It's all about the details when you're planning a fabulous wedding reception or other special event: great food, lovely venue, gorgeous decor. But treat your guests to some awesome music and dancing and your celebration goes from fine to fabulous.

Great music is timeless; put together a playlist that spans the decades, from swing era crooners to sixties rock classics and some top 40 hits of today, and everyone from your favorite teen cousin to Great Aunt Mary will be busting a move on the dance floor.

Be inspired by a few of these tried and true crowd favorites, then be sure to check out Music Garden's bands, DJs and song lists for even more playlist suggestions.

It's a Dance Party!

Our best advice for a memorable event: have fun! Music and dancing are meant to be enjoyed. These crazy tunes are guaranteed to bring out the party animal in even the most introverted guest on your list.

• Brick House- The Commodores
• Shout- Otis Day and the Knights
• Uptown Funk!- Bruno Mars

One Word: Motown

Get the crowd on their feet and singing along with the sounds of Motown. We challenge you to stay in your seat when the band is cranking out some classic Jackson 5 or Stevie Wonder. Just a few of many, many great Motown hits that are a must for your playlist:

• Dancin' in the Streets- Martha and the Vandellas
• My Girl- The Temptations
• Respect- Aretha Franklin

Disco Rules

Seventies disco may not be your jam, but let's face it, a dance party without some Donna Summer is no party at all. You've got to love these retro hits:

• Dancing Queen- Abba
• Bad Girls- Donna Summer
• YMCA- The Village People 

The "Must Play" List

Some songs are just made for celebrating, and yes, you've heard them time and time again. While some party planners may relegate these well-worn tunes to their "do not play" list (and if you really, really can't bear the thought of hearing these one more time, do go ahead), these are oft-heard for a very good reason: they're fun to dance to!

• Celebration- Kool and the Gang
• Everybody Have Fun Tonight- Wang Chung
• Single Ladies- Beyoncé
• I Got a Feeling- The Black-Eyed Peas

Go with Classic Rock

No playlist is complete without some classic rock n' roll. You can't miss with just about anything from the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, and hey, maybe a little Elvis. The list is endless; for inspiration:

• Twist and Shout- The Beatles
• Brown-Eyed Girl- Jim Morrison

Old School Crooners

These oldies but goodies span the generations.

• New York, New York- Frank Sinatra
• The Way You Look Tonight- Tony Bennett
• Unforgettable- Nat King Cole

Cue Up Some Top 40

Refresh your playlist with a few more recent Top 40 hits, like these super-danceable selections.

• Shut Up and Dance- Walk the Moon
• Can't Stop the Feeling- Justin Timberlake

Romance Rules

It's all about the love on this special day. Slow it down with a few romantic ballads and watch all the happy couples hit the dance floor for a spin and twirl.

• At Last- Etta James
• All of Me- John Legend
• When I Fall in Love- Michael Bublé
• Unchained Melody-The Righteous Brothers

End the Night with a Classic

• What else but Donna Summer's Last Dance.

It's your party, so definitely let your wedding or event band know the vibe that you're looking for and your must-play (and do not play!) list. But it's a good idea to give your band some leeway to play the tunes they know will get the crowd out on the floor.

The staff at Music Garden has booked bands and disc jockeys for thousands of memorable events. Contact us today for more information.