bust a move and they will dance THE SONGS THAT GET YOUR WEDDING MOVIN’ AND GROOVIN’

Photos by Alicia King Photography

By Melissa Batchelor Warnke [email protected]

Nobody cares about the placecards. We’re all over “Timber” will not withstand the test of time. But dysfunctional relationship with her husband. Avoid the napkins. The bride’s shoes may be satin or hot damn, it’s fun, isn’t it? “Blow Me (One Last Kiss),” “Who Knew” like the suede, but they won’t be what we remember in plague. Wrong night. twenty years. When it comes to the weddings – and Celebration – Kool and the Gang oh, have we all been to the weddings – there are a The ultimate for a reason. Really love to cue this Billy Jean – Michael Jackson million things that matter to the happy couple and after the wild card’s toast. Every wedding has one. R.I.P., the King of Pop. only two that matter to the guests: get that food Phew. You made it. right, and get us dancing. Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean In the course of “research” for this article, I Feeling Good – Nina Simone No explanation needed and none will be provided. spoke with about a dozen people of all different age I also like the idea of playing “Feeling Good” while ranges. The parent-of-the-bride age folks wanted the bride walks down the aisle, as a twist on the I Found You – Alabama Shakes to get lured out with oldies, which would convince traditional Wagner. On the dance floor, it’s a The Alabama Shakes’ lead singer, Brittany Howard, them to stay for the more contemporary numbers. breather between fast songs. has more heart than any living vocalist I know of. The young’uns wanted that upbeat running music, Blame It on the Alcohol – Jamie Foxx those dance floor beats. We all agreed that no mat- Give Me Everything – Pittbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack, Nayer feat. T-Pain ter how cutting edge your musical taste may be, the This is the song where a bridesmaid and a grooms- Play late in the evening and nudge Grandma into wedding dance floor is the wrong space to educate man will share a lingering gaze and wonder to the middle of the dance circle. friends and family about your favorite indie band’s themselves, “YOLO?” most obscure tracks. Keep it familiar. Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper I’ve taste-tested this batter, delicately sifting the It’s Real – Real Estate Because of “Strictly Ballroom” and because of mixture. All of the songs below will work for a DJ So romantic but grounded, not gushy. It’s the CYNDI! or for a band. I can’t guarantee fun; you have to song version of Wendell Berry’s perfect poem invite the right people. But if you stir those with “Over the Edge.” Jesus, Etc – Wilco these, you’re going to have a good night. Probably my most low key pick, but this song is Groove is in the Heart – Dee Lite sweet, sweet, sweet. Can also swap in Bob Dylan’s Can’t Buy Me Love – The Beatles My only flashmob experience was performed to “Lay Lady Lay.” The first song should be super short; it’s just a taste this song. Time required to perfect routine: several to get people up from their seats. It also needs to hours. Look on bride and groom’s face: priceless. Anything Could Happen – Ellie Goulding be a song every single person recognizes. Cue The So I know the chorus is “But I don’t think I need Beatles. Gold Digger – Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx you,” and that’s not the kind of romantic idea we’re If there’s any chance of either bride or groom being really espousing at a wedding. But the optimism, Ain’t Too Proud to Beg – The Temptations one, skip. the beat, the idea of bright, infinite future. That’s Show me a person who does not like this song and what the thing’s about. I will show you a person I do not like. Respect – Aretha Franklin That’s what women want. Take Me Home Tonight – Eddie Money Love on Top – Beyoncé Perfect segway into the invariably dicey and The altar of Beyoncé must be visited. Raise Your Glass – Pink open-minded afterparty. • All Pink songs are amazing, but most are about her Timber – Pitbull feat. Ke$ha

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