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The Most Requested Songs of all Time (According to Our Top Audio Visual Partners)

Written by Dianna Candido

Music hits your guests will love.

Are you involved with the music piece of the event planning puzzle? If so, you’ve likely seen music preferences change with the years, and know how important it is to cater the music setlist to the audience. But what songs are consistently still being requested for events like weddings, casual corporate gatherings, and holiday parties?


We’ve gathered the intel for you straight from a top expert in an event and production company. Theresa Hayle, Founder and Owner of BEW Productions has years of experience helping produce and manage an array of event types, including live concerts, weddings, wine events, and more.


That means that not only do they know what it takes to organize and execute intricate events, but they also have their finger on the pulse of the music industry and can give us insider information right from the source.


Here’s the list of top songs they shared with us.


Songs your guests really want to hear at parties and weddings.

If you want to give your clients an extra level of service, give them them the songs they really want to hear — without making them ask first. Here are some of the top songs you can expect to be requested at any wedding.


Journey - When the Lights Go Down in the City

Classic and timeless, we’ve got a feeling this one isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, especially for the Bay Area. We all love the City by the Bay, and hearing Journey (and the crowd) belting out these lyrics is a must for any local event. 


The Band - The Weight

This one was ALL the rage a few years ago, but it hasn’t really slowed down. Everyone knows the words and everyone can join in as soon as it starts. This one will definitely be a crowd-pleaser.


Abba - Dancing Queen

Jump up girls, this one is for you. But really, everyone should join in with this one because as much as it’s a women’s anthem, it’s got such feel-good energy it’s no wonder this one is a hit no matter the event.


Etta James - At Last!

A little love in the atmosphere? At Last! is the most timeless one on this list. A big hit with weddings and engagement parties, this smooth serenade is a song everyone will appreciate when love is in the air.


Elvis - Can’t Help Falling in Love

Okay, you got us. This one is pretty timeless as well. If this one isn’t the happy couple’s first dance, we know that at some point we’ll be hearing this gem from the speakers. On the fence? Add it to the list, because this classic isn’t going anywhere.


B52’s - Love Shack

Anyone getting flashbacks to an epic night? Love shack is a party in and of itself in under 5 minutes. Easy sing to, easy to dance to, and plain fun to listen to, this hit is one you absolutely don’t want to leave off the setlist. “Love shack, baby. That’s where it’s at!”


This a pretty great list, but it’s by no means the only ones we recommend, and every event is different. We know that it takes careful consideration to choose the right setlist.


How to choose the best songs for your event.

Every event needs an appropriate setlist. Here are our recommendations for what to consider when choosing the music for your event.


  1. Event type

Your setlist is going to look a lot different if your event is a romantic evening wedding or a low-key corporate mixer. Make sure to consider what audience you have, and the type of atmosphere you want to create.


  1. Age of audience.

Not all weddings will need the same music, just like corporate events or social gatherings aren’t all one in the same. The age of your audience will absolutely change the music for your event, so consider which generations will prefer to hear what type of music.


  1. Goal of the music.

Do you want people to dance? Do you want easy-listening background music? Do you want people to join in and sing? Consider what you want the music to do, and what role you need it to play before coming up with your setlist.


Every piece in the event planning puzzle is important — including music. “People respond to music and sound.  It affects their mood and the way they feel,” says Theresa. So it needs to be just right. A well-chosen setlist ensures your event is fun and memorable for attendees, so carefully consider what you choose.


Are you an event organizer, planner, or do music for events, or looking for someone who is?

We want to hear from you! We partner with event vendors to create memorable events, but also to connect other vendors with each other. If you’re interested in becoming one of our preferred vendors or trying to partner with a vendor, reach out! We love establishing mutually beneficial relationships with others in the event industry, and we’d love to hear from you.



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