20 Best Upbeat Wedding Songs to Set The Mood

How else can you express your excitement on your special day, if not by dancing to the best upbeat wedding songs? After the wedding ceremony is over, you’ll need to show off the dance moves you’ve been practicing before the big day. 

Understandably, you wouldn’t want to do this with a slow song playing in the background. Instead, you’ll desire some music that can create an energetic atmosphere, encouraging you and your guests to get on the dance floor. 

Maybe you’ve been trying to come up with a list of upbeat music without any luck; you’re in the right place. We’ve curated a list of songs for you that will make your day beautiful and unforgettable. 

Here is our selected list of 20 songs from which you can choose:

20 Best Upbeat Wedding Songs

You also shouldn’t miss iur other favorite wedding songs for the ultimate play list on your big day:

1. Happy by Pharrell Williams

Best Lyrics: Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth (Because I’m happy)

When searching for a song that can make your guests put on their dancing shoes quickly, choose “Happy”. Its captivating melody and encouraging lyrics made this song a popular choice at wedding receptions. 

2. We Found Love by Rihanna

Best Lyrics: It’s the way I’m feeling I just can’t deny/But I’ve gotta let it go

From the moment you hear the intro to this song, you’ll have no choice but to jump and scream for joy. It’s a song that sets the tone for a celebratory and energetic atmosphere.

“We Found Love” talks about the challenges that come with romantic relationships, which most listeners will understand. 

3. A Sky Full Of Stars by Coldplay

Best Lyrics: ‘Cause you’re a sky full of stars/’Cause you light up the path

Everything about this song, from its electric beats to its inspiring lyrics, will motivate your guests to dance until they get tired. It’s one of the songs that effortlessly creates a joyful and bubbly atmosphere. 

4. Crazy In Love by Beyonce feat. Jay-Z

Best Lyrics: I look and stare so deep in your eyes/I touch on you more and more every time

There’s no doubt that Beyonce and Jay-Z are two of the best singers in the world. And “Crazy In Love” is one example of their powerful vocal delivery and deep lyrics. As this song begins to play, even those who are not good at dancing will get on the dance floor. 

5. Raise Your Glass by Pink

Best Lyrics: Just come on and come on and raise your glass

After a successful wedding ceremony, how else can you express your joy other than by raising your glass? While it is not a love song, “Raise Your Glass” has an irresistible melody and a powerful beat that can make the wedding atmosphere lively. 

6. Shut Up And Dance by Walk the Moon

Best Lyrics: Deep in her eyes/I think I see the future

Believe us when we say this upbeat song will set the pace for a party mood. Not only does “Shut Up and Dance” feature an energetic rhythm, but the song’s vocals are also powerful, making it an ideal choice for the reception.  

7. Stupid Love by Lady Gaga

Best Lyrics: I don’t need a reason (oh)/Not sorry, I want your stupid love

Play this song to lighten up the mood at your wedding venue. Its lyrics convey a message of perseverance in romantic relationships, which many listeners can relate to. “Stupid Love” also has a fast tempo that will prompt every listener to show off the dance moves they never knew existed. 

8. Like I Love You by Justin Timberlake

Best Lyrics: And if you let go, the music should groove your bones

“Like I Love You” is also one of the best upbeat wedding songs you should consider adding to your playlist. The song’s lyrics are romantic, and its beats are melodic, encouraging your guests to freely express themselves on the dance floor. 

9. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John and Kiki Dee

Best Lyrics: So don’t go breaking my heart/I won’t go breaking your heart

A timeless classic, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” is the perfect song for those who can dance and those who can’t. Its chorus can be turned into an anthem that guests can say playfully to one another even after the song stops. Create a fun atmosphere by playing this track at your ceremony. 

10. Marry You by Bruno Mars

Best Lyrics: Just say I do/Tell me right now, baby

When it comes to dancing to this Mars song, there’s no pressure. Either your guests move rhythmically from side to side or left to right, and that’s all. “Marry You” is a lyrically meaningful love song, and its rhythm is incredibly captivating. 

11. I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston

Best Lyrics: Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody/With somebody who loves me

Playing this upbeat song at your wedding reception will make you feel as though you’re in a disco. Its lyrics and rhythm transform your atmosphere into an energetic one, prompting some of your guests to learn new dancing skills. 

12. Can’t Stop The Feeling by Justin Timberlake

Best Lyrics: Nothing I can see but you when you dance, dance, dance

There’s just something special about this song that magically creates an energetic ambiance. Its upbeat tempo is enough to encourage both the young and the old to get on their feet and dance. The song’s lyrics, which revolve around the theme of joy and celebration, can inspire listeners.

13. I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas

Best Lyrics: I got a feeling/That tonight’s gonna be a good night

This upbeat song will make your wedding ceremony more exciting and memorable. “I Gotta Feeling” is a popular song with irresistible energy, making it a popular choice for celebratory events. Adding this song to your wedding playlist doesn’t seem like a bad idea. 

14. I Do by Colbie Caillat

Best Lyrics: I promise I won’t turn around and I won’t let you down

Have you ever listened to songs that keep replaying in your mind after several days? If not, listen to “I Do”. Its lyrics capture the beauty and joy of looking forward to committing to a romantic partner. The song’s upbeat sound and happy vibe will put your guests in the mood to dance. 

15. Walking On Sunshine by Katrina And The Waves

Best Lyrics: I used to think maybe you loved me, now I know that it’s true

“Walking On Sunshine” is another song that will make your guests rush to the dance floor. Not only are the song’s lyrics positive, but it also has a vibrant melody. Everything you’ve ever desired in an upbeat wedding playlist and more is in this song.

16. Teenage Dream by Katy Perry

Best Lyrics: Let’s go all the way tonight/No regrets, just love

This timeless classic from Katy Perry is all you need to lighten up the atmosphere of your wedding reception. “Teenage Dream” lyrics will evoke a sense of nostalgia in your older guests. And the song’s upbeat sound will activate the party mood for everyone. 

17. Happy People by R. Kelly

Best Lyrics: Tell me what do we do/When the DJ’s playing our favorite groove

Are you planning to make your wedding party linger in the minds of guests for a while? Play “Happy People” at the reception. The song’s joyful lyrics are enough to create a positive vibe, and its energetic beat will make every listener jump for happiness.

18. Love On Top by Beyonce

Best Lyrics: Baby, It’s you/You’re the one I love

Consider including “Love On Top” in your wedding song list to have an unforgettable experience. The song’s lyrics are romantic, and its rhythm encourages multiple dance steps. There’s a chance that some of your guests who cannot dance will learn new dancing skills before they leave. 

19. Cheerleader by Omi

Best Lyrics: Oh, I think that I found myself a cheerleader/ She is always right there when I need her

“Cheerleader” is a popular, feel-good song that you’ll want to play over and over again. The song’s lyrics convey a message of admiration and gratitude for a supportive partner, which most couples will find relatable. It’s a song you may want to play for your first dance. 

20. Bigger Love by John Legend

Best Lyrics: ‘Cause we got a bigger love/Won’t ever give it up

John Legend’s songs are always extraordinary, and “Bigger Love” is no exception. The song’s lyrics convey a message of love and togetherness. If you want to start your party on a high note, play this beautiful, upbeat song.  

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, our list of the best upbeat wedding songs has made your search straightforward. Listen to each of these songs to determine which ones to add to your wedding playlists. It doesn’t matter whether you’re having a small or big wedding ceremony. What matters most is making your big day enjoyable, significant, and phenomenal. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Songs Do You Give A DJ For A Wedding?

On average, you can give a DJ 45–75 songs. Usually, a wedding reception lasts between 3 and 5 hours, and the DJ will continue to play some music during that time frame. Typically, most couples plan for at least 15 songs per hour. 

Does Your Wedding Song Have To Be Slow?

Well, this depends on the couple’s preferences. Although the first dance song is usually slow, there’s no rule against choosing upbeat music. This will come as a surprise to the guests and make the first dance unforgettable. Moreover, the couples will be able to display their personalities. 

Who Plays Music During Wedding Ceremony?

Most couples hire live bands to play music at their wedding ceremony. They can consist of a pianist, string quartet, guitarist, violinist, or harpist. Playing music live at your event can make it more graceful and create a beautiful atmosphere. 

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