Best Wedding Request Songs for Your Special Day

Wedding music is more than just background noise. We like to see it as the heartbeat of your celebration. Music has the ability to unite people, evoke emotions, and create moments you’ll cherish forever. At your wedding, the right songs will set the tone, build excitement, and ensure that your celebration is unforgettable.

During your wedding, you should have a wedding request playlist for guests to feel included in the event. We typically recommend incorporating at least a few songs from the request list, as it tends to bring a personalized experience to your wedding and avoids dead air. 

At LIV Entertainment, we specialize in creating incredible musical experiences for weddings. Whether you’re looking for wedding bands for hire, an exceptional wedding DJ, or a tailored playlist, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today!

In this blog, we will provide a curated list of the best 57 wedding request songs. We will also share tips on how to keep your guests engaged all day long.

Why the Music Matters on Your Wedding Day

Music is the soul of every wedding celebration. From your walk down the aisle to the final farewell, the right songs set the tone, evoke emotions, and keep your guests engaged. 

Through music, you can encourage guest participation. Allowing your wedding guests to make song requests is a simple yet effective way to keep everyone involved. When guests hear their favorite tracks, they are more likely to hit the dance floor and feel connected to the celebration. 

Another reason why music matters on your wedding day is that it adds a personal touch. Whether it’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder for your first dance song or “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, personalized music makes your wedding day uniquely yours.  For couples who want to showcase their personalities, tracks like “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars or “Modern Love” by David Bowie can bring a fun and distinctive vibe.

Your wedding reception will likely include guests of all ages and musical tastes. To ensure everyone has a great time, music plays a big role in delivering variety. 

For older generations, include songs like “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, or “Shout” by The Isley Brothers. For younger crowds, hits like “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd, “One Kiss” by Calvin Harris, or “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles will keep the energy high. Variety ensures that every guest feels included and ready to hit the dance floor.

Best Songs for the Wedding Ceremony

Music is a core element of a memorable wedding ceremony. It sets the mood, reflects the couple’s unique style, and ensures every moment feels magical. From pre-ceremony to recessional, the right songs create an unforgettable experience for everyone present.

Below is a list of some of the best songs that make our list of best wedding request songs. 

Pre-Ceremony (Guest Arrival)

The pre-ceremony music creates the ambiance as guests settle in. You should play light, instrumental, and romantic songs to set a serene and joyful mood.

• “A Thousand Years” (Instrumental) by Christina Perri

• “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert 

• “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy 

• “The Prayer” by Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli 

Bridal Entrance

The bride’s entrance is the emotional high point of the ceremony. Therefore, you should choose a song that balances drama and romance to ensure an unforgettable moment.

• “Bridal Chorus” (Here Comes the Bride) by Richard Wagner

• “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran

• “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel

• “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele

Recessional Songs (After Ceremony)

The recessional marks your transition to newlyweds. Upbeat, celebratory songs help kick off the festivities and signal the joy to come at your wedding reception.

• “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder

• “All You Need is Love” by The Beatles

• “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates

• “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

Best Wedding Reception Songs

Your wedding reception is a celebration of love, laughter, and connection. The music sets the tone, turning every moment into a cherished memory. Whether it’s background tunes during dinner or energetic dance floor hits, a carefully curated playlist ensures your guests have an unforgettable experience.

Below is a list of the best wedding request songs to give to your wedding reception DJ. 

Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour is the perfect time to set a relaxed and elegant tone with soft, romantic tunes. Light music encourages mingling while creating a sophisticated ambiance.

• “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra

• “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole

• “At Last” by Etta James

• “Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

• “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers

Dinner Music

Dinner music should be chill and soothing, complementing the conversation and meal without overpowering the setting. Jazz and classic love songs are ideal for this portion of the evening.

• “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel

• “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones

• “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra

• “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole

• “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys

Dance Floor Hits

Once dinner is done, it’s time to get on the dance floor with upbeat, energetic songs that get everyone on their feet. These crowd-pleasers span generations, ensuring all your wedding guests join the fun.

• “Dancing Queen” by ABBA

• “Shout” by The Isley Brothers

• “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison

• “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

• “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd

• “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake

• “One Kiss” by Calvin Harris ft. Dua Lipa

• “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston

• “Hey Ya!” by Outkast

• “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire

• “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge

• “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

• “Cha-Cha Slide” by DJ Casper

• “YMCA” by Village People

• “Electric Slide” by Marcia Griffiths

• “Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex

• “Macarena” by Los Del Rio

Best Songs for the First Dance

The first dance is one of the most meaningful moments of any wedding. It is the bride and groom’s time to shine. During this dance, they get to showcase their love and connection in front of friends and family.

Therefore, the stakes are high for choosing the perfect song for this special moment to ensure it reflects your unique story as a couple. Whether you prefer a classic romantic ballad or a more unexpected tune, the right song can transform your first dance into an unforgettable highlight of your wedding day.

Romantic and Slow Songs

For couples looking for a timeless and heartwarming moment, romantic ballads set the perfect tone. These tracks are ideal for creating a tender and emotional atmosphere.

• “All of Me” by John Legend

• “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers

• “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith

• “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley

Unique First Dance Songs

If you’re looking to break away from tradition, unique songs can add a personal and unexpected twist to your first dance. These tracks help create a memorable moment that’s all your own.

• “Better Together” by Jack Johnson

• “The One” by The Chainsmokers

• “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne

• “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

• “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers

Best Songs for Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Dances

The parent dances are a deeply emotional part of any wedding. They symbolize the love, support, and lifelong bond between parents and their children. 

These moments on the dance floor are not only heartfelt but also an opportunity to honor the unique relationships that have shaped the bride and groom into the people they are today. Selecting the right songs ensures these dances are as meaningful and memorable as they deserve to be.

Father-Daughter Dance Songs

The father-daughter dance is a touching tribute to the love and guidance a father has given his daughter. These songs capture the tenderness and pride of this cherished moment.

• “My Girl” by The Temptations

• “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder

• “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart

• “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle

• “I Loved Her First” by Heartland

Mother-Son Dance Songs

The mother-son dance is a heartfelt way to honor the unbreakable bond between a groom and his mother. These songs encapsulate the gratitude, love, and admiration that define their relationship.

• “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

• “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men

• “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban

• “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

• “Forever Young” by Alphaville

Best Songs for Party and Dancing

The party and dancing portion of your wedding is where the celebration reaches its peak. To keep the energy high and the dance floor packed, the songs must be fast, vibrant, and crowd-pleasing.

 From classic hits to modern chart-toppers, a great selection ensures your guests have an unforgettable time. High-energy tracks performed by talented live bands like Rouge can take your reception to the next level.

Upbeat Wedding Party Songs

These energetic hits will keep the celebration alive, inspiring guests to let loose and dance the night away:

• “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

• “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston

• “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson

• “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

• “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake

• “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon

• “Dancing Queen” by ABBA

Group Dance Songs

Nothing brings people together quite like a song that inspires a fun group dance or sing-along. These tunes guarantee everyone gets involved:

• “YMCA” by The Village People

• “Cha Cha Slide” by DJ Casper

• “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

• “Macarena” by Los Del Rio

• “Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex

• “The Electric Slide” by Marcia Griffiths

• “Shout” by The Isley Brothers

How to Choose the Perfect Musician for Your Big Day?

The music at your wedding is one of the key elements that sets the tone for your celebration. Therefore, you have to make sure you pick the right band or DJ. Not everyone can play your requested songs or adapt to your guests’ vibe.

When it comes to picking between a DJ and a Live Band, keep in mind that both DJs and live bands have their pros and cons. Thus, you need to weigh your options carefully before making a final decision. 

How a DJ Sets the Mood

Hiring a DJ is a fantastic option for couples looking for versatility and cost efficiency. The cost of a DJ for a wedding ranges between $1,500-$20,000. 

DJs are known for their ability to cover multiple genres and ensure a packed dance floor from the start of the reception to the end of the night. They also have seamless transitions between songs to keep the party’s energy alive. Typically, they are perfect for smaller venues and compact setups. 

Why Choose a Live Band

If you want your wedding reception to feel like a high-energy concert, hiring a live band is the way to go. Bands like Rouge, Janeiro, and Ararat, bring charisma and charm, turning your wedding into a memorable event.

Live bands usually have a better interaction with the audience as guests love the energy of live music. They also add a personal and luxurious touch to your big day. However, the cost of hiring a live band is usually higher than a DJ as the average cost of a live wedding band in the United States is $5,000, plus a 10% gratuity.

Pro Tips for Managing Guest Requests

Handling guest song requests can be a fun way to engage everyone on your wedding day, but it’s important to keep things organized to maintain the flow of your carefully planned music.

One way of managing guest requests at your wedding is to have a pre-approved list. Before the big day, create a playlist of approved songs that you and your partner are comfortable with. Then, share this list with your DJ or band to ensure they stay within your preferences. This approach helps you avoid unexpected surprises while still accommodating your guests’ requests.

Another way is by using request cards. For this, place request cards at the reception tables to allow guests to request songs in an organized way. The Master of Ceremony or Ushers can go around and pick the cards and deliver them to the Live Band or DJ. 

You can also decide to delegate guest requests to the DJ or Band Leader. They are professionals at reading the room and would know when and how to incorporate requests. 

Need Help Finding the Perfect Music for Your Wedding?

Music is the heart of your wedding celebration, and the right songs create unforgettable moments, set the tone for every part of your big day, and leave a lasting impression on your guests. From a romantic first dance to an energetic dance floor packed with your favorite people, the music you choose shapes the memories of your special day.

Whether you dream of a live band delivering electrifying energy or a versatile DJ playing every requested song, your music should reflect your unique style. You can add creativity by mixing timeless classics like “Brown Eyed Girl” with modern hits such as “Blinding Lights.”

Finding the perfect musician or DJ can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At LIV Entertainment Group, we specialize in creating personalized experiences that match your vision. Contact us now to find the right musician for your special day!