Couples who do not have an extensive knowledge of music often struggle to select the right mix of music for their wedding reception. These couples usually ask for my help when choosing songs for their special moments; they also ask for my recommendations when selecting their cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing setlists. If you are like these couples and you do not know what music to select, this page is for you.
Most Popular Song Selections for
Your Reception's "Special Moments"
Below, you will first find lists of the most popular songs for each of the special moments that commonly take place at a wedding reception. Remember, that these are only suggestions. Every reception is different, and yours should be as uniquely "you" as possible. It is always recommended that you choose songs that have special meaning for the two of you.
The Most Popular Song Choices for a Couple's
Recessional
The Most Popular Song Choices for the
Bridal Party's Introductions
The Most Popular Song Choices for a Couple's
Cake Cutting
The Most Popular Song Choices for a Couple's
First Dance
The Most Popular Song Choices for a Bride's
Father-Daughter Dance
The Most Popular Song Choices for a Groom's
Mother-Son Dance
The Most Popular Song Choices for the Couple's
Dollar Dance
The Most Popular Song Choices for the Bride's
Bouquet Toss
The Most Popular Song Choices for the Groom's
Garter Removal / Garter Toss
The Most Popular Song Choices for the Couple's
Send Off
Cocktail Hour and Dinner Setlist Examples
The fourteen playlists below are sample setlists for your Cocktail Hour and Dinner Music. Each of these playlists is an actual setlist I used at a previous wedding, and every setlist was a hit with the bride and groom and their guests. Cocktail Hour and Dinner are the times when you are encouraged to pick music that expresses who you are as individuals. This is the time to choose your favorite bands and artists no matter how unique or unconventional they may be. (Such personal expression is generally not recommended for the dancing portion of the evening.) These playlists show real examples of the songs and artists I may use based on your choices of decades and genres.
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Playlist (Example 1):
Vocal Jazz & Rat Pack
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Playlist (Example 2):
Golden Oldies of the 50s and 60s
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Playlist (Example 3):
60s-70s Motown and Soul
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Playlist (Example 4):
The Best of the 1970s
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Playlist (Example 5):
Love Songs of the 80s and 90s
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Playlist (Example 6):
Today's Indie and Coffeehouse
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Playlist (Example 7):
Country Music Lovers
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Playlist (Example 8):
00s-10s Ballads
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Playlist (Example 9):
A Lover's Mix
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Playlist (Example 10):
Instrumental Jazz
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Playlist (Example 11):
Classical and Covers on Strings and Piano
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Playlist (Example 12):
Disney Animated Classics
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Playlist (Example 13):
Disco Fever
Cocktail Hour / Dinner Playlist (Example 14):
The "Fandom" Collection
Trending Songs Requested at Weddings This Month
This next playlist features the most popular songs being requested at weddings this month. This playlist will change every month as new songs are released and new requests begin trending in the industry.
New Trending Wedding Songs May 2025
A Dancing Setlist Example
This final playlist is the big one—a sample playlist for the dancing portion of your evening. Like the cocktail hour and dinner playlists, this sample dancing playlist was an actual dancing setlist from a previous wedding. It is only one example, and it was customized to the couple's tastes and preferences. You should remember that no two receptions are ever the same. Still, it will show real examples of the types of songs and artists that typically fill a dance floor.
I hope this page helps those clients who struggle to find the right mix of music for their receptions. Remember, I am always available to help with suggestions as needed.