Boots Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Cloak Dagger. Signature Drink - Toki Highball
The Philadelphia Freedom Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient.. Signature Drink - Poor Richard’s Tavern Spice Ale
The Indian Electronic Lounge Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Kingfisher Beer
The Viva Las Vegas Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - La Paloma Cocktail
The Sixties Soul Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Iron Mike. Signature Drink - Brown Derby
The Sunset Beach Party Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Ted Ganung. Signature Drink - Pineapple Mojito
The 90s Pop Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Cosmopolitan
The Sax Man’s Choice Wedding Cocktail Hour (Vol. 1) - by DJ Joseph Grillo - Sentimental Melody
The Valentines Day Wedding Cocktail Hour (Vol. 3) - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Pomengranate Martini
The Mixologists Choice Wedding Cocktail Hour by Team Ambient. Signature Drink - LaMarca Prosecco
The Yacht Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour (Vol. 2). by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Erath Pinot Noir Rose
The Smooth Electronic Vibes Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Electric Lemonade.
The Speakeasy Sessions Wedding Cocktail Hour (Vol. 1) - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Suntory Toki Whiskey
The French Cafe Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drinks: Mimosa, or Death in the Afternoon (Absinthe Cocktail).
The Mardi Gras Wedding Cocktail Hour - by Joseph Grillo. Signature Drink - the Sazerac
The “Groove On” Wedding Cocktail Hour - by Guest Blogger Terry J. West. Signature Drink - Apple Mojito.
The Tiki Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - the Zombie.
The Mobile Cigar Lounge Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Basil Hayden Bourbon Old-Fashioned and your favorite cigar.
The St Germain Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Easy Street (a St Germain based cocktail).
The Brick City Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Pink Pepper Gin Tom Collins.
The Thanksgiving Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Stone Fence Cocktail (an apple cider & rye based cocktail).
The Christmas Jazz Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Reindeer Cocktail (a champagne and vodka based cocktail).
The Pier Village Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJs Gregg Ambient and Iron Mike. Signature Cocktail - Pear Martini.
The Valentines Hang Suite Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - French Martini.
The Caribbean Breeze Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Chilly Barbados. Signature Drink - Sam Lord’s Special
The Indie Wedding Cocktail Hour - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Oxford Comma.
The Billy Joel Wedding Cocktail Hour - by Team Ambient. Signature Drink - bottle of Italian Red (2017 Ruffino Chianti Classico) and bottle of Italian White (2020 Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio).
The Mood Lounge Wedding Afterparty Playlist - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Signature Drink - Elysian Space Dust IPA.
The MaiTai-p of Groove Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist - by DJ Lattimer. Signature Drink - the Mai Tai
The Musical Bazaar Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist - by DJ Gregg Ambient. Bonus mix “From Spain to Cairo” by DJ Dre Ovalle. Signature Drink - “Thai Garden Party”
Top Country Songs for a Wedding
Country music has gone mainstream, and is actually very popular in the Northeast United States, particularly with crossover artists like the Zach Brown Band and Chris Stapleton. Emerging country artists like Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen are also heavily requested!
A Bar Song (Tipsy) - Shaboozey
Wagon Wheel - Darius Rucker
Fancy Like - Walker Hayes
House Party - Sam Hunt
Country Girl (Shake it for Me) - Luke Bryan
Man! I Feel Like a Woman - Shania Twain
She Had Me at Heads Carolina - Cole Swindell
Beer Never Broke My Heart - Luke Combs
Miles On It - Marshmello, Kane Brown
Cruise (Remix) - Florida Georgia Line w/ Nelly
Dirt Road Anthem - Jason Aldean
Redneck Woman - Gretchen Wilson
Chicken Fried - Zac Brown Band
Boot Scootin’ Boogie - Brooks & Dunn
Chasin’ You - Morgan Wallen
Thank God - Kane Brown, Katelyn Brown
Watermelon Moonshine - Lainey WIlson
Copperhead Road - Steve Earle
Golden Hour - Kacey Musgraves
Revival - Zach Bryan
Tennesse Whiskey - Chris Stapleton
Boys ‘Round Here - Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean & Friends
Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) - Big & Rich
Whiskey Glasses - Morgan Wallen
Achy Breaky Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus
Texas Hold ‘Em - Beyonce
The Giver - Chappell Roan
Make It Sweet - Old Dominion
Stuck Like Glue - Sugarland
Pontoon - Little Big Town
Why Don’t We Just Dance - Josh Turner
Sangria - Blake Shelton
Take Me Home, Country Roads - John Denver
Life is a Highway - Rascal Flatts
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
Top Latin Wedding Reception Songs
Spanish music has permeated into the musical mainstream with global superstar artists like Bad Bunny and J. Balvin. We’ve prepared a playlist of dance floor favorites that hopefully are deeper than “Gringo 101.”
Pa’lla Voy - Marc Anthony (Salsa)
La Vida Es un Carnival - Celia Cruz (Salsa)
La Duena del Swing - Los Hermanos Rosario (Merengue)
La Bachata - Manuel Turizo (Bachata)
Stand by Me - Prince Royce (Bachata) (also check out the Latin House music version!)
Brujeria - El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico (Salsa)
Gasolina - Daddy Yankee (Reggaeton)
Danza Kuduro - Don Omar, Lucenzo (upbeat electronic)
Pepas - Farruko (upbeat electronic)
Baila Conmigo - Dayvi, Victor Cardenas, w/ Kelly Ruiz (upbeat electronic)
Titi Me Pregunto - Bad Bunny (Reggaeton)
NUEVAYol - Bad Bunny (Reggaeton)
El Merengue - Marshmello, Manuel Turizo (electronic)
Obsesion - Aventura, Judy Santos (Bachata)
Mi Gente (Cedric Gervais Remix) - J. Balvin, Willy Williams (upbeat electronic)
La Gota Fria - Carlos Vives (Vallenato)
Cumbia Sampuesana - Aniceto Molina (Cumbia)
No Me Digas Que No - La Makina (Marengue)
Tiburon - Proyecto Uno (upbeat electronic)
Robi-Rob’s Boriqua Anthen - C&C Music Factory (Latin House)
La rebelion - Joe Arroyo,Verdad (Salsa)
La Morena - Oro Solido (Merengue Tipico)
Como La Flor - Selena (Pop)
Suavemente - Elvis Crespo (Merengue)
Tusa - KAROL G, Nicki Minaj (Reggaeton)
Mayores - Becky G, Bad Bunny (Reggaeton)
Hips Don’t Lie - Shakira (Pop)
Lloraras -Oscar D’Leon (Salsa)
Promise - Romeo Santos w/ Usher (Bachata)
Aguanile - Willie Colon, Hector Lavoe (Salsa/Boogaloo)
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
Top Pop Punk Sing-along Songs for a Wedding
With many married couples having grown up in the 2000s and 2010s, pop punk sing-alongs are increasingly popular at wedding reception. They are best launched late in the evening after a few drinks. Let the nostalgia begin!
Sugar, We’re Goin Down - Fall Out Boy
All the Small Things - blink-182
My Own Worst Enemy - Lit
Semi-Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind
Mr. Brightside - The Killers
Ocean Avenue - Yellowcard
Stacy’s Mom - Fountains of Wayne
The Middle - Jimmy Eat World
I Write Sins Not Tragedies - Panic! At the Disco (note: important to use radio-edited version)
Dear Maria, Count Me In - All Time Low
Welcome to the Black Parade - My Chemical Romance
My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up) - Fall Out Boy
I Believe in a Thing Called Love - The Darkness
MakeDamnSure - Taking Back Sunday
I Miss You - blink-182
Scotty Doesn’t Know - Lustra
Teenage Dirtbag - Wheatus
The Anthem - Good Charlotte
American Idiot - Green Day
Fat Lip - Sum 41
Misery Business - Paramore
Sk8er Boi - Avril Lavigne
1985 - Bowling for Soup
Dirty Little Secret - The All-American Rejects
When You Were Young - The Killers
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
7 Songs Not to Play at a 2025 Wedding
Disclaimer - don’t take any of our picks below too seriously! Often, the most beloved songs at weddings are also the most hated. They are controversial and stir up disagreement. As DJs, we enjoy playing songs that delight our clients and guests. Music selection by DJs is also “situational” meaning that one size doesn’t fit all.
White Wedding - Billy Idol. Avoid this song about a shady shotgun wedding. As an alternative, play Idol’s “Mony Mony.”
Paradise by the Dashboard Light - Meatloaf. Clocking in at nearly ten minutes, this laborious song should be avoided as few guests are likely to know the lyrics and associated theatrics. Replace with a more accessible sing-a-long like Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.”
Gold Digger - Kanye West. The world of Kanye West gets more dark and twisted each year. Recently, he has been expressing admiration for Nazi ideology. Thus, it’s best to avoid this song by Mr. West… about a gold digger nonetheless! Replace with fun, quirky party songs like “Hey Ya” by Outkast or “Forget You” by Cee Lo Green.
yes, and? - Ariana Grande. What at first sounds like a fun euphoric song is actually Ariana Grande’s big f*ck you to the world! Substitute with Chappell Roan’s more savory “Pink Pony Club.”
Mo Money, Mo Problems. Notorious B.IG., Mase, Diddy. Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently incarcerated for a litany of charges, including alleged sex trafficking. The appetite for his music is low by the public at large. For lovers of 90s hip hop, substitute with musical acts like Dr. Dre, 2Pac, or Eminem.
Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood. It’s a bad idea to kick off marriage with songs about infidelity! As an alternative, play the fun country song “Fancy Like” by Walker Hayes.
Ignition Remix - R. Kelly. The Pied Piper of R&B was prosecuted for sexual crimes against minors and has been canceled by the public at large. Playing R. Kelly at your wedding can invoke angry crowd reactions. For sexy R&B vibes, consider modern artists like Usher and Ne-Yo.
Listen to the tracks in the Spotify player below:
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 a DJ mixing at moderate intensity (as opposed to playing complete songs from start to finish, or “quick mixing”), approximately 90 songs will be played over the course of a 4 hour reception. 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 50 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 will keep the mix within these guidelines.
In picking specific songs for your wedding reception and working with a professional DJ, listed below are 9 tips:
For wedding ceremony music, use commercially available songs. While you may be tempted to use an obscure musical act that you found deep on YouTube, it’s better to select versions by commercially available musical acts like the Vitamin String Quartet, Brooklyn Duo, Piano Guys, Daniel Jang, Paul Hankinson, etc. It’s illegal to “rip” songs from YouTube, the audio quality can be very low, and it also requires using sketchy apps that subject the downloader to malware.
For the best results, view the relationship with your wedding DJ as a collaboration. Share your playlist and musical vision with the DJ, but ask his or her candid feedback. Does it have too much of something? (for example, 7 Bruce Springsteen tracks over the course of the dance reception). Does it lack something? Let the DJ know how you feel about mixing (whole songs, partial songs, or quick mixing) and the use of remixes and mashups. 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.
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! Gravitate towards dance songs that bridge the gap between your guests’ musical generations.
Start your dance sets with recognizable party classics. For the initial dance set after your first appetizer course, begin with classic genres such as 60s Rock, Motown, Disco, or 80s, 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!
Use non-danceable selections for cocktail hour or dinner music. If you enjoy non-danceable genres such as indie rock, employ 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. DJs - don’t view cocktail hour and dinner music as throwaways and an excuse to throw on a lame pre-mix. Rather, dig deep into your musical crates and mix up something custom and amazing! We’ve found that playing deeper cuts results in more requests for business cards; hence the term for these songs is “Business Card Bangers.”
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 Bruno Mars, Chappell Roan, or Rihanna.
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. DJs - be on the lookout for a new, trending line dance called “Boots on the Ground” by 803 Fresh.
Pepper in a Few Ballads. Wedding receptions are celebrations that should feature a combination of romance and fun. We recommend one or two 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. Planning a wedding “Anniversary Dance” is also a great technique to pack the dance floor with couples.
Keep it Clean - Clean is classy! We recommend using only clean, radio-edited song versions even if it’s late in the evening and all of the children have gone to bed. Professional DJs carry clean versions while hobbyists may not which could result in cringe-worthy moments at your once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Of course, this suggestion is “situational” and for the right party, playing the unedited version of Mac Miller’s “The Spins” or Dre Dre’s “Nuthin’ But a G Thang” may work better than the heavily chopped up edits.
In Closing
Thank you for perusing the Wedding Music Master Class 2025 Edition!
If you find these lists and ideas useful, please share them with a friend by posting on Social Media. Ambient DJ Service is a mobile DJ entertainment company servicing New Jersey, New York, Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware with an expertise in weddings. If you are planning a wedding in these areas, please keep us in mind for your special day! You can connect with Gregg at www.ambientdj.com.
We have never charged any fees for our musical studies and playlists. That said, if you find our work valuable, feel free to show us some love on Venmo :-) These funds will go towards maintaining our websites and funding future studies. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Need Even More Wedding Music?
Our friend Matthew Campbell is a Las-Vegas based writer specializing in wedding music. Matt goes deep into his research and has an amazing suite of publications and tools for wedding couples and DJs alike.
Connect with Matt at www.myweddingsongs.com or on the “Wedding Songs Podcast” on Spotify. His books are also available on Amazon and make great gifts for wedding couples.
Click on the photo to view Matt’s suite of wedding music publications!
Discussing wedding music on the Las Vegas Strip with Matt Campbell, editor of My Wedding Songs.
