New Jersey’s Top Wedding Venues (2018 Edition)

Through the years, Ambient DJs has provided wedding DJ entertainment in many of the finer banquet halls located throughout the state of New Jersey.  In this article, we share our top wedding venue selections for 2018.  This is our fifth consecutive year in preparing the study.

An important change for 2018… We have modified the study from a Top 25 Countdown to a non-ranked selection of our favorite venues in the key geographic regions of New Jersey.  These regions are (1) Central Jersey, (2) The Jersey Shore, (3) North Jersey, and (4) South Jersey/Cape May.  The reason for the change is that the list was getting too heavily skewed towards the North Jersey market where many of the state’s luxury properties reside.  Second, it was getting increasingly difficult to discern small differences between the highest rated wedding venues.

Tips for Selecting a Wedding Venue

New Jersey offers an incredible array of quality wedding reception venues that are as diverse as the state itself. From rustic farm weddings to summer celebrations in the heart of the Jersey Shore to romantic vineyards to luxurious banquet halls with the most decadent Viennese spreads that may leave you in a state of “food intoxication” – the Garden State is a great place to celebrate a wedding! We recommend couples to find a venue that suits your personal style. Do keep in mind that outdoors celebrations in unique venues can produce the most memorable parties, but that New Jersey’s weather is unpredictable.  You are well-advised to select a venue that offers a quality indoor alternative should the weather prove uncooperative.

One of the major trends that we’ve noticed in the New Jersey wedding industry is the creation of property portfolios by successful wedding caterers.  Examples include Landmark Hospitality (The Liberty House, The Stone House, Ryland Inn, The Boathouse at Mercer Lake, The Prallsville Mill), Seasons Catering (The Seasons, The Venetian, The Shadowbrook), the Clarks Landing group (Point Pleasant and Delran), Hotels Unlimited (The Windsor Ballroom, The Versailles Ballroom, The Sterling Ballroom, The Crystal Ballroom) and the Park Savoy group (Park Savoy, Nanina’s in the Park and the Park Chateau in East Brunswick NJ).  It’s exciting to see the emergence of wedding venue brands across the state offering consistent service quality.

What Makes an Exceptional Venue?

Factors that impress us:

  1. Natural beauty and ambience (how does the venue look both inside and out?);
  2. Friendly and service-oriented staff (preferably with long-term staff retention);
  3. Delicious food (DJs are often provided an entree);
  4. Venues that strive to deliver a personalized wedding experience for the bride and groom, and are not ‘wedding factories.’ The fact that a venue has multiple rooms doesn’t make it a wedding factory; rather, wedding factory refers to a mechanical approach to service;
  5. Well-maintained facilities – are the lobby, bathroom and parking lot clean and well-maintained? If a facility doesn’t care about its appearance, will it care about the details of your once-in-a-lifetime celebration?  As DJs, we possess a behind the scenes perspective that factors into our opinion of venues.

A bonus factor is a venue whose staff treats the DJ as a valued member of the wedding team. As DJs, we feel that love from the staff, and channel the good vibes back to the wedding guests. Conversely, a difficult banquet manager can present a barrier to us entertaining guests to the best of our abilities.  For ideas on how DJs can work better with wedding venues and other event pros, see our blog on this topic by clicking here.

Tips to Engaged Couples in Selecting a Venue

  1. Research your venue on WeddingWire (www.weddingwire.com), the Knot (www.theknot.com), Yelp (www.yelp.com) or Google Reviews. Read what past clients had to say about their experience. WeddingWire, for example, rates vendors on the factors of 1) Quality of Service, 2) Responsiveness, 3) Professionalism, 4) Value, and 5) Flexibility. You can bet that a bride who spent tens of thousands of dollars on a reception venue will be eager to rave about a wonderful experience or critique a venue that fell short.  Take the time to read through a couple of dozen reviews to help gain a narrative behind the ratings.
  2. Take special note of venues that won a recent “Knot Best Of” award. The Knot Best Of Award is a respected industry award based on online ratings/reviews from real wedding couples. It is more difficult to win than the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice award.
  3. Don’t underestimate the factor of service; try to look beyond the decor of the room and the food. A poorly trained, lackadaisical or apathetic staff can reduce the guest experience, even at a beautiful venue.  Many of these banquet halls are extremely busy, yet it is still their responsibility to get all of the details of your once-in-a-lifetime celebration correct.
  4. Ask your wedding planner, DJ company or other wedding vendors for recommendations.
  5. Don’t assume that you can’t afford a top New Jersey wedding venue that carries the mystique of $250 per plate and up.  We’ve heard of incredible deals to be had from our client couples, particularly those who are flexible to consider off-peak dates.

The New Jersey Top Venues List

As a cross-check to our selections, we’ve listed in parentheses WeddingWire’s average aggregate star rating (maximum 5 stars) and number of WeddingWire reviews as of January 18, 2018.

We begin our survey in our home base of Central New Jersey.

Central New Jersey

The Park Chateau (East Brunswick).  Opened in March of 2017, the Park Chateau Estate and Gardens made quite a splash on the New Jersey wedding scene.  Located on 15 rolling acres, this ambition property captures the grandeur and scale of France’s Palace of Versailles.  In addition to vast gardens, the Chateau has its very own wedding chapel.  Service, food and decor wise, the property shares many influences from its sister property The Park Savoy.  However, things are done  on a far grander scale at the Park Chateau.  The first photo below is courtesy of photographer Simon Khalil (www.simonkphotography.com).  Website:  www.parkchateau.com (29 reviews, 4.8 / 5.0 stars on WeddingWire).

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The Hamilton Manor (Hamilton Township).  The Hamilton Manor is a modern venue in the Hamilton/Bordentown area that can host a wedding of up to 500 guests. Its Grand Ballroom features 20 foot high ceilings, antique chandeliers, a dramatic staircase for grand entrances and beautifully-restored mahogany floors.  The property includes a covered outdoor patio barn that can be used for onsite cocktail hours or wedding ceremonies, plus an additional outdoor ceremony area with a gazebo.  The Manor’s vintage 1936 flat bed red fire truck has proven popular for photo opportunities. Owner/operators, the Salzano Family, offer professional service with a smile!  For additional photo opportunities in 2018, the Salzanos are adding an outdoor landscaped water feature, as well as building a 300 foot pathway through the woods to the protected creek on the back end of the property.

Many North Jersey couples are choosing the Hamilton Manor based in Central NJ for its North Jersey style amenities, but at a Central NJ price point.  Website:  www.thehamiltonmanor.com (146 reviews, rated 4.9 / 5.0 stars on WeddingWire).

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The Nassau Inn (Princeton). Our company is based in the Princeton area, and the Nassau Inn, located in Palmer Square, has always been a favorite of ours, capturing the history of this great town.  The Inn offers several classy, prestigious party rooms to choose from.  In an industry where rapid staff turnover and transient workers are the norm, it is refreshing to see many of the same waitstaff and banquet managers year after year at the Nassau Inn. Be sure to check out its recently renovated Prince William Ballroom.  Palmer Square, Princeton University and the iconic Princeton Record Exchange offer wonderful photo opportunities for wedding photos or an engagement photo shoot.  The wintery photo below is credited to our friend Kyo from Kyo Morishima Photography.  Website:  www.nassauinn.com/weddings (47 reviews on WeddingWire, rated 4.8/5.0 stars).

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The Palace at Somerset Park (Somerset).  For those with champagne wishes and caviar dreams, the opulent Palace is the perfect venue. Located on a palatial estate, the Palace includes two magnificent ballrooms with separate entrances. The bridal suite, located upstairs, is a modern oasis of palatial dimensions. Use the outdoor balcony for your own private fireworks show.  Website:  www.palacesomersetpark.com (244 reviews, 4.9/5.0 stars on WeddingWire).

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The Boathouse at Mercer Lake (West Windsor).  Located at the marina in Mercer County Park, the new Boathouse at Mercer Lake is nothing like the small, dark and somewhat dingy original “Mercer Boathouse” that was razed to make way for this recent $4.9 million overhaul.  The new “Lakeview Hall” which accommodates up to 250 guests is bright and airy.  The culinary offerings of the Boathouse have also been significantly improved with Crave Caterers (the offsite catering division of Landmark Hospitality) running the show.  The initial wave of wedding couples to use the Boathouse have left nothing but rave reviews!  Website:  www.boathouseatmercerlake.com (9 reviews, rated 5.0 / 5.0 on WeddingWire).

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The Grounds for Sculpture / RATS Restaurant (Hamilton).  This property is one of New Jersey’s hidden gems located in Hamilton Township near Trenton.  The impressive grounds provide the feel of a Paris museum, and there are several unique areas of the grounds to hold an onsite wedding ceremony. We in particular recommend the mysterious “Nine Muses” sculpture garden.  The reception party can follow at the onsite Seward Johnson Center for the Arts or the intimate Rats Restaurant set alongside a lake resembling Claude Monet’s Gardens at Giverny.  Even if you don’t select this venue for your wedding, the Grounds for Sculpture is a must-visit for any New Jerseyan and would also make a great locale for an engagement photo shoot!  Website:   http://www.groundsforsculpture.org/weddings (28 WeddingWire reviews, 4.9/5.0 stars)

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Mercer Oaks (Princeton Junction). Located on a public golf course in West Windsor/Princeton Junction, the venue provides casual golf club elegance in a bright and spacious ballroom.  Delectable food and attentive service, led by the personable and longtime events manager Samantha Boudinot – are the other main attractions.  Mercer Oaks has a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 rating on WeddingWire.  Website:  www.merceroakscatering.com (47 WeddingWire reviews, 5.0/5.0).

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The Mountain Lakes House (Princeton).  Nestled deep in the woods of Princeton on 90 acres of natural preserve, the Mountain Lakes House is the perfect venue for an intimate outdoor gathering with its beautiful lakeside view.  Add delicious food and adult beverages from the venue’s list of recommended caterers, and weddings at the Mountain Lakes House are magical!  Website:  www.themountainlakeshouse.org (18 reviews, rated 4.6 / 5.0 on WeddingWire).

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The Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn  (Lambertville).   In 2014 the venue completed a $4 million expansion/renovation, also creating the new Riverside Ballroom. The Riverside Ballroom features high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows offering picturesque views of the Delaware River.  The cocktail hour space on the ground level is spacious and when the weather is pleasant can be open air, practically putting you on the river bank.  On the service side, Maitre D’ Neil  hustles from start to finish and is the only banquet hall professional that we’ve ever met who personally calls DJs prior to weddings to introduce himself.  The Riverside Ballroom offers delicious food (particularly the chicken artichoke entree) and is the perfect venue to capture the ambience of the Lambertville / New Hope area!  Website:  www.lambervillestation.com (50 reviews, 4.5 / 5.0 stars on WeddingWire).

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The Jersey Shore

Clarks Landing Yacht Club (Point Pleasant). With a luxurious ballroom with high ceilings and panoramic windows fronting the water, a top notch management team and sumptuous food (particularly for cocktail hour), Clarks Landing is a standout selection.  An added plus is that DJs plug their mixing board into an in-house sound system with speakers built into the ceiling above the dancefloor.  The result is that dancers enjoy louder music, while guests seated at tables are not blasted out of the room (a frequent complaint against DJs and bands at weddings).  Regarding management, we’ve witnessed the intense and detailed staff prep meeting. Clarks Landing is clearly committed to superior service and the results show.  Clarks also wishes past wedding couples happy anniversary on their Facebook page and fondly recalls past weddings for years!  Website:  www.clarkslandingcaterers.com (275 WeddingWire reviews, 5.0/5.0 stars).

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The stunning Grand Ballroom at Clark’s Landing. Image from www.clarkslandingcaterers.com

The Shadowbrook (Shrewsbury).  We love the Shadowbrook for its picturesque gardens, perfect to host an onsite wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. Indoors, its wood-paneled Oak Room and adjacent Horseshoe Bar inevitably host lively dance parties.  In February 2015, Robert Zweben who had been the sole owner for 20-plus years retired and sold the Georgian-style mansion and its surrounding 18 acres of property to the current owners of the renowned Venetian in Garfield and Seasons in Washington Township.  Upgrades to the property have been made since the acquisition.  Be sure to ask about the Shadowbrook’s caviar/vodka bar option for cocktail hour!  Website:  www.shadowbrook.com (136 WeddingWire reviews, 4.9/5.0 stars).

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The Oak Room at the Shadowbrook

The Sunset Ballroom (Point Pleasant).   Located on the Point Pleasant side of the Manasquan Inlet, the bride can arrive for an onsite ceremony by boat. The venue offers beautiful views, delicious food and a friendly staff.  Pt. Pleasant offers many fun options for the “afterparty” and is also a family-friendly town for visiting guests.  Website:  www.thesunsetballroom.com   (54 WeddingWire reviews, 4.9/5.0 stars)

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Crystal Point Yacht Club (Point Pleasant).   Another Point Pleasant entry for 2018, Crystal Point Yacht Club is located on the scenic Manasquan River, making a perfect backdrop for an onsite wedding ceremony.  The venue offers friendly maitre d’s and an attentive staff.  Website:  www.thecrystalpoint.com (248 reviews, 4.9/5.0 stars on WeddingWire).

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The Versailles Ballroom (Toms River).   Part of the Hotels Unlimited group, the Versailles Ballroom located at the Ramada Inn is a standout pick for its service.  Maitre D’ Angel recently went above and beyond  to help us coordinate complicated logistics for a wedding. Thanks Angel!  Website:  www.versaillescaterers.com (136 reviews, 4.9 / 5.0 stars on WeddingWire).

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North Jersey

The Pleasantdale Chateau (West Orange).  The Pleasantdale Chateau is the ideal venue for those couples seeking a luxurious fairytale wedding. This venue has that “wow factor” that begins the moment you drive onto the property and come down the driveway with the massive manor looming in the background. Enjoy your cocktail hour in the distinctive “Music Room,” chat with friends in the library and stroll through luxurious parlors.  Be sure to follow the Pleasantdale Chateau’s well-maintained Instagram account at @pleasantdalechateau to enjoy breathtaking images from events  Website:  pleasantdale.com  (48 WeddingWire reviews, 4.8/5.0 stars).

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A Fairytale Wedding Awaits You at the Pleasantdale Chateau

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The Westmount Country Club (Woodland Park).  The “one and only” Westmount Country Club lives up to its namesake.  This venue shines for its artistic presentation of cocktail hour stations, designer martini menu, and epic dessert stations that roll onto the dance floor.   We particularly love the vibes in artsy Continental Room.  Let the wow factor begin!  Website:  www.westmountcc.com (211 reviews, 4.9 / 5.0 stars on WeddingWire).

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The Continental Room at the Westmount Country Club

The Park Savoy (Florham Park).  Our top rated wedding venue from last year’s study, this recently renovated turn-of-the-century mansion features cozy fireplaces, an exquisite bridal suite and details only seen in the great mansions of Newport Rhode Island, and is enhanced with floor to ceiling windows. Check out the intricate carvings on the ceiling above the dance floor, or take a stroll through the beautiful onsite gardens.  In terms of food, the Viennese style cocktail hours and dessert are a gastronomic delight. But what really resonates with us at The Park Savoy is the service.  Maitre D’ Vincent was a true professional from start to finish and even made our DJ feel like a guest.  Website: www.theparksavoy.com (271 WeddingWire reviews, 5.0/5.0).

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The Estate at Florentine Gardens (River Vale).  This recently renovated and expanded Georgian-style mansion features expansive gardens, a grand ballroom with views of the gardens (the gardens look striking in the evening with the trees lit up), world class cuisine (the Chateaubriand is incredible), and an attentive professional management team and staff.  An in-house A/V company offers an exciting array of lighting and video options.  Website:  www.florentinegardens.com (504 reviews, 4.9 / 5.0 stars on WeddingWire).

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The W Hotel (Hoboken).   Hoboken is a trendy party town favored by young professionals.  The W Hotel is Hoboken’s premier wedding venue and offers a variety of spaces to hold an onsite ceremony, cocktail hour and reception party. “Lulu’s” lounge includes an outdoor patio fronting the water for an intimate wedding ceremony while its interior features modern lounge decor for cocktail hour.  The W. Hotel Hoboken offers a classic view of the New York City skyline that can particularly be appreciated from the honeymoon suite (of which we received a tour!).  Finally, the lobby of the W. Hoboken is a piece of artwork in and of itself.  Regarding the afterparty, wedding guests can continue to celebrate at the W Hotel’s in-house options, or else hit the hot local Hoboken night spots!  Website: www.whoboken.com/hoboken-wedding (25 reviews, 4.8/5.0 stars on WeddingWire).

 

David’s Country Inn (Hackettstown).  Outstanding food and service in a venue oozing country charm, David’s Country Inn is a stand out venue in Warren County.  Built in 1840, this historic Victorian mansion is host to only one wedding per day.  For an onsite ceremony, the bride can dramatically process down a grand staircase. Regarding staff longevity,  the Falzarano Family has owned and operated David’s Country Inn for more than 38 years and several staff members have been with David’s for more than 25 years! Be sure to check out the antique coffee maker in the cocktail hour space.  Website:  www.davidscountryinn.com (133 WeddingWire reviews, 5.0/5.0 stars).

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Explore David’s Country Inn at www.davidscountryinn.com

The Madison Hotel / Conservatory (Morristown).   We love weddings at the Madison Hotel!  The English-style Conservatory is the top attraction at this historic and well-appointed hotel. The glass Conservatory, with its hanging plants is beautiful for either a daytime reception or intimate evening celebration dancing under the stars.  Website:  www.themadisonhotel.com (138 WeddingWire reviews, 4.8 / 5.0 stars)

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The Loft at Jack’s Barn (Oxford).  The Loft at Jack’s Barn is a turn of the century feed mill barn located on four acres in beautiful Warren County.  This venue combines the rustic with the refined.  Owner-operator Darren is intimately involved in the business and has a very “hands on” and attentive style.  Don’t worry about dust and barnyard smells – Jack’s is impeccably clean and smartly decorated.  Website:  www.jacksbarn.com/the-loft  (20 reviews, 4.9 / 5.0 stars on WeddingWire).

 

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The Stonehouse at Stirling Ridge (Warren).  The architecture and design of the Stone House stand out, evoking a modern California lodge feel.  As per their website, “this space is designed with classic, clean lines, patterned wood and stone floors, a neutral color pallet and an appreciation for the scenic beauty that is part of this secluded location.” The food is exceptional, utilizing vegetables and herbs grown on a local communal farm. Choose from either the traditional ballroom or the newly opened “Lodge at Stirling Ridge” that fuses urban and rustic design elements.  We love how banquet manager Frank always greets DJs with a handshake and a smile! Website:  www.stonehouseatstirlingridge.com (74 reviews, 4.7 / 5.0 stars on WeddingWire).

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The Grain House at the Olde Mill Inn (Basking Ridge).  The historic Grain House restaurant is the ideal choice for couples seeking an intimate, rustic style wedding.  With delicious food and an attentive and professional management  team, the Grain House is one of our favorite venues.  Be sure to say hello to “George” the colorful horse figurine located at the entrance!  Website:  http://www.oldemillinn.com/weddings/grain-house-intimate-weddings/  (271 reviews, 4.9 / 5.0 on WeddingWire).

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The Barn at Perona Farms (Andover).  The newest addition to the Perona Farms estate (under family ownership since 1917) is its newly-renovated rustic barn.  The barn has been transformed into a modern facility and possesses a visual “wow factor” both inside and out.  The house uplighting is particularly striking.  Website:  www.peronafarms.com (178 WeddingWire reviews, 4.9/5.0 stars).

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The Barn at Perona Farms with Rockstar Wedding Couple Sarah and Michael

The Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds (Augusta).  Located on the Sussex County Fairgrounds, this luxurious venue offers a climate-controlled conservatory and  photo opportunities galore in the assorted beautiful gardens.  Website:  http://alwayssomethinghappening.com/html/conservatory.cfm  (14 reviews, 4.6 / 5.0 star rating on WeddingWire).

 

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Jessica & Frank enjoy their first dance inside the Conservatory

South Jersey / Cape May

The Reeds at Shelter Haven (Stone Harbor).  A recent entrant to the Cape May area wedding scene, Reeds offers a modern, luxury boutique hotel featuring sparkling views of the bayside harbor from its Sweet Grass Ballroom.  The hotel is decorated in warm earth tones, richly inspired by nature and the sea.   The Reeds management team are friendly, professional and attentive to detail.  The food is also consistently delicious.  Many couples opt for the Reeds to re-kindle fond childhood memories of summers spent vacationing in Stone Harbor.  Website:  www.reedsatshelterhaven.com (22 WeddingWire reviews, 4.7/5.0 stars)

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The Reeds at Shelter Haven

One Atlantic (Atlantic City).  Situated at the far end of the Pier Shops across from Caesar’s Hotel & Casino on the Atlantic City boardwalk, One Atlantic is perched above the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views of the sea, beach and boardwalk through its floor to ceiling windows. Management is professional and communicative.  We also had a chance to sample the delicious food at an educational event hosted by The Knot during the Fall.  Important for DJs, particularly with the long distance load-in, is that the venue offers a modern audio system installed in the ceiling throughout the entire property that is easy to access with the help of an onsite audio tech.  While there are some special insurance requirements for wedding couples and vendors due to the oceanfront location, in our case the management made it a breeze to achieve compliance. One interesting facet of One Atlantic is that its Director, Elizabeth McGlinn, is a professional wedding officiant and conducts the onsite ceremonies!  Website:  www.oneatlanticevents.com (153 WeddingWire reviews, 4.7/5.0 stars).

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Clarks Landing Yacht Club (Delran). While smaller than its sister property in Pt. Pleasant,  the same impeccable service is evident in Delran.  The ballroom features large framed oiled paintings and beautiful waterfront views.  Not that it’s ever required, but the venue even provided the DJ with his own personal waitress for the wedding.  Talk about attention to detail! Wedding couples seem to agree with our assessment, awarding Clarks Landing Delran with a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 WeddingWire rating.  Website:  www.theyachtclubcaterers.com (84 WeddingWire reviews, 5.0/5.0 stars).

Tomasello Winery (Hammonton).  This venue is our top winery selection for 2018’s survey.  Couples can exchange vows in the picturesque Chardonnay Vineyard and then dance the night away in the romantic Crystal Ballroom. What makes Tomasello Winery unique against other wineries is that its food is prepared onsite by an Executive Chef rather than offsite by outside caterers.  Website:  www.tomasellowinery.com (22 WeddingWire reviews, 4.9/5.0 stars).

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The Carriage House (Galloway).  The Carriage House is relatively new, having opened its doors about 10 years ago. The property is spacious inside and out, and beautifully designed as what is best described as a modern, opulent southern plantation. The Savannah Grand Ballroom is magnificent and reminiscent of an opera house.  The Carriage House offers an attentive staff, great food, and very reasonable package prices. Interestingly, the DJ booth is located on a stage one floor above the dance floor and guests.  Website:  www.the-carriagehouse.com (207 reviews, 4.9 / 5.0 stars on WeddingWire).

Hotel Alcott (Cape May).  The Hotel Alcott is a restored Italianate-bracketed villa located a block away from the Atlantic Ocean in the charming town of Cape May, NJ. No need to settle for mass-produced banquet hall food – Hotel Alcott’s chef serves delicious entrees with artistic flair. The lobster bisque soup and filet mignon are must tries.  Website:  www.hotelalcott.com   (24 WeddingWire reviews, 4.8/5.0 stars)

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The Merion (Cinnaminson).  The Merion is a grand, majestic complex offering numerous magnificent European-designed ballrooms. The Empire Ballroom is a particular favorite of ours, sporting the perfect environment for a Great Gatsby/Roaring Twenties party. Many couples opt for the Skylight Ballroom (with its distinctive dome) on the third floor. The Merion’s Viennese-style cocktail hours and desserts are over the top and may leave you in a state of food intoxication. We also enjoy their special “Rose Parade” (at the beginning of a reception) and “Sparkler Entrance” (for the unveiling of the desserts).  Website:  www.themerion.com (225 review, 4.8/5.0 stars on WeddingWire).

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Comments are welcome. Please let us know what venues would be on your list of favorites!  For any property owners/banquet managers interested in providing us an introduction to your venue, feel free to contact Gregg Hollmann at info@ambientdj.com or p 609.672.1270

For More Information

Already booked a venue and need musical ideas for your big day? Then click here to view Ambient DJs’ “Wedding Music Master Class” that contains over 2,000 song ideas spanning ceremony music, First Dance songs, Parent Dance songs, Cake Cutting Songs, Bouquet Garter Songs, grand entrance songs, grand finale songs, 90 themed cocktail hour playlists and 12 songs NOT to play at a wedding.

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About Ambient DJ Service

Ambient DJ Service is a full-service mobile NJ DJ entertainment company based in Central New Jersey specializing in wedding DJ entertainment.  Our marquee wedding entertainers/music mixologists include DJ Gregg Ambient, DJ Spinz, DJ  Iron Mike, DJ Cloak Dagger and DJ Greg Nice. Ambient DJ is a 2018 winner of the Knot Best of Weddings award (as well as a Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame winner), and of the WeddingWire Couple’s Choice Award.  As of mid-January 2018, we had 205 WeddingWire reviews with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.0 stars.  Past wedding couples have complimented Ambient DJs’ detailed planning, personalized service, multi-cultural approach, exciting options and affordable pricing.

We have a deep passion for the music that we play and enjoy collaborating with our brides and grooms to create unforgettable parties! We would be delighted to perform at your wedding in the New Jersey / Philadelphia / Delaware / 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.

 

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The Retro Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist

For the 89th installment of the Ambient DJ wedding cocktail hour playlist series, DJ Nick Kaminski submits a retro playlist that lingers primarily in the 70s and 80s.  In addition to being a talented wedding DJ, Nick is an exceptional musician as both a vocalist and pianist.  It’s no surprise that his picks include many great vocal performances by the likes of Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Barry White and the Carpenters.

To best enjoy the music, Nick recommends the Pear Barbotage (Champagne, Pear Brandy and St. Germain).   St. Germain is a liqueur created in the French artisinal manner that utilizes freshly picked elderflower blossoms.Pear_Barbotage

Immediately after the playlist, listen to Nick’s selected songs on a special Spotify playlist.

The Retro Wedding Cocktail Hour – Compiled by DJ Nick Kaminski

  1. True – Spandau Ballet
  2. Lady in Red – Chris de Burgh
  3. I Just Called to Say I Love You – Stevie Wonder
  4. Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears
  5. Hold Me Now – Thompson Twins
  6. Sacrifice – Elton John
  7. Head Over Heels – Tears for Fears
  8. Suddenly – Olivia Newton-John
  9. You are the Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder
  10. Too Much Heaven – Bee Gees
  11. Just the Way You Are – Barry White
  12. (They Long to Be) Close to You – The Carpenters
  13. More than Words – Extreme
  14. Leave a Tender Moment Alone – Billy Joel

Listen on Spotify (Unmixed)

About Ambient DJ Service

Ambient DJ Service is an award-winning mobile DJ entertainment company  specializing in weddings.   To book DJ Nick or one of our other DJ mixologists for your wedding or other celebration, connect with us online at www.ambientdj.com

To view our 2017 Wedding Music Master Class that contains links to our other 88 themed cocktail hour playlists, click here

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The DJ’s Choice Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist

For the 88th installment of the Ambient DJ wedding cocktail hour playlist series, we turn to one of our company’s star performers Mike Bacon, aka “DJ Iron Mike.”  Mike was recently married and for cocktail hour provided his DJ a melange of classic soul, 70s soft rock, 80s, 90s, R&B and contemporary selections.   Mike’s actual set list is shown below, and he clearly dug deeper musically than the average groom.Hazelnut_Brown_Nectar_Rogue

For an accompanying signature drink, Mike has selected his favorite craft beer, Hazelnut Brown Nectar by Oregon-based Rogue brewery.

Immediately after the playlist, listen to Mike’s selected songs on a special Spotify playlist.

The DJ’s Choice Wedding Cocktail Hour – Compiled by DJ Iron Mike

  1. Here I Am (Come and Take Me) – Al Green
  2. Just One Look – Doris Troy
  3. (You) Got What I Need – Freddie Scott
  4. Gimme Little Sign – Brenton Wood
  5. You Can Never Tell – Chuck Berry
  6. Head Over Heels – Tears for Fears
  7. When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going – Billy Ocean
  8. Every Heartbeat – Amy Grant
  9. Lovefool – The Cardigans
  10. I Love You Always Forever – Donna Lewis
  11. The Longest Time – Billy Joel
  12. Every Little Thing I Do – Soul 4 Real
  13. Dreamlover – Mariah Carey
  14. Higher Love – Steve Winwood
  15. Borderline – Madonna
  16. The Game of Love – Santana f/ Michelle Branch
  17. I’d Really Love to See You Tonight – England Dan and John Ford Coley
  18. Send My Love / Send One Your Love – Born Jamericans
  19. Shy Guy – Diana King
  20. Hymn for the Weekend (Seeb Remix) – Coldplay
  21. All Day All Night – Moon Taxi
  22. Thunder Clatter – Wild Cub
  23. Walking on a Dream – Empire of the Sun
  24. Electric Feel – MGMT
  25. Show Me Love – Robyn
  26. Bring it All to Me – Blaque, ‘N Sync

Listen on Spotify (Unmixed)

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DJ Iron Mike

About Ambient DJ Service

Ambient DJ Service is an award-winning mobile DJ entertainment company  specializing in weddings.   To book DJ Iron Mike or one of our other DJ mixologists for your wedding or other celebration, connect with us online at www.ambientdj.com

To view our 2017 Wedding Music Master Class that contains links to our other 86 themed cocktail hour playlists, click here

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The Indie Folk Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist

For our 87th installment in the Wedding Cocktail Hour series, our Martin Valcin (aka DJ Marti Gras) has compiled a playlist of primarily indie folk selections, with a touch of wedding friendly pop music for good measure.  Representative artists include Ingrid Michaelson, Mazzy Star, Regina Spektor, Vampire Weekend and the Decemberists.  Pink_Lemonade_Hippie

For an accompanying signature drink, Martin has selected a “Hippie Juice Cocktail” served up in a Mason jar.  View the drink recipe by clicking here.

The Indie Folk Wedding Cocktail Hour – Compiled by DJ Marti Gras

  1. Fade Into You – Mazzy Star
  2. Central Reservation – Beth Orton
  3. Love Song – 311
  4. She Treats Me Well – Ben Howard
  5. Shiny – The Decemberists
  6. Us – Regina Spektor
  7. The Way I Am – Ingrid Michaelson
  8. New Soul – Yael Naim
  9. Stuck on You – Meiko
  10. I Choose You – Sara Bareilles
  11. I Do – Colbie Caillat
  12. Kiss Me – Sixpence None the Richer
  13. I’ll Be Your Man – The Black Keys
  14. Home – Phillip Phillips
  15. I Will Wait – Mumford & Sons
  16. White Sky – Vampire Weekend
  17. Just Like Heaven – The Cure
  18. Closer – Tegan and Sara

Listen on Spotify (Unmixed)

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DJ Marti Gras

About Ambient DJ Service

Ambient DJ Service is an award-winning mobile DJ entertainment company  specializing in weddings.   To book DJ Marti Gras or one of our other DJ mixologists for your wedding or other celebration, connect with us online at www.ambientdj.com

To view our 2017 Wedding Music Master Class that contains links to our other 86 themed cocktail hour playlists, click here

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The 80s Power Ballad Wedding Cocktail Hour

In this 86th installment of the wedding cocktail hour series, we’ve set our sights on the power ballads of the 80s.  Think big hair with lots of hairspray, big drum kits, big vocal buildups and high drama!  Representative bands include Journey, Motley Crue, Poison, Firehouse, Whitesnake, KISS, Foreigner, Bon Jovi and Van Halen.  Besides cocktail hour, any of these tracks would represent an interesting surprise for dinner music or a slow dance.

Our selections span from 1978 to 1990, with most tracks being released in the mid-1980s.  Take a trip down memory lane by viewing any of these songs’ music videos on YouTube.

For an accompanying signature drink, we’ve selected a popular beverage of the Eighties – a Bartyles_James_Wine_Cooler Bartyles & James Wine Cooler.

Immediately below the playlist, listen to the playlist on our Spotify channel.

The 80s Power Ballad Wedding Cocktail Hour – Compiled by DJ Gregg Ambient

  1. Lights – Journey
  2. More Than Words – Extreme
  3. Home Sweet Home – Motley Crue
  4. Love of a Lifetime – Firehouse
  5. When I See You Smile – Bad English
  6. Is This Love – Whitesnake
  7. Reason to Live – KISS
  8. I Want to Know What Love Is – Foreigner
  9. Never Say Goodbye – Bon Jovi
  10. Glory of Love – Peter Cetera
  11. The Search is Over – Survivor
  12. Can’t Fight This Feeling – REO Speedwagon
  13. Sister Christian – Night Ranger
  14. Alone – Heart
  15. Babe (I Love You) – Styx
  16. Open Arms – Journey
  17. Dreams – Van Halen

Listen on Spotify (Unmixed)

About Ambient DJ Service

Ambient DJ Service is an award-winning mobile DJ entertainment company  specializing in weddings.  Connect with us online at www.ambientdj.com

To view our 2017 Wedding Music Master Class that contains links to our other 85 themed cocktail hour playlists, click here

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A Fine Day to Say “I Do” Wedding Cocktail Hour

Ambient DJ is thrilled to showcase a new playlist and mix by the super-talented DJ Linda Leigh who joined our wedding team in 2016.  A native of Philadelphia, Linda Leigh is a DJ/Musical Curator who has performed in a variety of settings – including raves, lounges, retail stores, forests, radio (FCC license), clubs, rooftops, coffee houses and art exhibits.

The Fine Day to Say “I Do” Cocktail Hour features electronic sounds, including remixes of R&B and 60s classics.  Standout selections include Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day” Sunshine Remix and Peter Zohdy’s deft rework of the Turtles’ “You Showed Me.”
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For an accompanying signature drink, Linda has selected an Aperol Spritz.  As per Linda, “this cocktail is perfect for your guests to imbibe at the start of a celebration!  Aperol is an Italian aperitif with a relatively low alcohol content and a refreshing flavor profile.  The recipe features 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda water and an orange slice.

Immediately below the playlist, listen to Linda’s continous mix on Mixcloud.  Below that, enjoy the music unmixed on Spotify.  Catch Linda’s live DJ sets each Sunday Night at the trendy Trenton Social where she trades sets with another Ambient DJ Music Mixologist, DJ Dre Ovalle.  In this editor’s humble opinion, Sunday Night Social is the top musical offering in Central New Jersey for those with a taste for  underground electronic music.

The Fine Day to Say “I Do” Wedding Cocktail Hour  – Compiled and Mixed by DJ Linda Leigh

  1. Feel Like I Do – Disclosure f/ Al Green
  2. Lovely Day (Sunshine Mix) – Bill Withers
  3. You Showed Me (Peter Zohdy Botox Edit) – The Turtles
  4. Whatever it Takes (Joey Negro Destination Boogie Dub) – The Turtles
  5. Love – Manuel Palmitesta
  6. Weltareh (Freeform Five & Kevin Mckay Reform) – Freeform Five f/ Juldeh Camara
  7. Wonderful Life (MSK Remix) – Black
  8. So Good to Me – Chris Malinchak
  9. Rhythm and Love – Jonny Bee
  10. Sonnentanz (Kellerkind Remix) – Klangkarussell
  11. Fine Day featuring Anita Briem – Henri

Listen on Mixcloud

To experience the wonderful musicality and transitions of Linda’s mix – visit:

Listen on Spotify (Unmixed)

Note: One of Linda’s selections was not available on Spotify, and for several others the  selected remix was not available.  In this case, we substituted the remix with the original track.

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Catch Linda’s live sets every Sunday Night from 6 PM to Close at Trenton Social

About Ambient DJ Service

Ambient DJ Service is an award-winning mobile DJ entertainment company specializing in weddings and based in Central NJ.   Connect with us online at www.ambientdj.com

To view our 2017 Wedding Music Master Class that contains links to our other 83 themed cocktail hour playlists, click here

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The Fashion Show Wedding Cocktail Hour

We’ve historically had requests for “New York City” style cocktail hours featuring house music and other trendy music. Inspired by our participation in a recent hair art fashion show that had us playing in the style of New York Fashion Week, we’ve put together a themed cocktail hour playlist.  To reflect the expanded musical range of the typical upscale fashion show, we’ve include a variety of musical genres including R&B, deep house, 80s and Nu-Disco.  Representative artists include Sade, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Kaskade, Disclosure and Todd Terje.

For a signature drink, we’ve selected the distinctive Negroni, a cocktail that mixes gin, Campari and vermouth – garnished with an orange wedge.  Sip it slowly, as this cocktail packs a punch!  To learn how to mix a Negroni, click here.

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The Negroni

Immediately below the playlist, listen to the music unmixed on Spotify.  Following is a continuous fashion show mix that incorporates numerous remixes that are not available on Spotify.   In particular, we spotlight several creations from Luke Rizzo (aka DJ Cloak Dagger’s) “Noc Boots” record label.  noc_boots_04

The Fashion Show Wedding Cocktail Hour – Compiled by DJ Gregg Ambient

  1. Cherry Pie – Sade
  2. You’re Makin’ Me High – Toni Braxton
  3. U Know What’s Up – Donell Jones f/ Lisa Left Eye Lopes (clean version)
  4. Do What You Want – Lady Gaga w/ R. Kelly (clean)
  5. Chunky – Bruno Mars (clean)
  6. Shape of You (Cloak Dagger Moombathon Remix) – Ed Sheeran
  7. Lights – Bobby Green w/ Whitney Phillips
  8. Midnight in Peckham – Chaos in the CBD
  9. NMBSucks – San Soda
  10. Fashion – David Bowie
  11. Affection – Lisa Stansfield
  12. Fastlove – George Michael
  13. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) – Talking Heads
  14. Samba Love – Kaskade
  15. Distant Love – Ian Pooley f/ Jade and Danielle
  16. River Song (Grant Rivers Remix) – Bebel Gilberto
  17. F for You – Disclosure f/ Mary J. Blige
  18. Call on Me – Eric Prydz
  19. Inspector Norse – Todd Terje

Listen on Spotify

Listen to Our Continuous Fashion Show Mix

About Ambient DJ Service

Ambient DJ Service is an award-winning mobile DJ entertainment company specializing in weddings and based in Central NJ.   Connect with us online at www.ambientdj.com

To view our 2017 Wedding Music Master Class that contains links to our other 81 themed cocktail hour playlists, click here

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Wedding Music Master Class 2017

Congratulations on your engagement! Now it’s time to start building the perfect soundtrack for your special day. Building an appropriate musical playlist for a wedding can be a daunting task.  Special songs such as parent dances can be particularly challenging.  In this blog, we share our top song ideas for your wedding.

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Welcome to the Wedding Music Master Class, updated for 2017. This blog article is published by wedding entertainment specialist Ambient DJ Service. The Wedding Music Master Class is now in its fifth year of publication and contains over 2,000 hand-selected  and field-tested songs.

Who is Ambient DJ Service? Ambient DJ is a New Jersey-based mobile DJ company specializing in weddings.  Music is our business – and our passion!

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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 2017 Wedding, 91 Themed Cocktail Hour playlists, 10 Songs NOT to play at a wedding, 7 Musical Programming Tips for a Wedding, 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.  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.

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, start a playlist, and begin 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).

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 cover photo models – bride Malena and groom Gregg – with professional photos provided by our good friends at Al Ojeda Photography.

Now let’s get into the music!  (click on table of content item to jump to that section)


TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

  1. Canon in D – Pachelbel
  2. Sleepers Awake – Johann Sebastian Bach
  3. Sarabande – Johann Sebastian Bach
  4. Air on a G String – Johann Sebastian Bach
  5. Nimrod (from Enigma Variations) – Edward Elgar
  6. Romantic Pieces, Op. 75 (Allegro Moderato) – Antonin Dvorak
  7. I Was Glad – Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (used by Prince William & Princess Kate)
  8. Spring (from The Four Seasons) – Antonio Vivaldi
  9. Bridal Chorus (“Here Comes the Bride”) – Richard Wagner (* do not use for Jewish couples)
  10. Trumpet Voluntary (Prince of Denmark’s March) – Jeremiah Clarke
  11. Trumpet Tune – Henry Purcell
  12. La Califfa – Sarah Brightman
  13. Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy
  14. Gymnopedies No. 1 – Erik Satie
  15. Highland Cathedral – Phil Coulter (Celtic selection)
  16. Alla Hornpipe – G.F. Handel (recessional)
  17. Wedding March – Felix Mendelssohn (recessional) (* do not use for Jewish couples)
  18. Scotland the Brave – Boston Pops Orchestra (recessional, Celtic)

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

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

  1. From the Ground Up – Dan + Shay
  2. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
  3. Tenerife Sea – Ed Sheeran
  4. Ribbon in the Sky – Stevie Wonder
  5. Fairytale – Enya
  6. River Flows in You – Yiruma (New Age)
  7. Nocturne – Secret Garden (New Age)
  8. Love Story – Luc Serra (New Age)
  9. First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes
  10. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
  11. 1, 2, 3, 4 – Cover Version of Plain White Tees performed by Vitamin String Quartet
  12. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
  13. Halo – Beyonce
  14. A Thousand Years (piano instrumental) – The Piano Guys
  15. Bittersweet Symphony (instrumental only) – The Verve
  16. Bless the Broken Road (piano instrumental) – performed by The O’Neill Brothers
  17. Angels – Robin Thicke
  18. Ribbon in the Sky – Stevie Wonder
  19. This Ring – T. Carter Music
  20. Holocene – Cover Version of Bon Iver performed by Vitamin String Quartet
  21. The Prayer (instrumental) – The O’Neill Brothers (candlelighting or sand ceremony)
  22. Here We Stand – T. Carter Music (candlelighting or sand ceremony)
  23. Somewhere Over the Rainbow – “Iz” (candelighting or sand ceremony)
  24. All You Need is Love – Beatles (recessional)
  25. Sugar – Maroon 5 (recessional)
  26. Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder (recessional)
  27. Best Friend – Queen (recessional)
  28. Love on Top – Beyonce (recessional)
  29. The Dog Days are Over – Florence and the Machine (recessional)
  30. Everlasting Love (This Will Be) – Natalie Cole (recessional)
  31. You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne (recessional)
  32. Now That We Found Love – Heavy D. and the Boyz (recessional)
  33. Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix) – OMI (recessional)

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. To read Ambient DJ’s interview with Wedding Music Central, click here. To read Ambient DJ’s interview with T. Carter Music, click here.

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Grand Entrance Songs for Wedding Reception

  1. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson w/ Bruno Mars (pop/funk)
  2. Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake (pop)
  3. Sugar – Maroon 5 (pop)
  4. Theme Song from Star Wars (soundtracks)
  5. Best Day of My Life – American Authors (pop)
  6. On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons (pop)
  7. Feel So Close – Calvin Harris (dance/EDM)
  8. It Takes Scoop (Mashup) – Fatman Scoop (hip hop)
  9. Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon (dance)
  10. Turn up the Speakers – Martin Garrix (EDM)
  11. Love on Top – Beyonce (R&B)
  12. Let’s Go Crazy – Prince (80s)
  13. Boneless – Steve Aoki (EDM)
  14. Top Gun Anthem – Harold Faltermeyer (soundtracks)
  15. Chank – John Scofield (funky jazz)
  16. Booty Swing – Parov Stelar (electro-swing)
  17. Happy – Pharrell Williams (pop)
  18. Forever – Chris Brown (pop)
  19. Marry You – Bruno Mars (pop)
  20. Time of Our Lives – Pitbull f/ Ne-Yo (dance)
  21. Tremor – Dmitri Vegas, Martin Garrix and Like Mike (EDM)
  22. Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO (dance)
  23. Pump It Up – Danzel (dance)
  24. Bailando (Gregor Salto Remix) – Enrique Iglesias f/ Sean Paul (Latin/Trap)
  25. Now That We Found Love – Heavy D. and the Boyz (90s/dance)
  26. Paper Planes – M.I.A. (alternative)
  27. You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates (80s)
  28. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole (soul)
  29. I Blame You – Ledisi (R&B)
  30. When Love Takes Over – David Guetta f/Kelly Rowland (dance)
  31. Thunderstruck – AC/DC (rock)
  32. I Believe in a Thing Called Love – The Darkness (modern rock)
  33. The Final Countdown – Europe (80s glam rock)
  34. Let’s Get Married (Remix f/ Reverend Run) – Jagged Edge (R&B)
  35. Beautiful Day – U2 (rock)
  36. Life is a Highway – Rascal Flatts (country)
  37. Theme Song from Pirates of the Caribbean (soundtracks)
  38. Theme Song from the Avengers (soundtracks)
  39. Sirius – Alan Parsons Project (i.e. Chicago Bulls theme song)
  40. Heavy Action – Johnny Pearson (i.e. Monday Night football theme song)
  41. Fox Football Theme – Twilight Trio (sports)
  42. Viva La Vida – Coldplay (modern rock)
  43. Welcome to the Jungle – Guns and Roses (rock)
  44. We Will Rock You – Queen (rock)
  45. Hell Yes – Beck (alternative)
  46. Bring Em’ Out – T.I. (hip hop)
  47. Give Me Everything Tonight – Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo and Nayer (dance)

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

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First Dance Songs – Modern or Alternative Selections

  1. From the Ground Up – Dan + Shay (wedding)
  2. Die a Happy Man – Thomas Rhett (country)
  3. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran (pop)
  4. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding (pop)
  5. I Will Be There – Odessa (indie)
  6. Sea of Love – Cat Power (indie)
  7. Maps – The Yeah Yeahs (indie)
  8. Between The Raindrops – Lifehouse f/ Natasha Bedingfield (modern rock)
  9. Last Night on Earth – Green Day (punk)
  10. Grow Old With Me – The Postal Service (indie)
  11. Hey Pretty Girl – Kip Moore (country)
  12. Whatever It Is – Zac Brown Band (country)
  13. Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor w/ John Legend (pop)
  14. All of Me – John Legend (R&B)
  15. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green (R&B)
  16. Best of Me – Anthony Hamilton (R&B)
  17. I Choose You – Sara Bareilles (pop)
  18. Cinema (Cover Version) – Jason Evigan (acoustic rock)
  19. Then – Brad Paisley (country)
  20. You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne (folk rock)
  21. Wanted – Hunter Hayes (country)
  22. The Book of Love – Peter Gabriel (singer/songwriter)
  23. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri (pop)
  24. Just a Kiss – Lady Antebellum (country)
  25. God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton (country)
  26. Me and You – Kenny Chesney (country)
  27. Smile – Uncle Kracker (pop)
  28. Cheerleader – OMI (Reggae/Tropical)
  29. Fade Into You – Mazzy Star (alternative rock)
  30. Such Great Heights – Iron & Wine (alternative)
  31. First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes (alternative)
  32. I Only Have Eyes for You – Jamie Cullum (cover)
  33. Marry Me – Train (pop)
  34. Count on Me – Bruno Mars (pop)
  35. True Companion – Marc Cohn (folk rock)
  36. I Don’t Dance – Lee Brice (country)
  37. Mean to Me – Brett Eldredge (country)
  38. Head Over Heels – Rascal Flatts (country)
  39. Love Never Fails – Brandon Heath (acoustic)
  40. Of Crows and Crowns – Dustin Kensrue (Christian)
  41. You and Me – Lifehouse (modern rock)
  42. Tangled Up in You – Staind (rock)
  43. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz (pop rock)
  44. Better Together – Jack Johnson (folk rock)
  45. I’ll Be – Edwin McCain (pop rock)
  46. Low Light – Pearl Jam (rock)
  47. Two Luv Birds – Robin Thicke (R&B)
  48. By Your Side – Sade (R&B)
  49. No One – Alicia Keys (R&B)
  50. Stay With You – John Legend (R&B)
  51. Suddenly – Adriana Evans (R&B)
  52. Come Away With Me – Norah Jones (adult contemporary)
  53. The Way You Look Tonight – Michael Buble (modern crooner)
  54. Fallen – Lauren Wood (from Pretty Woman sountrack)
  55. Lovesong – The Cure, or 311 (80s/New Wave)
  56. Never Tear Us Apart – INX (80s/New Wave)
  57. The Way I Am – Ingrid Michaelson (indie folk)
  58. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) – The Talking Heads (for stripped down acoustic version, check out Shawn Colvin’s rendition) (80s/New Wave)
  59. All Mine – Portishead (electronic downtempo)
  60. Angels – The XX (electronic downtempo)
  61. Holocene – Bon Iver (indie rock)
  62. The Luckiest – Ben Folds (pop rock)
  63. My Favourite Book – Stars (indie pop)
  64. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley (acoustic rock)
  65. I Could Not Ask for More – Edwin McCain (pop rock)
  66. When the Stars Go Blue – Ryan Adams (indie)
  67. I Will Follow You Into the Dark – Death Cab for Cutie (indie)
  68. History in the Making – Darius Rucker (country)

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

First Dance Songs – Traditional and Timeless Selections

  1. When a Man Loves a Woman – Percy Sledge (soul)
  2. My One and Only Love – John Coltrane w/ Johnny Hartman (jazz/vocalist)
  3. Little Trip to Heaven – Tom Waits (jazz/vocalist)
  4. You Make Me Feel Brand New – The Stylistics (soul)
  5. The Closer I Get to You – Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway (soul)
  6. These Arms of Mine – Otis Redding (soul)
  7. It Had To Be You – Harry Connick, Jr. (jazz/big band)
  8. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra (big band) or Tony Bennett (ballad)
  9. Crazy Love – Van Morrison (acoustic rock)
  10. My Baby Just Cares for Me – Nina Simone (soul)
  11. I Will – The Beatles (pop rock)
  12. Bless the Broken Road – Rascal Flatts (country)
  13. Amazed – Lonestar (country)
  14. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton (rock)
  15. I’ll Stand By You – The Pretenders (rock)
  16. Love of a Lifetime – Firehouse (rock)
  17. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis (oldies)
  18. Faithfully – Journey (rock)
  19. Heaven – Bryan Adams (80s)
  20. I Will Be Here – Steven Curtis Chapman (Christian)
  21. Don’t Want To Miss a Thing – Aerosmith (rock)
  22. I Want to Know What Love is – Foreigner (rock)
  23. Is This Love – Bob Marley (reggae)
  24. Little Wing – Jimi Hendrix (classic rock)
  25. At Last – Etta James (soul)
  26. Always and Forever – Heatwave (R&B)
  27. All My Life – K.C. and Jojo (R&B)
  28. Through the Fire – Chaka Khan (R&B)
  29. Here and Now – Luther Vandross (R&B)
  30. One in a Million You – Larry Graham (R&B)
  31. Ribbon in the Sky – Stevie Wonder (R&B)
  32. From This Moment – Shania Twain w/Bryan White (country)
  33. It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw and Faith Hill (country)
  34. I Cross My Heart – George Strait (country)
  35. I Swear – John Michael Montgomery (country)
  36. Best of My Love – The Eagles (soft rock)
  37. How Deep is Your Love – The Bee Gees (disco/soft rock)
  38. I Just Want to Be Your Everything – Andy Gibb (disco/soft rock)
  39. Crazy for You – Madonna (80s)
  40. Lost in Love – Air Supply (soft rock)
  41. Into the Mystic – Van Morrison (soft rock)
  42. Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers (oldies)
  43. We Have All the Time in the World – Louis Armstrong (jazz/vocalist)
  44. 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. Jennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux – “Chandelier” – Sia (live performance)
  2. Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt – “It Had to Be You” – Frank Sinatra
  3. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia deRossi – “Ribbon in the Sky” – Stevie Wonder
  4. Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odum – “Angel” – Anita Baker
  5. Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto – “On the Ocean” – K’Jon
  6. John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette – “Forever in My Life” – Prince
  7. John F. Kennedy and Jackie O. – “I Married an Angel” – performed by The Meyer Davis Orchestra at the Waldorf Astoria, NYC
  8. Prince William and Princess Kate – “Your Song” by Elton John, performed live by Ellie Goulding
  9. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama – “You and I” – Stevie Wonder
  10. Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz – “First Day of My Life” – Bright Eyes
  11. Reese Witherspoon and Jim Tosh – “Make You Feel My Love” – Bob Dylan
  12. Shannen Doherty and Kurt Iswarienko – “My Baby Just Cares for Me” – Nina Simone
  13. Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman – “No One’s Gonna Love You” – Band of Horses
  14. Fergie and Josh Duhamel – “Sweethearts Together” – The Rolling Stones
  15. Ivanka Trump and Jason Kushner – “This Years’ Love” – David Gray
  16. Michael Buble and Luisano Lopilato – “Everybody Loves Somebody” – Dean Martin
  17. LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian – “When It Don’t Come Easy” – Patti Griffin
  18. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban – “At Last” – Etta James
  19. Shania Twain and Frederic Thiebauld – “I’m Your Man” – Michael Buble
  20. Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton – “No Doubt About It” – Neal McCoy
  21. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes – “Songbird” – Fleetwood Mac
  22. Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards – “Open Arms” – Journey
  23. Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan – “Last Night on Earth” – Green Day
  24. Katherine Heigl & Josh Kelley – “Heavenly Day” – Patti Griffin
  25. Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott – “Amazed” – Lonestar
  26. Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher – “Love Never Fails” – Brandon Heath
  27. George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin – “Why Shouldn’t I? – Cole Porter

Father-Daughter Dance

  1. Father & Daughter – Paul Simon (folk rock)
  2. Daddy Dance With Me – Krystal Keith (country) (for alternate version, try Krystal’s duet with Christopher Keith)
  3. I Loved Her First – Heartland (country)
  4. Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman (vocalist)
  5. Tupelo Honey – Van Morrison (singer songwriter)
  6. Walk With You – Edwin McCain (acoustic rock)
  7. My Little Girl – Tim McGraw (country)
  8. Stealing Cinderella – Chuck Wicks (country)
  9. Mom – Garth Brooks (country)
  10. Ready, Set, Don’t Go – Billy Ray Cyrus (country)
  11. Just Fishin’ – Trace Adkins (country)
  12. Daddy’s Angel – T. Carter (Wedding/Country)
  13. Dad, You’re My Hero – Teresa James (Wedding)
  14. Daddy’s Little Girl – Michael Buble or Al Martino (vocalists)
  15. When You Need Me – Bruce Springsteen (singer/songwriter)
  16. I Believe in Happy Endings – Neil Diamond (vocalists)
  17. Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion (vocalists)
  18. Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle (Christian)
  19. Daughters – John Mayer (pop)
  20. Daughter – Loudon Wainwright III (folk)
  21. My Little Girl – Steve Kirwan (wedding)
  22. Gracie – Ben Folds (singer/songwriter)
  23. Time in a Bottle – Jim Croce (singer/songwriter)
  24. If It Wasn’t For Your Love – Heather Headley
  25. Somewhere Over the Rainbow – “Iz” (Acoustic/Hawaiian)
  26. Look to the Rainbow – Astrud Gilberto (Brazilian/International)
  27. Tu Guardian – Juanes (Latin)
  28. You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban (classical)
  29. Unforgettable – Natalie Cole w/Nat King Cole (wedding classic)
  30. Daddy – Beyonce (R&B)
  31. Ballerina Girl – Lionel Ritchie (80s ballad)
  32. Isn’t She Lovely -Stevie Wonder (soul) (note: we recommend editing out the intro section with crying baby)
  33. My Girl – The Temptations (Motown/Soul)
  34. Wildflowers – Tom Petty (acoustic rock)
  35. Father-Daughter – Michael Bolton (singer/songwriter)

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
  2. Mama – Lunchmoney Lewis (upbeat pop, fun song!)
  3. All to You – DJ Keo (country)
  4. My Wish – Rascal Flatts (country)
  5. Stand By Me – Ben E. King (soul)
  6. A Mother’s Song- T. Carter Music (wedding/country)
  7. On This Day – Christian Barnes (wedding)
  8. Mom – Garth Brooks (country)
  9. Humble and Kind – Tim McGraw (country)
  10. Don’t Blink – Kenny Chesney (country)
  11. I’ll Always Love My Mama – The Intruders (R&B/Soul)
  12. There You’ll Be – Faith Hill (country)
  13. Singing a Song for My Mother – Bohannon (R&B/Soul)
  14. A Song for Mama – Boyz II Men (R&B/Soul)
  15. You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban (classical)
  16. I Wish You Love – Luke Higgins (acoustic)
  17. Close to You – The Carpenters (soft rock)
  18. Child of Mine – Carole King (folk)
  19. Song for My Son – Mikki Viereck (wedding)
  20. It Happens in a Heartbeat – Teresa James (wedding)
  21. The Man You’ve Become – Molly Pasutti (wedding)
  22. You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Randy Newman w/Lyle Lovett (Disney)
  23. The Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler (vocalist)
  24. I Hope You Dance – LeAnn Womack (country)
  25. Through the Years – Kenny Rogers (country)
  26. The Circle Game – Joni Mitchell (folk)
  27. Mae Querida – Tony Carreira (Portuguese)
  28. You’ll Be in My Heart – Phil Collins (pop)
  29. Happy Everafter In Your Eyes – Ben Harper (singer/songwriter)
  30. Forever Young – Alphaville (80s)
  31. Simple Man – Lynrd Skynrd (southern rock)
  32. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong (classic)
  33. High Tide or Low Tide – Bob Marley (reggae)
  34. Baby Mine – Bette Midler (vocalist)
  35. The Perfect Fan – Backstreet Boys (Boy Band)
  36. Can’t Smile WIthout You – Barry Manilow (vocalist)

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.

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Cake Cutting Songs

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

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

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Bouquet & Garter Ceremony

  1. Single Ladies – Beyonce (Bouquet Toss)
  2. Dear Future Husband – Meghan Trainor (Bouquet Toss)
  3. Country Girl, Shake It – Luke Bryan (Bouquet Toss)
  4. Little White Church – Little Big Town (Bouquet Toss or Grand Finale)
  5. Haven’t Met You Yet – Michael Buble (Bouquet Toss)
  6. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper (Bouquet Toss)
  7. Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison (Bouquet Toss)
  8. Girls, Girls, Girls – Motley Crue (Bouquet Toss)
  9. Where Them Girls At – Flo Rida, David Guetta and Nicki Minaj (Bouquet Toss)
  10. Holding Out for a Hero – Bonnie Tyler (Bouquet Toss)
  11. American Woman – Lenny Kravitz (Bouquet Toss)
  12. Chapel of Love – The Dixie Cups (Bouquet Toss)
  13. Hollaback Girl – Gwen Stefani (Bouquet Toss)
  14. Theme from Mission Impossible (Garter Removal)
  15. Don’t You Feel My Leg – Dirty Dozen Brass Band (Garter Removal)
  16. Bad Things (from First Blood) – Jace Everett (Garter Removal)
  17. Legs – ZZ Top (Garter Removal)
  18. The Stripper – Traditional (Garter Removal)
  19. Pink Panther Theme Song (Garter Removal)
  20. Foxey Lady – Jimi Hendrix (Garter Removal)
  21. You Can Leave Your Hat On – Joe Cocker (Garter Removal)
  22. Theme from the movie Jaws (Garter Removal)
  23. Hot Legs – Rod Stewart (Garter Removal)
  24. The Man – Aloe Blacc (Garter Removal)
  25. Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins (Garter Removal)
  26. Peter Gunn – The Blues Brothers (Garter Toss)
  27. Theme from Rocky – Rocky Orchestra (Garter Toss)
  28. Oh Yeah (Yello) – from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Garter Toss)
  29. Bad Boys – Inner Circle (Garter Toss)
  30. Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top (Garter Toss)
  31. The Boys of Summer (cover) – The Ataris (Garter Toss)
  32. Bad to the Bone – George Thorogood (Garter Toss)
  33. Big Pimpin’ – Jay-Z (Garter Toss)
  34. Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf (Garter Toss)
  35. Another One Bites the Dust – Queen (Grand Finale)
  36. Keep Your Hands to Yourself – The Georgia Satellites (Grand Finale)
  37. Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke (Grand Finale)
  38. Let’s Get it On – Marvin Gaye (Grand Finale)
  39. You Sexy Thing – Hot Chocolate (Grand Finale)
  40. Marvin Gaye – Charlie Puth f/ Meghan Trainor (Grand Finale)
  41. I’m Too Sexy – Right Said Fred (Grand Finale)
  42. Sensual Seduction – Snoop Dogg (Grand Finale)
  43. Bump n’ Grind – R. Kelly (Grand Finale)
  44. I Wanna Sex You Up – Color Me Badd (Grand Finale)
  45. The Distance – Cake (Grand Finale)
  46. Pony – Ginuwine (Grand Finale)
  47. Hot in Herre – Nelly (Grand Finale)
  48. Cherry Pie – Warrant (Grand Finale)
  49. Sexy and I Know It – LMFAO (Grand Finale)
  50. Wild Thing – Tone Loc (Grand Finale)
  51. Whoomp! (There It is Is) – Tag Team (Grand Finale)
  52. Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? – Rod Stewart (Grand Finale)

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

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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. Time (the Dirty Bit) – The Black Eyed Peas (modern dance)
  4. One More Time – Daft Punk (electronic dance)
  5. Piano Man – Billy Joel (singer/songwriter)
  6. Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker (country)
  7. Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks (country)
  8. New York, New York – Frank Sinatra (crooners)
  9. Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z w/ Alicia Keys (hip hop/R&B)
  10. Party Till We Die – MAKJ & Timmy Trumpet (EDM)
  11. Tremor – Dmitri Vegas, Martin Garrix and Like Mike (EDM)
  12. Sandstorm – Darude (EDM)
  13. Let’s Get Married (Remix) – Jagged Edge with Reverend Run from Run-D.M.C. (R&B)
  14. Times of Your Life (Good Riddance) – Green Day (punk rock)
  15. Take Me Home Tonight – Eddie Money (80s rock)
  16. Your Love – The Outfield (80s rock)
  17. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) – Talking Heads (80s/New Wave)
  18. Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight – The Spaniels (oldies)
  19. Shower the People (live version) – James Taylor (folk rock)
  20. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton (soft rock)
  21. At Last – Etta James (soul)
  22. See You Again – Wiz Khalifa f/ Charlie Puth (pop / hip hop)
  23. Amazed – Lonestar (country)
  24. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen (rock)
  25. Closing Time – Semisonic (rock)
  26. We Are Young – Fun w/ Janelle Monae (pop)
  27. Save Tonight – Eagle Eye Cherry (rock)
  28. Home – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros (alternative rock)
  29. Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root (alternative rock)
  30. Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen (rock)
  31. Don’t Stop Believing- Journey (rock)
  32. 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)
  33. Please Don’t Go – KWS (freestyle)
  34. Don’t Stop the Party – Pitbull f/ TJR (modern dance)
  35. Feel This Moment – Pitbull f/ Christina Aguilera (modern dance)

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

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100 Songs for a 2017 Wedding (Mixed Genres) (compiled by DJ Iron Mike and DJ Gregg Ambient)

  1. 24K Magic – Bruno Mars (pop/funk)
  2. Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake (pop)
  3. HandClap – Fitz and the Tantrums (alternative rock)
  4. Love on Top (Ted Smooth Remix) – Beyonce (hip hop/R&B)
  5. Chunky – Bruno Mars (pop/party starter) (R&B)
  6. Get Right Back to My Baby – Vivian Green (soul)
  7. Hey Mr. D.J. – Zhane
  8. The Love You Save – The Jackson 5
  9. Come and Get Your Love – Redbone
  10. Here I Am (Come and Take Me) – Al Green
  11. Land of 1,000 Dances – Wilson Pickett
  12. Get Ready – The Temptations
  13. Nowhere to Run – Martha and the Vandellas
  14. Respect – Aretha Franklin
  15. I Just Want to Celebrate – Rare Earth
  16. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) – Four Tops
  17. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
  18. Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker or Old Crow Medicine Show
  19. House Party – Sam Hunt (country)
  20. Honey, I’m Good – Andy Grammer (pop/country)
  21. Day Drinking – Little Big Town (country)
  22. Island Song – Zac Brown Band (country)
  23. Move – Luke Bryan (country)
  24. Dani California – Red Hot Chili Peppers (modern rock)
  25. Sugar, We’re Going Down – Fall Out Boy (modern rock)
  26. R U Mine? – Arctic Monkeys
  27. Could You be Loved – Bob Marley (reggae)
  28. Cherry Oh Baby – UB40 (reggae)
  29. Tempted to Touch – Rupee (dancehall reggae)
  30. Gyal You a Party Animal – Charly Black (reggae/soca)
  31. Turn Me on – Kevin Lyttle (dancehall reggae/soca/calypso)
  32. Temperature – Sean Paul (dancehall reggae)
  33. Apache – Sugarhill Gang (old skool)
  34. The Breaks – Kurtis Blow (old skool rap)
  35. Cupid Shuffle – Cupid (line dance)
  36. The Cha Cha Slide – DJ Casper (line dance)
  37. December 1963 (Oh What a Night) – Franki Valli & The Four Seasons
  38. Stayin’ Alive – The Bee Gees
  39. Keep it Comin’ Love – KC & the Sunshine Band (disco)
  40. September – Earth, Wind & Fire (disco)
  41. Do You Wanna Funk – Sylvester (disco/funk)
  42. Boogie Oogie Oogie – A Taste of Honey (disco)
  43. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) – Michael Jackson
  44. Super Freak – Rick James
  45. Spice Up Your Life – The Spice Girls
  46. Fired Up! – Funky Green Dogs
  47. Make the World Go Round – Sandy B.
  48. The Rhythm of the Night – Corona
  49. Runaround Sue – Dion
  50. Twist and Shout – The Beatles
  51. Beyond the Sea – Bobby Darin
  52. Just One Look – Doris Troy
  53. Duke of Earl – Gene Chandler
  54. I Only Have Eyes for You – The Flamingos
  55. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
  56. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
  57. At Last – Etta James
  58. You are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
  59. Die a Happy Man – Thomas Rhett
  60. I’ll Always Love You – Tito Nieves (salsa)
  61. Vivir Mi Vida – Marc Anthony (salsa)
  62. La Vida Es Un Carnaval – Celia Cruz (salsa)
  63. Ginza – J. Balvin (reggaeton)
  64. Hasta el Amanecer – Nicky Jam
  65. Dos Locos – Monchy & Alexandra (bachata)
  66. Mi Ultima Carta – Prince Royce (bachata)
  67. Mi Reina – La Makina (merengue)
  68. Guallando – Fulanito (merengue)
  69. Danza Kuduro – Don Omar
  70. Bailar – Deorro with Pitbull & Elvis Crespo
  71. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones
  72. American Girl – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
  73. Holiday – Madonna
  74. How Will I Know – Whitney Houston
  75. What is Love – Haddaway
  76. Faith – George Michael
  77. Head Over Heels – Tears for Fears
  78. Let Me Clear My Throat – DJ Kool
  79. Jingling Baby (remix) – LL Cool J
  80. Hypnotize – The Notorious B.I.G.
  81. In Da Club – 50 Cent
  82. Ignition (remix) – R. Kelly
  83. Scenario – A Tribe Called Quest
  84. Too Close – Next
  85. Return of the Mack – Mark Morrison
  86. Ride Wit Me – Nelly
  87. No Diggity – Blackstreet (R&B)
  88. My Boo (Hitman’s Club Mix) – Ghost Town DJs
  89. Fantasy (Bad Boy Remix) – Mariah Carey
  90. Party in the U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus (pop)
  91. Shake it Off – Taylor Swift (pop)
  92. One Dance – Drake w/ Wizkid and Kyla (R&B)
  93. This Girl (Kungs vs. Cookin’ on 3 Burners) – Kungs (dance)
  94. Fireball – Pitbull (Latin/Dance)
  95. This is What You Came For – Calvin Harris w/ Rihanna (EDM)
  96. Closer – The Chainsmokers (EDM)
  97. Shouts (Parts 1 and 2) – The Isley Brothers (soul)
  98. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond (sing-along)
  99. Party Till We Die – MAKJ and Timmy Trumpet (EDM peak hour)
  100. I Love It (Tiesto’s Club Life Remix) – Icona Pop (EDM peak hour)

To listen to these Top 100 wedding song ideas for 2017 on Spotify, click here.

The Ambient DJ Service Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist Menu

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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 Cocktail Hour, Craft Beer (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  2. The Quintessentially Mixed Cocktail Hour, Long Island Iced Tea (DJ AQ). Click here.
  3. Good Vibes Cocktail Hour, Pina Colada (DJ Iron Mike). Click here.
  4. Head to Shoulder Dip Cocktail Hour, Hairy Navel (DJ Gary G). Click here.
  5. Retro Soul Cocktail Hour, Ciroc Havana Coconut Martini (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  6. Smooth Sail Cocktail Hour, Malibu Bay Breeze (DJ Mike K). Click here.
  7. Back to the Eighties Cocktail Hour, Midori Sour (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  8. Beach Themed 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, 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 (DJ Greg Nice). 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, Fuzz 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, Cherry Coke & Cola (DJ Gregg Ambient) . 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) . Click here.
  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, Caipirinha (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, Black Diamond (DJ Cloak Dagger).  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

25 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, Cumbia and Reggaeton.

  1. Timbalero – Hector Lavoe (Salsa)
  2. Rebelion – Joe Arroyo (Salsa)
  3. La Negra Tiene Tumbao – Celia Cruz (Salsa)
  4. Vivir Mi Vida – Marc Anthony (Salsa)
  5. La Temperatura – Maluma w/ Eli Palacios (Merengue)
  6. Bailar – Deorro w/ Pitbull and Elvis Crespo (Electronic/Merengue)
  7. Mi Reina – La Makina (Merengue)
  8. Stand by Me – Prince Royce (Bachata)
  9. Un Beso – Aventura (Bachata)
  10. Vente Pa’ Ca – Ricky Martin w/ Maluma (Pop)
  11. La Luna Y Tu – Rafaga (Cumbia)
  12. La Gota Fria – Carlos Vives (Vallenato)
  13. El Hombre Feliz – Lisandro Meza (Cumbia)
  14. La Plata – Diomedes Diaz (Vallenato)
  15. Mi Lupita – Marimba Chapinlandia (Marimba Chapina)
  16. No Puedo Olvidarla- Rikarena (Merengue)
  17. Guallando – Fulanito (Merengue)
  18. El Baile Del Beeper – Oro Solido (Merengue)
  19. El Za Za Za (La Mesa Que Mas Aplauda) -Merengue Latin Band (Merengue)
  20. Volvi a Nacer – Carlos Vives (Vallenato)
  21. No Me Doy Por Vencido – Luis Fonsi (Pop)
  22. Me Enamore de Ti – Chayanne (Pop)
  23. Te Quiero pa’ mi – Don Omar f/ Zion (Reggaeton)
  24. La Quiero a Morir – D.L.G. (Salsa)
  25. La Negra Tomasa (Version Tropical) – Caifanes (Rock/Tropical)

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

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DJ Dre Ovalle, Latin Music Specialist at Ambient DJs

25 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 region.

  1. Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show
  2. Die a Happy Man – Thomas Rhett
  3. Crazy – Patsy Cline
  4. H.O.L.Y. – Florida Georgia Line
  5. Island Song – Zac Brown Band
  6. House Party – Sam Hunt
  7. I Don’t Dance – Lee Brice
  8. Forever and Ever, Amen – Randy Travis
  9. Don’t Rock the Jukebox – Alan Jackson
  10. I Walk the Line – Johnny Cash
  11. Family Tradition – Hank Williams
  12. I Swear – John Michael Montgomery
  13. I Cross My Heart – George Strait
  14. Boot Scootin’ Boogie – Brooks & Dunn (line dance)
  15. Achy Breaky Heart – Billy Ray Cyrus (line dance)
  16. Copperhead Road – Steve Earle (line dance)
  17. Islands in the Stream – Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton
  18. Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy – Big & Rich
  19. Just a Kiss – Lady Antebellum
  20. Wanted – Hunter Hayes
  21. Amazed – Lonestar
  22. From This Moment On – Shania Twain w/ Bryan White
  23. Me and You – Kenny Chesney
  24. Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks
  25. Life is a Highway – Rascal Flatts

To preview these selected country songs on Spotify, click here

10 Songs Not to Play at a Wedding

  1. Hello – Adele. Despite being an emotionally powerful song, this hit single off Adele’s recent album is a break-up song. Substitute with her cover version of the Cure’s “Lovesong” or Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.”
  2. 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.
  3. 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.”
  4. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor. This song is about a woman’s turmoil and strength after a breakup. As a disco alternative at a similar tempo, try Cheryl Lynn’s uplifting “Got To Be Real.”
  5. 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.
  6. Paradise by the Dashboard Light – Meatloaf. It could be a personal pet peeve of mine, but I really do not like this song. It is a time hog at over ten minutes long. One of the song’s final lyrics, “praying for the end of time, so I can end my time with you” is hardly romantic. If you crave a rock and roll sing-a-long, try Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” or Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin.” But if you really enjoy the theatrical aspects of this song, I say go ahead, bend the rules and have some fun!
  7. 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.”
  8. 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”,”My Boo” (Running Man Challenge) or “Black Beatles” (Mannequin Challenge) – Rae Sremmurd.
  9. Perfect Illusion – Lady Gaga.  This song released in 2016 is simply torturous to listen to!  If you are still “goo goo for Gaga” then try “Edge of Glory” (uptempo) or “Do What You Want” (downtempo).
  10. Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin is my favorite rock band of all time. 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.

For additional thoughts on musical lyrics at wedding receptions, check out our article on that topic 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 15 songs per hour, you would have a playlist of 60 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”.

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About Ambient DJ Service

Ambient DJ Service is a full-service mobile NJ DJ entertainment company based in Central New Jersey that specializes in wedding DJ entertainment. Ambient DJ is a 2017 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 parties! 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.

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The Worst Thing That I’ve Ever Seen at a Wedding

By my count, I’ve performed at over 400 weddings during my DJ career.  In general, weddings are a joyous occasion and an opportunity to see people at their best.  However, I’ve also witnessed some bad things.  Drunken punch-ups?  Sure, there’s been a few of those.  DJs can be lightning rods for abuse, so I’ve been victimized by a mean heckler or twenty.  I’ve even had my equipment broken by a banquet manager who threw it into the elevator so he could go home.  Then there was the time that I discovered a drunk bridesmaid taking a nap in the back hatch of my SUV.

But the ugliest incident of all time happened about five years ago.  At a very respectable banquet hall located in Woodbridge NJ, at some point during the wedding, a substantial number of envelopes (and thousands of dollars in cash) disappeared from the card box.  Yes, a thief at a wedding!  How could anybody stoop so low?  The theft was discovered midway into the reception.  The bride was visibly crushed and never recovered.

The perpetrator was never discovered.  Was it a guest?  The date of a guest?  An employee at the banquet hall?  Was it a crime of opportunity, or fueled by physical needs from a drug addiction?

The lesson to be learned from this debacle is to utilize a sturdy box – for example a solid box with a slot on the top so that guests can’t thumb through the envelopes.  One of our more creative grooms – a commercial fisherman by trade – used a 50 pound lobster trap for a card box.  Also, consider assigning a member of your bridal party to keep an eye on the box throughout the evening.  At the end of the wedding, make sure that the box is safely transported to a secure location. With thousands of dollars in cash on the line, use common sense security precautions to avoid being victimized by a thief.  It’s also worth asking your wedding facility if there are security cameras in the ballroom.

What is the worst thing that you’ve ever seen at a wedding?

 

The Bossa Chill Wedding Cocktail Hour

Ambient DJ Service was thrilled to recently add Andre Ovalle, aka DJ Dre Ovalle, to our wedding entertainment team.  Dre Ovalle is everything that we look for in a DJ – a music mixologist who lives and breathes music, and is well-versed in international genres.

Dre has compiled an hour of chilled out bossa nova, jazz and catchy cover versions that are sure to soothe and delight your wedding guests.  The playlist would be equally welcome at a dinner party or romantic date night.

For a signature drink, Dre Ovalle has selected a Royal Peach Tea which uses Crown Royal Peach Whiskey.

 Immediately after the playlist below, you can take a listen to Dre’s selections on our Spotify channel.  Cheers!

The Bossa Chill Wedding Cocktail Hour (by DJ Dre Ovalle)

  1. New York, New York (Bossa Version) – Wanda Sa
  2. Candela – Buena Vista Social Club
  3. How Deep is Your Love – Maria Augusta
  4. Sweet Love – Luiza Fernandes
  5. Killing Me Softly – Flor De Lis
  6. The Way I Am – Ingrid Michaelson
  7. Just Like Heaven – Kat Edmonson
  8. Para Machuchar Meu Coracao – Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto
  9. Agua de Beber – Bebel Gilberto
  10. Mi Lupita – Marimba Chapinlandia
  11. Impetu – Paco de Lucia
  12. My One and Only Love – John Coltrane w/ Johnny Hartman
  13. Dance Me to the End of Love – Madeline Peyroux
  14. Gold for the Price of Silver – Kings of Convenience
  15. All Night Operator (Pt. 1) – Goldfrapp
  16. I Melt With You – Nouvelle Vague
  17. No Diggity – Post Modern Jukebox

To enjoy Dre Ovalle’s playlist on Spotify, click on the player below.  Note:  we made several substitutions/enhancements on Spotify to account for tracks that were unavailable.

For lovers of Brazilian music and bossa nova, be sure to check our Brazilian Wedding Cocktail Hour playlist by clicking here.  We also recommend the Chillin’ in Mykonos CD series for more chilled out, bossa nova influenced cover versions.

Recap of Previous Cocktail Hour Playlists

Here are our prior submissions:

  1. Alternative Rock Cocktail Hour, Craft Beer (Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  2. The Quintessentially Mixed Cocktail Hour, Long Island Iced Tea (DJ AQ). Click here.
  3. Good Vibes Cocktail Hour, Pina Colada (DJ Iron Mike). Click here.
  4. Head to Shoulder Dip Cocktail Hour, Hairy Navel (DJ Gary G). Click here.
  5. Retro Soul Cocktail Hour, Ciroc Havana Coconut Martini (Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  6. Smooth Sail Cocktail Hour, Malibu Bay Breeze (DJ Mike K). Click here.
  7. Back to the Eighties Cocktail Hour, Midori Sour (Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  8. Beach Themed 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 (Gregg Ambient). Clickhere.
  11. Country Wedding Cocktail Hour, Manhattan (Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  12. Crooner Wedding Cocktail Hour, Jack Daniels on the Rocks w/Splash of Water (Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  13. Chanteuse Wedding Cocktail Hour, White Lady (Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  14. TV Theme Songs Wedding Cocktail Hour, Coca-Cola with a side of Popcorn (Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  15. Christmas Wedding Cocktail Hour, Eggnog (Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  16. Boardwalk Empire / Great Gatsby Wedding Cocktail Hour, Rum Punch for a Crowd (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, Vesper Martini (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  19. Valentines Wedding Cocktail Hour, 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 (Microbrew) (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  24. The French Connection Wedding Cocktail Hour, 2010 Canon-la-Gaffeliere (Bordeaux) (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). Clickhere.
  32. The Colorful Wedding Cocktail Hour, Shot of Goldschlager (DJ Gregg Ambient). Clickhere.
  33. The Inspiring Ladies 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, The Italian Surfer (DJ Gregg Ambient). Clickhere.
  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 (DJ Greg Nice). 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 Cover Versions Wedding Cocktail Hour, Tecate Beer (Team Ambient) . Clickhere.
  41. The Giants of Jazz Wedding Cocktail Hour, Jazz Martini (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Clickhere.
  42. The Smooth Jazz Wedding Cocktail Hour, Kahlua & Cream (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Clickhere.
  43. The Vintage Soul Wedding Cocktail Hour, Old-Fashioned (Guest Blogger DJ Ali Gruber) . Click here.
  44. The Acquired Taste Wedding Cocktail Hour, Fernet Branca (Guest Blogger DJ Toad) . Click here.
  45. The Jamaican Love Song Wedding Cocktail Hour, The Hummingbird (DJ Jazz) . Clickhere.
  46. The Motown Wedding Cocktail Hour, The Last Word (DJ Spinz) . Click here.
  47. The Broadway Wedding Cocktail Hour, The Fuzzy Greyhound (Guest bloggers Kris & Wesley) . Click here.
  48. The 50 Shades of Grey Wedding Cocktail Hour, Bottle of 1999 Bollinger La Grande Annee Rose . Click here.
  49. The Hip Hop Wedding Cocktail Hour, Bottle of Cristal Champagne (DJ Iron Mike) . Click here.
  50. The Tropical Tradewinds Wedding Cocktail Hour, Barbados Rum Punch (DJ Marti Gras) . Click here.
  51. The Reggae Wedding Cocktail Hour, Dirty Banana (DJ Sully) . Click here.
  52. The Mellow Country Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour, Southern Comfort Cherry & Cola (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
  53. The Space Travelers Wedding Cocktail Hour, Astronaut (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Clickhere.
  54. The African Safari Wedding Cocktail Hour, Castle Lager Beer (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
  55. The Sunset Sessions Wedding Cocktail Hour, Mojito (Guest Blogger DJ Troy Michael). Click here.
  56. The 70s Soft Rock Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume 2), Scotch on the Rocks (DJ Iron Mike) . Click here.
  57. The Bar Life Wedding Cocktail Hour , Margarita (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
  58. The New Orleans Wedding Cocktail Hour , Hurricane (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Clickhere.
  59. The Catchy Covers Wedding Cocktail Hour , Southern Revival (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
  60. The Blues Wedding Cocktail Hour , Blonde Manhattan (DJ Marti Gras) . Click here.
  61. The 80s 90s Something Wedding Cocktail Hour, Zima (DJ Gregg Ambient). Clickhere.
  62. The Lush Boutique Hotel Wedding Cocktail Hour , Botanist Cocktail (DJ Cloak Dagger) . Click here.
  63. The Boy Bands Wedding Cocktail Hour , Bubble Martini (DJ Iron Mike . Click here.
  64. The New Years Eve Style Wedding Cocktail Hour Playlist , Bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne (DJ Gregg Ambient) . Click here.
  65. The Valentines Wedding Cocktail Hour (Volume Two) , Frangelico on the Rocks (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  66. The New Age Wedding Cocktail Hour , Maple Breakfast Stout (DJ Gregg Ambient). Click here.
  67. The 420 High Times Wedding Cocktail Hour, Leinenkugel Summer Shandy Beer (Ambient DJ Staff Collaboration).  Click here.

About Ambient DJ Service

Ambient DJ Service is a full-service mobile NJ DJ entertainment company based in Central New Jersey that specializes in wedding DJ entertainment. Ambient DJ is a 2016 winner of the Knot Best of Weddings award as well as of the WeddingWire Bride’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 parties! For more info and to read our wedding reviews, visit us on the web at www.ambientdj.com.