by Tim Howard

Created on: May 24, 2008

Attending a wedding reception usually goes something like this; free drinks, more free drinks, a mad dash for free drinks before the open bar closes, a mediocre meal followed by yet even more free drinks followed by the reason most everyone came, dancing. The dancing is fueled by a DJ or band playing time tested crowd pleasers and by all that free alcohol. No matter what the social affiliation of those at the wedding, more often times than not the music that fills the dance floor is R&B. What follows is an unscientifically compiled top ten list of the best R&B to fill the dance floor at a reception.

#10- Where Did Our Love Go? The Supremes- This song is a baby boomer classic that will get everyone from Grandma to the flower girl out on the floor. Bands love playing this number because it is easy and can be stretched out for gimmicks such as the garter toss, etc. If your crowd is more classic rock, try the J Geils version or for the alternative kids spin the Soft Cell version.

#9- Let's Stay Together Al Green- A good change of pace number that is good for chilling everyone out. The song's lyrics are perfect for the whole matrimonial bliss thing even though Al's wife scalded him with boiling grits while he was in the bathtub. Also check out Tina Turner's cover.

#8- Here and Now Luther Vandross- Another slow burner that has the great love themed lyrics. This one is guaranteed to fill the dance floor with all those guys who have been waiting for a slow number.

#7- Bust a Move Young MC- Some of the older folks might choose to sit this one out but it is still a crowd pleaser. Perhaps it does not fit the classic R&B mold but it is still a good one.

#6- We Are Family Sister Sledge- A must if either of the families has sisters. My wife and her sisters never miss this one. "We are family. I got all my sisters with me." Enough said.

#5- Stayin Alive The Bee Gees- Another crowd pleaser sure to fill the dance floor. Watch for someone's drunken uncle putting on their best Travolta imitation.

#4- Mustang Sally Wilson Pickett- A can't miss with the boomer crowd. Also try the Commitments version from the movie soundtrack.

#3- YMCA The Village People- Can you say audience participation? Even the little ones love this number despite the true meaning of the lyrics.

#2- When a Man Loves a Woman Percy Sledge- The lyrics and the slow jam are a win-win. Nearly every couple in the hall will be out for this one.

#1- Celebration Kool & the Gang- C'mon, did you really think that it was going to be something else?

By no means an exhaustive list, this is more a thumbnail of the most popular R&B songs that you will hear at a wedding. My list probably skews older demographically but the cool thing about weddings is that you are trying to get everyone to participate. As brides and grooms get younger newer music will be represented.

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