Wedding Reception Music Bootcamp
There’s a time and a place for everything, they say…
…it goes double for your wedding reception music choices!
Below are some in-depth tips and insight for the best music choices and way!
Dinner. Many couples transition straight from their grand entrance to the first dance; you also have the option to kick off the dance-party portion of the reception with your first dance or share that tender moment in between courses during dinner. If you and your partner already know “your song,” then choosing a first-dance tune will be easy-peasy. If you need a little help, check out some of our favorite first-dance songs, or browse your iTunes and Spotify playlists for romantic songs that speak to both of you.
Wedding party and couple’s entrance.
Your DJ or band can take the lead here, but talk through the vibe you want to create while your guests are dining. The music during this part of the wedding should be fairly subdued– not too loud, rambunctious or distracting– and allow guests to easily mingle and catch up.
Mother-son/father-daughter and other “parental” dances.
Choosing special songs to punctuate your reception (your first dance, cutting the cake) is a great starting point for plotting out your reception music. Here’s a typical reception timeline and the moments that are often highlighted by special songs (know that you can always mix things up, though; this is just a guide!):.
Your wedding reception will definitely be the most fun part of your big day. Choosing the right music will help to ensure that your wedding day is the Best. Day.
Choose a song that’s sweet, or surprise your guests with a fun, choreographed routine! Check out our mother-son and father-daughter dance song ideas.
Wedding party members and sometimes the couple’s parents typically make a special entrance after cocktail hour (they’re returning to the party after taking photos with the newlyweds). Talk to your friends and family members about any grand entrance songs they have in mind; you can browse playlists of songs chosen by experts, or think back on special moments in your friendship that were punctuated by music– you might just find the perfect tune! Your own entrance song should be something that gets you excited and sets the tone for the rest of the event, so pick something upbeat that gets your guests hyped up for the party!
Dance.
Party time!
Choosing special songs to punctuate your reception (your first dance, cutting the cake) is a great starting point for plotting out your reception music. Talk to your friends and family members about any grand entrance songs they have in mind; you can browse playlists of songs chosen by experts, or think back on special moments in your friendship that were punctuated by music– you might just find the perfect tune! If you need a little help, check out some of our favorite first-dance songs, or browse your iTunes and Spotify playlists for romantic songs that speak to both of you.
Bouquet/garter toss.
Your music professional is an expert at getting guests on the dance floor and keeping things moving. Turning over your special song, must-play and do-not-play lists should provide a good structure for the evening– your band or DJ will fill in the rest!
Eventually the party has to end (* sob! *) so it’s a good idea to pick a fun last dance song that you love and that will also signal to your guests that it’s time to wrap things up. Take our quiz to discover the perfect last-dance song for you!
Couples often choose sugar-themed songs for this special moment during the reception–” Sugar Sugar” by The Archies, for example– so have fun with that idea and get creative!
Get your friends hyped up for this moment with a fun party song. Many couples opt for sexier tunes during the garter and bouquet toss– such as “Milkshake” by Kelis or “You Sexy Thing” by Hot Chocolate– so don’t be afraid to get a little wild here.
Last dance of the night.
So it’s a good idea to pick a fun last dance song that you love and that will also signal to your guests that it’s time to wrap things up.
Motown and funk are good options here and appeal to most ears. Be the first on the floor and invite your guests to join in! An experienced music professional will know how to please the crowd, read the room and keep people dancing all night, so pick someone whose personality you love and who has great references.
Slow dances.
Check out our mother-son and father-daughter dance song ideas.
Your band or DJ can help decide on these tunes– they’ll know which ones usually get parents and grandparents or younger couples on the floor– but you can also let your music professional know if there are certain songs you just have to hear. We have some great ideas for romantic slow dance songs for you to check out.
Cheers!
Frank, DJ Otto
www.DJOtto.com