If you’re on the hunt for the best wedding dance songs, we’ve got you covered with the hits we predict are going to be on everyone’s “must play” list this year.
So, how did we pick this list? We combed through the Billboard and Spotify charts for the top songs that we thought could be perfect for your wedding. And considering so many weddings were put on hold this year, you’ll see a a few familiar releases from 2019 as well. After all, many of them never had a chance to get played.
While the majority of this list is meant to get guests on the dance floor during the reception, there are a few that could be perfect for your first dance song (we’re looking at you, “Lover”). But before we get into the hits, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your wedding songs.
Lyrics Don’t Always Matter
Most wedding DJs will tell you that lyrics don’t always matter when it comes to the right wedding song. What they mean when they say that is don’t worry if the song talks about a breakup or something that isn’t necessarily the perfect love story. Or about relationships at all.
What they don’t mean are lyrics that would make your parents turn bright red with embarrassment. We left a lot of songs off this list because they were definitely not wedding worthy. Try to keep your wedding dance songs as PG-13 as possible, and avoid ‘X’ rated ones. If you love a song (like WAP, for instance) look for the ‘clean’ version instead of the ‘explicit’ one.
Keep Your Wedding Dance Songs Short and Sweet
If you found a first dance song you love that’s over 3 minutes long, talk to your wedding band or DJ about using a shorter version. Or, when you’re looking for songs, try to pick one that’s 3 minutes or less. The same can be said for wedding dance songs for the rest of your reception. A good DJ will shorten songs by mixing them into the next one. Most people get sick of dancing to the same song after a few minutes! Keep this in mind if you’re DIY’ing your wedding music.
Mix in the Old with the New
The wedding dance songs, below, are all chart-toppers from 2019 through today. But you should by no means ONLY play new songs. A great wedding playlist will have hits from several decades. For example, if you have guests in their 70s, consider adding songs from the 1960s from bands like The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, The Kinks, and Aretha Franklin. Then throw in songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond or a well-rounded mix.
The Best Wedding Dance Songs for 2021
Ready to start your wedding song wishlist? These wedding dance songs are a great place to start. Consider adding one or all of these songs to your wedding playlist. And if you’re looking for a first dance song, we’ve starred the ones we think you should consider. We’ll also keep updating this list to reflect the most recent charts. In the meantime, here are our favorites. Want to listen along? Get the Spotify playlist!
Justin Bieber, “Anyone”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: If you ever move on without me/I need to make sure you know/That you are the only one I’ll ever love. *First dance song pick!
Harry Styles, “Watermelon Sugar”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: Breathe me in/Breathe me out/I don’t know if I could ever go without.
Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani, “Nobody But You”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: When you love someone/They say you set ’em free/But that ain’t gonna work for me. *First dance song pick!
BTS, “Dynamite”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: ‘Cause I’m in the stars tonight/So watch me bring the fire and set the night alight.
The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: I’m just calling back to let you know/I could never say it on the phone/Will never let you go this time.
Dua Lipa featuring DaBaby, “Levitating”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: I believe that you’re for me, I feel it in our energy/I see it written in the stars/We can go wherever, so let’s do it now or never.
Taylor Swift, “Lover”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: My heart’s been borrowed and yours has been blue/All’s well that ends well to end up with you. *First dance song pick!
Drake, “Toosie Slide”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: Left foot up, right foot slide/Basically, I’m saying either way, we ’bout to slide.
Justin Bieber, “Holy”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: Runnin’ to the altar like a track star/Can’t wait another second.
Maroon 5, “Memories”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: Here’s to the ones that we got/Cheers to the wish you were here, but you’re not.
Lady A, “Champagne Night”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: Don’t need doubles and bubbles/To get in all kinds of trouble/Out in the country.
Darius Rucker, “Beers and Sunshine”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: Turn on the good times, turn off the TV/The only BS I need is beers and sunshine. *First dance song pick!
Miley Cyrus, “Midnight Sky”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: The midnight sky is the road I’m takin’/Head high up in the clouds.
AJR, “Bang”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: So put your best face on, everybody/Pretend you know this song, everybody/Come hang/Let’s go out with a bang. *This would make a great wedding exit song!
Tones and I, “Dance Monkey”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: Take your hand, my dear, and place them both in mine/You know you stopped me dead while I was passing by.
Ed Sheeran, “Afterglow”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: We were love drunk, waiting on a miracle/Tryna find ourselves in the winter snow/So alone in love like the world had disappeared. *First dance song pick!
Jason Derulo, “Take You Dancing”
Lyrics You’ll Be Singing: Let me take you dancing/Two-step to the bedroom/We don’t need no dance floor/Let me see your best move.
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