We all know the classic wedding songs – Come on Eileen, Don’t Stop Believin’, Mister Brightside – but what is it about these songs that make them dance floor staples? All great wedding DJs know the key to a packed wedding dance floor is playing upbeat songs that your guests are familiar with and are easy to dance and sing along to. As a Wedding DJ and Planner duo with over 15 years in the industry, we know a thing or two about how to throw a party. Keep reading for our professional insight on choosing songs for your wedding reception and making the most of your party. 

Line Dances 

There’s nothing more divisive in the wedding music world than line dances. From the electric slide to the cupid shuffle and the wobble, couples always have an opinion one way or the other. As a DJ, we love them! They’re a quick way to get people on the dance floor or infuse some energy into the party. From Grandma to your nieces and nephews, everyone knows at least one of the classic line dances and if not, we can teach them! 

If you absolutely hate line dances, let your DJ know in advance to skip them. However, if you want to give your DJ the flexibility to read the room, but also hate the idea of having to participate in the Cha Cha Slide, let them know to play those songs when you’re outside for evening portraits. This way guests can boogie their heart out while you can avoid any cheesy dance moves. 

Your Must Play List 

The key to a great, personalized dance party at your wedding? A Must-Play list. I always ask my couples for a playlist of their favorite party songs, whether it’s 10 or 110 songs. You know the music you and your guests will love, and even a short playlist can give us a lot of insight into your music taste. Did you and your cousins jam out to a particular song every summer? Does Uncle Johnny always bust a move to Boogie Shoes? Let us know so we can get the party started right!

Having said that, you don’t need to come up with the entire set list. Professional wedding DJs do so much more than pick songs – they read the room, adjust the tempo, and work on the fly to create the best ambiance for the day. It’s best to give your DJ a list of your favorite songs and let them incorporate your favorites into a set list that works for your crowd.

On the other hand, make sure you share any “Do Not Play” songs with your DJ as well. Whether it’s an entire genre (couples either love or hate Country music) or a specific artist, let your DJ know so they can flag any songs that normally make their wedding playlists. And let us know in advance if we should accept song requests from family and friends! 

Keeping the Party Going 

As much as we’d love for every wedding dance floor to be packed from start to finish, every great wedding has those moments when the dance floor empties out. Maybe it’s time for cake, a photobooth selfie, or a late-night snack, and guests slowly trickle away. But trust us, no one wants the dancefloor jumping more than your DJ! Part of being a great wedding DJ is knowing how to get those guests back on the floor with irresistible songs and classic hits. So trust us to weather the storm and get the momentum back for an EPIC dance party!

The Wedding Duo Membership 

If you’re planning a DIY wedding, there’s no better wedding planning resource than our Wedding Duo Membership. With everything from curated playlists to song checklists, it has everything you need to plan the ultimate wedding dance party. Head over to our membership page to sign up today, or inquire with us to have Dominic himself DJ your big day!