Sample Wedding Playlists

Reception playlists to suit your wedding style. By Madeleine Foote

Are you having trouble putting together a playlist that suits your reception style? Take a cue from our five sample playlists to make your song selection suit your wedding theme.

Romantic Reception
This playlist works on the theme of love and is perfect for any classic romantic reception—with a little bit of dancing, of course. These songs will be sure to bring a tear to everyone’s eyes!

• “Love You Madly” - Ella Fitzgerald
• “Yellow” - Coldplay
• “Your Song” - Elton John
• “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Babe” - Barry White
• “Let’s Stay Together” - Al Green
• “The Way You Look Tonight” - Frank Sinatra
• “Hallelujah” - Jeff Buckley
• “Let's Get Married” - Al Green
• “Thank You” - Dido
• “I Will Always Love You” - Whitney Houston
• “You Are My Sunshine” - Ray Charles
• “You’re Beautiful” - James Blunt
• “All You Need is Love” - The Beatles
• “Unchained Melody” - The Righteous Brothers
• “Nothing Compares to You” - Sinead O'Connor
• “By Your Side” - Sade

Beach Bash
This playlist is perfect for an outdoor reception and works on the theme of classic surf, rock and roll, and just generally laid-back music. It’s sure to keep the vibe fun but low-key.

• “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing” - Jack Johnson
• “Wipe Out” - The Surfaris
• “Fun, Fun, Fun” - The Beach Boys
• “Surf City” - Jan and Dean
• “Steal My Kisses” - Ben Harper
• “No Woman No Cry” - Bob Marley
• “Blister in the Sun” - Violent Femmes
• “Copacabana” - Barry Manilow
• “Oye Como Va” - Santana
• “Yellow Submarine” - The Beatles
• “Summer of ’69” - Bryan Adams
• “Kingston Town” - UB40
• “Free Fallin’” - Tom Petty
• “Caravan” - Van Morrison
• “California” - Joni Mitchell

Casual Afternoon
If you’re planning on a casual afternoon reception, you’ll want music that creates a relaxed vibe without being too repetitive. These songs will keep your guests feeling upbeat.

• “Fever” - Peggy Lee
• “Think” - Aretha Franklin
• “Sinnerman” - Nina Simone
• “Mushaboom” - Feist
• “Valerie” - Amy Winehouse
• “Pink Cadillac” - Bruce Springsteen
• “Back on the Chain Gang” - The Pretenders
• “Don’t Look Back in Anger” - Oasis
• “Wishin’ and Hopin’” - Ani DiFranco
• “How Sweet it is” - James Taylor
• “I’ve Got You Babe” - Sonny and Cher
• “All I Wanna Do” - Sheryl Crow
• “My Girl” - The Temptations
• “What a Wonderful World” - Louis Armstrong
• “Landslide” - Fleetwood Mac

Classic Rock Revival
If you’re a fan of classic rock, this is the playlist for you! It has a little bit of everything: dance music, rock ballads, and good old rock ’n’ roll to keep the party going.

• “Bad Moon Rising” - Creedence Clearwater Revival
• “House of the Rising Sun” - Jimi Hendrix
• “Dyer Maker” - Led Zeppelin
• “Like a Rolling Stone” - Bob Dylan
• “Don’t Stop” - Fleetwood Mac
• “Hotel California” - The Eagles
• “Honky Tonk Woman” - The Rolling Stones
• “Smoke on the Water” - Deep Purple
• “Sultans of Swing” - Dire Straits
• “Walk on the Wild Side” - Lou Reed
• “TNT” - AC/DC
• “Big Yellow Taxi” - Joni Mitchell
• “My Generation” - The Who
• “Bohemian Rhapsody” - Queen
• “The Joker” - Steve Miller Band

Dance Party
This dance-oriented playlist has something for everyone and will be sure to keep your guests (and you) dancing all-night long!

• “Jump, Jive, An’ Wail” - Louis Prima
• “Poker Face” - Lady Gaga
• “Take on Me” - A-ha
• “Twist and Shout” - The Beatles
• “Feel Good Inc.” - Gorillaz
• “Good Vibrations” - The Beach Boys
• “Love Shack” - The B-52’s
• “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” - Cyndi Lauper
• “Footloose” - Kenny Loggins
• “Celebration” - Kool & the Gang
• “Praise You” - Fatboy Slim
• “Crocodile Rock” - Elton John
• “Let’s Get it Started” - Black Eyed Peas
• “Hound Dog” - Elvis Presley
• “Zoot Suit Riot” - Cherry Poppin’ Daddies

Find this and other great features at www.weddingbells.ca/articles/article/sample-wedding-playlists/