Garter Removal Songs: From Sultry Soul to Playful Rock

The garter removal is a chance to inject some personality and humor into your reception. Whether you want to lean into the “smooth operator” vibe with classic R&B or keep it lighthearted with a high-energy rock anthem, the right song sets the stage for this playful tradition.

• Customizable Tone: Choose between “sultry and slow” or “fast and funny” to match your wedding style.
• Crowd Engagement: Use iconic “theme” songs to get a laugh and keep the energy high.
• The “Hype” Moment: A great track helps the groom feel confident and keeps the spotlight focused on the fun.

Smooth & Sultry Classics

• The Gold Standard: “Pony” – Ginuwine. The ultimate 90s R&B “grind” song. It’s the go-to choice for grooms who want to lean into the humor of a “Magic Mike” style performance.
• Sophisticated Soul: “Let’s Get It On” – Marvin Gaye. A timeless classic that uses smooth vocals to create a romantic, albeit slightly suggestive, atmosphere.
• The Smooth Operator: “You Can Leave Your Hat On” – Joe Cocker. Famous for its use in film, this track brings a cinematic, “striptease” energy that is both recognizable and fun.
• Modern Vibe: “Earned It” – The Weeknd. For a more contemporary and moody feel, this track offers a slow, steady beat perfect for a dramatic removal.

Playful & Humorous “Theme” Songs

• The “Secret Agent” Look: “James Bond Theme.” Perfect for the groom who wants to approach the task with the precision of a 007 mission.
• Classic “Cheese”: “The Stripper” – David Rose & His Orchestra. If you want the crowd to laugh immediately, this iconic brass-heavy instrumental is the only choice.
• Mission Ready: “Mission: Impossible Theme.” Ideal for a groom who wants to make the removal look like a high-stakes, tactical operation.
• The “Smooth” Criminal: “Smooth Criminal” – Michael Jackson. A high-energy, stylish choice that adds a bit of “theatrical flair” to the moment.

High-Energy Rock & Funky Grooves

• The “Bad Boy” Choice: “Bad to the Bone” – George Thorogood & The Destroyers. A great pick for the groom with a leather jacket soul; it’s rugged, fun, and high-energy.
• Funky Energy: “Foxey Lady” – Jimi Hendrix. With its iconic guitar riff, this track adds a cool, psychedelic edge to the tradition.
• The “Big” Entrance: “Another One Bites the Dust” – Queen. A rhythmic, bass-heavy anthem that is great for getting the crowd clapping along to the beat.
• The Classic Rocker: “Legs” – ZZ Top. A literal and musical fit for the occasion, offering a driving beat that keeps the reception energy moving.

DJ Expert Tips: Nailing the Timing

• The “Fade-In” Strategy: Start the music before the groom even takes the floor. This builds anticipation and signals to the guests that a “performance” is about to happen.
• Keep it Short: The garter removal shouldn’t take an entire 4-minute song. Have your DJ loop the best 60-90 seconds and then transition quickly into the Garter Toss.
• Volume Control: Since the DJ usually needs to emcee over this moment (giving instructions or “hyping” the groom), ensure the vocal mid-range of the song is ducked slightly so the announcements are clear.

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Garter Removal Songs by Vibe

All About the Bride

A list of songs to spotlight the bride allowing her partner to obtain the garter.

• Bad Girls – Donna Summer
• Beautiful – Snoop Dogg feat. Pharrell & Uncle Charlie Wilson
• Brick House – The Commodores
• Dance for Me – Beyonce
• Dangerous Woman – Ariana Grande
• Foxey Lady – Jimi Hendrix
• Hot Legs – Rod Stewart
• Lady Marmalade – Christina Aguilera & Friends
• Legs – ZZ Top
• Woman – Doja Cat

All About the Groom

A list of songs to highlight the moment of the groom capturing the garter.

• Bad Boys – Inner Circle
• Best I Ever Had – Drake
• Better Man – Leon Bridges
• Big Pimpin’ – Jay-Z
• Boyz – Jesy Nelson, Nicki Minaj
• Death Of A Bachelor – Panic! At The Disco
• Here Comes The Hotstepper – Ini Kamoze
• I’m Still A Guy – Brad Paisley
• Macho Man – Village People
• Maneater – Hall & Oates
• Real Good Man – Tim McGraw
• The Man – The Killers
• What a Man Gotta Do – Jonas Brothers
• Whatta Man – Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue

Drama & Excitement

Add musical drama and excitement to remove the garter from the bride’s leg with these hits.

• Another One Bites The Dust – Queen
• Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor
• Fever – Michael Bublé
• Gonna Fly Now (Rocky Theme) – Bill Conti
• Jaws Theme – John Williams
• Jeopardy Theme – The Gamers
• Lay Your Hands on Me – Bon Jovi
• Mission Impossible Theme – Danny Elfman
• Oh Yeah – Yello
• Pink Panther Theme – Henry Mancini
• The Stripper – David Rose

Funny Moment

Some couples add comedy to a sometimes awkward moment. These songs make it easy to get everyone laughing if the couple plays along.

• Ain’t Too Proud To Beg – The Temptations
• Bad To The Bone – George Thorogood
• How Bad Do You Want It – Tim McGraw
• I Know What Boys Like – Waitresses
• Keep Your Hands To Yourself – Georgia Satellites
• Milkshake – Kelis
• My Kinda Lover – Billy Squier
• Sexy And I Know It – LMFAO
• Shameless – Garth Brooks
• Super Freak – Rick James
• Super Freaky Girl – Nicki Minaj
• Thong Song – Sisqo
• U Can’t Touch This – M.C. Hammer
• Want to Want Me – Jason Derulo
• Who Let The Dogs Out? – Baha Men

Upbeat & Fun

If you want to have a fun atmosphere for the garter removal, these songs will add an element of entertainment.

• A Little Less Conversation – Elvis Presley
• Beggin’ – Måneskin
• Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe – Barry White
• Come and Get Your Love – Redbone
• Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins
• I Like the Way You Move – Outkast feat. Sleepy Brown
• I Wanna Be Your Lover – Prince
• Lose Control – Teddy Swims
• One Way Or Another – Blondie
• Only U – Jade Moss
• Pour Some Sugar On Me – Def Leppard
• Right Round – Flo Rida
• Sexyback – Justin Timberlake
• Shivers – Ed Sheeran
• Sucker – Jonas Brothers
• The Way You Make Me Feel – Michael Jackson
• You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC

Sexy & Risque

A little bit of a sexy moment for your garter removal can be quite playful, these songs hit the spot.

• Body Like A Back Road – Sam Hunt
• Bootylicious – Destiny’s Child
• Come & Get It – Selena Gomez
• Earned It – The Weeknd
• Hot In Herre – Nelly
• I’m Too Sexy (Touch This Skin) – Black Stereo Faith
• Nice & Slow – Usher
• Peaches & Cream – 112
• Pony – Ginuwine
• Rock Your Body – Justin Timberlake
• Sexual Healing – Marvin Gaye
• shut up – Greyson Chance
• Spicy Margarita – Jason Derulo, Michael Buble
• Take You Down – Chris Brown
• Toxic Pony – ALTÉGO, Britney Spears & Ginuwine
• Under the Influence – Chris Brown
• You Put a Spell on Me – Austin Giorgio
• You Sexy Thing – Hot Chocolate

Naughty

Are you the adventurous type who wants to take the garter removal a bit raunchy at your wedding? These songs fit perfectly.

• 34+35 – Ariana Grande
• Anywhere – 112
• Beg For It – Iggy Azalea
• Cherry Pie – Warrant
• Filthy – Justin Timberlake
• Get Lucky – Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams
• I Just Want to Make Love to You – Etta James
• I’ll Make Love to You – Boyz II Men
• I’m a Slave 4 U – Britney Spears
• Knockin’ Boots – Luke Bryan
• Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
• Lobby – Anitta x Missy Elliott
• Please Me – Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B
• Slow Hands – Niall Horan
• Sweetest Pie – Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa
• WAP – Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion

DJs! Plan a Garter Removal Song by BPM and Key

(Click on the Key and BPM table columns for sorting)

*BPM and key pulled from SongData.io

Spotify Garter Removal Playlists

Do you have a favorite garter removal song not on my list? Please share your song below in the comments.

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