The time has come! Family and friends are here, the bridesmaids and groomsmen have arrived and just one last thing is missing. All we need is to welcome the happy new couple. But what is the best wedding reception entrance song? How do you select one that reflects both of you and your musical preferences as a couple, while also establishing the mood for what lies ahead?
Major considerations when it comes to songs for your wedding include your aisle song, first dance, father and daughter and of course your wedding reception entrance song that officially kicks the celebrations into gear. As you enter the reception doors, it marks your first entrance as a married couple, and this moment calls for a track that truly represents both of you. It’s wise to pick a song that many of your guests already know, as a crowd-pleaser can elevate the energy levels and kick-start the party atmosphere.
If you’re finding it difficult to choose just one song from the multitude of fantastic party and upbeat reception entrance options, consider creating a shortlist. Narrow them down to ten then to four or so and ensure that the final song is in tune with your values, previous pleasant memories and energy levels.
Here are a few suggestions from Party DJ Hire:
Rock influence:
- Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet (2003)
- You Really Got Me – The Kinks (1964)
- I Was Made For Loving You – Kiss (1979)
- You Shook Me All Night – AC/DC (1980)
Working double time on the seduction line
She’s one of a kind, she’s just mine, all mine
Wanted no applause, it’s just another course
Made a meal outta me, and come back for more - Take Me Out – Franz Ferdinand (2004)
- Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen (1978)
- Beautiful Day – U2 (2000)
- I’m a Believer – The Monkees (1966)
Oh, then I saw her face, now I’m a believer
Not a trace of doubt in my mind
I’m in love
I’m a believer, I couldn’t leave her if I tried - Twist & Shout – The Beatles (1963)
- Burning Love – Elvis Presley (1972)
Hip hop and R&B bangers:
- Bring Em Out – T.I. (2004)
- Let Me Clear My Throat – DJ Kool (1996)
- Forever – Chris Brown (2008)
- Let’s Get Married (remix) – Jagged Edge ft Run DMC (2000)
Do you think about us finishin’ somethin’ we started so long ago?
I wanna give you my all
Do you think about maybe us havin’ some babies?
Come on won’t you be my lady forever, girl - Crazy In Love – Beyoncé, JAY-Z (2003)
- Dynamite – Taio Cruz (2009)
- Marry You – Bruno Mars (2010)
- Get The Party Started – P!nk (2001)
Makin’ my connection as I enter the room
Everybody’s chillin’ as I set up the groove - Time Of Our Lives – Pitbull, Ne-Yo (2014)
- Let’s Get It Started – The Black Eyed Peas (2003)
- Happy – Pharrell Williams (2013)
Disco delights:
- Got to Be Real – Cheryl Lynn (1978)
- Kiss – Prince (1986)
I want to be your fantasy, maybe you could be mine
You just leave it all up to me, we could have a good time - Best of My Love – The Emotions (1977)
- Stayin Alive – Bee Gees (1977)
- Celebration – Kool & The Gang (1980)
- You’re The First, The Last, My Everything – Barry White (1974)
- Thunder in My Heart – Mack ft Leo Sayer (2004)
I feel a thunder in my heart
It takes my breath away
I feel a thunder in my heart
Will i ever be the same? - Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson (1979)
- Ain’t No Stopping Us Now – McFadden & Whitehead (1979)
- You’re The One That I Want – John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John (1978)
A touch softer:
- Paradise – Coldplay (2011)
- Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader (1999)
Everybody here is out of sight
They don’t bark and they don’t bite
They keep things loose they keep it tight
Everybody’s dancing in the moonlight - Best Day of My Life – American Authors (2013)
- Two Hearts – Phil Collins (1988)
- A Kind Of Magic – Queen (1986)
This rage that lasts a thousand years
Will soon be gone
This flame that burns inside of me
I’m hearing secret harmonies
80s fun:
- Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves (1983)
- Love Shack – The B-52’s (1989)
- Higher Love – Steve Winwood (1986)
Worlds are turning and we’re just hanging on
Facing our fear and standing out there alone
A yearning, and it’s real to me
There must be someone who’s feeling for me - Jump (For My Love) – Pointer Sisters (1983)
- You Make My Dreams (Come True) – Daryl Hall & John Oates (1980)
- It Must Be Love – Madness (1981)
Something soulful:
- Feeling Good – Nina Simone (1965)
Stars when you shine, you know how I feel
Scent of the pine, you know how I feel
Oh, freedom is mine
And I know how I feel - Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder (1970)
- (Your Loves Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher – Jackie Wilson (1967)
- Lovely Day – Bill Withers (1977)
When the day that lies ahead of me
Seemed impossible to face
When someone else instead of me
Always seems to know the way
Energizing EDM:
- Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett & Goonrock (2011)
- Big Love – Pete Heller (1999)
- Make Luv – Room 5 (2001)
- When Love Takes Over – David Guetta, Kelly Rowland (2009)
Hmm looking out for you to hold my hand
It feels like I could fall
Now love me right, like I know you can
We could lose it all - Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding (2015)
- Don’t Stop The Music – Rihanna (2007)
- Rush – Troye Sivan (2023)
Pop favourites:
- Firework – Katy Perry (2010)
Do you ever feel already buried deep?
Six feet under screams, but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there’s still a chance for you?
‘Cause there’s a spark in you - Sugar – Maroon 5 (2014)
- We Found Love – Rihanna, Calvin Harris (2011)
- One Kiss – Calvin Harris ft. Dua Lipa (2018)
- On a Night Like This – Kylie Minogue (2000)
You kiss me, I’m falling
It’s your name I’m calling
You touch me, I want you
Feels like I’ve always known you - Can’t Stop The Feeling – Justin Timberlake (2016)
- What Makes You Beautiful – One Direction (2011)
- Let’s Get Loud – Jennifer Lopez (1999)
- Alright – Supergrass (1995)
But we are young, we run green
Keep our teeth nice and clean
See our friends, see the sights
Feel alright - Hey Ya! – Outkast (2003)
Groomsmen Entrance Songs
- You Shook Me All Night – AC/DC (1980)
- I’m a Believer – The Monkees
- Bring Em Out – T.I.
- Marry You – Bruno Mars
- Thunder in My Heart – Mack ft Leo Sayer (2004)
- Best Day of My Life – American Authors (2013)
- Rush – Troye Sivan (2023)
- Can’t Stop The Feeling – Justin Timberlake (2016)
Bridesmaids Entrance Songs
- Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves (1983)
- Crazy In Love – Beyoncé, JAY-Z (2003)
- Get The Party Started – P!nk (2001)
- You’re The One That I Want – John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John (1978)
- Jump (For My Love) – Pointer Sisters (1983)
- When Love Takes Over – David Guetta, Kelly Rowland (2009)
- Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding (2015)
- We Found Love – Rihanna, Calvin Harris (2011)
Also check out our ultimate 90s dance songs playlist. You can enjoy the playlist on Spotify below at your next wedding function: