Wedding Music: 8 Songs that Work Just about Every Time

Ok, so here are 8 songs that, from my experience, get people up and dancing just about every time at any wedding.

1. “My Girl” – The Temptations

This song represents all that is right with music. It seems to connect to every generation. “My Girl” can be a great slow opener that can fill a dance floor and transition into more mid-tempo dance songs.

2. “Brown-Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison

Similar to “My Girl”, “Brown-Eyed Girl” is cross-generational. Featuring a more up-tempo rhythm, Van Morrison’s classic can stir emotions and bring people to the floor who love to shag, swing, or just sing along. And no, you don’t have to brown eyes to love this song.

3. “Yeah” – Usher

Have you heard this song enough? Probably, but the song just works. Usher, Luda, and Lil’ John made a hip-hop dance beat that is nearly irresistible and completely mainstream because of movies (“Hitch”) and constant radio and club/bar play. I couldn’t go one night without playing this song for the 4 1/2 years of being a club DJ. It’s one of those songs that can transition very smoothly to other top-notch current or classic songs.

4. “Wonderful Tonight” – Eric Clapton

A slow song that not only fills the floor, but also stirs emotions for many on the floor. Eric Clapton’s hit has been a long-time favorite for many lovebirds. Play this song and you’ll see the couples come to the floor. Pair this with another classic like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis and you’ll see and feel the love.

5. “Cupid Shuffle” – Cupid

The modern day “Electric Slide”, Cupid’s self-proclaimed “Shuffle” is easier to pick up than the newer “Wobble” by V.I.C. and shorter than the “Cha Cha Slide” by DJ Casper. Once a small club hit, this song is now a mainstay for most events because just about everybody can learn the dance.

6. “Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey

Ok, tell me you haven’t sung along to this one? I’m not sure that this song has been more popular than it has been in these last few years. “Don’t Stop Believin'” is probably the one song that gets everyone singing whether the wedding guests are on the dance floor or not. Glasses will be raised. Air guitars will be played. And lyrics will be screamed.

7. “Amazed” – Lonestar

From that first long slow note, “Amazed” hits to the core of couples everywhere. You don’t have to be a country fan to enjoy or dance to this song, but it helps. Definitely one of those songs that you can sing along and feel like you are writing a poem to your loved one right then and there.

8. “Shout” – Otis Day

Ah yes, one of my favorites. I find that the Otis Day & The Knights version (the one found in Animal House) works better than The Isley Brothers original. Maybe it’s because of the movie connection, or maybe just because it feels more raw, but this song can bring the house down.