85 Best Last Dance Songs
2020
Last dance songs close out the evening and signal that it’s time for your guests to leave. They are a great way to bookend your wedding reception from the first dance to the last. This will help everyone remember the night — especially the two of you.
How Do You End a Wedding Reception?
Wedding receptions, like all good parties, need to come to an end. In many cases, the first songs after the formal dances are meant to include everyone — regardless of their age. Toward the end of the wedding reception, you and your friends feel freer to let loose on the dance floor. It can be a little bit awkward to “Bring Sexy Back” with your Grandpa there — just sayin’.
So, how do you end a perfect wedding reception? With the last dance, of course.
What is a Last Dance at a Wedding?
The last dance song is a closing element to the perfect night. You basically have two choices for the tone of the last dance: slow or upbeat.
A slow song will help the guests key down from their sugar highs (cake, right?). It also signals that the party is over. (Please, leave, thanks for the presents.)
On the other hand, finishing the night with the last dance surrounded by your friends can be fun, too. End the wedding reception on a high note with an upbeat song that everyone will remember (and feel good about that gift they bought).
Can Our Last Dance Be Private?
Yes. Absolutely. Your last dance can be private. It’s also an efficient way for the DJ to gently nudge people out of the door — lining up outside to cheer for you when the dance is over.
“The private last dance acknowledges that you and your wife (mostly your wife) have actually pulled it off: a year’s worth of planning has come to fruition.” The Plunge
A private last dance is a good way to refocus on yourselves — the wedding couple. Talk to your professional wedding coordinator and DJ to choose a song that will set the tone for the night, the honeymoon, and the rest of your lives.
The last thing you want is for your new groom to be partying with his cousins while you’re in the hotel room alone. (Yeah, it happens.)
What is a Good Last Song for a Wedding?
There are two ways to end the night. One is with a bang with an upbeat party song like “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” or with the dance floor full of all the couples by playing a romantic song like “At Last,” a classic by Etta James. Remember, it’s your wedding so the choice is yours.
Just be sure to pay attention to the lyrics. Avoid breakup songs — even if they’re upbeat. “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy or “Mambo No 5” by Lou Bega maybe aren’t the best choices for the last dance.
We’ve included the 85 best songs to remind you of songs you love and give you some great ideas to take to your DJ. If you have a special last dance song that works or worked for you, please add your song suggestion through the comment section below.
Last Dance song list curated by Matthew Campbell
Last Updated: August 6, 2020
Listen to our last dance songs playlist on Spotify.
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Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
Great song. We definitely have it on the list!
Coldplay – A Sky Full of Stars
Thanks David. Great song. We will add it to the list.
Color my world by Chicago
Thanks Kevin. Great song and we will add it to the list.