30 Best Wedding Reception Starter Songs: Get the Party Going!

Updated at: 12/05/2025

Choosing the perfect first dance or opening song for a wedding reception sets the tone for the entire celebration. It's a moment that should be both memorable and uplifting, a reflection of the couple's journey and a promise of the joy to come. This isn't just about finding a catchy tune; it's about curating an experience that resonates with the energy of the event. To help you navigate this crucial decision, we've compiled a list of exceptional songs, spanning various genres and decades, guaranteed to get your guests on their feet and set the party atmosphere alight. From the infectious grooves that'll make everyone want to dance, to the romantic ballads that capture the essence of love's enduring power, we've included selections to suit every taste and style.

This collection celebrates the power of music to unite and uplift. Whether you envision a soulful performance that evokes deep emotion, or an upbeat tempo that gets everyone moving, these songs are crafted by artists known for their remarkable vocal talents and compelling songwriting. Think of the timeless romantic appeal of certain tracks, the irresistible energy that encourages immediate participation, and the masterful blending of genres that creates an unforgettable musical experience. The result is a diverse playlist with songs guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on you and your guests, promising a wedding reception filled with unforgettable moments and happy memories. We believe exploring this curated selection will ensure you find the perfect song to kick off your special day.

1
Uptown Funk
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
2014
2
Perfect
Ed Sheeran
2017
÷ (Deluxe)
3
a thousand years
Christina Perri
2011
ARTPOP
4
All of Me
John Legend
2013
Love In The Future (Expanded Edition)
5
CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!
Justin Timberlake
2016
TROLLS (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
6
Happy
Pharrell Williams
2013
G I R L
7
Dancing Queen
ABBA
1976
Arrival
8
I'm Yours
Jason Mraz
2008
We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
9
I Gotta Feeling
The Black Eyed Peas
2009
10
September
Earth, Wind , Fire
1978
11
Love On Top
Beyoncé
2011
4
12
Good Time
Owl City,Carly Rae Jepsen
2012
The Midsummer Station
13
I Wanna Dance with Somebody
Whitney Houston
1987
Whitney
14
Can't Help Falling in Love
Elvis Presley
1961
Blue Hawaii
15
Celebration
Kool , The Gang
1980
16
Best Day Of My Life
American Authors
2014
Oh, What A Life
17
Marry You
Bruno Mars
2010
Doo-Wops & Hooligans
18
You've Got The Love
Florence + The Machine
2009
Lungs (Deluxe Edition)
19
Walking on Sunshine
Katrina and the Waves
1983
20
Love Shack
The B-52's
1989
Cosmic Thing
21
You're My Best Friend
Queen
1975
A Night At The Opera (Deluxe Remastered Version)
22
Isn't She Lovely
Stevie Wonder
1976
Songs In The Key Of Life
23
You Make My Dreams
Hall , Oates
1980
24
At Last
Etta James
1960
At Last!
25
Happy Together
The Turtles
1967
Happy Together
26
I Do
98 Degrees
1998
27
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Marvin Gaye,Tammi Terrell
1967
United
28
You Are the Best Thing
Ray LaMontagne
2008
Gossip In The Grain
29
Sweet Caroline
Neil Diamond
1969
Sweet Caroline
30
Shake It Off
Taylor Swift
2014
1989