What are the most fitting songs for that last dance at your wedding reception? Well, the choice largely depends on your unique personality and how you envision those final moments of your special day.
Choosing the Perfect Last Dance Song
The ideal last dance song for your wedding is one that beckons all your friends and family to the dance floor one last time, setting the stage for your grand exit. According to Adam Gingrich, a seasoned wedding DJ from Mixed-Up Productions, “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey reigns as the most popular choice for the last dance. Close contenders include “Last Dance” by Donna Summer and “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver.
We conducted extensive research by consulting 25 different wedding DJs and 50 married couples to compile a list of the most sought-after songs for the final dance. Here’s what we discovered:
Top 10 Last Dance Songs for Your Wedding Reception:
- “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
- “Last Dance” by Donna Summer
- “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
- “Closing Time” by Semisonic
- “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
- “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
- “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
- “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
- “Save The Last Dance For Me” by Michael Bublé
Considering Alternatives
If none of the top 10 songs resonate with your vision for the last dance, fear not. There are several options to explore:
Dance Party Finale
If you envision a lively dance party with everyone joining in, songs like “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi or “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey are popular choices.
Circle of Love
Perhaps you see yourselves at the center of a circle, surrounded by loved ones. In this case, consider classics like “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver or “Piano Man” by Billy Joel.
Rock Concert Vibes
If you’d love a rock concert atmosphere with everyone belting out lyrics, songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen and “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey are fitting.
Ultimately, there are no wrong choices. Your last dance should encapsulate your wedding’s unique atmosphere and your personal preferences. Below, we’ve curated a selection of songs to cater to different visions.
Fun and Upbeat Last Dance Wedding Songs
These high-energy songs are perfect for closing your wedding reception on an exhilarating note. With a mix of pop, rap, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and dance music, these songs are sure to get your guests grooving. Take your pick and get ready to hit the dance floor:
- “Last Dance” by Donna Summer
- “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk The Moon
- “Save The Last Dance For Me” by Michael Bublé
- “Closing Time” by Semisonic
- “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes (from Dirty Dancing)
- “Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake
- “Shout” by The Isley Brothers
- “We Go Together” by John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, and The Grease Ensemble (from Grease)
- “Shivers” by Ed Sheeran
- “Love On Top” by Beyoncé
- “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips (as featured in the movie Bridesmaids)
- “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
- “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
- “Young Forever” by Jay-Z ft. Mr. Hudson
- “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
- “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
- “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” by Michael Jackson
- “Evacuate The Dance Floor” by Cascada
- “Forever” by Chris Brown
- “One More Time” by Daft Punk
- “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- “Feels So Close” by Calvin Harris
- “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge
- “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts (theme song from Friends)
- “Bye Bye Bye” by *NSYNC
- “You Can’t Stop The Beat” from Hairspray
- “Y.M.C.A.” by Village People
- “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
- “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates
- “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
- “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers
- “Like A Prayer” by Madonna
- “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang
- “Hey Ya” by Outkast
- “All Night Long” by Lionel Richie
- “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars
- “Without You” by David Guetta ft. Usher
- “Come On Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners
- “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
- “Jump Around” by House of Pain
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
- “Take Me Home Tonight” by Eddie Money
- “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner
- “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
- “I Love It” by Icona Pop (ft. Charli XCX)
- “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love” by The Blues Brothers (John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd)
- “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
- “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
- “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root
- “Wannabe” by Spice Girls
- “The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga
- “Levitating” by Dua Lipa ft. DaBaby
- “Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves
- “Sugar” by Maroon 5
- “We Found Love” by Rihanna and Calvin Harris
- “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder
Slow Last Dance Wedding Songs
If a slow, romantic dance is more your style, here are some heartfelt options for the final dance of the night:
- “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
- “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
- “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol
- “Save The Best For Last” by Vanessa Williams
- “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
- “The Last Dance” by Frank Sinatra
- “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
- “It Had To Be You” by Frank Sinatra
- “All Of Me” by John Legend
- “It Had To Be You” by Harry Connick Jr.
- “Cheek to Cheek” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
- “At Last” by Etta James
- “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
- “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
- “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
- “Never Say Goodbye” by Bon Jovi
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Haley Reinhart
Country Songs To Use For Your Last Dance
Country music enthusiasts can consider these touching country songs for their final dance:
- “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker
- “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
- “From The Ground Up” by Dan + Shay
- “I Don’t Want This Night To End” by Luke Bryan
- “Today Was A Fairytale (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
- “She’s Everything” by Brad Paisley
- “It Had To Be You” by Carrie Underwood and Tony Bennett
- “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks
- “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
- “Could I Have This Dance” by Anne Murray
- “Amazed” by Lonestar
- “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton
Rock Songs For The Last Dance Of The Night
For those who love rock music, these energetic rock songs can cap off your wedding reception with a bang:
- “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi
- “You Shook Me All Night” by AC/DC
- “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
- “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
- “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
- “Paradise City” by Guns N’ Roses
- “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” by The Darkness
- “All The Small Things” by Blink 182
- “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith
- “Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard
- “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
- “1985” by Bowling For Soup
- “Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show
- “The Final Countdown” by Europe
- “High School Never Ends” by Bowling for Soup
- “Best Day Of My Life” by American Authors
- “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
- “Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor
- “High School Never Ends” by Bowling For Soup
- “Ocean Avenue” by Yellowcard
Farewell Wedding Songs (Guests In A Circle With The Couple In The Middle of Dance Floor)
For a heartwarming farewell, have your DJ or MC invite all the guests to the dance floor, forming a circle around you and your partner in the middle. It’s a magical moment for photos and cherished memories. Consider these songs for this unique finale:
- “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
- “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
- “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
- “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
- “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
- “Forever Young” by Alphaville
- “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles
- “American Pie” by Don McLean
- “Purple Rain” by Prince and The Revolution
Closing Wedding Songs That Are Great For A Group Sing-A-Long
Some songs naturally encourage sing-alongs, making them perfect for the final dance of the night. Here are a few favorites that are sure to get your guests singing along:
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
- “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
- “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
- “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks
- “Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard
- “Africa” by Toto
- “One Love” by Bob Marley
- “Hey Jude” by The Beatles
- “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi
- “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepson
- “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
- “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus
- “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
Unique Last Dance Songs
Looking for something off the beaten path? Consider these fun and unique songs for your last dance, ones that are sure to leave a lasting impression:
- “Last Dance” by Dua Lipa
- “We Are Young” by Fun feat. Janelle Monáe
- “The Time (Dirty Bit)” by The Black Eyed Peas
- “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
- “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
- “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO
- “Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa
- “California Love” by 2Pac
- “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” by C+C Music Factory
- “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!
- “Dancing With Myself” by Billy Idol
- “Tik Tok” by Ke$ha
- “California Gurls” by Katy Perry
- “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)” by Beastie Boys
What is a private last dance at a wedding (or a secret last dance)?
A private last dance, also known as a secret last dance, is a growing trend where the DJ plays a final song while guests exit the reception room and prepare for the grand exit. This private moment allows couples to reflect on their day, relish a few intimate moments together, and capture stunning photos.
Reasons to consider a private last dance:
Photo Opportunities
It offers a chance to capture additional beautiful photos and videos before the reception concludes.
Intimate Moments
Provides the couple with a few private moments to savor the day’s magic.
Guest Coordination
Allows the venue to organize guests for the send-off, whether it’s a sparkler exit or another unique departure.
Memorable Moments
The opportunity to create unforgettable photos cannot be overstated.
Incorporating a private last dance can add a layer of intimacy and capture stunning images, making it a compelling option for couples today.
Your last dance sets the stage for the grand conclusion of your wedding day, so choose a song that resonates with your unique vision and style. Whether you opt for a classic crowd-pleaser, a slow romantic tune, or a unique and unexpected song, your final dance will be a moment to cherish forever.
