We humans are a strange bunch. There’s no rhyme or reason when it comes to how a song or musical work resonates with large segments of the population. Music is usually an integral part of wedding celebrations. From the processional of a wedding party down the aisle to the song chosen as a first dance at the reception, the song selection is an important and intentional decision when it comes to details on the big day. Surprisingly enough, many of the world’s most popular wedding songs either have nothing to do with marriage or are the complete opposite of a happy love song. Let’s explore some of these popular and enduring classics.
Stalking in Songs
If you’re not listening closely, The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” sounds like devotion to a spouse or lover. Listen again and pay closer attention to the lyrics. These are the thoughts of someone who is really obsessed with someone else. The feelings are so strong that the singer is letting the object of his obsession know that he is continuously tormented that they’re not together, so the consolation prize is constant stalking. A marriage should be built on several things. Obsession isn’t one of them.
Songs Of Letting Go
Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” became a global hit when singer Whitney Houston covered it for 1992’s “The Bodyguard” soundtrack. Couples all over the world made this classic a part of their wedding playlists. A closer inspection of the lyrics shows that the singer is mourning a past relationship and saying goodbye to lost love. Viewed through that lens, the song title becomes less romantic affirmation and more of a stalker’s anthem. That won’t stop its popularity as a love song, even for weddings. For what it’s worth, Dolly Parton wrote the song when she was breaking up with a long-time mentor and business partner to go her own way.
Feeling Bitter
Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman” is an enduring soul classic. Percy offers raw, gritty vocals as he runs down the things that a lovestruck man does for the object of his affections. This slow ballad is a go-to for the first dance between the newlyweds at the reception. Who doesn’t love a man being completely vulnerable about his feelings? Revisiting the lyrics reveals that they’re the thoughts of a man who is bitter about the things he did for love.
Carrying On
Canada’s own songbird Celine Dion has built her career on love songs, several of which are popular choices for weddings. Classics like “The Power of Love” and “Because You Loved Me” were chart-toppers in multiple countries, but “My Heart Will Go On” remains her biggest love song. The main theme from the movie “Titanic,” this song describes a woman pledging her love for a lover separated by distance and time. Yes, this song is an ode to a deceased lover. That might not matter to you, given Celine’s powerful, passionate vocals.
Fighting Boredom
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars is a modern go-to, not only for wedding receptions but proposals as well. This oft-misunderstood song describes the decision to say “I do” on a whim because the singer is bored and looking for something to do. Even the lyrics make room for the proposed to break things up given that this wasn’t a serious desire to marry. This up-tempo banger brings the high energy that Bruno Mars fans love, but the lyrics are incongruous with the idea of a serious, lifelong commitment of marriage. Just so we’re clear.
When it comes to wedding music, you and your partner are free to play songs that hold special meaning or bring to mind important times in your relationship. These could be songs of any theme, genre, or era of music. That said, if words matter, you should probably reconsider making some of these songs part of your wedding soundtrack.
With all that goes into preparing for your nuptials, it’s easy to overlook a big part of the day: music. For many people, music is an important aspect of the celebration. You might have background songs playing as invitees gather at the wedding venue. You’ll want to choose the songs for walking down the aisle and exiting as married couples. Then there’s also the reception. If there are traditional dances between the newlyweds as well as parents, you’ll need to carefully consider songs for those special moments as well.
Making an Entrance
When it comes to walking down the aisle, it’s important to think about songs that set a mood and work well with that mood or vibe. Some people go for classical processionals such as Richard Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” (a.k.a. “Here Comes the Bride”), Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” or Jeremiah Clarke’s “Prince of Denmark’s March.” These pieces are easily recognizable by most people, especially the opening fanfare of “Here Comes the Bride,” which signals that a bride or other wedding partner is coming.
For those who prefer something a bit more modern and nontraditional, the pace of processional music is a key consideration. Walking down the aisle is usually slower than a normal pace, especially when there are high heels, gowns, and long trains involved. Your guests want to have time to behold the wedding party, especially the happy couple. Songs that are too fast may not work for the processional. Consider these classic tunes:
“At Last” by Etta James
“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
“Your Song” by Elton John
“To Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
“Kiss From a Rose” by Seal
“Here and Now” by Luther Vandross
“All of Me” by John Legend
On your special day, you get to choose what works for you and your partner. There’s no one particular genre or style that must be reserved for making a grand entrance.
Leaving as Newlyweds
If classical traditional tunes are right up your alley (or aisle), Felix Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” from the Shakespeare play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is commonly used as a recessional. Canadian celebrants and their guests will recognize the fanfare as a cue for the newlyweds and the rest of the party to walk up the aisle and exit. Another classical option is Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” from his Ninth Symphony, which is also known as the tune to the hymn “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.”
Witnessing a new couple being pronounced as spouses is a cause for celebration. For a different approach to a wedding recessional, it’s fine to go with something livelier and more upbeat than the processional. Here are some suggestions for the coda to your ceremony:
“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
“Happy Together” by The Turtles
“I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher
“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
“To Love You More” by Canada’s very own Celine Dion
“Celebration” by Kool and the Gang
You can choose music specifically for the exit of the wedding party or music for the guests to exit to also.
Music For the Special Dance
Most receptions feature music from a DJ or live performers. You or the professionals hired can curate a special playlist for the event, but you should pay special attention to songs used for a dance between newlyweds or a newlywed and a parent or in-law. There’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to picking a song. Look for songs that hold special meaning to you as a couple, especially ones related to where you’ve been and where you’re headed.
Music is an important part of the wedding day celebration. From the ceremony to the reception, songs go a long way to conveying your feelings about the big day and the life ahead. We tend to associate music with major milestones and memories, so choose carefully and thoughtfully.
The music that plays during a wedding is incredibly important to the overall success of the event. Like the food being served, the tunes that fill the air will be what guests remember most. If your DJ doesn’t know how to keep the crowd engaged, for example, you could be looking at a ceremony that falls flat. While the entertainers are responsible for most of the musical selections, there are some choices that fall directly on your shoulders. Specifically, you need to decide what song you’ll use for your first dance as a married couple.
Though it is an easy decision for some, there are countless couples who struggle with this choice. Make the process slightly less demanding by using these tips to narrow your search.
The Obvious Choices
There are a few easy places to look first when starting this musical journey. For one, songs tend to play a big part in many romances. From the tunes that played on the day you first met to the lyrics that you sang along to in the car together, there’s likely a long list of songs that you can draw from. While you may not find the right fit this way, you’ll at least be able to give the rest of your search better parameters by looking over the music of your love story.
The Common Ground
It isn’t uncommon for couples to have very different tastes in music. If you and your partner keep your Spotify accounts separate for a reason, then you may feel nervous about finding a good song to dance to together. Thankfully, even those with the most disparate of preferences have some common ground. It might require some hard work and effort, but digging into each other’s libraries is sure to unearth a bunch of songs you both love and wouldn’t mind using to underscore a big moment of the night.
The Lyrical Relevance
If you’re unable to find a good fit in the collection of music you already know, it might be a good idea to take a peek at some tunes that are new. Instead of just seeking out “new music” and sorting through the onslaught of choices presented to you, try to narrow the results by lyrical relevance. There are countless fitting love songs, both recent gems and old standards, that you may not be familiar with. Reading over some lyrics and listening to the tracks on YouTube can introduce you to a wealth of interesting possibilities.
The Reservations
One issue that you’re likely to encounter when picking songs with your partner is feeling like you may alienate the crowd. If you have unique or unusual musical tastes, you may be concerned selecting something unconventional will be embarrassing in some capacity. This is your moment, however, and you should never opt for music that isn’t to your liking. You can go with “At Last” by Etta James and use a song that has been played for endless first dances at weddings, or you can select a track that accurately captures the relationship you’ve built together.
The Last Thoughts
Choosing music for your wedding should be a fun experience. If you’re getting stressed about your first dance, then step away from the task and give yourself a chance to breathe. With so many other responsibilities to worry about during the planning process, allowing a single duty to dominate your mind and available time can be incredibly counterproductive.
Picking the right tunes for your big day involves more than a passing thought. Whether you have different tastes or you just don’t know where to begin, you will find sorting through a plethora of options with your partner will help you create the perfect soundtrack you can use for your first dance as a married couple.
A newly solemnized union is definitely a cause for celebration, leading to a wedding reception as the perfect opportunity to party with loved ones. After all, this will be the first day of the rest of your life and there’s nothing quite like a reception to kick things off. Dancing is a must at your reception, and when it comes to important choices, forget the chicken or the fish. It’s all about the music, and you need to decide on your source of entertainment. Should you go with a live band or a DJ? Here are some things to consider.
Putting First Things First
As with other reception details, you need to consider your budget and what works for your set of plans. You’ll probably spend more on a good live band than you will for a good DJ, but in both cases, you get what you pay for. It’s important to research potential musicians or DJs beforehand. Look for YouTube videos and client reviews, which a good live band or DJ will have. If you’ve enjoyed the entertainment at a loved one’s reception or other celebration, you can ask for referrals. Your best choices will be professional and have a “resume” and set pricing plan.
Choosing a Live Band
Some considerations for having live music at your reception include the following:
Crowd Participation: A great band doesn’t just play music well; they also know how to put on a show that engages your audience. A reception is a celebration with your nearest and dearest, and a band that knows how to keep the party “live” helps make your event more fun.
Versatility: A live band can help set the mood throughout the entire event. They can provide ceremony music as well as background music for toasts, bouquet tosses and more.
Stylistic Diversity: Some bands specialize in one type of genre and sound, while others have a more diverse repertoire to work with. This should be a major factor in your decision.
Venue Space: Generally, a band needs a stage as well as space for using and storing instruments and equipment.
Previous Performance Footage: Again, really good bands will have recordings of past performances for you to see how they sound and how well they were received.
Going With a DJ
If you’re looking for someone to get the party jumping, ponder these things:
Perfect Playlist: Good DJs will work with you to come up with a curated playlist of songs to keep the energy high. If there are certain songs that you want to include for group fun, like Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” you can make requests ahead of time.
Reception Only: DJs are generally hired to provide reception music, so you will need alternate plans for the wedding ceremony.
Available Space: The average setup won’t take as much room as that of a band in most cases. This is important if space comes at a premium at your venue.
Party All the Time: Thanks to technology, DJs can usually play music uninterrupted at length. Bands generally need to take breaks every now and then.
Referrals: Not all DJs are in the habit of recording their gigs, but every potential supplier should be able to provide client references.
Double Duty: Unlike classic hip-hop, some DJs are also great emcees. If you need one to pull double duty, keep that in mind when evaluating your choices.
The reception is an important part of your special day. It’s a time when you and your loved ones get to interact and celebrate after you tie the knot. Music is an important element of a reception. Both DJs and live bands can help you set a party atmosphere, but consider their differences as you plan your nuptials.
Music forms the soundtracks to human life. Whether we’re working, playing a game, cooking, out with friends, or anything else, music moves us emotionally and mentally. Your wedding day is no different. Just like colors and brushstrokes craft a painting’s finer details, music can shape the mood and color of your event. This short guide explains what you need to know about reception music. You’ll also see some great tips for picking songs you and your guests will love.
Tunes for Your Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hour is a transition between your ceremony and reception dinner. With that in mind, the music should help your guests get into the mood. Expert Kristi Kellogg suggests selections that are uplifting but still promote a more relaxed vibe. Keep the slower songs for dinner hour or key moments on the dance floor. Faster songs are best after dinner hour’s over.
You’ll need about an hour’s worth of music, depending on your event’s schedule. Ideally, the cadence, speed, and volume should allow your guests to easily carry on conversations with the music going.
A Little Dinner Music, Maestro
Your budget may have room for music during dinner, supplied by your DJ or band. Martha Stewart Weddings mentions that it can add ambiance to the meal. Your guests can relax and enjoy their cuisine — just like you do when you’re dining out. When booking your entertainer of choice, you should inquire about additional costs for live music or a dinnertime playlist. Make sure it’s reflected in your price and your contract before you sign on the dotted line.
While you’re negotiating with your entertainers, don’t forget to discuss how dinner music will impact breaks and meals for your entertainers. This vendor etiquette guide from Brides offers useful advice on scheduling. Entertainers may want to eat during your cocktail hour and take shorter breaks during your wedding toasts. Another Martha Stewart Weddings piece suggests coordinating with your wedding planner and vendors on a break schedule.
Once you’ve elected to play dinner music, you must next decide what to play. You can collaborate with your entertainer to come up with ideas. If you’re working with a live band, the members may have some dinner standards they like to play. DJs also have some go-to selections for mealtime music. Avoid anything that’s super-loud or energetic — jazz, instrumentals, romantic songs, and anything with soft vocals are good choices.
Songs for Important Moments
Cocktail hour and dinner help create the mood. But specific songs punctuate key moments during your reception. The best way to choose those songs, says Wedding Wire Canada’s Alice Prendergast, is collaborating with your band or DJ. Don’t try to select all this music on your own. What’s more, you don’t want to finalize your selections without chatting with your entertainers.
When you’re picking special songs for your event, having a checklist can be helpful. In another Wedding Wire Canada article, Prendergast provides a comprehensive list of key moments during the reception. You have the entrance plus the first couple’s and parent-child dances. Meanwhile, you’ll want to keep some other reception music details in mind. You can combine the entrance and first dance, for instance, and use one song for this vital moment. Of course, that depends on if or how your DJ or bandleader introduces the rest of your entourage — your parents, the wedding party, and so forth. Certified wedding planner Judit Covarrubias Garcia clarifies that these introductions are optional.
Music to Your Ears
Details are key when you’re designing your wedding. If you’re like many couples, you’ll take time and care picking your music. Work with your DJ or band to construct playlists for cocktail hour and dinner, plus vital moments like the first dance and cake cutting. Keeping the mood and moment in mind will also help your special day be even more memorable.
Your wedding DJ can help you craft the perfect soundtrack for your wedding, so picking one with the right experience and flexibility is important.
Music is one of the more important elements of your wedding. Though you might spend a lot of time selecting décor, signature drinks, and flowers, guests are more likely to remember what music played throughout the course of the event. While you may believe you have excellent taste in tunes, a quick examination of your iTunes library might prove otherwise. Luckily, you and your partner are not going to be solely responsible for selecting the soundtrack of the evening. In most cases, the task will be left to the DJ you select for your needs.
Before you hire a DJ, you might want to ask a few important questions of your potential candidates. Having a clear idea of what an entertainer can offer and how successful he or she has been in the past can help you in making your final selection. Look over a few of these questions to ask DJs before you hire anyone, and you might have an easier time finding the right fit for your special day.
Experience Required
As with any vendor or service provider you work with, you want to get a solid understanding of this individual’s previous experiences. The longer someone has worked in a specific field, the more likely he or she knows how to go above and beyond during a wedding. Right away, speak with potential candidates about their previous experiences and how many events they have provided music for. Getting a feel for this can help you determine if the person is a qualified individual for your needs.
Seeing is believing, as they say, so you might find it most helpful to ask your candidates for a bit of proof. A DJ who tells you he has worked hundreds of weddings in the past might simply be exaggerating in order to get your business. A great way to get an actual idea of how a DJ will perform at your event is by asking for video from previous jobs. Most DJs will have video clips ready to show potential clients, so be sure to take note of any DJs who seem surprised by your request.
DJ Selection Process
Your DJ is also going to be a powerful resource for you as you move through additional phases of planning for your wedding. Many moments of your reception need to be underscored by music. When you have absolutely no idea what tune to play for specific moments, you are going to need help from someone who has a better idea. When you trust your DJ and his or her tastes, you have a perfect resource available to help you find an ideal soundtrack for each and every aspect of the night.
Before hiring any potential candidate, be sure to ask about whether the person can help you with picking songs. Though most DJs are more than happy to help in this regard, there are also several candidates out there who do not like to get involved with song selection. Should you need this help desperately, be sure to opt for a candidate who can actually deliver on assistance.
Requests
Finally, you need to think about requests. Some couples do not like to give guests the power of requesting songs, as it can disrupt the flow of the night. Still, you might want to allow the people at your wedding a bit of control. Regardless of what your personal preference might be, you need to make sure your DJ allows requests. Ask this early and come up with your own plan from there.
Giving your event the right soundtrack is all about picking a DJ you love. In order to feel confident in your decision, be sure to meet with your candidates early and talk through any important questions you might have about services.
We humans are a strange bunch. There’s no rhyme or reason when it comes to how a song or musical work resonates with large segments of the population. Music is usually an integral part of wedding celebrations. From the processional of a wedding party down the aisle to the song chosen as a first dance at the reception, the song selection is an important and intentional decision when it comes to details on the big day. Surprisingly enough, many of the world’s most popular wedding songs either have nothing to do with marriage or are the complete opposite of a happy love song. Let’s explore some of these popular and enduring classics.
Stalking in Songs
If you’re not listening closely, The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” sounds like devotion to a spouse or lover. Listen again and pay closer attention to the lyrics. These are the thoughts of someone who is really obsessed with someone else. The feelings are so strong that the singer is letting the object of his obsession know that he is continuously tormented that they’re not together, so the consolation prize is constant stalking. A marriage should be built on several things. Obsession isn’t one of them.
Songs Of Letting Go
Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” became a global hit when singer Whitney Houston covered it for 1992’s “The Bodyguard” soundtrack. Couples all over the world made this classic a part of their wedding playlists. A closer inspection of the lyrics shows that the singer is mourning a past relationship and saying goodbye to lost love. Viewed through that lens, the song title becomes less romantic affirmation and more of a stalker’s anthem. That won’t stop its popularity as a love song, even for weddings. For what it’s worth, Dolly Parton wrote the song when she was breaking up with a long-time mentor and business partner to go her own way.
Feeling Bitter
Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman” is an enduring soul classic. Percy offers raw, gritty vocals as he runs down the things that a lovestruck man does for the object of his affections. This slow ballad is a go-to for the first dance between the newlyweds at the reception. Who doesn’t love a man being completely vulnerable about his feelings? Revisiting the lyrics reveals that they’re the thoughts of a man who is bitter about the things he did for love.
Carrying On
Canada’s own songbird Celine Dion has built her career on love songs, several of which are popular choices for weddings. Classics like “The Power of Love” and “Because You Loved Me” were chart-toppers in multiple countries, but “My Heart Will Go On” remains her biggest love song. The main theme from the movie “Titanic,” this song describes a woman pledging her love for a lover separated by distance and time. Yes, this song is an ode to a deceased lover. That might not matter to you, given Celine’s powerful, passionate vocals.
Fighting Boredom
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars is a modern go-to, not only for wedding receptions but proposals as well. This oft-misunderstood song describes the decision to say “I do” on a whim because the singer is bored and looking for something to do. Even the lyrics make room for the proposed to break things up given that this wasn’t a serious desire to marry. This up-tempo banger brings the high energy that Bruno Mars fans love, but the lyrics are incongruous with the idea of a serious, lifelong commitment of marriage. Just so we’re clear.
When it comes to wedding music, you and your partner are free to play songs that hold special meaning or bring to mind important times in your relationship. These could be songs of any theme, genre, or era of music. That said, if words matter, you should probably reconsider making some of these songs part of your wedding soundtrack.
With all that goes into preparing for your nuptials, it’s easy to overlook a big part of the day: music. For many people, music is an important aspect of the celebration. You might have background songs playing as invitees gather at the wedding venue. You’ll want to choose the songs for walking down the aisle and exiting as married couples. Then there’s also the reception. If there are traditional dances between the newlyweds as well as parents, you’ll need to carefully consider songs for those special moments as well.
Making an Entrance
When it comes to walking down the aisle, it’s important to think about songs that set a mood and work well with that mood or vibe. Some people go for classical processionals such as Richard Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” (a.k.a. “Here Comes the Bride”), Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” or Jeremiah Clarke’s “Prince of Denmark’s March.” These pieces are easily recognizable by most people, especially the opening fanfare of “Here Comes the Bride,” which signals that a bride or other wedding partner is coming.
For those who prefer something a bit more modern and nontraditional, the pace of processional music is a key consideration. Walking down the aisle is usually slower than a normal pace, especially when there are high heels, gowns, and long trains involved. Your guests want to have time to behold the wedding party, especially the happy couple. Songs that are too fast may not work for the processional. Consider these classic tunes:
“At Last” by Etta James
“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
“Your Song” by Elton John
“To Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
“Kiss From a Rose” by Seal
“Here and Now” by Luther Vandross
“All of Me” by John Legend
On your special day, you get to choose what works for you and your partner. There’s no one particular genre or style that must be reserved for making a grand entrance.
Leaving as Newlyweds
If classical traditional tunes are right up your alley (or aisle), Felix Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” from the Shakespeare play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is commonly used as a recessional. Canadian celebrants and their guests will recognize the fanfare as a cue for the newlyweds and the rest of the party to walk up the aisle and exit. Another classical option is Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” from his Ninth Symphony, which is also known as the tune to the hymn “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.”
Witnessing a new couple being pronounced as spouses is a cause for celebration. For a different approach to a wedding recessional, it’s fine to go with something livelier and more upbeat than the processional. Here are some suggestions for the coda to your ceremony:
“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
“Happy Together” by The Turtles
“I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher
“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
“To Love You More” by Canada’s very own Celine Dion
“Celebration” by Kool and the Gang
You can choose music specifically for the exit of the wedding party or music for the guests to exit to also.
Music For the Special Dance
Most receptions feature music from a DJ or live performers. You or the professionals hired can curate a special playlist for the event, but you should pay special attention to songs used for a dance between newlyweds or a newlywed and a parent or in-law. There’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to picking a song. Look for songs that hold special meaning to you as a couple, especially ones related to where you’ve been and where you’re headed.
Music is an important part of the wedding day celebration. From the ceremony to the reception, songs go a long way to conveying your feelings about the big day and the life ahead. We tend to associate music with major milestones and memories, so choose carefully and thoughtfully.
The music that plays during a wedding is incredibly important to the overall success of the event. Like the food being served, the tunes that fill the air will be what guests remember most. If your DJ doesn’t know how to keep the crowd engaged, for example, you could be looking at a ceremony that falls flat. While the entertainers are responsible for most of the musical selections, there are some choices that fall directly on your shoulders. Specifically, you need to decide what song you’ll use for your first dance as a married couple.
Though it is an easy decision for some, there are countless couples who struggle with this choice. Make the process slightly less demanding by using these tips to narrow your search.
The Obvious Choices
There are a few easy places to look first when starting this musical journey. For one, songs tend to play a big part in many romances. From the tunes that played on the day you first met to the lyrics that you sang along to in the car together, there’s likely a long list of songs that you can draw from. While you may not find the right fit this way, you’ll at least be able to give the rest of your search better parameters by looking over the music of your love story.
The Common Ground
It isn’t uncommon for couples to have very different tastes in music. If you and your partner keep your Spotify accounts separate for a reason, then you may feel nervous about finding a good song to dance to together. Thankfully, even those with the most disparate of preferences have some common ground. It might require some hard work and effort, but digging into each other’s libraries is sure to unearth a bunch of songs you both love and wouldn’t mind using to underscore a big moment of the night.
The Lyrical Relevance
If you’re unable to find a good fit in the collection of music you already know, it might be a good idea to take a peek at some tunes that are new. Instead of just seeking out “new music” and sorting through the onslaught of choices presented to you, try to narrow the results by lyrical relevance. There are countless fitting love songs, both recent gems and old standards, that you may not be familiar with. Reading over some lyrics and listening to the tracks on YouTube can introduce you to a wealth of interesting possibilities.
The Reservations
One issue that you’re likely to encounter when picking songs with your partner is feeling like you may alienate the crowd. If you have unique or unusual musical tastes, you may be concerned selecting something unconventional will be embarrassing in some capacity. This is your moment, however, and you should never opt for music that isn’t to your liking. You can go with “At Last” by Etta James and use a song that has been played for endless first dances at weddings, or you can select a track that accurately captures the relationship you’ve built together.
The Last Thoughts
Choosing music for your wedding should be a fun experience. If you’re getting stressed about your first dance, then step away from the task and give yourself a chance to breathe. With so many other responsibilities to worry about during the planning process, allowing a single duty to dominate your mind and available time can be incredibly counterproductive.
Picking the right tunes for your big day involves more than a passing thought. Whether you have different tastes or you just don’t know where to begin, you will find sorting through a plethora of options with your partner will help you create the perfect soundtrack you can use for your first dance as a married couple.
A newly solemnized union is definitely a cause for celebration, leading to a wedding reception as the perfect opportunity to party with loved ones. After all, this will be the first day of the rest of your life and there’s nothing quite like a reception to kick things off. Dancing is a must at your reception, and when it comes to important choices, forget the chicken or the fish. It’s all about the music, and you need to decide on your source of entertainment. Should you go with a live band or a DJ? Here are some things to consider.
Putting First Things First
As with other reception details, you need to consider your budget and what works for your set of plans. You’ll probably spend more on a good live band than you will for a good DJ, but in both cases, you get what you pay for. It’s important to research potential musicians or DJs beforehand. Look for YouTube videos and client reviews, which a good live band or DJ will have. If you’ve enjoyed the entertainment at a loved one’s reception or other celebration, you can ask for referrals. Your best choices will be professional and have a “resume” and set pricing plan.
Choosing a Live Band
Some considerations for having live music at your reception include the following:
Crowd Participation: A great band doesn’t just play music well; they also know how to put on a show that engages your audience. A reception is a celebration with your nearest and dearest, and a band that knows how to keep the party “live” helps make your event more fun.
Versatility: A live band can help set the mood throughout the entire event. They can provide ceremony music as well as background music for toasts, bouquet tosses and more.
Stylistic Diversity: Some bands specialize in one type of genre and sound, while others have a more diverse repertoire to work with. This should be a major factor in your decision.
Venue Space: Generally, a band needs a stage as well as space for using and storing instruments and equipment.
Previous Performance Footage: Again, really good bands will have recordings of past performances for you to see how they sound and how well they were received.
Going With a DJ
If you’re looking for someone to get the party jumping, ponder these things:
Perfect Playlist: Good DJs will work with you to come up with a curated playlist of songs to keep the energy high. If there are certain songs that you want to include for group fun, like Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” you can make requests ahead of time.
Reception Only: DJs are generally hired to provide reception music, so you will need alternate plans for the wedding ceremony.
Available Space: The average setup won’t take as much room as that of a band in most cases. This is important if space comes at a premium at your venue.
Party All the Time: Thanks to technology, DJs can usually play music uninterrupted at length. Bands generally need to take breaks every now and then.
Referrals: Not all DJs are in the habit of recording their gigs, but every potential supplier should be able to provide client references.
Double Duty: Unlike classic hip-hop, some DJs are also great emcees. If you need one to pull double duty, keep that in mind when evaluating your choices.
The reception is an important part of your special day. It’s a time when you and your loved ones get to interact and celebrate after you tie the knot. Music is an important element of a reception. Both DJs and live bands can help you set a party atmosphere, but consider their differences as you plan your nuptials.
Music forms the soundtracks to human life. Whether we’re working, playing a game, cooking, out with friends, or anything else, music moves us emotionally and mentally. Your wedding day is no different. Just like colors and brushstrokes craft a painting’s finer details, music can shape the mood and color of your event. This short guide explains what you need to know about reception music. You’ll also see some great tips for picking songs you and your guests will love.
Tunes for Your Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hour is a transition between your ceremony and reception dinner. With that in mind, the music should help your guests get into the mood. Expert Kristi Kellogg suggests selections that are uplifting but still promote a more relaxed vibe. Keep the slower songs for dinner hour or key moments on the dance floor. Faster songs are best after dinner hour’s over.
You’ll need about an hour’s worth of music, depending on your event’s schedule. Ideally, the cadence, speed, and volume should allow your guests to easily carry on conversations with the music going.
A Little Dinner Music, Maestro
Your budget may have room for music during dinner, supplied by your DJ or band. Martha Stewart Weddings mentions that it can add ambiance to the meal. Your guests can relax and enjoy their cuisine — just like you do when you’re dining out. When booking your entertainer of choice, you should inquire about additional costs for live music or a dinnertime playlist. Make sure it’s reflected in your price and your contract before you sign on the dotted line.
While you’re negotiating with your entertainers, don’t forget to discuss how dinner music will impact breaks and meals for your entertainers. This vendor etiquette guide from Brides offers useful advice on scheduling. Entertainers may want to eat during your cocktail hour and take shorter breaks during your wedding toasts. Another Martha Stewart Weddings piece suggests coordinating with your wedding planner and vendors on a break schedule.
Once you’ve elected to play dinner music, you must next decide what to play. You can collaborate with your entertainer to come up with ideas. If you’re working with a live band, the members may have some dinner standards they like to play. DJs also have some go-to selections for mealtime music. Avoid anything that’s super-loud or energetic — jazz, instrumentals, romantic songs, and anything with soft vocals are good choices.
Songs for Important Moments
Cocktail hour and dinner help create the mood. But specific songs punctuate key moments during your reception. The best way to choose those songs, says Wedding Wire Canada’s Alice Prendergast, is collaborating with your band or DJ. Don’t try to select all this music on your own. What’s more, you don’t want to finalize your selections without chatting with your entertainers.
When you’re picking special songs for your event, having a checklist can be helpful. In another Wedding Wire Canada article, Prendergast provides a comprehensive list of key moments during the reception. You have the entrance plus the first couple’s and parent-child dances. Meanwhile, you’ll want to keep some other reception music details in mind. You can combine the entrance and first dance, for instance, and use one song for this vital moment. Of course, that depends on if or how your DJ or bandleader introduces the rest of your entourage — your parents, the wedding party, and so forth. Certified wedding planner Judit Covarrubias Garcia clarifies that these introductions are optional.
Music to Your Ears
Details are key when you’re designing your wedding. If you’re like many couples, you’ll take time and care picking your music. Work with your DJ or band to construct playlists for cocktail hour and dinner, plus vital moments like the first dance and cake cutting. Keeping the mood and moment in mind will also help your special day be even more memorable.
Your wedding DJ can help you craft the perfect soundtrack for your wedding, so picking one with the right experience and flexibility is important.
Music is one of the more important elements of your wedding. Though you might spend a lot of time selecting décor, signature drinks, and flowers, guests are more likely to remember what music played throughout the course of the event. While you may believe you have excellent taste in tunes, a quick examination of your iTunes library might prove otherwise. Luckily, you and your partner are not going to be solely responsible for selecting the soundtrack of the evening. In most cases, the task will be left to the DJ you select for your needs.
Before you hire a DJ, you might want to ask a few important questions of your potential candidates. Having a clear idea of what an entertainer can offer and how successful he or she has been in the past can help you in making your final selection. Look over a few of these questions to ask DJs before you hire anyone, and you might have an easier time finding the right fit for your special day.
Experience Required
As with any vendor or service provider you work with, you want to get a solid understanding of this individual’s previous experiences. The longer someone has worked in a specific field, the more likely he or she knows how to go above and beyond during a wedding. Right away, speak with potential candidates about their previous experiences and how many events they have provided music for. Getting a feel for this can help you determine if the person is a qualified individual for your needs.
Seeing is believing, as they say, so you might find it most helpful to ask your candidates for a bit of proof. A DJ who tells you he has worked hundreds of weddings in the past might simply be exaggerating in order to get your business. A great way to get an actual idea of how a DJ will perform at your event is by asking for video from previous jobs. Most DJs will have video clips ready to show potential clients, so be sure to take note of any DJs who seem surprised by your request.
DJ Selection Process
Your DJ is also going to be a powerful resource for you as you move through additional phases of planning for your wedding. Many moments of your reception need to be underscored by music. When you have absolutely no idea what tune to play for specific moments, you are going to need help from someone who has a better idea. When you trust your DJ and his or her tastes, you have a perfect resource available to help you find an ideal soundtrack for each and every aspect of the night.
Before hiring any potential candidate, be sure to ask about whether the person can help you with picking songs. Though most DJs are more than happy to help in this regard, there are also several candidates out there who do not like to get involved with song selection. Should you need this help desperately, be sure to opt for a candidate who can actually deliver on assistance.
Requests
Finally, you need to think about requests. Some couples do not like to give guests the power of requesting songs, as it can disrupt the flow of the night. Still, you might want to allow the people at your wedding a bit of control. Regardless of what your personal preference might be, you need to make sure your DJ allows requests. Ask this early and come up with your own plan from there.
Giving your event the right soundtrack is all about picking a DJ you love. In order to feel confident in your decision, be sure to meet with your candidates early and talk through any important questions you might have about services.
