Planning your wedding soundtrack?🎶
Here’s your go-to list of 30 tracks that hit all the vibes — from dancefloor bangers to sweet wind-down tunes — before your ceilidh kicks off (of course).
Use this as inspo and mix in your personal faves.😍
Why this list matters🎯
A killer playlist isn’t just background noise — it sets the mood, gets people dancing, and gives your big day extra soul. You’ll want:
- Variety — genres, tempos, decades
- Recognisable tracks — so guests feel comfy to sing/dance along
- Moments of emotion & energy — from slow songs to full-on floor fillers
HEY, HAVE WE MET? 👋
If not – hiya! I’m Schuggie, the voice (and dance caller) behind the multi-award-winning Schuggie’s Ceilidhs — pronounced Shuug-ee’s Kay-lees if you were wondering 😉
Since 2012, I’ve been bringing authentic Scottish-style ceilidhs with a modern twist to weddings, parties and all-round brilliant celebrations across the UK, including the Channel Islands. I’ve called at 150+ weddings, from rustic barns and castles to festival fields and city rooftops — every ceilidh with its own wild, wonderful story.
This blog is where I share all the ceilidh gold I’ve picked up along the way — real stories, top tips, and those ‘wish we’d done that earlier!’ moments couples always talk about. 💡
If you’re planning your fun, social and inclusive wedding or want to add to your big day, I’m always up for a chat — even if I’m not part of your line-up! You can book a ceilidh chat with me right here.☕
🎶 30 Songs You’ll Love in 2026 now Spotify ready.
You don’t have to be a bit of a Tuechter to love these🤣
- The Killers — ‘Mr. Brightside’🎸
- Queen — ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’
- Walk The Moon — ‘Shut Up and Dance’
- Lizzo — ‘About Damn Time’
- Harry Styles — ‘As It Was’
- Dua Lipa — ‘Don’t Start Now’
- Florence + The Machine — ‘Dog Days Are Over’
- Ed Sheeran — ‘Shivers’
- Adele — ‘Rolling in the Deep’
- The Beatles — ‘Twist and Shout’
11. ABBA — ‘Dancing Queen’
12. Calvin Harris & Rag’n’Bone Man — ‘Giant’
13. Sia — ‘Chandelier’
14. Coldplay — ‘Viva La Vida’
15. Fleetwood Mac — ‘Go Your Own Way’
16. The Proclaimers — ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’
17. Tones And I — ‘Dance Monkey’
18. Whitney Houston — ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’
19. George Ezra — ‘Shotgun’
20. Bruno Mars — ‘24K Magic’
21. Stevie Wonder — ‘Superstition’
22. Arctic Monkeys — ‘I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor’
23. Elton John — ‘Tiny Dancer’
24. Lizzo — ‘Juice’
25. Ray LaMontagne — ‘You Are the Best Thing’
26. ABBA — ‘Waterloo’
27. Rudimental ft. Jess Glynne — ‘These Days’
28. Ed Sheeran & Beyoncé — ‘Perfect’
29. Bill Withers — ‘Lovely Day’
30. Final send-off: Runrig — ‘Loch Lomond’
Tips to make this playlist your playlist
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- Swap in personal “you two” songs — whether it’s an indie track you both love or your first-date song.
- Watch transitions — don’t go from heartbreak ballad straight into EDM; have a bridging track.
- Consider tempo curves — start mellow, build to big energy, then wind down.
- Lean into Scottish/folk flair — slip in versions with pipes, fiddle remixes or ceilidh covers.
- Ask guests — include a “must-play” song request line on your RSVPs.
Why you’ll want a ceilidh (and where this fits in)
You’ve picked the perfect playlist, now cue in the ceilidh. Here’s where I step in:
- My style: fast, fun Scottish ceilidh with a modern twist
- Options: Ceilidh + DJ combo (playlist + live) or full acoustic + caller
- Everyone dances with everyone — no pressure, just silliness and togetherness
Want help integrating these 30 tracks with your ceilidh flow — or building a full playlist from scratch for your day? I’ve got you. Just click on the playlist, and if you aren’t sure what to do, book a chat and I’ll help you with it. When you are prompted for wedding details, just say you want help with your Spotify Playlist.
More About Schuggie 🎶
So, you’ve nailed the date, locked in your venue, and now comes the big question: how do we make sure everyone actually has fun?
Because let’s be honest — years from now, people won’t remember what flowers were on the table or which shade of napkins you picked. What they will remember? The night they laughed, danced, and sang until their voices cracked. The night your nan was swinging your uni mates around the dancefloor. The night everyone, from your pals to your parents, joined in together.
That’s where I come in.
Who am I?
I’m Schuggie — ceilidh caller, kilt-wearer, professional mischief-maker. I was born and raised in Inverness, right in the heart of the Scottish Highlands (yep, proper Outlander country). I grew up surrounded by ceilidhs, live music, and that one simple truth: when people dance together, something magical happens.
These days, I take that tradition and give it a fresh twist. My ceilidhs are fun, social and inclusive, with a little bit of chaos in the best possible way.
Think proper Scottish vibes, but with a playlist and energy that feel bang-up-to-date.
What I do?
I run ceilidhs for weddings, parties, and events all over the UK.
- Want a CeilidhDJ setup with recorded tracks, mixing ceilidh dances and your fave party anthems? Sorted.
- Prefer the full band experience with three live musicians and me calling the dances? Even better.
- Need something flexible, bespoke, or completely off-the-wall? Let’s talk — ceilidhs are made to adapt.
And don’t worry if half your guests have never even heard of a Gay Gordons before. That’s what I’m here for. As your caller, I explain everything in plain English (no dance jargon), keep it moving, and make sure nobody feels left out.
Why ceilidhs just work
Here’s the secret: ceilidhs aren’t about dancing perfectly. They’re about throwing yourself into it, laughing when you inevitably go the wrong way, and sharing the moment with the people around you.
- Everyone dances with everyone — it’s the ultimate ice-breaker
- The more people, the more fun (ceilidhs thrive on big crowds)
- No one feels awkward because honestly? No one really knows what they’re doing 🤣
- Perfect for weddings where you’ve got guests from all walks of life — ceilidhs connect them instantly
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen complete strangers walk in… and leave the dancefloor as new pals.
Ceilidhs & weddings = a perfect match
Your ceilidh can even double up as your first dance alternative (yes, really). Imagine skipping the awkward shuffle and instead leading your guests into something lively and joyful — it sets the tone for the whole night.
Want to do a deep dive? Check out my blogs:
Ready to make it happen?
All my prices and packages are upfront on my site (no hidden nonsense). If you don’t see the exact fit for your day, just drop me a message — I love creating custom packages that work for you.
You can even check my availability here📅 and secure your date in a couple of clicks.
Because honestly, planning your wedding entertainment should be as easy — and as fun — as dancing at the ceilidh itself.
