Since I own a wedding venue, I get the opportunity to see LOTS of receptions and can tell you the best, most FUN receptions are the ones that have a great DJ that gets the party rolling.   Even if you don't have a DJ, the music you choose is sure to be the thing that guests remember -- whether or not THEY had a good time at your event.  (Yes, it's about you and your wedding day, but honestly, if you're going to all the trouble and expense don't you want THEM to have something to talk about afterwards?)

Here are the songs we notice get the most people up and dancing regardless of the age of crowd or their normal music preferences. 

Here's a tip:  save these type songs for after the cake is cut. If it's too early in the evening, nobody's going to dance at all.  Early on, play romantic music, country, easy listening, etc. 

1. Shout (You know you make me wanna SHOUT)  Little Richard or Isley Brothers Remix 

2. Cha Cha Slide - DJ Casper

3. You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC

4. Cupid Shuffle - DJ Cupid

5. Disco - Boogie Wonderland - Earth, Wind & Fire

Just about anything in the Disco era will get your party started.  Even if you have a younger crowd, it will always serve as the best ice breaker, which explains why all our best DJ's use Disco as the party starter after the "slow romantic" time of the reception has passed! 

For super young crowds, you might crank it up later in the evening by adding some songs such as Usher's "Yeah",  Sir Mix-a-Lot "I like Big Butts", "To the Windows, To the Walls" if you can handle some dirty words.  These are definitely late-night songs!

After watching many receptions I can tell you one thing for sure - if you give the crowd some entertainment (AKA, music and dancing) they will stay longer.  Without it, they will leave as soon as the cake's cut.