One of the most creative ways to set your wedding reception apart from others is through the soundtrack. Particularly if you’re going with a DJ instead of a live band you’ll be able to provide as many songs as you’d like to be included throughout the evening, and that gives you a chance to set the mood. Naturally, there are some popular favorites. “Shout” is a big hit at receptions to the point that’s something of a cliché, for instance, and lately it seems as if every wedding is playing Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” Here, just to give you a few ideas, we’ll look past obvious selections and point out 10 more unexpected songs that can be wonderful for a reception.

1. “All I Want Is You” by U2

This is an idea we’re borrowing from another list of unique wedding songs, because it’s something most people would never think of, but a perfect slow song for the reception. Plus, it’s hard to beat that title and central theme for a wedding! U2 can be a little polarizing, but once this song is on and gets going, it might strike a note of nostalgia given that it’s not one of the band’s songs that is played too often.

2. “Yeah” by Usher

Once upon a time this might have been a fairly traditional choice. But this song has been almost surprisingly left in the past, to the point that it’s a nice throwback now. It’s a hard song not to dance to a little bit, which makes it a great pick for any reception playlist.

3. “One Week” by Barenaked Ladies

This song has a little bit of everything: fast parts, slow parts, nostalgia and a lasting appeal, and above all else pure fun. Most everyone below a certain age remembers this song from one thing or another, be it radio play on the way to high school or the film 10 Things I Hate About You. It’s not the easiest song to dance to but it’s guaranteed to get your guests smiling and singing along.

4. “Angeles” by Elliott Smith

Every reception needs some low-key music that isn’t for dancing so much as pleasant background material. In that regard it’s hard to beat this gentle, familiar acoustic tune. Many will associate the pretty acoustic tones and distinctive voice with the Good Will Hunting soundtrack, which used a lot of Smith’s material. In fact, Danny Elfman has said that film was the best experience he had working with an artist (meaning Smith) on songs.

5. “Baby Girl” by Sugarland

It’s a little bit hard to get away with country music on a playlist if it’s not a dominant theme of the wedding, but this is a song you can sneak in there. “Baby Girl” is pleasant and unassuming, with a theme that’s perfect for a new bride and a sound that even non-country fans can get into.

6. “Never Let You Go” by Third Eye Blind

Particularly if you and your guests were growing up during the ‘90s and/or ‘00s, everyone will appreciate Third Eye Blind coming on. They’re one of those groups people are always happy to hear even if they’re not specifically fans, and “Never Let You Go” is one of their most cheerful, carefree hits – a nice one for when the party’s just getting started.

7. “Little Wing” by Jimi Hendrix

“Little Wing” has proven to be one of the most enduring Hendrix hits. It’s been covered by the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Sting, and Eric Clapton, and included on Rolling Stone’s top 500 songs list. It has its own bonus material on a Jimi Hendrix-themed slot reel online. The game features several Hendrix tunes, but features this lovely, soft song as heavily as any. It’s a song people still know once it comes on, in other words. It’s the perfect unexpected slow dance.

8. “Another Day Of Sun” by La La Land Cast

This ensemble number from the opening sequence of La La Land still feels pretty new, but it’s likely on its way to becoming a staple at weddings. While it’s a little theatrical for an average dancer to get into, it’s pure fun and energy, and sets the perfect tone for a fun-filled evening.

9. “She Looks So Perfect” by 5 Seconds Of Summer

If you want to surprise your guests with something modern, forget about including *NSYNC or Backstreet Boys numbers (both of which tend to be pretty popular) and go for a modern boy band instead. 5 Seconds Of Summer is a little bit different in that they actually play instruments, but they’re almost like a blend of everything that was fun about late-‘90s, early-‘00s music – boy band vocals and pop/punk music – reborn in the ‘10s.

10. “Something” by The Beatles

This is one more slow song your guests probably won’t see coming, but also another one most people will remember and appreciate it. You just can’t have a bad time listening to The Beatles, and it’s a nice way to engage guests from all different age groups.