Dance Floor Songs: 21 Songs to Play When Opening the Dance Floor

Sure, you may have a few favorite tunes you know you want played during the wedding reception, but the first song that indicates it’s time to start the dance party can set the tone for the rest of the night. Need help adding some of these party songs to your wedding music playlist?

From oldies to modern hits and hip-hop to funky music, plus some of the most successful songs on the top charts, it’s hard for even the most dancing-averse wedding guests to resist these jams either at the beginning of the night – or when the dance floor needs some party songs to get the crowd going again.

Take a look at 21 of the top songs to get wedding guests of all ages on the dance floor!

"Higher Love" - Kygo & Whitney Houston

While many of Whitney's fans of course prefer the original, Kygo's remix of "Higher Love" makes for the perfect upbeat tune to get wedding guests of all ages on the dance floor!

"Uptown Funk" - Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars

Seemingly out of nowhere, "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars became one of the top wedding reception dance party songs, with many couples and wedding parties even choreographing dances to it for their entrance!

"This Is How We Do It" - Montell Jordan

Another favorite for wedding receptions across the nation is "This is How We Do It" by Montell Jordan. The hip-hop and R&B artist has even been hired to perform it for the guests on the dance floor at a few weddings!

"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" - Michael Jackson

The "King of Pop" has quite a few hits that have become popular wedding songs, with "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" being one of the best party songs from the artist.

"We Found Love" - Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris

Since 2011, "We Found Love" by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris has been on many playlists of wedding songs. It's especially a favorite for guests to both sing and dance to on the dance floor!

"September" - Earth, Wind & Fire

Whether you have a DJ or an engaging band performing this song on stage, "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire is guaranteed to get guests young and old out on the dance floor.

"Twist and Shout" - The Beatles

Another oldie but goodie, "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles is one of our favorite songs for the wedding reception that all guests will love. For additional ideas, see more wedding songs by The Beatles!

"Hey Ya!" - Outkast

Fans of André 3000 and couples who grew up in the early 2000s will love opening the dance floor with "Hey Ya!" by Outkast for a nostalgic popular song that the kids will love too.

"Shut Up and Dance" - Walk the Moon

Another favorite among kids and adults alike is "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon. A bonus is that the lyrics actually instruct your guests to dance.

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody" - Whitney Houston

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston is a feel-good song that will get everyone on the dance floor. Another idea is to have your DJ remix another of the singer's slower hits for your first dance that then transitions into this great song to start the party!

"Crazy In Love" - Beyoncé

Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" will get all of your single friends on the dance floor, but "Crazy in Love" is a choice that's a bit more widespread for all guests – and the title fits the wedding theme.

"Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" by Backstreet Boys

If you and your group of friends were huge Backstreet Boys fans, "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" by Backstreet Boys will be a sure-fire way to ensure everyone hits the dance floor. For more inspiration, see the Backstreet Boys at Nick Carter's wedding!

"Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" - C+C Music Factory

"Gonna Make You Sweat" by C+C Music Factory has been featured as a dance-party starter in so many movies, and it's also the perfect song to get all of your wedding guests dancing all night long.

"Wannabe" - The Spice Girls

If you grew up in the '90s, "Wannabe" by The Spice Girls – as well as these '90s wedding songs – will have your friends and family dancing and singing at the top of their lungs.

"Can't Stop the Feeling" - Justin Timberlake

Recorded originally for the movie Trolls, "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake has quickly become another one of those favorite dance songs for all ages!

"(I've Had) The Time of My Life" - Jennifer Warnes and Bill Medley

Whether you're a fan of Dirty Dancing or not, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" from the much-loved movie will get all of your guests dancing – even if you haven't mastered the lift in the famous dancing scene!

"Sweet Caroline" - Neil Diamond

Many would argue that this song should be played later in the night at your wedding reception, but regardless, "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond is sure to get some participation from your wedding guests!

"Yeah!" - Usher feat. Lil Jon and Ludacris

If you and your new spouse grew up listening to "Yeah!" by Usher at school dances, you already know the power it has to get everyone on the dance floor. Why not carry that magic on at your wedding?

"You Shook Me All Night Long" - AC/DC

Calling all rock fans! "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC is a classic, and it's nearly guaranteed to get your friends and family belting out the lyrics at the top of their lungs.

"Dancing Queen" - ABBA

Whether you're a fan of ABBA, Mamma Mia! (the movie or the Broadway musical), or just dancing in general, "Dancing Queen" has become an anthem of sorts – and a favorite for wedding receptions!

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" - Stevie Wonder

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder is a classic, so it's no wonder it's also a favorite of Inside Weddings couples for their wedding recessional, first dance, grand exit, and more!

For more advice and tips, discover some of the most popular wedding songs, get song ideas for your wedding video, take a look at non-traditional wedding songs, find out how to make sure your guests dance all night and what to play for the last song.

Opening photo by Amy Anaiz Photography; From Real Wedding: Traditional Welcome Party + Luxury Outdoor Wedding in Ethiopia