The Most Requested Songs for Luxury Events & How a Live Band Delivers Them Best
Let's talk about something that can make or break an event - the music. Sure, you could plug in a playlist and call it a day, but there's something special about live music that just hits different, especially at upscale events. Whether you're planning your dream wedding or organizing a corporate gathering, the right band can transform a nice evening into an unforgettable experience.
Here's what we've learned from working with hundreds of luxury events: it's not just about playing the right songs; it's about reading the room and creating moments that become stories people tell for years to come.
So, what songs do luxury event clients ask for the most? And how does a premium party band bring them to life in a way that a playlist simply can’t? Let’s break it down.
The Most Requested Songs for Luxury Weddings
First Dance Favorites
A wedding’s first dance is one of the most intimate and emotional moments of the night, and live music makes it feel even more personal.
Some of the most requested first dance songs include:
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley / Kina Grannis
“Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
“At Last” – Etta James
“You Are the Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne
“Lover” – Taylor Swift (Acoustic Version)
High-Energy Reception Hits
Once dinner wraps up, it’s time for the dance floor to come alive. A luxury wedding band knows how to build momentum, layering songs in a way that keeps guests on their feet all night long.
Some of the most requested wedding dance floor anthems include:
“Uptown Funk” – Bruno Mars
“Shut Up and Dance” – WALK THE MOON
“September” – Earth, Wind & Fire
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” – Whitney Houston
“Dancing Queen” – ABBA
A top-tier band might start with a soft, acoustic version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” for the first dance, then gradually transition into an explosive full-band performance of “Uptown Funk” to bring the dance floor to life.
Insider Tip: The most successful receptions often feature a "power set" about 45 minutes after dinner ends. This 20-minute burst of high-energy hits gets everyone on the dance floor early, setting the tone for the entire night.
The Most Requested Songs for Corporate Galas & Private Events
Sophisticated Cocktail Hour & Dinner Music
Corporate galas and VIP events require a balance—the music should be elegant and engaging without overpowering conversation.
Some of the most requested cocktail hour & dinner songs include:
“Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra
“L-O-V-E” – Nat King Cole
“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
“Isn’t She Lovely” – Stevie Wonder
“Beyond” – Leon Bridges
Late-Night Dance Floor Favorites
Once the formalities are over, the energy shifts, and the dance floor becomes the focal point. A great live band knows how to bring the right mix of classic and modern hits to keep guests engaged.
Some of the most requested high-energy corporate event songs include:
“Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
“Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
“Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
“Valerie” – Amy Winehouse / Mark Ronson
“We Found Love” – Rihanna & Calvin Harris
How a Live Band Elevates These Songs: Instead of simply playing “Superstition,” a premium band might extend the intro with a killer horn section, giving it a funkier, more danceable feel.
Luxury Event Clients Love Medleys & Mashups
One major advantage of a live band? Creative mashups and medleys that blend multiple songs into one seamless experience.
Some of the most requested live band medleys include:
Motown Classics Medley: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” → “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” → “I Want You Back”
’80s Dance Party: “Like a Prayer” → “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” → “I Love Rock ‘N Roll”
Modern Pop Remix: “Levitating” → “Shake It Off” → “Shut Up and Dance”
A great band can seamlessly transition from one song to the next without breaking the energy, keeping the dance floor packed.
Pro Tip: Request your band's signature medleys during the booking process. The best luxury bands have carefully crafted combinations that flow perfectly and keep the energy high.
Why Live Bands Deliver These Songs Better Than a Playlist
1. Live Vocals Bring Emotion & Authenticity
Hearing “At Last” sung live with a powerful vocalist feels different than hearing it through a speaker. A live performance adds warmth, emotion, and a human connection that a pre-recorded version can’t replicate.
2. Dynamic Setlists That Adapt to the Crowd
A live band adjusts music in real time. If the crowd is loving ’90s throwbacks, the band can extend the set. If the energy dips, they can switch gears instantly.
3. Engaging, Interactive Performances
A bandleader can interact with guests, encourage singalongs, and create moments that feel unique and unscripted. A standard band might play “Don’t Stop Believin’,” but a talented wedding band can bring a guest onstage to sing the chorus, making it an unforgettable experience.
4. Live Instrumentation Adds Texture & Depth
A full horn section, a killer guitar solo, or a string arrangement over a pop hit—these details elevate live music and make the performance feel tailored to the event.
Insider Tip: The best luxury bands offer flexible instrumentation. They can scale from a 4-piece ensemble to a 12-piece band with horns and strings, adapting to your event's needs and budget. A band like Funk Cake is a great option.
Elite Party Bands from Dennis Smith Entertainment: Elevating Luxury Events
When it comes to live entertainment that captivates, energizes, and delivers a world-class experience, Dennis Smith Entertainment provides an exclusive roster of premium party bands tailored for luxury weddings, corporate galas, private celebrations, and destination events.
From high-energy dance bands to sophisticated ensembles that blend classical and contemporary sounds, Dennis Smith Entertainment curates only the best talent, ensuring that every performance is as polished as it is dynamic. Their bands, including Q The Band, Jessie’s Girls, Party on the Moon, and others, have performed at celebrity weddings, Fortune 500 events, and globally recognized galas, bringing a level of professionalism and excitement that makes any event unforgettable.
Pro Tip: Schedule a consultation with your band's vocalist before the wedding. They can help you choose a key that perfectly matches the emotional peaks of your first dance song.
What Sets Dennis Smith Entertainment Apart?
A diverse selection of elite party bands, each offering a unique, high-caliber experience.
Customizable performances, from elegant string arrangements to full-band dance sets.
Seamless event integration, working closely with planners to ensure a smooth, high-impact performance.
Internationally recognized talent, featuring Grammy-nominated artists, Billboard-charting musicians, and seasoned performers who have graced major stages.
Whether you’re looking for a band that can ignite the dance floor, provide an elegant musical backdrop, or deliver a high-energy concert experience, Dennis Smith Entertainment ensures that your event’s entertainment is nothing short of exceptional.
Be sure to book your band at least 9-12 months in advance for peak wedding dates. The most sought-after luxury bands are often secured more than a year ahead, especially for May and October events.
Planning Your Luxury Event Entertainment
Final Pro Tips:
Schedule an in-person consultation with your band's music director
Request a custom song list based on your guest demographics
Discuss stage size requirements early in the planning process
Consider adding horn or string sections for key moments
Book sound checks well in advance of guest arrival
Make Your Event Unforgettable with Dennis Smith Entertainment
The right music doesn’t just entertain—it defines the experience. Whether you're planning a luxury destination wedding, an exclusive corporate gala, or an intimate private event, Dennis Smith Entertainment provides unparalleled live performances that elevate every moment. Ready to elevate your event with world-class entertainment? Contact Dennis Smith Entertainment today!
