weddings 101

The last song you play at your wedding reception is important — you want to get all your guests on the dance floor and send them off in a great mood! Whether you want a final tune that’s sentimental, classic or retro, you’re sure to find your perfect match in this hand-selected roundup of 35 epic last dance songs.

Classics

“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

“Tiny Dancer” by Elton John

“Islands in the Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton

“Shout” by The Isley Brothers

“Cecilia” by Simon & Garfunkel

“Jackie Wilson Said (I’m in Heaven When You Smile)” by Van Morrison

“Land of 1,000 Dances” by Wilson Pickett

“Lola” by The Kinks

Slojams

“I’ll Make Love to You” by Boyz II Men

“I’m Still in Love with You” by Al Green

“Red Red Wine” by UB40

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley

“Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding

“The Tracks of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

“Save the Last Dance for Me” by The Drifters

“Long as I Can See the Light” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

80s Sing-alongs

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston

“Hold On” by Wilson Phillips

“The Final Countdown” by Europe

“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey

“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi

“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson

“Jesse’s Girl” by Rick Springfield

“Kiss” by Prince

“Like a Prayer” by Madonna

“Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen

“Just a Friend” by Biz Markie

Sentimental Hipsters

“Closer” by Tegan and Sara

“All My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem

“Dancing on My Own” by Robyn

“The Whole Wide World” by Wreckless Eric

“Heroes” by David Bowie

“Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads

“Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes

Compiled by Ian Gormely

As featured in the summer issue of 2life Weddings digital magazine:

Image by Jackie Ray Photography.