Behind every unforgettable dance party is a carefully curated playlist filled with tracks that speak to the hearts of all in attendance. We’ve compiled a selection of beloved dance anthems straight from Washington’s music experts, the bangers and ballads that ensure an unforgettable soirée.
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Unforgettable anthems that are essential for your wedding playlist
Written by
Laura Cross
Published:
Washington Wedding Day Spring/Summer 2025
ULTIMATE PARTY STARTER: “SEPTEMBER”
“This song transcends all others as the one song guaranteed to get everyone on the dance floor. It’s simply one of the best songs ever written, and people of all ages and backgrounds love it, know the words and can get groovy to it.”
—David Schwartz, Orion Entertainment
GO-TO SET OPENER: “UPTOWN FUNK”
“A lot of current music doesn’t resonate with the older generations, but ‘Uptown Funk’ everyone knows and loves. It’s got that signature opening bass part, ‘doh ... doh doh doh, doh doh doh, doh doh ...’ and all the Bruno Mars swagger and style. Plus, we add costumes (fedoras, aviator sunglasses and gold bling chains) and choreography (some from the music video and some that I created) to add something spectacular to our performance.”
—Tristin Heiser, The Afterparty Band
CLASSIC FLOOR FILLER:
“I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY”
“Since ’80s tunes are always requested, a go-to hit for the genre that pops every time is Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody.’ Our co-lead vocalist Darelle Holden nails the vibe, and everybody sings along.”
—Michael Benson, Michael Benson Band
ULTIMATE MASH-UP
“More than one single tune, our DJ-styled mash-ups are floor-packers. Like this medley: ‘Stand By Me’/‘Oh, What A Night’/’24K’/‘This Is How We Do It’/ ‘Hot in Herre.’ ‘Stand By Me’ pulls all ages out with its easy funky tempo. ‘Oh, What A Night’ ups the energy and holds ’em. Bruno Mars’ ‘24K’ hits the current vibe, ‘This Is How We Do It’ opens up our R&B collection, then ‘Hot in Herre’ expands into our rap tracks. And voilà! The dance party is wide open and never ends.”
—Micheal Benson, Michael Benson Band
SING-ALONG CLOSER: “DON’T STOP BELIEVING”
“We take this song the extra mile as we go out into the audience, find the singers or the most outgoing and brave folks, and have them sing the song instead. Then we say ‘Everyone!’ on the big part of the song and hold our mics up to pick up the whole room singing along. It’s honestly my favorite part of every show we do. The energy is just what you want for the last song at your wedding.”
—Tristin Heiser, The Afterparty Band
EXIT SONG: “MR. BRIGHTSIDE”
“This song by The Killers has become a popular last-dance ‘sing-along’ for the end of the night as the couple depart, usually surrounded by their well-lubricated besties and guests (who end up being the dance floor VIPs after the older generation of family and friends have departed). The elation of hearing many voices singing along loudly, word for word, as the couple bid farewell, sometimes not always pitch-perfect, always ends the wedding on a really high note.”
—Leslie Wheatley, Seattle Parties
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