This is a guest article from our friends at Entertainment Nation. Header image credit: York Place Studios

Whether you’re newly engaged or you’ve waited for your big day through multiple postponements, this summer is shaping up to be full of joyful celebrations as we finally seem to have an end in sight to social distancing rules and COVID restrictions.

We think weddings this summer will be a little special – naturally all weddings are happy occasions to be celebrated, however this year they come with the additional celebration of family and friends coming together once again and seeing each other for the first time in what feels like forever!

We believe this should be reflected in your song choices. There’s so much to be cheerful about, so we’ve picked out some summer soundtrack recommendations to help you curate the perfect wedding playlist!

Levitating – Dua Lipa

Released in March 2020, Levitating hasn’t yet had its chance to fully shine as the summer anthem we know it can be. With a catchy rhythm and an eclectic mix of genre elements (including R&B, 70s/80s/90s pop and space rock), this electro-disco hit is upbeat and an excellent tune to energise your guests with.

Is This Love – Bob Marley & The Wailers

For a chilled-out summer ambiance, Bob Marley is a natural choice. If you’re looking to slow the evening down, or are generally after a more relaxed atmosphere for your wedding, unwind to this laid-back classic from Marley.

September – Earth, Wind & Fire

If you want a guaranteed dance floor filler, September is a must-have for your wedding setlist. We actually don’t think it’s possible to resist moving when this song plays, even the most dancefloor-shy will at least be swaying their shoulders!

I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston

Another dance floor juggernaut, this R&B classic is sure to get guests from all generations busting a move! Is there a better song to let loose to? Also a great choice for some karaoke or bandeoke.

We Found Love – Rihanna (ft. Calvin Harris)

After the last year we’ve all had, this song feels particularly apt. This chart-topping hit by Rihanna is the perfect hopeful anthem to celebrate your happy day with all of your friends and family – also, it’s a bop.

You Make My Dreams (Come True) – Daryl Hall & John Oates

Uplifting and cheerful in a delightfully simple way, You Make My Dreams is happy, uncomplicated and just an all-round joyful tune. The quintessential feel-good jam, this is a great addition to any celebratory setlist.

Rather Be – Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne

Masterfully fusing classical elements from the violin with dance-pop and house, Rather Be is uplifting and optimistic as well as being a great tune to dance to. We also think this could be a great alternative for a non-traditional first dance!

Get Lucky – Daft Punk (ft. Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers)

Funky electronic disco beats paired with smooth vocals from Pharrell Williams make this track ideal for a groovy summer playlist. Daft Punk may have hung up their robotic helmets for good now, but we’re certain their techno tunes will live on through party playlists for many years to come.

Treasure – Bruno Mars

You have to admit it – Bruno’s charm and optimism is irresistible. You can’t help but feel cheerful when the funk-pop beats of Treasure are the soundtrack to your summer wedding, and your guests will probably be surprised to hear a Bruno Mars song that isn’t Uptown Funk (though it’s popular for a reason!).

Watermelon Sugar – Harry Styles

Watermelon Sugar achieves its signature summer evening vibe by blending slower, groovy lines with a catchy, chantable chorus that should get everyone singing along! We think this song would make a great soundtrack to a blissed-out evening reception.

Stubborn Love – The Lumineers

One of the most popular wedding trends currently is the inclusion of folk bands. The unplugged acoustic style lends itself well to summer vibes, alongside complementing other wedding trends such as barn-style venues. Stubborn Love slowly swells and becomes brighter and more optimistic as the song goes on – very fitting for a post-COVID wedding and perfect for celebration.

I Will Wait – Mumford & Sons

Speaking of festival-style folk bands, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Mumford & Sons – the father (and sons?) of the recent re-popularisation of folk music. This high-energy, triumphant track is the perfect cathartic song for your long-awaited special day.

Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen

Is this a little predictable? Maybe. Should that stop you? If you’re taking a page out of Freddie’s book, absolutely not. The numbers don’t lie – as of February 2021, Don’t Stop Me Now has now exceeded over 1 billion streams on Spotify, and has well earned its place as a rock classic. So go ahead, indulge in the feel-good vibes and rock out – you’ve earned it.

Little Talks – Of Monsters and Men

With its all-out chorus and exuberant use of the trumpet, Little Talks captures the hype and energy you want for a fun summer wedding. Despite some of its lyrics being a little less than cheerful, the atmosphere this song creates is ideal for a full-on wedding party.

Take Me Out – Franz Ferdinand

This one’s for the indie rock fans! Take your party back in time to the punkier days of 2004 with this head-bopping, foot-stomping noughties throwback. Great intro too.

Mambo No.5 (a Little Bit of…) – Lou Bega

Bouncy and fun, this jazzy 90s Latin Pop classic is still a karaoke favourite for many over two decades later, and is excellent for getting people up on their feet. Everyone will remember this bop, and depending on how late in the evening it is, it can be quite fun watching your guests try to sing along…

Summer Days – Martin Garrix (ft. Macklemore & Patrick Stump)

The electro-funk baseline underneath vocals from unlikely combination Patrick Stump and Macklemore brings this aptly named song together to create a fun and care-free summer smash hit.

Rude – MAGIC!

Given the content of the lyrics, this is maybe an obvious choice for anyone planning their wedding playlist, no matter the season. However, the reggae infusion in this song makes this a great contender for a summer wedding song in particular.

This Girl – Kungs vs. Cookin’ On 3 Burners

With its rhythmic beats and funky riffs, this house remix of the 2009 song by Cookin’ On 3 Burners just screams summer to us. This Girl is lively, vibrant, and sure to energise your wedding guests.

Came Here for Love – Sigala, Ella Eyre

Love Island, anybody? We can’t help but think of tropical beaches and brightly coloured cocktails when we hear this song, thanks in part to its use in the hit ITV reality show. Perfect for summoning beachy holiday vibes to your summer wedding!

No matter what your music tastes are, we hope you’ve found some inspiration from our summer wedding song suggestions!

If you’re looking for a DJ to help you put together the greatest summer wedding playlist, or for a live band to cover and put a unique spin on your favourite tracks, head over to our site at https://www.entertainment-nation.co.uk/

There you’ll find professional DJs and live wedding acts of many genres, all highly experienced and specialists in wedding and party functions. Our team of helpful advisers are always available to help you find the best fit for your big day, so feel free to get in touch and let us help you find the perfect match!