Ambient DJs

Congratulations on your engagement! Now it’s time to start building the perfect soundtrack for your special day.

Welcome to the Wedding Music Master Class, updated for 2019. This blog article is published by wedding entertainment specialist Ambient DJ Service. The Wedding Music Master Class is now in its seventh year of publication and contains over 2,500 hand-selected  and field-tested songs.  To our knowledge, there is no publicly available wedding music resource that is more comprehensive and up-to-date than the Ambient DJ Wedding Music Master Class.

Who is Ambient DJ Service? Ambient DJs is a New Jersey-based mobile DJ entertainment company specializing in weddings.  Music is our business – and our passion!  The music study that follows is a collaborative effort among our wedding DJ entertainment team.

You can connnect with us online at www.ambientdj.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ambientdjs.  Enjoy our continuous DJ mixes at www.mixcloud.com/ambient_dj_service

Building an appropriate musical playlist for a wedding can be a daunting task. Special songs such as parent dances can be particularly challenging.  Regrettably, there are many inferior musical playlists circulating the internet that were not compiled by working wedding professionals. To that end, we are sharing this Master List of our best song ideas for a wedding: from ceremony music, to the reception celebration with lists for Grand Entrance songs, First Dance, Father-Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Dance, Cake Cutting, Bouquet and Garter songs and Grand Finale songs. We also share our Top 100 Songs for a 2019 Wedding, 100 Themed Wedding Cocktail Hour playlists, 10 Songs NOT to play at a wedding, 7 Musical Programming Tips for a Wedding, sample dance sets and more. The majority of the songs in this blog were used by our actual clients, while the rest were selected with great care with regards to lyrics, mood and danceability.  We generally exclude  songs that are bittersweet in nature, but occasionally make exceptions to accommodate tracks that have become ingrained into American pop culture.

Take a listen to our wedding playlists with the included links on Spotify. We recommend using Spotify as a powerful online resource to help organize your wedding song ideas. Create a free Spotify account, create a playlist, and start adding your song candidates to it (note: the premium Spotify version at just $9.99 per month (first month free) is even more powerful and is highly recommended for music lovers in particular).  Caveat about Spotify – it often does not offer the clean radio edited song versions.  For weddings in particular, we always recommend using clean versions.

Now let’s get into the music!  (click on a table of contents category below to jump to that section)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Wedding Ceremony Music – Classical Selections

• Wedding Ceremony Music – Modern Selections

• Grand Entrance Songs

• First Dance Songs – Modern Selections

• First Dance Songs – Classic and Timeless Selections

• First Dance Songs Used by Celebrities

• Father-Daughter Dance

• Mother-Son Dance

• Cake Cutting Songs

• Bouquet & Garter Songs

• Grand Finale Songs

• 100 Songs for a 2019 Wedding

• Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlists

• 25 Songs for a California / West Coast Wedding

• Top Latin Tracks for a Wedding

• Top Country Tracks for a Wedding

• 10 Songs Not to Play at a Wedding

• Tips for Musical Programming at a Wedding

• Wedding Music Power Sets

• About Ambient DJ Service – The New Jersey-based Wedding DJ /Author of this blog

Wedding Ceremony Music – Classical Selections (Prelude or Processional unless otherwise noted)

1. Canon in D – Pachelbel
2. Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major – Bach, performed by Yo-Yo Ma
3. Salut d’Amour, Op. 12 – Edward Elgar
4. Sleepers Awake – Johann Sebastian Bach
5. Sarabande – Johann Sebastian Bach
6. Air on a G String – Johann Sebastian Bach
7. Sheep May Safely Graze – Johann Sebastian Bach
8. Meditation – Jules Massen
9. Nimrod (from Enigma Variations) – Edward Elgar
10. Four Romantic Pieces, Op. 75 (Allegro Moderato) – Antonin Dvorak
11. Spring (from The Four Seasons) – Antonio Vivaldi
12. Bridal Chorus (“Here Comes the Bride”) – Richard Wagner (* do not use for Jewish couples)
13. Trumpet Voluntary (Prince of Denmark’s March) – Jeremiah Clarke
14. Trumpet Tune – Henry Purcell
15. La Califfa – Sarah Brightman
16. Ave Maria – Sarah Brightman
17. Nella Fantasia – Ennio Morricone
18. Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy
19. Etude No. 2 – Philip Glass
20. Romance for String Orchestra, Op. 11 – Gerald Finzi
21. Gymnopedies No. 1 – Erik Satie
22. Highland Cathedral – Phil Coulter (Celtic selection)
23. Alla Hornpipe (from Water Pipe Music)  – G.F. Handel (recessional)
24. Wedding March – Felix Mendelssohn (recessional) (* do not use for Jewish couples)
25. Scotland the Brave – Boston Pops Orchestra (recessional, Celtic)

To listen to these wedding ceremony song ideas on Spotify, click here.

Wedding Ceremony Music – Modern Selections (Prelude or Processional unless otherwise noted)

1. From the Ground Up – Dan + Shay
2. Why I Love You – MAJOR
3. Born to Love You – LANCO
4. Feels Like Home – Chantal Kreviazuk
5. Perfect – Ed Sheeran
6. A Thousand Years (cover) – The Piano Guys
7. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
8. Like I’m Gonna Lose You (cover) – Jasmine Thompson
9. Love Me Like You Do (cover) – Brooklyn Duo
10. Beautiful in White (cover) – Matt Johnson
11. Heartbeats – Jose Gonzalez
12. Tenerife Sea – Ed Sheeran
13. Without You (cover of Usher/David Guetta) – The Piano Guys
14. I Choose You – Sara Bareilles
15. Crazy Little Thing Called Love (acoustic cover) – Paul Canning
16. Ribbon in the Sky – Stevie Wonder
17. River Flows in You – Yiruma
18. Variations on the Kanon – George Winston
19. Fairytale – Enya
20. Nocturne – Secret Garden
21. First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes (alternative)
22. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz (acoustic)
23. 1, 2, 3, 4  (cover) – Vitamin String Quartet
24. Better Place – Rachel Platten (pop)
25. Halo – Beyonce (R&B)
26. Spend My Life With You – Eric Benet and Tamia (R&B)
27. Angels – Robin Thicke (R&B)
28. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley (folk)
29. Bittersweet Symphony (instrumental only) – The Verve
30. God Bless the Broken Road (piano instrumental) – performed by The O’Neill Brothers
31. This Ring – T. Carter Music (must be purchased through artist website)
32. Holocene – Cover Version of Bon Iver performed by Vitamin String Quartet
33. Part of My Heart – Jim Brickman (New Age)
34. Heartsounds – David Lanz (New Age)
35. All I Ask of You (piano version) – Christopher West (Broadway)
36. Seasons of Love (piano version) – Stan Whitmire (Broadway)
37. The Prayer (instrumental) – The O’Neill Brothers (candlelighting or sand ceremony)
38. Here We Stand – T. Carter Music (candlelighting or sand ceremony) * see artist website
39. Over the Rainbow – “Iz” (candelighting or sand ceremony)
40. All You Need is Love – Beatles (recessional)
41. Sugar – Maroon 5 (recessional)
42. Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder (recessional)
43. You’re My Best Friend – Queen (recessional)
44. Love on Top – Beyonce (recessional)
45. Head Over Boots – Jon Pardi (recessional)
46. Everlasting Love (This Will Be) – Natalie Cole (recessional)
47. I’m a Believer – Smash Mouth (recessional)
48. You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne (recessional)
49. Now That We Found Love – Heavy D. and the Boyz (recessional)
50. I Do – Colbie Caillat (recessional)
51. On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons (recessional)
52. Loving You Easy – Zac Brown Band (recessional)
53. Brand New – Ben Rector (recessional)
54. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher – Jackie Wilson (recessional)
55. Something Just Like This – The Chainsmokers f/ Coldplay (recessional)
56. Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah) – Andy Grammer

To listen to these wedding ceremony song ideas on Spotify, click here.

Helpful Hints – Looking for a blend of classical and modern? Check out the strings arrangements of classic rock, modern rock, Indie rock and dance music performed by the Vitamin String Quartet (www.vitaminstringquartet.com). For special songs that were custom-written for weddings, visit T. Carter Music or Wedding Music Central.

Grand Entrance Songs for Wedding Reception

1. 24K Magic – Bruno Mars (pop/funk)
2. Chelsea Dagger – The Fratellis (punk rock)
3. Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake (pop)
4. A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay (pop/dance)
5. Game of Thrones (Armin Van Buuren Remix) – Ramin Djawadi (EDM)
6. Sugar – Maroon 5 (pop)
7. Turn Down for What – DJ Snake & Lil Jon (electronic/rap)
8. Good Life – Kanye West (hip hop)
9. Theme Song from Star Wars (soundtracks)
10. Best Day of My Life – American Authors (pop)
11. On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons (pop)
12. Feel So Close – Calvin Harris (dance/EDM)
13. It Takes Scoop (Mashup) – Fatman Scoop (hip hop)
14. Levels – Avicii (EDM)
15. Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon (dance)
16. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson w/ Bruno Mars (pop/funk)
17. Game Over – Martin Garrix w/ Loopers (EDM)
18. Love on Top – Beyonce (R&B)
19. Let’s Go Crazy – Prince (80s)
20. Top Gun Anthem – Harold Faltermeyer (soundtracks)
21. Hell Yes – Beck (alternative)
22. Chank – John Scofield (funky jazz)
23. Booty Swing – Parov Stelar (electro-swing)
24. Happy – Pharrell Williams (pop)
25. Forever – Chris Brown (pop)
26. Marry You – Bruno Mars (pop)
27. Time of Our Lives – Pitbull f/ Ne-Yo (dance)
28. Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO (dance)
29. Pump It Up – Danzel (dance)
30. Now That We Found Love – Heavy D. and the Boyz (90s/dance)
31. Paper Planes – M.I.A. (alternative)
32. You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates (80s)
33. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole (soul)
34. When Love Takes Over – David Guetta f/Kelly Rowland (dance)
35. Thunderstruck – AC/DC (rock)
36. I Believe in a Thing Called Love – The Darkness (modern rock)
37. The Final Countdown – Europe (80s glam rock)
38. Let’s Get Married (Remix f/ Reverend Run) – Jagged Edge (R&B)
39. Bring ‘Em Out – T.I. (hip hop)
40. Beautiful Day – U2 (rock)
41. Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah) – Andy Grammer (pop)
42. My House – Flo Rida (pop/dance)
43. Life is a Highway – Rascal Flatts (country)
44. Theme Song from Pirates of the Caribbean (soundtracks)
45. Theme Song from the Avengers (soundtracks)
46. Sirius – Alan Parsons Project (i.e. Chicago Bulls theme song)
47. Heavy Action – Johnny Pearson (i.e. Monday Night football theme song)
48. Fox Football Theme – Twilight Trio (sports)
49. Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix) – OMI (pop/Caribbean)
50. Viva La Vida – Coldplay (modern rock)
51. Welcome to the Jungle – Guns and Roses (rock)
52. We Will Rock You – Queen (rock)

To listen to these wedding grand entrance song ideas on Spotify, click here.

First Dance Songs – Modern or Alternative Selections

1. Coming Home – Leon Bridges (soul)
2. Perfect Symphony – Ed Sheeran & Andrea Bocelli (pop ballad/opera)
3. Perfect Duet – Ed Sheeran & Beyonce (pop ballad / R&B)
4. Perfect – Ed Sheeran (pop ballad)
5. Millionaire – Chris Stapleton (country)
6. Yours – Russell Dickerson (country)
7. Speechless – Dan & Shay (pop)
8. Greatest Love Story – LANCO (country)
9. Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur (acoustic)
10. Serendipity (full album birth) – BTS (K-Pop)
11. Tennesse Whiskey – Chris Stapleton (country)
12. From the Ground Up – Dan + Shay (wedding)
13. Forever Like That – Ben Rector (acoustic)
14. In Case You Didn’t Know – Brett Young (country)
15. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding (pop)
16. Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor & John Legend (pop)
17. All of Me – John Legend (R&B)
18. You are My Starship – Norman Connors (soul)
19. Everytime I Close My Eyes – Babyface  & Mariah Carey (R&B)
20. Angel of Mine – Monica (R&B)
21. Your Love is King – Sade (jazz / R&B)
22. Best of Me – Anthony Hamilton (R&B)
23. I Will Be There – Odessa (indie)
24. Sea of Love – Cat Power (indie)
25. Maps – The Yeah Yeahs (indie)
26. Cinema (cover) – Jason Evigan (ballad)
27. Love Like You – Steven Universe (soundtrack)
28. Love You ‘Till the End – The Pogues (alternative rock)
29. Grow Old With Me – The Postal Service (indie)
30. Whatever It Is – Zac Brown Band (country)
31. I Don’t Dance – Lee Brice (country)
32. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran (pop)
33. Best Friend – Jason Mraz (pop)
34. You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne (folk rock)
35. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri (pop)
36. Love Led Us Here – Luanne Hunt & Steven Bankey (indie country)
37. God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton (country)
38. Me and You – Kenny Chesney (country)
39. Smile – Uncle Kracker (pop)
40. Fade Into You – Mazzy Star (alternative rock)
41. Such Great Heights – Iron & Wine (alternative)
42. First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes (alternative)
43. I Only Have Eyes for You – Jamie Cullum (cover)
44. True Companion – Marc Cohn (folk rock)
45. You and Me – Lifehouse (modern rock)
46. Tangled Up in You – Staind (rock)
47. Better Together – Jack Johnson (folk rock)
48. I’ll Be – Edwin McCain (pop rock)
49. No One – Alicia Keys (R&B)
50. Stay With You – John Legend (R&B)
51. The Way You Look Tonight – Michael Buble (modern crooner)
52. Fallen – Lauren Wood (from Pretty Woman sountrack)
53. Lovesong – The Cure, or 311 (80s/New Wave)
54. The Way I Am – Ingrid Michaelson (indie folk)
55. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) – The Talking Heads (for stripped down acoustic version, check out Shawn Colvin’s rendition) (80s/New Wave)
56. All Mine – Portishead (electronic downtempo)
57. Angels – The XX (electronic downtempo)
58. Holocene – Bon Iver (indie rock)
59. History in the Making – Darius Rucker (country)
60. So Close (from “Enchanted”) – Jon McLaughlin (soundtrack)

To listen to these modern first dance song ideas on Spotify, click here.

First Dance Songs – Traditional and Timeless Selections

1. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frank Valli (oldies)
2. Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen (classic rock)
3. When a Man Loves a Woman – Percy Sledge (soul)
4. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green (soul)
5. My One and Only Love – John Coltrane w/ Johnny Hartman (jazz/vocalist)
6. Little Trip to Heaven – Tom Waits (jazz/vocalist)
7. You Make Me Feel Brand New – The Stylistics (soul)
8. The Closer I Get to You – Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway (soul)
9. These Arms of Mine – Otis Redding (soul)
10. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra (big band) or Tony Bennett (ballad)
11. It Had To Be You – Harry Connick, Jr. (jazz/big band)
12. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra (big band) or Tony Bennett (ballad)
13. Crazy Love – Van Morrison (acoustic rock)
14. My Baby Just Cares for Me – Nina Simone (soul)
15. I Will – The Beatles (pop rock)
16. Amazed – Lonestar (country)
17. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton (rock)
18. I’ll Stand By You – The Pretenders (rock)
19. Love of a Lifetime – Firehouse (rock)
20. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis (oldies)
21. Faithfully – Journey (rock)
22. Heaven – Bryan Adams (80s)
23. I Will Be Here – Steven Curtis Chapman (Christian)
24. Songbird – Eva Cassidy (singer-songwriter)
25. Don’t Want To Miss a Thing – Aerosmith (rock)
26. I Want to Know What Love is – Foreigner (rock)
27. Is This Love – Bob Marley (reggae)
28. Little Wing – Jimi Hendrix (classic rock)
29. At Last – Etta James (soul)
30. Always and Forever – Heatwave (R&B)
31. All My Life – K.C. and Jojo (R&B)
32. Through the Fire – Chaka Khan (R&B)
33. Here and Now – Luther Vandross (R&B)
34. One in a Million You – Larry Graham (R&B)
35. Ribbon in the Sky – Stevie Wonder (R&B)
36. For Once in My Live – Stevie Wonder (R&B / soul)
37. From This Moment – Shania Twain w/Bryan White (country)
38. It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw and Faith Hill (country)
39. I Cross My Heart – George Strait (country)
40. I Swear – John Michael Montgomery (country)
41. How Deep is Your Love – The Bee Gees (disco/soft rock)
42. I Just Want to Be Your Everything – Andy Gibb (disco/soft rock)
43. Crazy for You – Madonna (80s)
44. Lost in Love – Air Supply (soft rock)
45. Into the Mystic – Van Morrison (soft rock)
46. Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers (oldies)
47. We Have All the Time in the World – Louis Armstrong (jazz/vocalist)
48. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons – Nat King Cole (crooners)
49. Follow You, Follow Me – Genesis (pop)

To listen to these classic first dance song ideas on Spotify, click here.

First Dance Songs -Used by Celebrities

1.  Meghan Markle and Prince Harry – “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”  – Whitney Houston
2. Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanion – “Beauty & the Beast” (Tale as Old as Time) – soundtrack – into “If I Can’t Have You” – Yvonne Elliman
3.  David Tutera and Joey Toth  – “Rise Up” – Andra Day
4. Idina Menzel and Aaron Lohr – “Por una Cabeza” (from Scent of a Woman) – Gerardo Matos Rodriguez
5. Jennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux – “Chandelier” – Sia (live performance)
6. Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt – “It Had to Be You” – Frank Sinatra
7. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia deRossi – “Ribbon in the Sky” – Stevie Wonder
8. Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odum – “Angel” – Anita Baker
9. Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto – “On the Ocean” – K’Jon
10. John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette – “Forever in My Life” – Prince
11. John F. Kennedy and Jackie O. – “I Married an Angel” – performed by The Meyer Davis Orchestra at the Waldorf Astoria, NYC
12. Prince William and Princess Kate – “Your Song” by Elton John, performed live by Ellie Goulding
13. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama – “You and I” – Stevie Wonder
14. Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz – “First Day of My Life” – Bright Eyes
15. Reese Witherspoon and Jim Tosh – “Make You Feel My Love” – Bob Dylan
16. Shannen Doherty and Kurt Iswarienko – “My Baby Just Cares for Me” – Nina Simone
17. Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman – “No One’s Gonna Love You” – Band of Horses
18. Fergie and Josh Duhamel – “Sweethearts Together” – The Rolling Stones
19. Ivanka Trump and Jason Kushner – “This Years’ Love” – David Gray
20. Michael Buble and Luisano Lopilato – “Everybody Loves Somebody” – Dean Martin
21. LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian – “When It Don’t Come Easy” – Patti Griffin
22. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban – “At Last” – Etta James
23. Shania Twain and Frederic Thiebauld – “I’m Your Man” – Michael Buble
24. Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton – “No Doubt About It” – Neal McCoy
25. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes – “Songbird” – Fleetwood Mac
26. Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards – “Open Arms” – Journey
27. Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan – “Last Night on Earth” – Green Day
28. Katherine Heigl & Josh Kelley – “Heavenly Day” – Patti Griffin
29. Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott – “Amazed” – Lonestar
30. Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher – “Love Never Fails” – Brandon Heath
31. George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin – “Why Shouldn’t I? – Cole Porter
32. Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries – “Angels” – Robin Thicke
33. Paris Hilton (for her future husband) – “I Need You” – Paris Hilton

To listen to these celebrity first dance songs on Spotify, click here.

Father-Daughter Dance

1. Forever Now – Michael Buble (crooners)
2. Dance With My Daughter – Jason Blaine (country)
3. Father & Daughter – Paul Simon (folk rock)
4. Daddy Dance With Me – Krystal Keith (country) (for alternate version, try Krystal’s duet with Christopher Keith)
5. Daddy Dance with Me – Christopher Keith (yes, it’s a separate and distinct version)
6. I Loved Her First – Heartland (country)
7. Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman (vocalist)
8. Tupelo Honey – Van Morrison (singer songwriter)
9. Walk With You – Edwin McCain (acoustic rock)
10. My Little Girl – Tim McGraw (country)
11. Mom – Brooks Jefferson (country)
12. Stealing Cinderella – Chuck Wicks (country)
13. Ready, Set, Don’t Go – Billy Ray Cyrus & Miley Cyrus (country)
14. Just Fishin’ – Trace Adkins (country)
15. Daddy’s Angel – T. Carter (Wedding/Country) (* purchase from artist website)
16. Dad, You’re My Hero – Teresa James (Wedding)
17. Daddy’s Little Girl – Michael Buble or Al Martino (vocalists)
18. When You Need Me – Bruce Springsteen (singer/songwriter)
19. I Believe in Happy Endings – Neil Diamond (vocalists)
20. Wildflowers – Tom Petty (folk rock)
21. Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion (vocalists)
22. Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle (Christian)
23. Daughter – Loudon Wainwright III (folk)
24. My Little Girl – Steve Kirwan (wedding)
25. Gracie – Ben Folds (singer/songwriter)
26. Daddy’s Little Girl – The Shires (folk)
27. Time in a Bottle – Jim Croce (singer/songwriter)
28. If It Wasn’t For Your Love – Heather Headley
29. Somewhere Over the Rainbow – “Iz” (Acoustic/Hawaiian)
30. Look to the Rainbow – Astrud Gilberto (Brazilian/International)
31. Tu Guardian – Juanes (Latin)
32. You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban (classical)
33. Unforgettable – Natalie Cole w/Nat King Cole (wedding classic)
34. Daddy – Beyonce (R&B)
35. Ballerina Girl – Lionel Ritchie (80s ballad)
36. Isn’t She Lovely -Stevie Wonder (soul) (note: we recommend editing out the intro section with crying baby)
37. My Girl – The Temptations (Motown/Soul)
38. It Won’t Be Like This for Long – Darius Rucker (country)
39. Fathers and Daughters – Michael Bolton (singer/songwriter)
40. God Only Knows – The Beach Boys (beach rock)
41. You’re Gonna Miss This – Trace Adkins (country)
42. I’ll Be There – The Jackson 5 (soul)
43. Never Alone – Jim Brickman w/ Lady Antebellum (country)

To listen to these Father-Daughter song ideas on Spotify, click here.  Note: some of these songs were composed specifically for weddings and must be purchased from artist websites.

Mother-Son Dance

1. Never Alone – Jim Brickman f/ Lady Antebellum w/ Hillary Scott (country)
2. A Song for Mama – Boyz II Men (R&B)
3. Mama – Lunchmoney Lewis (upbeat pop, fun song!)
4. I’ll Always Love My Mama – The Intruders (R&B / Soul)
5. I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack (country)
6. My Wish – Rascal Flatts (country)
7. Boy – Lee Brice (country)
8. Loves Me Like a Rock – Paul Simon (folk rock)
9. Stand by Me – Ben E. King (soul)
10. All to You – DJ Keo (country)
11. Humble and Kind – Tim McGraw (country)
12. Simple Man – Lynrd Skynrd (country)
13. Simple Man (acoustic) – Shinedown (modern rock)
14. A Mother’s Song- T. Carter Music (wedding/country) (* purchase from artist website)
15. On This Day – Christian Barnes (wedding)
16. Don’t Blink – Kenny Chesney (country)
17. There You’ll Be – Faith Hill (country)
18. I Wish You Love – Luke Higgins (acoustic)
19. You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban (classical)
20. I Wish You Love – Luke Higgins (acoustic)
21. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler (vocalist)
22. Close to You – The Carpenters (soft rock)
23. Child of Mine – Carole King (folk)
24. Song for My Son – Mikki Viereck (wedding)
25. It Happens in a Heartbeat – Teresa James (wedding)
26. The Man You’ve Become – Molly Pasutti (wedding)
27. You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Randy Newman w/Lyle Lovett (Disney)
28. Through the Years – Kenny Rogers (country)
29. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong (classic)
30. The Perfect Fan – Backstreet Boys (Boy Band)
31. The Circle Game – Joni Mitchell (folk)
32. Mae Querida – Tony Carreira (Portuguese)
33. You’ll Be in My Heart – Phil Collins (pop)
34. Happy Everafter In Your Eyes – Ben Harper (singer/songwriter)
35. Forever Young – Alphaville (80s)
36. High Tide or Low Tide – Bob Marley (reggae)
37. Baby Mine – Bette Midler (vocalist)
38. Can’t Smile WIthout You – Barry Manilow (vocalist)
39. That’s What Mamas Do – Jason Matthews (country)

To listen to these Mother-Son song ideas on Spotify, click here.  Note: some of these songs were composed specifically for weddings and must be purchased from artist websites.

Cake Cutting Songs

1. Cake – Flo Rida w/ 99 Percent (pop)
2. Cake by the Ocean – DNCE (pop)
3. Sugar – Maroon 5 (pop)
4. Sugar, Sugar – The Archies (oldies)
5. Chapel of Love – The Dixie Cups (oldies)
6. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole (R&B/soul)
7. You’re My Best Friend – Queen (classic rock)
8. Loving You Easy – Zac Brown Band (country)
9. L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole (R&B/soul)
10. Theme from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Ennio Morricone (soundtracks)
11. Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benatar (80s)
12. I Want Candy – The Bow Wow Wow (80s)
13. Pour Some Sugar on Me – Def Leppard (80s rock)
14. Lips Like Sugar – Echo & the Bunnymen (80s/New Wave)
15. Silly Love Songs – Paul McCartney & Wings (pop)
16. I Got You Babe – Sonny & Cher (60s)
17. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) – Marvin Gaye or James Taylor (R&B/soft rock)
18. For Once in My Life – Stevie Wonder (Soul)
19. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) – The Four Tops (Motown)
20. When I’m 64 – The Beatles (pop)
21. Love is Strange – Mickey & Sylvia (oldies)
22. Cut the Cake – Average White Band (disco)
23. Candy – Cameo (funk)
24. Wanna Grow Old with You – Adam Sandler (soundtrack)
25. Super Mario Brothers Theme Song (soundtrack)
26. Eat It – ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic (song parody)
27. Candyman – Christina Aguilera (pop)
28. Candy Girl – New Edition (R&B)
29. Marry You – Bruno Mars (pop)
30. Lucky – Jason Mraz f/ Colbie Caillat (pop)
31. I Do – Colbie Caillat (pop)
32. 1,2,3,4 – Plain White Tees (pop)
33. Safe and Sound – Capital Cities (modern)
34. Firecracker – Josh Turner (country)
35. Honey Bee – Blake Shelton (country)
36. Stuck Like Glue – Sugarland (country)
37. Say Hey, I Love You – Michael Franti (dance)
38. My Favourite Book – Stars (alternative)
39. No One’s Gonna Love You – Band of Horses (alternative)
40. Rain or Shine – Matthew Perryman Jones (rock)
41. I Choose You – Sara Bareilles (pop)
42. Love and Marriage – Frank Sinatra (vocalist)
43. It Had to Be You – Harry Connick, Jr. (big band/vocalist)
44. Everything – Michael Buble (vocalist)
45. Ice Cream – Sara McLachlan (vocalist)
46. Marshmallow World – Dean Martin (crooner)
47. Candy – Mandy Moore (pop)
48. The Sweetest Love – Robin Thicke (R&B)
49. By Your Side – Sade (R&B)
50. The Power of Love/Love Power – Luther Vandross (R&B)
51. Love Light in Flight – Stevie Wonder (R&B)
52. P.D.A. (We Just Don’t Care) – John Legend (R&B)
53. Birthday Cake – Rihanna (R&B) (note: loop chorus only… other lyrics are inappropriate!)
54. Dearest (cover) – The Black Keys (rock)
55. Spin Spin Sugar (Armand Van Helden Remix) – Sneaker Pimps (electronic)

To listen to these Cake Cutting song ideas on Spotify, click here.

Bouquet & Garter Ceremony

1. Single Ladies – Beyonce (Bouquet Toss)
2. Dear Future Husband – Meghan Trainor (Bouquet Toss)
3. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper (Bouquet Toss)
4. Country Girl, Shake It – Luke Bryan (Bouquet Toss)
5. Little White Church – Little Big Town (Bouquet Toss or Grand Finale)
6. Haven’t Met You Yet – Michael Buble (Bouquet Toss)
7. Oh, Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison (Bouquet Toss)
8. Run the World (Girls) – Beyonce (Bouquet Toss)
9. Girls, Girls, Girls – Motley Crue (Bouquet Toss)
10. Pretty Girl Rock – Keri Hilson (Bouquet Toss)
11. Hollaback Girl – Gwen Stefani (Bouquet Toss)
12. Move Bh** – Ludacris (Bouquet Toss)
13. Love on Top – Beyonce (Bouquet Toss)
14. Independent Women, Pt. 1 – Destiny’s Child (Bouquet Toss)
15. Only Girl in the World – Rihanna (Bouquet Toss)
16. Maneater – Nelly Furtado (Bouquet Toss)
17. Where Them Girls At – Flo Rida, David Guetta and Nicki Minaj (Bouquet Toss)
18. Holding Out for a Hero – Bonnie Tyler (Bouquet Toss)
19. American Woman – Lenny Kravitz (Bouquet Toss)
20. Theme from Mission Impossible (Garter Removal)
21. Filthy – Justin Timberlake (Garter Removal or Grand Finale)
22. I’m Too Sexy (Touch this Skin) – Black Stereo Faith (Garter Removal or Grand Finale)
23. Body Like a Back Road – Sam Hunt (Garter Removal)
24. Bad Things (from First Blood) – Jace Everett (Garter Removal)
25. Legs – ZZ Top (Garter Removal)
26. The Stripper – Traditional (Garter Removal)
27. Pink Panther Theme Song (Garter Removal)
28. Foxey Lady – Jimi Hendrix (Garter Removal)
29. You Can Leave Your Hat On – Joe Cocker (Garter Removal)
30. Theme from the movie Jaws (Garter Removal)
31. Hot Legs – Rod Stewart (Garter Removal)
32. The Man – Aloe Blacc (Garter Toss)
33. Death of a Bachelor – Panic! at the Disco (Garter Toss)
34. Milkshake – Kelis (Garter Toss)
35. Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins (Garter Toss)
36. Peter Gunn – The Blues Brothers (Garter Toss)
37. Theme from Rocky – Rocky Orchestra (Garter Toss)
38. Oh Yeah (Yello) – from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Garter Toss)
39. Bad Boys – Inner Circle (Garter Toss)
40. Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top (Garter Toss)
41. The Boys are Back in Town – Thin Lizzy (Garter Toss)
42. Bad to the Bone – George Thorogood (Garter Toss)
43. Big Pimpin’ – Jay-Z (Garter Toss)
44. Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf (Garter Toss)
45. Whatta Man – Salt-N-Pepa (Garter Toss)
46. Another One Bites the Dust – Queen (Grand Finale)
47. Slow Hands – Niall Horan (Grand Finale or Garter Removal)
48. Keep Your Hands to Yourself – The Georgia Satellites (Grand Finale)
49. Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke (Grand Finale)
50. Let’s Get it On – Marvin Gaye (Grand Finale)
51. You Sexy Thing – Hot Chocolate (Grand Finale)
52. Marvin Gaye – Charlie Puth f/ Meghan Trainor (Grand Finale)
53. I’m Too Sexy – Right Said Fred (Grand Finale)
54. Sensual Seduction – Snoop Dogg (Grand Finale)
55. I Wanna Sex You Up – Color Me Badd (Grand Finale)
56. Pony – Ginuwine (Grand Finale)
57. Earned it – The Weeknd (Grand Finale)
58. Da Ya Think I’m Sexy – Rod Stewart (Grand Finale)
59. Hot in Herre – Nelly (Grand Finale)
60. The Distance – Cake (Grand Finale)
61. Cherry Pie – Warrant (Grand Finale)
62. Sexy and I Know It – LMFAO (Grand Finale)
63. Wild Thing – Tone Loc (Grand Finale)
64. Worth It – Fifth Harmony (Grand Finale)
65. Whoomp! (There It is Is) – Tag Team (Grand Finale)
66. Maniac – Michael Sembello (Grand Finale)
67. Versace on the Floor – Bruno Mars (Grand Finale)

To listen to these Bouquet and Garter song ideas on Spotify, click here.

Grand Finale (Final Song of Reception)

1. Save the Last Dance for Me – Michael Buble (contemporary)
2. (I’ve Had the) Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes (soundtracks)
3. Levels – Avicii (EDM)
4. Losing It – Fisher (Tech-house/EDM)
5. Show Me Love (Remix) – Steve Angello & Laidback Luke (EDM)
6. Clarity – Zedd w/ Foxes (EDM)
7. Save the World – Swedish House Mafia (EDM)
8. One More Time – Daft Punk (electronic dance)
9. Piano Man – Billy Joel (singer/songwriter)
10. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen (classic rock)
11. Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker (country)
12. Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks (country)
13. Can You Feel the Love Tonight – Elton John (soundtracks)
14. Die a Happy Man – Thomas Rhett (country)
15. New York, New York – Frank Sinatra (crooners)
16. Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z w/ Alicia Keys (hip hop/R&B)
17. Sandstorm – Darude (EDM)
18. Times of Your Life (Good Riddance) – Green Day (punk rock)
19. Don’t Stop the Party – Pitbull w/ TJR (dance)
20. Feel This Moment – Pitbull w/ Christina Aguilera (dance)
21. Glad You Came – The Wanted (pop)
22.  Bye Bye Bye – *NSync (boy band)
23. Take Me Home Tonight – Eddie Money (80s rock)
24. Your Love – The Outfield (80s rock)
25. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) – Talking Heads (80s/New Wave)
26. Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight – The Spaniels (oldies)
27. Shower the People (live version) – James Taylor (folk rock)
28. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton (soft rock)
29. At Last – Etta James (soul)
30. Closing Time – Semisonic (rock)
31. We Are Young – Fun w/ Janelle Monae (pop)
32. Save Tonight – Eagle Eye Cherry (rock)
33. Home – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros (alternative rock)
34. Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root (alternative rock)
35. Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen (rock)
36. Don’t Stop Believing- Journey (rock)
37. Last Dance – Donna Summer… for a modern day twist, try the Masters at Work Remix which gives the original a smooth house treatment (disco/house)
38. Dim All the Lights – Donna Summer (disco)
39. Please Don’t Go – KWS (freestyle)

To listen to these Grand Finale song ideas on Spotify, click here.

100 Songs for a 2019 Wedding (Mixed Genres) (compiled by DJ Gregg Ambient)

1. XO (Cover Version) – John Mayer (acoustic rock)
2. Perfect – Ed Sheeran (pop ballad)
3. Coming Home – Leon Bridges (soul)
4. Rescue Me – Fontella Bass (soul)
5. Just One Look – Doris Troy (soul)
6. Here I Am (Come and Take Me) (Cover Version) – Seal (soul)
7. Runaround Sue – Dion (oldies)
8. Twist & Shout – The Beatles (rock n’ roll oldies)
9. Mony Mony – Tommy James & the Shondells (rock n’ roll oldies)
10. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra (crooners)
11. Beyond the Sea – Bobby Darin (crooners)
12. Come and Get Your Love – Redbone (rock)
13. Do Wah Diddy – Manfred Mann (rock)
14. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher – Jackie Wilson (soul)
15. You are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne (ballad)
16. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green (soul)
17. Sara Smile – Hall & Oates (soft rock)
18. Georgy Porgy – Toto (soft rock)
19. The Girl from Ipanema – Antonio Carlos Jobim w/ Frank Sinatra (bossa nova)
20. I Only Have Eyes for You – Michael Buble (crooners)
21. Soulful Strut – Young-Holt Unlimited (soul)
22. Ho Hey – The Lumineers (alternative rock)
23. Feel It Still – Portugal.  The Man (alternative rock)
24. High Hopes – Panic! At the Disco (alternative rock)
25. I’ll Be Around (Cover Version) – Winston Francis (reggae)
26. Everyone Falls In Love – Chris Demontague (reggae)
27. Hello – Kes (soca / calypso)
28. Could You Be Loved – Bob Marley (reggae)
29. Gyal You a Party Animal – Charly Black (reggae)
30. Temperature – Sean Paul (dancehall reggae)
31. Island Song – Zac Brown Band (modern country)
32. Wagon Wheel –  Darius Rucker or Old Crow Medicine Show (country)
33. Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton (country)
34. Die a Happy Man – Thomas Rhett (country)
35. Old Town Road (Remix) – Lil Nas w/ Billy Ray Cyrus (country hip hop fusion)
36. Juice – Lizzo (Pop)
37. Get Ready – The Temptations (Motown)
38. Nowhere to Run – Martha & The Vandellas (Motown)
39. Respect – Aretha Franklin (Motown)
40. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) – Four Tops (Motown)
41. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (Motown)
42. Apache – The Sugarhill Gang (old school rap)
43. Stayin’ Alive – The Bee Gees (disco)
44. That’s the Way I Like It – KC & The Sunshine Band (disco)
45. Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson (disco)
46. September – Earth, Wind & Fire (disco)
47. Rapper’s Delight – Sugarhill Gang (old school rap)
48. You to Me Are Everything – The Real Thing (disco)
49. How Will I Know – Whitney Houston (80s)
50. All Night Long – Lionel Ritchie (80s)
51. I’ll Always Love You – Tito Nieves (salsa)
52. La Vida Es Un Carnaval – Celia Cruz (salsa)
53. Lloraras – Oscar D’Leon (salsa)
54. Vivir Mi Vida – Marc Anthony (salsa)
55. Dura – Daddy Yankee (reggaeton)
56. Fireball – Pitbull f/ John Ryan (Latin dance)
57. Danza Kuduro –  Don Omar w/ Lucenzo (Latin dance)
58. Cupid Shuffle – Cupid (line dance)
59. The Cha Cha Slide – DJ Casper (line dance)
60. Shout, Pts. 1 & 2 – The Isley Brothers (soul)
61. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond (sing-alongs)
62. 24k Magic – Bruno Mars (pop)
63. I Like It – Cardi B (hip hop)
64. Want to Want Me – Jason DeRulo (pop)
65. Girls Like You – Maroon 5 w/ Cardi B (pop)
66. I Feel it Coming – The Weeknd w/ Daft Punk (pop/ R&B)
67. Havana – Camila Cabello (pop)
68. The Middle – Zedd (pop / EDM)
69. HandClap – Fitz and the Tantrums (modern rock)
70. Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake (pop/ soundtracks)
71. Finesse (Remix) – Bruno Mars w/ Cardi B (pop)
72. Castle on the Hill – Ed Sheeran (pop)
73. Shake it Off – Taylor Swift (pop)
74. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen (classic rock)
75. Dani California – Red Hot Chili Peppers (modern rock)
76. American Girl – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (classic rock)
77. What I Like About You – The Romantics (new wave)
78. Take on Me – a-Ha (new wave)
79. Don’t Stop Believin’ (Cover Version) – George Lamond (freestyle/dance)
80. Lucky Star – Madonna (80s)
81. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham! (80s)
82. Higher Love – Steve Winwood (80s)
83. No Diggity – Blackstreet w/ Dr. Dre (hip hop / R&B)
84. Hypnotize – Notorious B.I.G. (hip hop)
85. In Da Club – 50 Cent (hip hop)
86. God’s Plan – Drake (hip hop)
87. Too Close – Next (R&B)
88. Spice Up Your Life – The Spice Girls (90s girl band)
89. I Want it That Way – Backstreet Boys (90s boy band)
90. Hey Mr. DJ – Zhane (90s)
91. Fired Up! – Funk Green Dogs (dance)
92. Let Me Clear My Throat (live) – DJ Kool (old school rap)
93. Ride Wit Me – Nelly (hip hop)
94. Real Love (Biggie Smalls Remix) – Mary J. Blige (hip hop / R&B)
95. This Girls (Kungs vs. Cookin’ on 3 Burners – Kungs (modern dance)
96. I Love It (Tiesto Remix) – Icona Pop (EDM)
97. Losing It – Fisher (Tech House / EDM)
98. Game of Thrones (Armin van Buuren remix) – Ramin Djawadi (EDM)
99. A Good Night – John Legend (R&B)
100. Versace of on the Floor – Bruno Mars vs. David Guetta (R&B)

To listen to these Top 100 wedding song ideas for 2019 on Spotify, click here.

The Ambient DJ Service Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist Menu

The list below features the name/theme of the Cocktail Hour Mix, the selected accompanying cocktail, and the DJ who created the playlist in parentheses. Access the individual blog entries/playlists by clicking on the links.

1. Alternative Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour, Craft Beer (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
2. The Quintessentially Mixed Wedding Cocktail Hour, Long Island Iced Tea (DJ AQ). Click here.
3. Good Vibes Wedding Cocktail Hour, Pina Colada (DJ Iron Mike). Click here.
4. Head to Shoulder Dip Wedding Cocktail Hour, Hairy Navel (DJ Gary G). Click here.
5. Retro Soul Wedding Cocktail Hour, Ciroc Havana Coconut Martini (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
6. Smooth Sail Wedding Cocktail Hour, Malibu Bay Breeze (DJ Mike K). Click here.
7. Back to the Eighties Wedding Cocktail Hour, Midori Sour (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
8. Beach Themed Wedding Cocktail Hour, Red Stripe Beer (DJ Spinz). Click here.
9. Classic Wedding Cocktail Hour, Tanqueray & Tonic (DJ Garrett B.). Click here.
10. International Excursions Wedding Cocktail Hour, Sangria (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
11. Country Wedding Cocktail Hour, Manhattan (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
12. Crooners Wedding Cocktail Hour, Jack Daniels on the Rocks with a Splash of Water (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
13. Chanteuse Wedding Cocktail Hour, The White Lady (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
14. TV Theme Songs Wedding Cocktail Hour, Coca-Cola with a side of Popcorn (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
15. Christmas Wedding Cocktail Hour, Eggnog (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
16. Boardwalk Empire / Great Gatsby Wedding Cocktail Hour, Rum Punch for a Crowd (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
17. Classic R&B Wedding Cocktail Hour, Ciroc Blue Ocean (DJ Iron Mike). Click here.
18. James Bond Wedding Cocktail Hour, Vespa Martini that is shaken not stirred! (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
19. Valentines Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 1), Godiva Chocolate Martini (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
20. Miami Vice Wedding Cocktail Hour, Cuba Libre (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
21. The “Super Happy Hour” Wedding Cocktail Hour, The Bob Marley (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
22. The Brazilian Wedding Cocktail Hour, Caipirinha (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
23. The New Jersey Homegrown Wedding Cocktail Hour, Boat Beer (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
24. The French Connection Wedding Cocktail Hour, 2010 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere St. Emilion (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
25. The Disco Love Wedding Cocktail Hour, Sloe Gin Fizz (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
26. The Super Funky Soul Wedding Cocktail Hour, Funky Cold Medina (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
27. The Acid Jazz Wedding Cocktail Hour, Gimlet (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
28. The 70s Soft Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour, Miller High Life (DJ Iron Mike). Click here.
29. The New York State of Mind Wedding Cocktail Hour, Bronx Martini (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
30. The Disney Wedding Cocktail Hour, Vibrant Orange Juice Frosty (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
31. The Summer Pop Wedding Cocktail Hour, Jameson & Ginger Ale (DJ Spinz). Click here.
32. The Colorful Wedding Cocktail Hour, Shot of Goldschlager (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
33. The Inspiring Women of Music Wedding Cocktail Hour, Brandy Alexander (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
34. The Psychedelic Wedding Cocktail Hour, Death in the Afternoon (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
35. The Surf’s Up Wedding Cocktail Hour, Italian Surfer (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
36. The 90s Grunge Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour, Whiskey Sour (Guest bloggers Pash & David). Click here.
37. The “Nice and Easy” Wedding Cocktail Hour, Dirty Martini (Team Ambient). Click here.
38. The All Beatles Wedding Cocktail Hour, Bass Ale (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
39. The Savannah Southern Charm Wedding Cocktail Hour, Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade Mojito (Guest Blogger Cindy Brown). Click here.
40. The All Covers Version Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 1) , Tecate Beer (Team Ambient ). Click here.
41. The Giants of Jazz Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , The Jazz Martini (DJ Gregg Ambient ). Click here.
42. The Smooth Jazz Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Kahlua & Cream (DJ Gregg Ambient ). Click here.
43. The Vintage Soul Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Old-Fashioned (Guest Blogger DJ Ali Gruber ). Click here.
44. The Acquired Taste Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Fernet Branca (Guest Blogger DJ Toad). Click here.
45. The Jamaican Love Song Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Hummingbird (DJ Jazz). Click here.
46. The Motown Wedding Cocktail Hour, The Last Word (DJ Spinz) . Click here.
47. The All-Broadway Wedding Cocktail Hour, Fuzzy Greyhound (Guest Bloggers Kris Longwell and Wesley Loon) . Click here.
48. The Fifty Shades of Grey Wedding Cocktail Hour, Bollinger La Grande Annee Rose (1999) (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
49. The Hip Hop Wedding Cocktail Hour, Cristal Champagne (DJ Iron Mike) . Click here.
50. The Tropical Trade Winds Wedding Cocktail Hour, Barbados Rum Punch (DJ Marti Gras) . Click here.
51. The Reggae Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Red Stripe Beer/ Dirty Banana Cocktail (DJ Sully) . Click here.
52. The Mellow Country Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Southern Comfort Cherry & Cola (DJ Jaethoven) . Click here.
53. The Space Travelers Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Astronaut (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
54. The Freestyle Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Dark and Stormy (DJ Iron Mike) . Click here.
55. The African Safari Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Castle Lager Beer (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
56. The Sunset Sessions Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Mojito (Guest Blogger, DJ Troy Michael via Hawaii) . Click here.
57. The 70s Soft Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist – Volume 2 , Scotch on the Rocks (DJ Iron Mike) . Click here.
58. The Bar Life Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Margarita (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
59. The New Orleans Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Hurricane (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
60. The Classy Covers Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Southern Revival (DJ Spinz) . Click here.
61. The Blues Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Blonde Manhattan (DJ Marti Gras) . Click here.
62. The 80s 90s Something Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Bottle of Zima (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
63. The “Lush” Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Botanist Cocktail (DJ Cloak Dagger) . (Email info@ambientdj.com for a copy of this custom playlist)
64. The Boy Bands Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist (Volume One) , Bubble Martini (DJ Iron Mike) . Click here.
65. The New Years Eve Style Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
66. The Valentines Day Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 2), Frangelico on the Rocks (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
67. The New Age Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 1), Maple Breakfast Stout (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
68. The 420 High Times Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Summer Shandy beer (Joint DJ Collaboration).  Click here.
69. The Bossa Chill Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Royal Peach Tea (DJ Dre Ovalle).  Click here.
70. The Fourth of July Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Bottle of Budweiser (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
71. The Vineyard Vibes Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist, Bottle of 2012 St. Eden Vineyards Chardonnay (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
72. The 60s Gold Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Zombie (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
73. The 1990s R&B Wedding Cocktail Hour, Espresso Martini (DJ Iron Mike). Click here.
74. The “Cool, Relax” Wedding Cocktail Hour, Basilico (DJ Statle). Click here.
75. The A List B-Side Wedding Cocktail Hour, Black Russian (guest blogger Darrell Gartrell). Click here.
76. The Stone Cold Soul Wedding Cocktail Hour, Laid Back (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
77. The Bar Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour, Bloody Mary (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
78. The Disco Love Wedding Cocktail Hour, Singapore Sling (DJ Iron Mike).  Click here.
79. The Far East Wedding Cocktail Hour, Suntory Whiskey on the rocks (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
80. The Doo-Wop Wedding Cocktail Hour, Tom Collins (DJ Iron Mike).  Click here.
81. The Spa Sessions Wedding Cocktail Hour, Serendipi-Tea (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
82. The Fashion Show Wedding Cocktail Hour, Negroni (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
83. The All Trumpet Wedding Cocktail Hour, Sparkling French Martini (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
84. The Fine Day to Say “I Do” Wedding Cocktail Hour, Aperol Spritz (DJ Linda Leigh). Click here.
85. The International Excursions Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 2), Aguardiente Sour (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
86. The 80s Power Ballad Wedding Cocktail Hour, Bartyles & James Wine Cooler (Gregg Ambient). Click here.
87. The Indie Folk Wedding Cocktail Hour, Hippie Juice served in Mason Jar (DJ Marti Gras).  Click here.
88. The DJ’s Choice Wedding Cocktail Hour, Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar craft beer (DJ Iron Mike).  Click here.
89. The Retro Wedding Cocktail Hour, Pear Barbotage (DJ Nick Kaminski).  Click here.
90. The Yacht Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 1), Sex on the Beach (DJ Iron Mike).  Click here.
91. The Noc Boots Wedding Cocktail Hour, Toki Highball (DJ Cloak Dagger).  Click here.
92. The Philadelphia Freedom Wedding Cocktail Hour, Poor Richard’s Tavern Spice Ale (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
93. The Indian Electronic Lounge Wedding Cocktail Hour, Kingfisher Beer (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
94. The Viva Las Vegas Wedding Cocktail Hour , La Paloma cocktail (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
95. The Sixties Soul Wedding Cocktail Hour, Brown Derby cocktail (DJ Iron Mike).  Click here.
96. The Sunset Beach Party Wedding Cocktail Hour, Pineapple Mojito (DJ Ted Ganung).  Click here.
97.  The 90s Pop Wedding Cocktail Hour, Cosmopolitan (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
98.  The Sax Man’s Choice Wedding Cocktail Hour (Vol. 1),  Sentimental Melody (Joseph Grillo).  Click here.
99. The Valentines Day Wedding Cocktail Hour (Vol. 3), Pomengranate Martini (DJ Gregg Ambient).  Click here.
100.  The Mixologists Choice Wedding Cocktail Hour, LaMarca Prosecco (Ambient DJ Staff).  Click here.

25 Key Songs for a California / West Coast Wedding

The following list was curated by our friend and respected industry colleague Dan Rosenbach. Dan is a NJ transplant who operates “Love in the Mix” located in the San Francisco Bay Area.  As per Dan, “the following playlist is a collection of songs you might typically hear at the most modern San Francisco venue or a rustic vineyard setting in Napa. From country to hip hop, a summary of Bay Area flavors.”

Love in the Mix is the Bay Area’s freshest DJ and lighting design team. Featured in DJ Times Magazine and TLC’s Four Weddings, the company provides beautiful sights and sounds to create unforgettable weddings and corporate events. To learn more about Dan’s awesome DJ service, visit www.loveinthemix.com.

1. California Love – 2Pac Shakur
2. California Gurls – Katy Perry f/ Snoop Dogg
3. Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks
4. Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show
5. Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys
6. I Left My Heart in San Francisco – Tony Bennett
7. Shakedown Street – The Grateful Dead
8. (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding
9. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
10. Regulate – Warren G.
11. This is How We Do It – Montell Jordan
12. The Sound of San Francisco – Global Deejays
13. California Soul – Marlena Shaw
14. San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair) – Scott McKenzie
15. We Built This City – Starship
16. Save Me, San Francisco – Train
17. Bernie Lean – ATM
18. Happy Ending – Sugarland
19. My Wish – Rascal Flatts
20. Blow the Whistle (clean) – Too $hort
21. Playaz Club (clean) – Rappin’ 4-Tay
22. Players Holiday – T.W.D.Y. f/ Too $hort
23. Sprinkle Me – E-40 & Suga-T
24. Game Recognize Game – JT the Bigga Figga & Mac Mall
25. Get Stupid (Remix) – Mac Dre

To listen to a Spotify playlist of Dan’s picks, click here.

30 Key Latin Tracks for a Wedding

The following list was compiled by Ambient DJ’s Latin music specialist Andre Ovalle, aka “DJ Dre Ovalle” – Dre’s selections below feature an assortment of Latin dance styles designed to appeal to a variety of cultures – including Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Vallenato, Banda and Reggaeton.  Reggaeton has been particularly popular as of late.

1. MIA (f/ Drake) – Bad Bunny (reggaeton)
2. Casate Conmigo – Silvestre Dangond w/ Nicky Jam (reggaeton)
3. Mi Razon De Ser – Banda MS (banda)
4. Escapate Conmigo – Wisin w/ Ozuna (reggaeton)
5. Robarte un Beso – Carlos Vives w/ Sebastian Yatra (Vallenato)
6. Siguelo Bailando – Ozuna (reggaeton)
7. Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor – Juanes (rock)
8. Una Lady Como Tu – Manuel Turizo (reggaeton)
9. Me Enamore – Shakira (reggaeton)
10. Entra en Mi Vida – Sin Bandera (pop)
11. Vacaciones – Wisin (reggaeton)
12. Loco Enamorado – Abraham Mateo w/ Farruko (reggaeton)
13. Llegaste Tu – Luis Fonsi, Juan Luis Guerra (pop)
14. Me Sobran Las Palabras – Zacarias Ferreira (bachata)
15. Just As I Am – Prince Royce w/ Chris Brown (bachata)
16. Nadie Como Ella – Marc Anthony (salsa)
17. Esa Boquita (salsa version) – J Alvarez w/ Tito Nieves (salsa)
18. Amores Como el Nuestro – Jerry Rivera (salsa)
19. La Duena Del Swing – Los Hermanos Rosario (merengue)
20. Aguanile – Hector Lavoe (salsa)
21. Rebelion – Joe Arroyo (salsa)
22. Lloraras – Oscar D’Leon (salsa)
23. La Negra Tiene Tumbao – Celia Cruz (salsa)
24. Vivir Mi Vida – Marc Anthony (salsa)
25. Bailar -Deorro w/ Pitbull and Elvis Crespo (merengue/dance)
26. Mi Reina – La Makina (merengue)
27. Guallando – Fulanito (merengue tipico)
28. Stand By Me – Prince Royce (bachata/ crossover)
29. Un Beso – Aventure (bachata)
30. La Gota Fria – Carlos Vives (Vallenato)

Take a listen to our top Latin dance tracks on Spotify by clicking here

Key Country Tracks for a Wedding

This list is dedicated to our blog readers located in the South – we know there are many of you! A collection of classic and contemporary country tunes, ballads and line dances – this playlist will delight country music lovers from across the land.

1. Tequila – Dan & Shay
2. You Make It Easy – Jason Aldean
3. Everything’s Gonna Be Alright – David Lee Murphy & Kenny Chesney
4. Millionaire – Chris Stapleton
5. Kiss Somebody – Morgan Evans
6. Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show or Darius Rucker
7. Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton
8. Die a Happy Man – Thomas Rhett
9. In Case You Didn’t Know – Brett Young
10. Crazy – Patsy Cline
11. H.O.L.Y. – Florida Georgia Line
12. Island Song – Zac Brown Band
13. Meant to Be – Bebe Rexha f/ Florida Georgia Line
14. Body Like a Back Road – Sam Hunt
15. I Don’t Dance – Lee Brice
16. Forever and Ever, Amen – Randy Travis
17. Don’t Rock the Jukebox – Alan Jackson
18. I Walk the Line – Johnny Cash
19. Boot Scootin’ Boogie – Brooks & Dunn (line dance)
20. Achy Breaky Heart – Billy Ray Cyrus (line dance)
21. Copperhead Road – Steve Earle (line dance)
22. Family Tradition – Hank Williams
23. I Swear – John Michael Montgomery
24. I Cross My Heart – George Strait
25. Islands in the Stream – Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton
26. Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy – Big & Rich
27. Dirt Road Anthem – Jason Aldean
28. Man, I Feel a Woman! – Shania Twain
29. Redneck Woman – Gretchen Wilson
30. Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks
31. Life is a Highway – Rascal Flatts
32. Country Girl (Shake it for Me) – Luke Bryan

To preview these selected country songs on Spotify, click here

10 Songs Not to Play at a Wedding

1. Ignition (Remix) – R. Kelly.   The Pied Piper of R&B’s musical career is over.  This song, or any of this other hits, may well infuriate guests and staff at your local banquet hall.  AVOID!   For some 90s party vibes, try Nelly’s radio-edited version of “Ride Wit Me” or the more recent Bruno Mars hit “That’s What I Like.”
2. Mo Bamba – Sheck Wes.  Better suited for a high school dance or ratchet afterparty, this song is simply too sleazy – even with an edited version.  For some contemporary hip hop with better lyrics, try Drake’s “Gods Plan”
3. Hello – Adele. Despite being an emotionally powerful song, this hit single from Adele is a break-up song. Substitute with her cover version of the Cure’s “Lovesong” or Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.”
4. Stay With Me – Sam Smith. In this song, the emotionally tortured protagonist is a master of “one night stands” and proclaims “this ain’t love it’s clear to see, but darling, stay with me” and “deep down I know this never works, but you can lay with me so it doesn’t hurt.” Hardly appropriate wedding fare!  Substitute with “Latch” (Disclosure with Sam Smith) or Smith’s fun cover version of Drake’s “Hotline Bling” set to a house beat.
5. You’ll Never Find a Love Like Mine – Lou Rawls. This song oozes sex appeal with Rawl’s baritone voice over a vintage piano and strings disco arrangement. However, the premise of the song is that Rawl’s former partner will never find a love as good as his post their breakup. As a substitute, try George McCrae’s “Rock Your Baby.”
6. Easy – The Commodores.  This song deceptively sounds like a love song for Sunday morning in bed, but actually reflects the protagonist’s easy attitude as he segues out of a torturous relationship.  Lionel Richie fans are better served by wedding ballads like “Endless Love” or “Truly” – or upbeat selections “All Night Long” or “Dancing on the Ceiling.”
7. Brown Sugar – The Rolling Stones. This infectious rock n’ roll jam regrettably contains lyrics that one music critic describes as “gross, sexist and stunningly offensive to black women” – trust us, the lyrics are that bad. If you love the Stones, try “Satisfaction” “Start Me Up” or another hit song from their extensive catalog.
8. What’s Going On? – Marvin Gaye. If you enjoy hearing about war, picket lines and police brutality, then play this song at your wedding. Otherwise, try soulful crooner Gaye’s “Aint’ No Mountain High Enough” or super-funky “Got to Give it Up” which your DJ can then skillfully mix into Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines.”
9. The Macarena – Los del Rio. Line dances at a wedding can be great ice breakers. However, this cheesy line dance has grown even more fungus with age. Modernize your wedding with a newer novelty dance such as the “Cupid Shuffle”
10. Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin is an incredible rock band.  Yet this anthem is hard to dance to with its long, uncomfortable breakdowns. If you must play Zeppelin at your wedding, try “All of My Love” or “Thank You.” For a beach wedding, try their hidden gem “Down by the Seaside.”

To preview these selected “no play” songs on Spotify, click here.

Tips for Musical Programming at a Wedding

After engaging the services of a wedding DJ for your special day, a key task in the planning process is picking music for your wedding reception. Some couples are very “hands on” with the playlist, while others give a general direction to their DJ, trusting his or her expertise.

Assuming a four hour reception and 18 songs per hour, you would have a playlist of 72 songs. How many songs should you pick in advance? Our recommendation would be to prepare a list of up to 20 “must play” songs, plus another 20 “play If possible” tracks. That leaves an additional 20 tracks for your DJ to select. However, the DJ will pick these additional songs within your genre parameters. For example, if you love 90s dance music but dislike country music, the DJ would keep the mix within these guidelines.

In picking specific songs for your wedding reception, listed below are seven tips:

1. Select a variety of musical styles. Your wedding reception will feature a wide range of guest ages, most likely from teenagers to older adults. You would be wise to select songs that cater to the various age brackets, so all guests feel like they are a part of your special day.
2. Start your dance sets with recognizable oldies. For the initial dance set after your first appetizer course, begin with oldies genres such as 60s Rock, Motown, or Disco, to gain the trust of older guests. By doing so, they are more likely to go with the flow for your modern dance selections later in the night!
3. Use non-danceable selections for cocktail hour or dinner music. If you enjoy non-danceable genres such as indie rock, use these selections for the atmospheric cocktail hour or dinner music. For open dancing after dinner, this eclectic fare will likely fail and result in a thin or empty dance floor.
4. For open dancing, gravitate towards mainstream selections. After dinner, the DJ needs to quickly mobilize your diverse group of guests and create a packed dance floor. It is sound advice to use songs that are recognized by most guests! For example, young adults will recognize a classic party jam like “Shout” from the movies, while adult guests will have heard today’s super-hits by the likes of Pitbull, Rihanna or Jennifer Lopez on the radio.
5. Consider using line dances as icebreakers. Yes, there has been a trend in recent years towards “non-tacky” DJ entertainment with minimal or no line dancing. You know, the usual suspects like the Electric Slide and Cupid Shuffle. That said, for the right crowd, line dances can quickly pack a dance floor with guests of all ages. The DJ can then guide this packed dance floor to the music that you really want to hear.
6. Include several ballad sets. Wedding receptions are celebrations that should feature a combination of romance and fun. We recommend two or three ballad sets of two songs each. Incorporating slow dancing makes sense because; first, this allows your shy and older guests to join the action. Second, ballads are a welcome relief from extended sets of high tempo dancing. We recommend programming ballads in pairs because typically a couple will not get to the dance floor until the middle of the first song.
7. Have a detailed discussion about music with your wedding DJ. Professional wedding DJs are highly experienced with musical programming and can provide suggestions that will enhance the quality of your event. Show the DJ your playlist and ask for their candid feedback. Have a detailed discussion with the DJ about your guest demographics that may provide clues on what music will work. Discuss your policy on fielding guest requests, line dances, and your expectations for the dance floor action. If you envision a mellower party, don’t be afraid to let the DJ know that a frenetic dance floor is not your goal.

If you found these playlists and tips helpful, for even more ideas check out our book available on Amazon “The Bride’s Guide to Selecting the Perfect Wedding DJ”.

Wedding Music Power Sets

A newer feature of the wedding study is sharing several wedding DJ power sets to give you a sense on how we might structure sets at a wedding reception.   These sets are limited to 3-5 songs.

Set:  90s Power Hour

• Hip Hop Hooray – Naughty by Nature
• Jump – Kriss Kross
• Jump Around – House of Pain
• It Takes Two- Rob Base & EZ-Rock
• Poison – Bel Biv Devoe

Set:  Hot Latin Dance Set

• Despacito (remix) – Luis Fonsi with Daddy Yankee & Justin Bieber
• Llororas – Oscar D’Leon
• Dura – Daddy Yankee
• Fireball – Pitbull
• Danza Kuduro – Daddy Yankee w/ Lucenzo

Set:  Back to the 80s

• Kiss – Prince
• Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
• Don’t You Want Me – The Human League
• Sweet Dreams –  Eurythmics
• Take on Me – a-Ha

Set:  Reggae/ Tropical / Soca / Calypso

• Murder She Wrote – Chaka Demus & Pliers
• Hello  – KES
• Here Comes the Hotstepper – Ini Kamoze
• Gyal You A Party Animal – Charly Black
• Temperature – Sean Paul

Set:  Country Throwdown

• Man, I Feel Like a Woman – Shania Twain
• Body Like a Backroad – Sam Hunt
• Country Girl, Shake it for Me – Luke Bryan
• Chickenfried – Zac Brown Band
• Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker

Set:  Classy Crooner Dinner Music

• That’s Amore – Dean Martin
• Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
• Quando, Quando, Quando – Michael Buble w/ Nelly Furtado
• The Girl from Ipanema – Stan Getz w. Joao Gilberto & Astrud Gilberto
• Desafinado – George Michael w/ Astrud Gilberto

Set:  Alternative Rock Sing-a-Longs

• Mr. Brightside – The Killers
• All the Small Things – Blink 182
• Stacy’s Mom – Fountains of Wayne
• Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down – Fall Out Boy
• Ocean Avenue – Yellowcard

Set:  Line Dance Fever

• The Cha-Cha Slide – DJ Casper
• The Cupid Shuffle – Cupid
• Apache – Sugarhill Gang
• Rapper’s Delight – Sugarhill Gang
• It’s Tricky –  Run-D.M.C.

About Ambient DJ Service

If you find these lists and ideas useful, please share them with a friend by posting on Social Media. You can follow us on Facebook here , on Instagram here , or on Pinterest here. We are a mobile DJ entertainment company servicing New Jersey, New York, Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware with an expertise in weddings. If you are planning a wedding in these areas, please keep us in mind for your special day!

For a wealth of additional planning tips, check out our book available on Amazon “The Bride’s Guide to Selecting the Perfect Wedding DJ”. It is available as either a hard copy or ebook.  Also, special thanks to this year’s feature couple – bride Heather and groom Rich.  Their professional photos were taken by Veronica Yankowski from Veroluce Photography.

Ambient DJ Service is a full-service mobile NJ DJ entertainment company based in Central New Jersey specializing in wedding DJ entertainment. Ambient DJ is a 2019 winner of the Knot Best of Weddings award as well as of the WeddingWire Couple’s Choice Award.  We have a deep passion for the music that we play and enjoy collaborating with our brides and grooms to create unforgettable celebrations! We would be delighted to perform at your wedding in the New Jersey / Philadelphia / New York Tri-State area, or destination wedding. For more info and to read our wedding reviews, visit us on the web at www.ambientdj.com.  Check out our free DJ mixes at www.mixcloud.com/ambient_dj_service