Unfortunately, every good thing must come to an end.
As your reception winds down, many of your guests will start to trickle out. However, for both you and your diehard guests, the last song not only serves to conclude the night, but it is also an important memory you'll have for the rest of your life. Check out our picks below for some of the best last-dance songs that will end your night on a high note.
1. "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" - Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
This 1987 song served as Johnny and Baby's send-off in "Dirty Dancing," and it is the perfect song to end your night on, as well. "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" won a number of awards, including an Academy Award for "Best Original Song," a Golden Globe Award for "Best Original Song" and a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals. Nobody puts Baby in a corner!
2. "Bye Bye Bye" - *NSYNC
This 2000 hit by the boy band that launched Justin Timberlake's career is a fantastic upbeat choice to end your reception. Grab your friends, hit the dance floor and wave "bye bye bye" to your single life! (P.S. Go ahead and do the motions. We all know you know them!)
3. "Friends in Low Places" - Garth Brooks
There's a reason that bars play this song so often. It's sure to get people dancing, singing and (let's face it) swaying together on the dance floor. Send your guests out with a happy memory by playing this favorite tune as your last song of the night.
4. "Closing Time" - Semisonic
"Closing Time" has been the bar-closing anthem since it was released on Semisonic's 1998 "Feeling Strangely Fine" album. It's also a common last-song choice for many events, including weddings. Remember: You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here.
5. "Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite" - The Spaniels
First recorded in 1953, this classic gives you and your guests a last chance to dance with your sweethearts before the end of the night. It's also a favorite of the older crowd, who may remember it as the closing song on Sha Na Na's weekly variety show in the late 1970s.
6. "Save the Last Dance For Me" - The Drifters
Another oldie but goodie, "Save the Last Dance For Me" was first recorded in 1960 by The Drifters with lead man Ben E. King. If you want a more modern rendition, Michael Buble does a great cover. Whichever version you choose, make sure you save the last dance for your one-and-only!
7. "Five More Minutes" - Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery co-wrote this 2017 country hit, which hits close to home. When the reception ends, you'll find yourself wishing you had another 5 minutes.
8. "Wonderful Tonight" - Eric Clapton
In 1976, Eric Clapton wrote "Wonderful Tonight" for Pattie Boyd while waiting for her to get ready to attend Paul and Linda McCartney's annual Buddy Holly party. At the time, she was married to George Harrison, but Clapton and Boyd would later marry in 1979. This sweet song will allow you to reminisce about your day, especially your first glimpse of each other!
9. "Don't Stop Believin" - Journey
If you want to end your reception with a full dance floor, "Don't Stop Believin'" is a sure way to do it. This song turns everyone into a "small-town girl" and "city boy" taking the midnight train to anywhere.
10. "Sweet Caroline" - Neil Diamond
Everyone loves "Sweet Caroline"! This 1969 hit, inspired by John F. Kennedy's daughter Caroline, is a sure crowd-pleaser. Good times never seemed so good!
To discuss the songs you’d like to hear at your wedding, contact Sound Precision Entertainment at (216) 870-4513 or scott@spedj.com.
