Wedding Music Study 2020
Congratulations on your engagement! Now it’s time to start building the perfect soundtrack for your special day.
In its eighth year of publication, welcome back to Ambient DJ Service’s Wedding Music Study updated for 2020! In 2019, we launched a new website www.musicmixologist.wedding as a single destination for all of our music playlists. Formerly, these playlists were spread across various blogs and websites. musicmixologistwedding.com is your one-stop website for wedding playlists, song ideas and DJ mixes. Whether you’re a bride or groom seeking song ideas, or a DJ searching for fresh ideas, we hope that our detailed look into wedding music with over 2,500 field-tested songs will be a valuable resource.
Who is Ambient DJ Service? Ambient DJs is a New Jersey-based mobile DJ entertainment company founded by Gregg Hollmann and specializing in weddings. Music is our business – and our passion! We love curating playlists for weddings and assorted party themes. The music study that follows is a collaborative effort among our wedding DJ entertainment team.
You can connect with us online at www.ambientdj.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ambientdjs and www.instagram.com/musicmixologist. Enjoy our continuous DJ mixes at www.mixcloud.com/ambient_dj_service
Building an appropriate musical playlist for a wedding can be a daunting task. Special songs such as parent dances can be particularly challenging. Regrettably, 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 celebration 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 2020 Wedding, 103 Themed Wedding Cocktail Hour playlists, 10 Songs NOT to play at a wedding, 8 Musical Programming Tips for a Wedding, sample dance sets 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. We generally exclude songs that are bittersweet in nature, but occasionally make exceptions to accommodate tracks that have become ingrained into American pop culture.
Take a listen to our wedding playlists with the included links on Spotify. We recommend using Spotify as a powerful online resource to help organize your wedding song ideas. Create a free Spotify account, build a playlist, and start adding your song candidates to it (note: the premium Spotify version at just $9.99 per month is even more powerful and is highly recommended for music lovers in particular). Caveat about Spotify – for many songs, it does not offer the clean radio edited song versions. For weddings in particular, we always recommend using clean versions.
Now let’s get into the music!
Table of Contents
Wedding Ceremony Music - Classical Selections
Wedding Ceremony Music - Modern Selections
First Dance Songs - Modern Selections
First Dance Songs - Classic Selections
First Dance Songs - Used by Celebrities
100 Songs for a 2020 Wedding (Mixed Genres)
Father-Daughter Dance Songs
Mother-Son Dance Songs
Cake Cutting Songs
Bouquet & Garter Songs
Grand Finale Songs
Top Country Tracks for a Wedding
Top Latin Tracks for a Wedding
10 Songs NOT to Play at a Wedding
103 Themed Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlists
Tips for Musical Programming at a Wedding
Wedding Music Power Sets
About Ambient DJ Service and The Music Mixologists
Ceremony Music - Classical (Selections are Processional Songs or Prelude Music Unless Otherwise Noted)
Canon in D – Pachelbel
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major – Bach, performed by Yo-Yo Ma
Salut d’Amour, Op. 12 – Edward Elgar
Sleepers Awake – Johann Sebastian Bach
Sarabande – Johann Sebastian Bach
Air on a G String – Johann Sebastian Bach
Sheep May Safely Graze – Johann Sebastian Bach
Meditation – Jules Massen
Fur Elise - Ludwig van Beethoven
Nimrod (from Enigma Variations) – Edward Elgar
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
La Califfa – Sarah Brightman
Ave Maria – Sarah Brightman
Nella Fantasia – Ennio Morricone
Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy
Etude No. 2 – Philip Glass
Romance for String Orchestra, Op. 11 – Gerald Finzi
Gymnopedies No. 1 – Erik Satie
Highland Cathedral – Phil Coulter (Celtic selection)
Alla Hornpipe (from Water Pipe Music) – G.F. Handel (recessional)
Wedding March – Felix Mendelssohn (recessional) (* do not use for Jewish couples)
Scotland the Brave – Boston Pops Orchestra (recessional, Celtic)
To listen to these selections on Spotify, click here
Ceremony Music - Modern Selections (Selections are Prelude or Processional Songs unless Otherwise Noted)
From the Ground Up - Dan + Shay
A Couple of Forevers - Chrisette Michele
Best Part (feat. H.E.R.) - Daniel Caesar
Thinking Out Loud - Daniel Jang (Violin)
Say You Won’t Let Go - Daniel Jang (Violin)
10,000 Hours - Daniel Jang (Violin)
Somewhere We Only Know - Simply Three (Strings)
Sunflower - Vitamin String Quartet
Kingdom Hearts - Dearly Beloved - Vitamin String Quartet
Why I Love You - MAJOR
Heartbeats - Jose Gonzalez
Feels Like Home - Chantal Kreviazuk
Perfect - Ed Sheeran
A Thousand Years - The Piano Guys
How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding
Like I’m Gonna Lose You - Jasmine Thompson
Love Me Like You Do - Brooklyn Duo
Beautiful in White - Matt Johnson
Tenerife Sea - Ed Sheeran
Without You - The Piano Guys
I Choose You - Sara Bareilles
Crazy Little Thing Called Love (acoustic cover) - Paul Canning
Ribbon in the Sky - Stevie Wonder
River Flows in You - Yiruma
Variations on the Kanon - George Winston
Fairytale - Enya
Nocturne - Rolf Lovland
First Day of My Life - Bright Eyes
I’m Yours - Jason Mraz
1, 2, 3, 4 - Plain White T’s
Better Place - Rachel Platten
Halo - Beyonce
Spend My Life With You - Eric Benet & Tamia
Angels - Robin Thicke
Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
Bittersweet Symphony - Vitamin String Quartet
God Bless the Broken Road - The O’Neill Brothers Group
Holocene - Vitamin String Quartet
Hoppipolla - Sigur Ros
Part of My Heart - Jim Brickman
Heartsounds - David Lanz
All I Ask of You - Christopher West
Seasons of Love (from Rent) - Stan Whitmore
Over the Rainbow - Iz
All You Need is Love - Beatles (Recessional)
Sugar - Maroon 5 (Recessional)
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder (Recessional)
Head Over Boots - Jon Pardi (Recessional)
This Will Be (an Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole (Recessional)
I’m a Believer - Smash Mouth (Recessional)
You are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne (Recessional)
Now That We Found Love - Heavy D. and the Boyz (Recessional)
I Do - Colbie Caillat (Recessional)
On Top of the World - Imagine Dragons (Recessional)
Loving You Easy - Zac Brown Band (Recessional)
Brand New - Ben Rector (Recessional)
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher - Jackie Wilson (Recessional)
Something Just Like This - Chainsmokers (Recessional)
Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah) - Andy Grammer (Recessional)
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 listen to these selections on Spotify, click here
First Dance Songs for a Wedding - Modern
Best Part (feat. H.E.R.) - Daniel Caesar (pop)
All The Time - The Amours (R&B)
Speechless - Dan + Shay (pop country)
Lover - Taylor Swift (pop)
Conversations in the Dark - John Legend (R&B)
Best Part of Me (feat. Yebba) - Ed Sheeran (Singer-Songwriter)
Millionaire - Chris Stapleton (country)
Steady Love - India.Arie (R&B / Soul)
Sent from Heaven - Rahsaan Patterson (R&B / Soul)
Falling Like The Stars- James Arthur (acoustic)
Beyond - Leon Bridges (modern soul)
XO - John Mayer (acoustic)
Old Fashioned Love Song - The Fairdowells (indie)
Slow Grown - Ashton Lane (UK Country)
Coming Home - Leon Bridges (modern soul)
No One - Alicia Keys (R&B)
I Am Yours - Andy Grammer (pop country)
I Chose You - Caleb Edens (pop)
You are the Reason (Duet Version) - Calum Scott w/ Leona Lewis (pop)
10,000 Hours - Dan + Shay w/ Justin Bieber (pop country)
Electricity - Drew Holcomb (pop)
Moon River - Frank Ocean (R&B)
Can’t Help Falling in Love - Haley Reinhart (pop)
The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson (pop)
Incredible - James TW (pop)
You Make It Easy - Jason Aldean (country)
Love Someone - Lukas Graham (pop)
Beautiful Crazy - Luke Combs (country)
All Because of You - O.A.R. (pop)
That’s What Love Can Do - Robin Thicke (R&B)
Yours - Russell Dickerson (country)
Collide - Tiana Major9 (R&B)
I’m With You - Vance Joy (pop)
All of Me - John Legend (R&B)
Perfect - Ed Sheeran (pop)
Say You Won’t Let Go - James Arthur (pop)
Serendipity - BTS (K-Pop)
From the Ground Up - Dan + Shay (pop country)
Forever Like That - Ben Rector (acoustic)
How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding (pop)
Like I’m Gonna Lose You - Meghan Trainor (pop)
Every Time I Close My Eyes - Babyface w/ Mariah Carey (R&B)
Angel of Mine - Monica (R&B)
Your Love is King - Sade (R&B)
Best of Me - Anthony Hamilton (R&B)
I Will Be There - Odessa (indie rock)
Sea of Love - Cat Power (indie rock)
Cinema - Jason Evigan (acoustic)
Love Like You - Steven Universe and Rebecca Sugar (cinema)
Grow Old With Me - The Postal Service (alternative rock)
Whatever it is - Zac Brown Band (country)
I Don’t Dance - Lee Brice (country)
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran (pop)
Best Friend - Jason Mraz (pop)
You are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne (modern soul)
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri (pop / soundtrack)
Me and You - Kenny Chesney (modern country)
Smile - Uncle Cracker (pop)
Fade Into You - Mazzy Star (alternative)
Such Great Heights - Iron & Wine (alternative)
First Day of My Life - Bright Eyes (alternative)
I Only Have Eyes for You - Jamie Cullum (modern crooner)
True Companion - Marc Cohn (singer songwriter)
You and Me - Lifehouse (modern rock)
Tangled Up in You - Staind (modern rock)
Better Together - Jack Johnson (acoustic)
I’ll Be - Edwin McCain (singer songwriter)
Stay With You - John Legend (R&B)
The Way You Look Tonight - Michael Bublé (modern crooner)
Fallen - Lauren Wood (pop)
Lovesong - The Cure (80s)
This Must be The Place - Talking Heads (alternative rock)
All Mine - Portishead (downtempo electronic)
Angels - The xx (downtempo electronic)
Holocene - Bon Iver (indie rock)
History in the Making - Darius Rucker (pop country)
This is Is - Scotty McCreery (pop country)
So Close (from Enchanted) - Jon McLaughlin (soundtrack)
To listen to these selections on Spotify, click here
First Dance Songs for a Wedding - Classic
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You - Franki Vallie (oldies)
Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen (classic rock)
When a Man Loves a Woman - Percy Sledge (soul)
Let’s Stay Together - Al Green (soul)
My One and Only Love - John Coltrane (jazz / vocalist)
Little Trip to Heaven - Tom Waits (jazz / vocalist)
You Make Me Feel Brand New - The Stylistics (soul)
The Closer I Get to You - Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway (soul)
Magnolia Wind - Emmylou Harris with John Prine (classic country)
These Arms of Mine - Otis Redding (soul)
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra (crooners)
It Had to Be You - Harry Connick, Jr. (crooners)
Crazy Love - Van Morrison (acoustic rock)
My Baby Just Cares for Me - Nina Simone (soul / jazz)
I Will - The Beatles (pop rock)
Amazed - Lonestar (country)
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton (rock)
I’ll Stand By You - The Pretenders (rock)
Love of a Lifetime - Firehouse (rock)
Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley (oldies)
Faithfully - Journey (rock)
Heaven - Bryan Adams (80s)
I Will Be Here - Steven Curtis Chapman (Christian)
Songbird - Eva Cassidy (singer-songwriter)
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith (rock)
I Want to Know What Love Is - Foreigner (rock)
Is This Love - Bob Marley (reggae)
Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix (classic rock)
At Last - Etta James (soul)
Always and Forever - Heatwave (R&B)
All My Life - K-Ci & JoJo (R&B)
Through the Fire - Chaka Khan (R&B)
Here and Now - Luther Vandross (R&B)
One in a Million You - Larry Graham (R&B)
Ribbon in the Sky - Stevie Wonder (R&B)
For Once in My Life - Stevie Wonder (R&B / Soul)
From this Moment On - Shania Twain w/ Bryan White (country)
It’s Your Love - Tim McGraw (country)
I Cross My Heart - George Strait (country)
I Swear - John Michael Montgomery (country)
How Deep is Your Love - Bee Gees (disco / soft rock)
I Just Want to be Your Everything - Andy Gibb (disco / soft rock)
Crazy for You - Madonna (80s)
Lost in Love - Air Supply (soft rock)
Into the Mystic - Van Morrison (soft rock)
Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers (oldies)
We Have All The Time in the World - Louis Armstrong (jazz/vocalist)
(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons - Nat King Cole (crooners)
Follow You Follow Me - Genesis (pop)
Keep on Loving You - REO Speedwagon (80s power ballad)
To listen to these selections on Spotify, click here
First Dance Songs Used By Celebrities
Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner - “Speechless” - Dan + Shay
Justin Bieber & Hailey Baldwin - “Best Part” (feat. H.E.R.) - Daniel Caesar
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry – “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanion – “Beauty & the Beast” (Tale as Old as Time) – soundtrack – into “If I Can’t Have You” – Yvonne Elliman
David Tutera and Joey Toth – “Rise Up” – Andra Day
Idina Menzel and Aaron Lohr – “Por una Cabeza” (from Scent of a Woman) – Gerardo Matos Rodriguez
Jennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux – “Chandelier” – Sia (live performance)
Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt – “It Had to Be You” – Frank Sinatra
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia deRossi – “Ribbon in the Sky” – Stevie Wonder
Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odum – “Angel” – Anita Baker
Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto – “On the Ocean” – K’Jon
John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette – “Forever in My Life” – Prince
John F. Kennedy and Jackie O. – “I Married an Angel” – performed by The Meyer Davis Orchestra at the Waldorf Astoria, NYC
Prince William and Princess Kate – “Your Song” by Elton John, performed live by Ellie Goulding
President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama – “You and I” – Stevie Wonder
Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz – “First Day of My Life” – Bright Eyes
Reese Witherspoon and Jim Tosh – “Make You Feel My Love” – Bob Dylan
Shannen Doherty and Kurt Iswarienko – “My Baby Just Cares for Me” – Nina Simone
Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman – “No One’s Gonna Love You” – Band of Horses
Fergie and Josh Duhamel – “Sweethearts Together” – The Rolling Stones
Ivanka Trump and Jason Kushner – “This Years’ Love” – David Gray
Michael Bublé and Luisano Lopilato – “Everybody Loves Somebody” – Dean Martin
LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian – “When It Don’t Come Easy” – Patti Griffin
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban – “At Last” – Etta James
Shania Twain and Frederic Thiebauld – “I’m Your Man” – Michael Bublé
Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton – “No Doubt About It” – Neal McCoy
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes – “Songbird” – Fleetwood Mac
Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards – “Open Arms” – Journey
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan – “Last Night on Earth” – Green Day
Katherine Heigl & Josh Kelley – “Heavenly Day” – Patti Griffin
Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott – “Amazed” – Lonestar
Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher – “Love Never Fails” – Brandon Heath
George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin – “Why Shouldn’t I? – Cole Porter
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries – “Angels” – Robin Thicke
To listen to these selections on Spotify, click here
Father-Daughter Dance Songs
I Loved Her First - Heartland (country)
It Won’t Be Like This for Long - Darius Rucker (country)
My Girl - The Temptations (Motown)
Father and Daughter - Paul Simon (folk rock)
Forever Now - Michael Bublé (crooner)
My Wish - Rascal Flatts (country)
When You Need Me - Bruce Springsteen (singer/songwriter)
My Little Girl - Tim McGraw (country)
Dance With My Daughter - Jason Blaine (country)
Daddy Dance with Me - Krystal Keith (country)
Daddy Dance with Me - Chris Keith (country)
First Man - Camila Cabello (pop)
Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman (vocalist)
Tupelo Honey - Van Morrison (singer songwriter)
Walk With You - Edwin McCain (singer songwriter)
Mom - Brooks Jefferson (country)
Stealing Cinderella - Chuck Wicks (country)
Ready, Set, Don’t Go - Billy Ray Cyrus (country)
You’re Gonna Miss This - Trace Adkins (country)
Just Fishin’ - Trace Adkins (country)
Daddy’s Angel - T. Carter (* purchase from artist website) (wedding)
Dad, You’re My Hero - Teresa James (* purchase from artist website) (wedding)
Daddy’s Little Girl - Al Martino (vocalist)
Upside Down - Jack Johnson (folk rock)
Papillon - Chaka Khan (soul)
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye w/ Tammi Terrell (Motown)
I’m So Proud - The Impressions (soul)
Wildflowers - Tom Petty (folk rock)
Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion (vocalists)
Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle (Christian)
Daughter - Loudon Wainwright III (folk)
Gracie - Ben Folds (singer/songwriter)
Daddy’s Little Girl - The Shires (folk)
Time in a Bottle - Jim Croce (singer/songwriter)
If it Wasn’t For Your Love - Heather Headley (pop)
Over the Rainbow - Iz (Acoustic / Hawaiian)
Look to the Rainbow - Astrud Gilberto (Brazilian / International)
Tu Guardian - Juanes (Latin)
Unforgettable - Natalie Cole w/ Nat King Cole (wedding classic)
Daddy - Beyonce (R&B)
Ballerina Girl - Lionel Richie (80s Ballad)
Isn’t She Lovely - Stevie Wonder (note: edit out baby’s crying at beginning) (soul)
Fathers and Daughters - Michael Bolton (singer/songwriter)
God Only Knows - The Beach Boys (beach rock)
I’ll Be There - The Jackson 5 (soul)
Never Alone - Jim Brickman w/ Lady Antebellum (country)
To listen to these selections on Spotify, click here
Mother-Son Dance Songs
Never Alone - Jim Brickman w/ Lady Antebellum (country)
A Song for Mama - Boyz II Men (R&B)
93 Million Miles - Jason Mraz (acoustic rock)
Days Like This - Van Morrison (singer songwriter)
Mama - LunchMoney Lewis (pop, fun song!)
I’ll Always Love My Mama - The Intruders (R&B / Soul)
I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack (country)
My Wish - Rascal Flatts (country)
Boy - Lee Brice (country)
Loves Me Like a Rock - Paul Simon (folk rock)
Stand by Me - Ben E. King (soul)
All to You - DJ Keo (country) (* not available on Spotify)
In My Life - The Beatles (oldies)
Humble and Kind - Tim McGraw (country)
Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd (country)
Simple Man (cover version) - Shinedown (modern rock)
That’s What Mamas Do - Jason Matthews (country)
Like Jesus Does - Eric Church (country)
Don’t Blink - Kenny Chesney (country)
There You’ll Be - Faith Hill (country)
Wind Beneath My Wings - Better Midler (vocalist)
(They Long to Be) Close to You - The Carpenters (soft rock)
Child of Mine - Carole King (folk rock)
It Happens in a Heartbeat - Teresa James (* may require purchase from artist website) (wedding)
Song for My Son - Mikki Viereck (* may require purchase from artist website) (wedding)
You’ve Got a Friend in Me - Randy Newman (Disney)
Through the Years - Kenny Rogers (country)
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong (wedding classic)
The Perfect Fan - Backstreet Boys (Boy Bands)
Find Your Wings - Mark Harris (vocalist)
Circle Game - Joni Mitchell (folk)
Mae Querida - Tony Carreira (Portuguese)
You’ll be in my Heart - Phil Collins (Disney)
Happy Everafter in Your Eyes - Ben Harper (singer/songwriter)
Forever Young - Alphaville (80s)
High Tide or Low Tide - Bob Marley (reggae)
To listen to these selections on Spotify, click here
100 Songs for a 2020 Wedding (Open Format - Compiled by DJ Gregg Ambient)
Best Part (feat. H.E.R.) - Daniel Caesar (pop ballad)
Lover - Taylor Swift (pop ballad)
Coming Home - Leon Bridges (modern soul)
XO - John Mayer (acoustic cover)
Sunflower - Post Malone w/ Swae Lee (soundtrack / hip hop / R&B)
Adore You - Harry Styles (pop)
Higher Love - Kygo f/ Whitney Houston (electronic)
Only Human - Jonas Brothers (pop)
I Feel it Coming - The Weeknd w/ Daft Punk (R&B / Electronic)
Love on Top - Beyonce (pop)
Valerie - Mark Ronson f/ Amy Winehouse (pop)
High Hopes - Panic! at the Disco (modern rock)
A Million Dreams - P!nk (soundtrack)
Truth Hurts - Lizzo (pop)
RITMO (Bad Boys for Life) - The Black Eyed Peas w/ J. Balvin (pop / Latin)
Love Never Felt So Good - Michael Jackson with Justin Timberlake (pop)
Rescue Me - Fontella Bass (soul)
Here I Am (Come and Take Me) - Seal (soul / cover)
Runaround Sue - Dion (50s / Oldies)
Twist and Shout - The Beatles (60s Rock / Oldies)
Mony Mony - Tommy James & the Shondells (60s Rock / Oldies)
Dance Me to End of Love - Madeleine Peyroux (Chanteuses)
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra (Crooners)
Beyond the Sea - Bobby Darin (Crooners)
Come and Get Your Love - Redbone (Funk Rock)
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher - Jackie Wilson (Soul)
You are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne (Modern Soul)
Let’s Stay Together - Al Green (Soul)
Everything - Michael Bublé (Crooners)
The Girl from Ipanema - Antonio Carlos Jobim (Brazilian)
MIA (feat. Drake) - Bad Bunny (Reggaeton)
Loco Contigo (feat/ J. Balvin & Tyga) - DJ Snake (Reggaeton)
Drogba (Joanna) - Afro B (Afro-Beat)
Ballin’ (with Roddy Ricch) - Mustard (Hip Hop)
I’ll Always Love You - Tito Nieves (Latin Cover)
Vivir Mi Vida- Marc Anthony (Salsa)
Fireball - Pitbull feat. John Ryan (Latin Dance)
Danza Kuduro - Don Omar (Latin Dance)
A Good Night - John Legend (R&B)
Before I Let Go - Beyoncé (R&B)
Perfect - Ed Sheeran (Singer Songwriter)
Soulful Strut - Young-Holt Unlimited (Soul)
Ho Hey - The Lumineers (alternative)
Feel It Still - Portugal. The Man (modern rock)
I’ll Be Around - Winston Francis (reggae cover)
Hello - Kes (Folklore Riddim) (soca)
Could You Be Loved - Bob Marley & the Wailers (reggae)
Temperature - Sean Paul (dancehall reggae)
Megatron - Nicki Minaj (dancehall reggae)
Wagon Wheel - Darius Rucker (pop country)
Millionaire - Chris Stapleton (country)
10,000 Hours (with Justin Bieber) - Dan + Shay (pop country)
Get Ready - The Temptations (Motown)
Nowhere to Run - Martha and the Vandellas (Motown)
Respect - Aretha Franklin (Motown)
I Can’t Help Myself - Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) - Four Tops (Motown)
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye w/ Tammi Terrell (Motown)
Apache - Sugarhill Gang (line dance)
Sara Smile - Hall & Oates (soft rock)
Georgy Porgy - TOTO (70s soft rock / disco)
Stayin’ Alive - Bee Gees (disco)
That’s the Way (I Like It) - KC & the Sunshine Band (disco)
P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) - Michael Jackson (disco/dance)
September - Earth, Wind & Fire (disco)
Rapper’s Delight - Sugarhill Gang (old skool rap)
All Night Long - Lionel Richie (80s)
Cupid Shuffle - Cupid (modern line dance)
Cha Cha Slide - DJ Casper (modern line dance)
Shout (parts 1 & 2) - The Isley Brothers (oldies / sing-a-long)
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond (oldies / sing-a-long)
24K Magic - Bruno Mars (modern funk / pop)
I Like It - Cardi B. w/ Bad Bunny and J. Balvin (Latin / Hip Hop)
Want to Want Me - Jason DeRulo (pop)
This Girl (Kungs Vs. Cookin’ on 3 Burners) - Kungs (modern dance)
Levels - Avicii (EDM)
All for You - Satin Jackets (Nu Disco)
You Little Beauty - Fisher (Tech House)
Freaks - Timmy Trumpet w/ Savage (EDM)
Bella Ciao - Hardwell, Maddix (EDM)
Don’t Stop Me Now - Queen (Rock Sing-a-long)
Dani California - Red Hot Chili Peppers (rock)
American Girl - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (classic rock)
Mr. Brightside - The Killers (modern rock)
Ocean Avenue - Yellowcard (modern rock)
What I Like About You - The Romantics (80s / New Wave)
Take on Me - a-ha (80s)
I Wanna Dance with Somebody - Whitney Houston (party classics)
Don’t Stop Believin’ - George Lamond (cover / 80s / freestyle)
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go - Wham! (80s)
Don’t You (Forget About Me) - Simple Minds (80s)
Keep on Loving You - REO Speedwagon (80s power ballad)
No Diggity - Blackstreet (hip hop / R&B)
In da Club - 50 Cent (hip hop)
Ride Wit Me - Nelly w/ City Spud (hip hop)
Too Close - Next (R&B)
Hey Mr. D.J. - Zhane (90s dance)
Let Me Clear My Throat - DJ Kool (party classic)
Spice up your Life - Spice Girls (90s pop)
I Want it that Way - Backstreet Boys (Boy Bands)
Tearin’ Up My Heart - *NSYNC (Boy Bands)
To listen to these selections on Spotify, click here
Grand Entrance Songs
Easy Love - Sigala
Kill the Lights (Audien Remix) - Alex Newell, Jess Glynne, DJ Cassidy, Nile Rodgers
Losing It - Fisher
Good as Hell - Lizzo
Higher Love - Kygo w/ Whitney Houston
24K Magic - Bruno Mars
Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon
Level Up - Ciara
Piece of Your Heart - MEDUZA
Booty Swing - Parov Stelar
All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem
Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis
Tom Sawyer - Rush
Closer - The Chainsmokers
Can’t Stop the Feeling - Justin Timberlake
Forever - Chris Brown
Sugar - Maroon 5
Game of Thrones (Armin van Buuren Remix) - Ramin Djawadi
Turn Down for What - DJ Snake w/ Lil Jon
Good Life - Kanye West
Good to Be Alive - Andy Grammer
My House - Flo Rida
Star Wars (Main Title) - John Williams
Best Day of My Life - American Authors
On Top of the World - Imagine Dragons
Feel So Close - Calvin Harris
It Takes Scoop - Fatman Scoop, DJ Kool
Bring Em out - T.I.
All I Do is Win - DJ Khaled
Levels - Avicii
Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson w/ Bruno Mars
Game Over - Martin Garrix
Love on Top - Beyonce
Let’s Go Crazy - Prince
Top Gun Anthem - Harold Faltermayer
Hell Yes - Beck
Chank - John Scofield
Happy - Pharrell
Marry You - Bruno Mars
Time of our Lives - Pitbull w/ Ne-Yo
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
Pump it Up! - Danzel
Now That We Found Love - Heavy D & the Boyz
You Make My Dreams - Hall & Oates
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
When Love Takes Over - David Guetta f/ Kelly Rowland
Thunderstruck - AC/DC
I Believe in a Thing Called Love - The Darkness
The Final Countdown - Europe
Beautiful Day - U2
Let’s Get Married (ReMarqable Remix) - Jagged Edge
The Avengers Theme - Soundtrack
Sirius - The Alan Parsons Project
Heavy Action (Monday Night Football Theme) - Johnny Pearson
FOX Football Theme - Soundtrack
Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix) - OMI
Vivir Mi Vida - Coldplay
Welcome to the Jungle - Guns N’ Roses
We Will Rock You - Queen
To listen to these selections on Spotify, click here
Wedding “Villain Cake!”
Cake Cutting Songs
Cake by the Ocean - DNCE
Sugar - Maroon 5
Cake (Challenge Version) - Flo Rida, 99 Percent
Sugar, Sugar - The Archies
Chapel of Love - The Dixie Cups
A Marshmallow World - Dean Martin
Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Leppard
This Will Be (an Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
You’re My Best Friend - Queen
Loving You Easy - Zac Brown Band
Make it Sweet - Old Dominion
Kiss Me - Sixpence None the Richer
L-O-V-E - Nat King Cole
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly - Ennio Morricone
Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar
I Want Candy - Bow Wow Wow
Lips Like Sugar - Echo & the Bunnymen
Silly Love Songs - Wings
I Got You Babe - Sonny & Cher
How Sweet It Is (to be loved by you) - Marvin Gaye
How Sweet It Is (to be loved by you) - James Taylor
For Once in My Life - Stevie Wonder
I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) - Four Tops
When I’m Sixty-Four - The Beatles
Love is Strange - Mickey & Sylvia
Cut the Cake - Average White Band
Candy - Cameo
I Wanna Grow Old With You - Adam Sandler
Super Mario Brothers (Main Theme) - Soundtracks
Eat It - “Weird Al” Yankovic
Candyman - Christina Aguilera
Candy Girl - New Edition
Marry You - Bruno Mars
Sweet Thing - Mary J. Blige
I Choose You - Sara Bareilles
I Do - Colbie Caillat
1, 2, 3, 4 - Plain White T’s
Safe and Sound - Capital Cities
Firecracker - Josh Turner
Honey Bee - Blake Shelton
Stuck Like Glue - Sugarland
Say Hey (I Love You) - Michael Franti & Spearhead
My Favourite Book - Stars
No One’s Gonna Love You - Band of Horses
Rain or Shine - Matthew Perryman
Love and Marriage - Frank Sinatra
It Had to Be You - Harry Connick, Jr.
Everything - Michael Bublé
Ice Cream - Sarah McLachlan
The Sweetest Love - Robin Thicke
By Your Side - Sade
Power of Love (Love Power) - Luther Vandross
Love Light in Flight - Stevie Wonder
P.D.A. (We Don’t Care) - John Legend
Birthday Cake - Rihanna (Note: loop the “Cake, Cake, Cake” chorus, omit risque end verse)
Dexter (Main Title) - Rolfe Kent
It Could be Sweet - Portishead
Spin Spin Sugar - Sneaker Pimps
To listen to these selections on Spotify, click here
Bouquet and Garter Songs
Dear Future Husband - Meghan Trainor (Bouquet Toss)
Girls Just Want to Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper (Bouquet)
Good as Hell - Lizzo (Bouquet)
My Type - Saweetie (Bouquet) (* Be sure to use clean version)
7 Rings - Ariana Grande (Bouquet)
Jumpin’ Jumpin’ - Destiny’s Child (Bouquet)
Single Ladies - Beyonce (Bouquet)
Country Girl (Shake it for Me) - Luke Bryan (Bouquet)
Little White Church - Little Big Town (Bouquet)
Haven’t Met You Yet - Michael Bublé (Bouquet)
Oh, Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison (Bouquet)
Run the World (Girls) - Beyonce (Bouquet)
Pretty Girl Rock - Keri Hilson (Bouquet)
Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani (Bouquet)
Move Bi*&! - Ludacris (Bouquet)
Love on Top - Beyonce (Bouquet)
Girls, Girls, Girl - Motley Crue (Bouquet)
Only Girl (In the World) - Rihanna (Bouquet)
Where Them Girls At - David Guetta (Bouquet)
Holding Out for a Hero - Bonnie Tyler (Bouquet)
American Woman - Lenny Kravitz (Bouquet)
Slow Hands - Niall Horan (Garter Removal)
Mission Impossible - Adam Clayton (Garter Removal)
Body Like a Back Road - Sam Hunt (Garter Removal)
Bad Things - Jace Everett (Garter Removal)
Legs - ZZ Top (Garter Removal)
The Stripper - David Rose (Garter Removal)
The Pink Panther Theme - Henry Mancini (Garter Removal)
Foxey Lady - Jimi Hendrix (Garter Removal)
You Can Leave Your Hat On - Joe Cocker (Garter Removal)
Jaws Theme Song - John Williams (Garter Removal)
Hot Legs - Rod Stewart (Garter Removal)
The Man - Aloe Blacc (Garter Toss)
Death of a Bachelor - Panic! at the Disco (Garter Toss)
Milkshake - Kelis (Garter Toss)
Danger Zone (from Top Gun) - Kenny Loggins (Garter Toss)
Peter Gunn - Henry Mancini (Garter Toss)
Gonna Fly Not (from Rocky) - Bill Conti (Garter Toss)
Oh Yeah (From Ferris Bueller) - Yello (Garter Toss)
Bad Boys (Theme from Cops) - Inner Circle (Garter Toss)
Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top (Garter Toss)
The Boys are Back in Town - Thin Lizzy (Garter Toss)
Bad to the Bone - George Thorogood & the Destroyers (Garter Toss)
Big Pimpin’ - JAY-Z, UGK (Garter Toss)
Born to Be Wild - Steppenwolf (Garter Toss)
Still Not a Player - Big Pun, Joe (Garter Toss)
Whatta Man - Salt-N-Pepa (Garter Toss)
Another One Bites the Dust - Queen (Grand Finale)
Keep Your Hands to Yourself - Georgia Satellites (Grand Finale)
Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke (Grand Finale)
Let’s Get it On - Marvin Gaye (Grand Finale)
You Sexy Thing - Hot Chocolate (Grand Finale)
Marvin Gaye - Charlie Puth (Grand Finale)
I’m Too Sexy - Right Said Fred (Grand Finale)
I’m Too Sexy (Touch This Skin) - Black Stereo Faith (Grand Finale)
Sensual Seduction - Snoop Dogg (Grand Finale)
I Wanna Sex You Up - Color Me Badd (Grand Finale)
Pony - Ginuwine (Grand Finale)
Hot in Herre - Nelly (Grand Finale)
The Distance - Cake (Grand Finale)
Cherry Pie - Warrant (Grand Finale)
The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson (Grand Finale)
Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO (Grand Finale)
Wild Thing - Tone-Loc (Grand Finale)
Worth It - Fifth Harmony (Grand Finale)
Versace on the Floor - Bruno Mars (Grand Finale)
Love on the Brain - Rihanna (* Be Sure to Use Clean Version)
You Can’t Hurry Love - The Supremes (Grand Finale)
Whoomp! There it Is - Tag Team (Grand Finale)
Maniac - Michael Sembello (Grand Finale)
Come and Get Your Love - Redbone (Grand Finale)
To listen to these selections on Spotify, click here
Grand Finale Songs
Save the Last Dance for Me - Michael Bublé
(I’ve Had) The Time of my Life - Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Levels - Avicii
Losing It - Fisher
Show Me Love - Steve Angello with Laidback Luke and Robin S.
Clarity -Zedd
Save the World - Swedish House Mafia
One More Time - Daft Punk
Piano Man - Billy Joel
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
Wonderwall - Oasis
Wagon Wheel - Darius Rucker
Always Remember Us This Way - Lady Gaga
Mr. Brightside - The Killers
Friends in Low Places - Garth Brooks
Can You Feel the Love Tonight - Elton John
Die a Happy Man - Thomas Rhett
Theme from New York, New York - Frank Sinatra
Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) - Green Day
Don’t Stop the Party (feat. TJR) - Pitbull
Feel This Moment - (feat. Christina Aguilera) - Pitbull
Glad You Came - The Wanted
Bye Bye Bye - *NSYNC
Take Me Home Tonight - Eddie Money
Your Love - The Outfield
This Must Be the Place - Talking Heads
Goodnite, It’s Time to Go (Goodnight Sweetheart) - The Spaniels
Shower the People - James Taylor
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
At Last - Etta James
Closing Time -Semisonic
We are Young (feat. Janelle Monae) - FUN
Save Tonight - Eagle-Eye Cherry
Home - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Send Me on My Way - Rusted Root
Glory Days - Bruce Springsteen
Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey
Last Dance - Donna Summer (for a modern re-creation, check out the smooth house treatment by Masters at Work)
Dim All the Lights - Donna Summer
Please Don’t Go - K.W.S.
To listen to these songs on Spotify, click here
Top Country Songs 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 land.
Millionaire - Chris Stapleton
Speechless - Dan + Shay
10,000 Hours - Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber
Beautiful Crazy - Luke Combs
Wagon Wheel - Darius Rucker
Die a Happy Man - Thomas Rhett
You Make it Easy - Jason Aldean
Tennessee Whiskey - Chris Stapleton
Everything’s Gonna Be Alright - David Lee Murphy
Kiss Somebody - Morgan Evans
In Case You Didn’t Know - Brett Young
Crazy - Patsy Cline
H.O.L.Y. - Florida Georgia Line
Chicken Fried - Zac Brown Band
Meant to Be - Bebe Rexha
Body Like a Back Road - Sam Hunt
Beer Never Broke My Heart - Luke Combs
Country Girl (Shake it for Me) - Luke Bryan
Good Vibes - Chris Janson
I Don’t Dance - Lee Brice
Forever and Ever, Amen - Randy Travis
Don’t Rock the Jukebox - Alan Jackson
I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash
Boot Scootin’ Boogie - Brooks & Dunn
Pontoon - Little Big Town
Achy Breaky Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus
Copperhead Road
Family Tradition - Hank Williams, Jr.
I Swear - John Michael Montgomery
I Cross My Heart - George Strait
Islands in the Stream - Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) - Big & Rich
Dirt Road Anthem - Jason Aldean
Man! I Feel Like a Woman! - Shania Twain
Redneck Woman = Gretchen Wilson
To listen to these selections on Spotify, click here
Top Latin Songs for a Wedding
The following list was compiled by Ambient DJ’s Latin music specialist Andre Ovalle, aka “DJ Dre Ovalle” – Dre’s selections below feature an assortment of Latin dance styles designed to appeal to a variety of cultures – including Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Vallenato and Reggaeton. Reggaeton has been particularly popular as of late.
Mi Persona Favorita - Alejandro Sanz and Camilla Cabello (Pop)
El Cielo a Mi Favor - Ricardo Arjona (Pop)
Loco Contigo - DJ Snake w/ J. Balvin and Tyga (Reggaeton)
Es Dificil - De La Ghetto (Hip Hop / R&B / Reggaeton)
No Se Va - Morat (Reggaeton)
Un Ano - Sebastian Yatra, Reik (Pop)
Casate Conmigo - Silvestre Dangond w/ Nicky Jam (Reggaeton)
Escapate Conmigo - Wisin, Ozuna (Reggaeton)
Robarte un Beso - Carlos Vives (Vallenato)
Siguelo Bailando - Ozuna (Reggaeton)
Una Lady Como Tu - Manuel Turizo (Reggaeton)
Me Enamore - Shakira (Reggaeton)
Celia’s Oye Como Va - Celia Cruz (Salsa)
Entra en Mi Vida - Sin Bandera (Pop)
Vacaciones - Wisin (Reggaeton)
Loco Enmorado - Abraham Mateo, Farruko, Christian Daniel (Reggaeton)
Llegaste Tu - Luis Fonsi (Pop)
Me Sobran Las Palabras - Zacarias Ferreira (Bachata)
Just as I Am - Prince Royce w/ Chris Brown (Bachata)
Nadie Como Ella - Marc Anthony (Salsa)
Esa Boquita (Salsa Version) - J Alvarez, Tito Nieves (Salsa)
Amores Como el Nuestro - Jerry Rivera (Salsa)
La Duena Del Swing - Los Hermanos Rosario (Merengue)
Rebelion - Joe Arroyo (Salsa)
Lloraras - Oscar D’Leon (Salsa)
Vivir Mi Vida - Marc Anthony (Salsa)
Guallando - Fulanito (Merengue Tipico)
Stand By Me - Prince Royce (Bachata / Crossover)
Un Beso - Aventura (Bachata)
Inmortal - Aventura (Bachata)
Contigo Siempre - Alejandro Fernandez, Sebastian Yatra (Ballad)
To listen to these selections on Spotify, click here
10 Songs NOT to Play at a Wedding
Someone You Loved - Lewis Capaldi. What may sound like a love song is actually a tormented song about unreciprocated love. Avoid. We suggest spngs from wedding ballad hit makers Dan & Shay, Ed Sheeran and John Legend as substitutes.
Lose You to Love Me - Selena Gomez. This new catchy ballad is actually about a girl who falls head over heels in love, only to be hurt, thus allowing her to find herself. Substitute with a modern wedding ballad like Daniel Caesar’s “Best Part.”
Old Town Road (Remix) - Lil Nas X w/ Billy Ray Cyrus. This song and genre (country rap) came out of left field during the first quarter of 2019, enjoying a meteoric rise. Unfortunately, this song is super played out and must be excluded from 2020 wedding playlists.
Dance Monkey - Tones and I. Despite this song’s popularity by Australian pop star “Tones and I”, we’ve received lots of negative feedback from party guests and other DJs. Many don’t care for her shrill abrasive voice or the song’s silly lyrics. Furthermore, the song has a weak pulse that doesn’t work well on most dance floors . For a more danceable song with attitude try Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” or Fisher’s “Losing It.”
Mo Bamba – Sheck Wes. Better suited for a high school dance or ratchet afterparty, this song is simply too sleazy – even with an edited version. For some contemporary hip hop with better lyrics, try Mustard’s “Ballin.”
Ignition (Remix) - R. Kelly. The Pied Piper of R&B’s musical career is over. This song, or any of this other hits, may well infuriate guests and staff at your local banquet hall. AVOID! For 90s party vibes, try Nelly’s radio-edited version of “Ride Wit Me” or the more recent Bruno Mars hit “That’s What I Like.” Keith Sweat’s “Twisted” may also fit the bill.
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 “Satisfaction” “Start Me Up” or another hit song from their extensive catalog.
bad guy - Billie Eilish. This track’s vibe is unusual with 2019 emerging pop star Eilish practically whispering verses before the upbeat dance chorus kicks in. We suggest replacing bad guy with a song with more consistent energy. “duh!”
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 novelty dance such as the “Cupid Shuffle”
Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin is an incredible rock band. 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, check out their hidden gem “Down by the Seaside.”
Want to cross check our recommendations? Take a listen to these selections on Spotify, by clicking here
103 Themed Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlists
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. Going forward, all new cocktail hour playlists will be published on this website:
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
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 18 songs per hour, you would have a playlist of 72 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:
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.
Start your dance sets with recognizable oldies. For the initial dance set after your first appetizer course, begin with classic 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!
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.
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, Rihanna or Jennifer Lopez on the radio.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wedding Music Power Sets
Head of Musical Programming at Ambient DJs - Mike Bacon “DJ Iron Mike”
A newer feature of the wedding study is sharing several wedding DJ power sets to give you a sense on how we might structure sets at a wedding reception. These sets are limited to 3-5 songs.
Set: 90s Power Hour
Hip Hop Hooray – Naughty by Nature
Jump – Kriss Kross
Jump Around – House of Pain
It Takes Two- Rob Base & EZ-Rock
Poison – Bel Biv Devoe
Set: Hot Latin Dance Set
Despacito (remix) – Luis Fonsi with Daddy Yankee & Justin Bieber
Lloraras – Oscar D’Leon
RITMO (Bad Boy for Life) - Black Eyed Peas with J. Balvin
Fireball – Pitbull
Danza Kuduro – Daddy Yankee w/ Lucenzo
Set: Back to the 80s
Kiss – Prince
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
Don’t You Want Me – The Human League
Sweet Dreams – Eurythmics
Take on Me – a-Ha
Set: Reggae/ Tropical / Soca / Calypso
Murder She Wrote – Chaka Demus & Pliers
Hello – KES
Here Comes the Hotstepper – Ini Kamoze
Gyal You A Party Animal – Charly Black
Temperature – Sean Paul
Set: Motown Memories
My Girl - The Temptations
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder
Respect - Aretha Franklin
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Heatwave (Your Love is Like) - Martha & The Vandellas
Set: Country Throwdown
Man, I Feel Like a Woman – Shania Twain
Body Like a Backroad – Sam Hunt
Country Girl, Shake it for Me – Luke Bryan
Chickenfried – Zac Brown Band
Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker
Set: Classy Crooner Dinner Music
That’s Amore – Dean Martin
Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
Quando, Quando, Quando – Michael Bublé w/ Nelly Furtado
The Girl from Ipanema – Stan Getz w. Joao Gilberto & Astrud Gilberto
Desafinado – George Michael w/ Astrud Gilberto
Set: Alternative Rock Sing-a-Longs
Mr. Brightside – The Killers
All the Small Things – Blink 182
Stacy’s Mom – Fountains of Wayne
Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down – Fall Out Boy
Ocean Avenue – Yellowcard
Set: Line Dance Fever
The Cha-Cha Slide – DJ Casper
The Cupid Shuffle – Cupid
The Git Up - Blanco Brown
Apache – Sugarhill Gang
Rapper’s Delight – Sugarhill Gang
Set: Bollywood Bangers
Mundian to Bach Ke - Panjabi MC
Kala Chasma - Amar Arshi & Friends
Bala - Tony Montana Music
Lamberghini - The Doorbeen
Ghungroo (from “War”) - Arjit Singh
About Ambient DJ Service
If you find these lists and ideas useful, please share them with a friend by posting on Social Media. We are 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! Connect with us at gregg@ambientdj.com or p 609.672.1270.
For more info and to read our wedding reviews, visit us on the web at www.ambientdj.com. Check out our free DJ mixes at www.mixcloud.com/ambient_dj_service
