You’ve walked down the aisle, exchanged vows, taken a million photos (or so it feels like), and now there’s only one thing left to do… party! Weddings aren’t just about committing to your partner (although that is the most important part) but also about celebrating love and this next chapter in your life with all of your closest friends and family. All that’s standing between you and the dance floor is that classic wedding phrase, “Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time as a married couple, put your hands together for…”
Wedding reception introductions are almost always the same, starting with the wedding party in pairs, the last one being the maid of honor and best man, and then the married couple (Wink! That’s you!). However, this wedding season, we’re seeing a change in that tradition. Instead of pairs, the groomsmen can enter altogether (with their own background music of course) followed by all the bridesmaids.
Whether you want to kick your reception off with a loud EDM beat or keep things classic with an “oldie but a goodie” song, remember music is especially important for setting the tone of your reception. This means you have to choose wisely! At our MA wedding venues, we have watched many entrances and to help you choose we have come up with a few of our favorite wedding reception entrance songs.
Songs for Introducing the Wedding Party in Pairs
“Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon
Standout Lyric: “She took my arm / I don’t know how it happened / We took the floor and she said / Oh don’t you dare look back / Just keep your eyes on me / I said you’re holding back / She said shut up and dance with me.”
Why We Love It: If you want your wedding to feel like a high-energy dance party, this familiar tune will have guests singing along and itching to jump on the dancefloor.
“Forever” by Chris Brown
Standout Lyric: “It’s like I waited my whole life / For this one night / It’s gon’ be me you and the dance floor / ‘Cause we only got one night / Double your pleasure / Double your fun / And dance forever ever ever.”
Why We Love It: If you’ve seen that one scene from The Office Season 6, Episode 5, then this requires no further explanation. If you haven’t, you better watch because it’s an iconic TV moment that will make selecting this song feel even sweeter.
“Feel So Close (Radio Edit)” by Calvin Harris
Standout lyric: I feel so close to you right now / It’s a force field / I wear my heart upon my sleeve, like a big deal.”
Why We Love it: Even though this song came out 10 years ago, the catchy beat has helped it stay relevant. If you’re looking for a song with good techno instrumentals, this EDM song is the one to get your celebration started.
Songs for Introducing the Bridesmaids Altogether
“Fancy” by Drake featuring T.I. and Swizz Beatz
Standout lyric: “Nails done, hair done, everything / did / Oh, you fancy, huh? / Uh, you getting ready so I know / we gon’ be here awhile / In the bathroom flat irons and nail / files.”
Why we love it: This hip-hop hit from 2010 has the perfect lyrics to hype up all your beautiful best friends for being there for you on this special day (and for looking hot while doing it!)
“Stand by You” by Rachel Patten
Standout lyric: “And love, if your wings are broken / Borrow mine so yours can open too / ’Cause I’m gonna stand by you / Even if we’re breaking down / We can find a way to break through.”
Why we love it: Your bridesmaids are your squad, your girl gang, your ride or dies. Honor each of these strong friendships with this feel-good tune about supporting each other through thick and thin.
“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” By Shania Twain
Standout lyric: “The best thing about bein’ a woman / is the prerogative to have a little fun and / Oh, oh, oh, go totally crazy, forget I’m a lady / Men’s shirts, short skirts.”
Why we love it: It’s safe to say once your guests hear the first line of a popular 90’s song, “Let’s go girls,” they’ll be up out of their seats and singing along to every word.
Songs for Introducing the Groomsmen Altogether
“Me and My Gang” by Rascal Flatts
Standout Lyric: “Me and my gang / Jump on that train / Grab hold of them reigns / We’re gonna rock this thing.”
Why we love it: For country lovers out there, this song has that classic Southern twang mixed with pop elements. It’s perfect for a group that knows how to have a good time and maybe cause a little ruckus along the way.
“All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled featuring T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dog, and Rick Ross
Standout lyric: “All I do is win, win, win no matter / what / Got money on my mind, I can / never get enough / And every time I step up in the / building / Everybody hands go up.”
Why we love it: This song is so well known you’ll be hard-pressed not to find it on a wedding playlist. The groomsmen can play with its catchy lyric repetition “Up down, up down, up down,” and choreograph a short dance number!
“In da Club” by 50 Cent
Standout lyric: “Go, shorty / It’s your birthday / We gon’ party like it’s your birthday / We gon’ sip Bacardi like it’s your birthday.”
Why we love it: Everything about this classic early 2000s hit, from the mentions of knocking back cocktails, moving to fist-bumping music, and pulling up in fancy cars, screams party.
Songs for Introducing the Married Couple
“Music for a Sushi Restaurant” by Harry Styles
Standout lyric: “I don’t want you to get lost / I don’t want you to go broke / I want you / It’s ‘cause I love you babe / In every kind of way / Just a little taste / You know I love you babe.”
Why we love it: From Styles’ third solo album (which was just released on May 20th), this song with its funky 70’s style went viral overnight, making it arguably one of the most listened to songs of the season.
“Glad You Exist” by Dan + Shay
Standout lyric: There’s a couple billion people in the world / And a million other places we could be, but you’re here with me / Take a moment just to take it in / ‘Cause every high and every low led to this / I’m just so glad you exist.”
Why we love it: Although a little slower, this song’s appeal comes from the fact that you could use it for both your grand entrance and your romantic first dance song without skipping tracks.
“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge
Standout lyric: “We are family / I got all my sisters with me / We are family / Get up everybody and sing.”
Why we love it: This is a wedding classic and it’s a great one to choose to symbolize the merging of two families into one. It’s cheery, insanely popular, and very danceable.
“Love on Top” by Beyoncé
Standout lyric: “Baby, it’s you / You’re the one I love / You’re the one I need / You’re the only one I see… Finally, you put my love on top.”
Why we love it: Who wouldn’t want Beyoncé’s pitch-perfect vocals to serenade them as they enter a room for the first time as a couple? It’s Queen B… that’s reason enough!
“24K Magic” by Bruno Mars
Standout lyric: “Tonight / I just want to take you higher / Throw your hands up in the sky / Let’s set this party off right / Players, put yo’ pink rings up to the moon.”
Why we love it: This is a coveted wedding reception entrance song and for good reason. The background music is loud, fun, and the overall vibe just screams let’s dance, drink, and be married!
These are just SEG’s top picks for making your grand entrance as newlyweds. They might not fit with every wedding style or couple’s personality so remember the song has to feel authentic to you AND get the party rolling! After all, the hard part of your wedding is over, and now it’s time to throw up your hair, kick off your heels, and dance your night away. Cheers!
