The last song of your wedding should include everyone and a full dancefloor to celebrate your big day.
From a slow ballad, like Angels by Robbie Williams to and rock classic like Wonderwall by Oasis each song below is on this list as they all have been used for the last song at a wedding that I have had the pleasure of working at.
Now it’s your turn to pick your last song of the night.
Upbeat last dance songs
1 Mr Brightside – The Killers
The Killer’s debut single is a singalong classic and a euphoric way to end the night. Ties around the forehead encouraged!
2 New York, New York – Frank Sinatra
Originally released by Liza Minelli, Frank Sinatra’s iconic 1979 version is joyous and infectious. Your guests will be dancing the kickline and singing along in no time.
3 (I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles – The Proclaimers
With enormous conga line potential and a catchy, singable chorus (“Da da da (da da da)”) it’s no surprise this 1988 Proclaimers hit is one of our most requested last dances.
4 Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
Played heavily at sporting events since its release in 1969, The Basher’s most popular song is also a raucous, uplifting way to end your wedding.
5 Country Roads – Hermes house band
Released in 1971, Country Roads has been extensively covered (by Ray Charles, Olivia Newton-John amongst others), so it’s well-known across the generations. This is my personal favourite version.
6 (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Featured in ‘Dirty Dancing’ in 1987 and winner of a Grammy, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. We recommend instruction from a trained professional for the big lift!
7 Jess Glynne
Released in 2015 and has become one of the best songs to finish your big day on with its upbeat tempo and catchy lyric of “Darling, hold my hand” so grab your partner hand and finish the evening with this classic.
8 Daydream Believer – The Monkees
Reportedly Davy Jones’ favourite Monkees’ song, you can’t do much better for an arms-round-the-shoulder, sing-a-long-and-sway finish to the night than their last ever Number 1 single. Cheer up sleepy Jean!
9 Celebration – Kool & The Gang
Does exactly what it says on the tin! Let the funky sounds of Kool & The Gang play you and your guests out the door with a big ‘woo-hoo to end the celebrations!
10 Marry You – Bruno Mars
It’s topical, it’s fun and it’s got wedding bells in it – what’s not to love!? Just say “I do” to Bruno serenading you off into the night on your wedding day with this 2010 favourite!
11 A Sky Full Of Stars – Coldplay
A hugely uplifting, soaring partnership between Coldplay and Avicii that will keep your guests bouncing right to the end. A contemporary dance anthem about unconditional love to perfectly round off your day!
12 Get Lucky – Daft Punk
For a funkier, cheekier finish to your night, Daft Punk and Pharrell have provided the perfect formula. The ideal choice for guests that want to party all night (but ultimately have to leave because of the venue’s opening hours…!)
13 This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
Have your guests form a tunnel and leave your reception to the infectiously joyful sounds of Natalie Cole’s Grammy-winning first single from 1975. A great sound to start married life too!
14 All Night Long – Lionel Richie
The perfect finish for the party you never want to end! The night can – at least in spirit – continue all night long with this 1983 chart-topper!
15 Feel So Close – Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris’ 11th single is an absolute banger and a true party-goers way to end the night. Gather your closest friends and family and bounce your way to the end of the night together!
16 Just Can’t Get Enough – Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode’s first top 10 single in the UK is a favourite throwback for seeing out a big night. After another recent resurgence, it seems like your guests really can’t seem to get enough of this one!
17 Dancing Queen – ABBA
A no-brainer for the ABBA-lovers amongst us – it’s a catch-all, generation-pleasing anthem – and who doesn’t know all the words to get involved with this one?!
18 I’ll Be There For You – The Rembrandts
Synonymous with a celebration of friendship, family and love and inextricably linked to the ‘Friends’ TV show, this is a brilliant song to bring everyone together for the end of the night!
19 Save The Last Dance For Me – Michael Buble
Too on the nose? It’s a fun, hip-swinging song about a last dance. It’s a shoe in. But its a good one! A good choice if you’ve got some guests who know how to move!
20 We Are Family – Sister Sledge
Keep it funky all the way to the end of your night with this celebration of your nearest and dearest! This soul classic has had guests strutting out into the night every since its release in 1979.
Slow last dance songs
21 Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
This modern classic from 2015 became the first single ever to spend a whole year in the UK top 40. A heart-warming slow dance everyone will love.
22 At Last – Etta James
Dreamy and romantic, At Last is a beautiful sentiment to end the night on. This is one the grandparents will know, and the waltz feel will appeal to everyone.
23 All Of Me – John Legend
This modern love song was a huge hit on its release in 2013. I would recommend booking a band with a keyboard player if you’d like this played live.
24 Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
Clapton’s 1977 hit is a beautiful and mellow love ballad written about Pattie Boyd. It remains a favourite slow dance at weddings around the world.
25 Angels – Robbie Williams
Released in 1997, this was Robbie’s best-selling single. It’s a modern, singalong power ballad that your guests will love joining in with.
26 Stand By Me – Ben E. King
Classy and romantic, this 1961 hit was covered by John Lennon and Florence & The Machine. Harry and Meghan chose it for their wedding in 2018.
27 Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
This 1973 classic secured Gaye’s sex symbol status in the 70s. Soulful and romantic, it’s a great send-off for any newlyweds!
28 Tiny Dancer – Elton John
This intimate and fun favourite from 1971 is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – and a special moment for the couple to enjoy a dance together before everyone heads their separate ways.
29 I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
It doesn’t get more swooning, emotional and belt-able (is that a thing!?) than this. Dance with someone special and scream the high notes at each other before you head home.
30 You’ve Got The Love – Florence + The Machine
There may be tears if you finish the night throwing your hands up in the air and singing this one together – a soaring love anthem to see out your special day.
31 All You Need is Love – The Beatles
This 1967 chart-topper is so much part of pop culture that there won’t be any excuses for everyone to get involved singing along. A pretty perfect sentiment to wrap up your wedding day too!
32 Never Forget – Take That
Iconic since its release in 1995 with soaring choruses and pinpoint musical nostalgia – there might not be a dry eye in the venue if you finish with this one!
33 You’re Still The One – Shania Twain
The perfect choice for a couple who have been on an eventful journey to their wedding day! Defiant and meaningful in equal measure, echo your wedding unconditional vows with this gentle send-off.
34 Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars
The Hawaii-born singer-songwriter at his crooning best. A touching ballad of love an acceptance that will make sure everyone leaves with that warm, fuzzy wedding feeling at the end of the night.
35 Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
An earworm since its release in 2006 and a gorgeous, intimate end to your reception. With swelling choruses to finish, this is guaranteed to make an unforgettable end to your day.
Rock last dance songs
36 Don’t Look Back in Anger – Oasis
This 1996 Oasis hit is a hugely popular last dance amongst rock and pop wedding bands and the perfect slow dance and a singalong in one!
37 Sex On Fire – Kings of Leon
KoL’s first number 1 hit, is a euphoric, modern rock head-banger. If you’re in your 30s, you’ll probably know the words. You may also feel inclined to crowd-surf!
38 Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
With its hedonist lyrics and racing tempo, Queen’s 1978 hit is probably the greatest feel-good song of all time. The outro is the perfect wind-down for the night.
39 Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
Once described as “the perfect rock song” (AllMusic), this 80s hit was repopularized by the acapella version performed in the version first episode of ‘Glee’ in 2009.
40 Hey Jude – The Beatles
You might not know all the words to The Beatles’ 1968 hit, but we’ll bet you know the “na, na, na, na na na na’s”. A singalong classic!
41 Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi
The definitive 80s rock anthem. Get your air guitars out and hitch up your dress ready for a knee slide!
42 I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
Featured in 1998’s film ‘Armageddon’, you can scream and cry your way along with this one as you see out the night with your guests. Air guitars at the ready!
43 Wonderwall – Oasis
The song that exploded Oasis onto the global scene and hasn’t stopped featuring in playlists across the world ever since. Still not really sure what it’s all about but it makes for a great send off!
44 I Believe In A Thing Called Love – The Darkness
Sentiment on point. Party vibes on point. Air guitar READY. Guaranteed to have friends and family screaming out of tune but all leaving with an irreversible grin on their face!
Wow, What a list of songs, did you find your last song of the night?
Find out more about my weddings at www.alangranville.co.uk