Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

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It’s no secret that Michael Jackson’s music can jumpstart a party. In loving memory of the King of Pop, last year I blogged about his top 10 party songs that will get guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor. Since today marks the one-year anniversary of his passing, I dug a little deeper into MJ’s catalog to find a few songs you might have overlooked for different moments of your all-important playlist.

Song: “Lady in My Life”
Why we love it: With so many amazing songs on Thriller, a few gems just don’t get the love they deserve. This ballad is one of MJ’s most touching songs and would be perfect for your first dance together as newlyweds.
Lyrics: “And baby through the years, even when we’re old and gray, I will love you more each day, ’cause you will always be the lady in my life”
Perfect for: First dance, dinner

Song: “Baby Be Mine”
Why we love it: Another overshadowed song from Thriller, this catchy pop tune would be an upbeat alternative to a slow and lengthy first-dance song. Just for fun, you could even coordinate MJ dance moves and show off for your guests!
Lyrics: “I don’t need no dreams when I’m by your side/Every moment takes me to paradise”
Perfect for: First dance, post-dinner dancing

Song: “I Can’t Help It”
Why we love it: This loving, mid-tempo tune from Off The Wall was written by another of my all-time favorite artists, Stevie Wonder. If it was possible to embody the golden time of day when the sun starts setting and the sky slowly fades into twilight, this song would capture the mood perfectly, making it ideal music for an outdoor cocktail reception or dinner.
Lyrics: “Like a trip to heaven/Heaven is the prize/And I’m so glad I found you girl/You’re an angel in disguise”
Perfect for: Cocktail hour, dinner

Song: “Butterflies”
Why we love it: If you like Jill Scott and Maxwell, this tune is right up your alley. The soulful, R&B rhythms (written by Marsha Ambrosius of girl-group Floetry) meet Michael’s silky-smooth voice on this track from the lesser-known album, Invincible, released late in his career.
Lyrics: “I just wanna touch and kiss/And I wish that I could be with you tonight/You give me butterflies inside”
Perfect for: Cocktail hour, dinner

Song: “Got to Be There”
Why we love it: One of MJ’s first solo songs is one of his most recognized. Not only would it make a lovely first-dance song, but the tune’s popularity and references to “my girl” would also make a charming father/daughter moment.
Lyrics: “I’ve got to be there/So she knows/That when she’s with me, she’s home”
Perfect for: Father/daughter dance, first dance

Song: “My Girl”
Why we love it: This well-known Motown gem got a fresh twist when Michael covered it on the album Ben. Every guest will know the words to this beloved tune, which would work well for first or father/daughter dances, but the upbeat tempo and extra harmonies will give them a new reason to sway along.
Lyrics: “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day/When it’s cold outside I’ve got the month of May”
Perfect for: First dance, father/daughter dance

Song: “I’ll Be There”
Why we love it: Technically it’s a Jackson 5 duet, but little Michael belts out his sections of the song with maturity, confidence and grace. It’s tough not to get a little teary when hearing it on such a special occasion, so it could be an option for many different parts of your wedding day.
Lyrics: “Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter/Togetherness, well that’s all I’m after/Whenever you need me, I’ll be there”
Perfect for: First dance, father/daughter dance, cocktail hour, dinner

Need a way to ensure your older guests will shake their groove thing after dinner? Get your DJ to play one of these three Jackson 5 tracks, guaranteed to make your parents (and grandparents) boogie down!
“ABC”
“I Want You Back”
“Dancing Machine”

R.I.P. MJ! We'll always love you! <3