To say that there are a couple of moving parts to planning a wedding would be the understatement of the century! Planning your BEST DAY EVER is full of moving parts with many decisions to make! From the dress, flowers, décor, down to the seating arrangements and the choice of food. One of the most entertaining, but not always talked about parts of that planning is the wedding reception music. Planning what music you will dance to at your reception as well as the playlist for the whole night is more than just giving a DJ a list of your favorite hits. The music played at your wedding will really set the tone for every moment of your day and will incorporate your and your fiancé’s personality as well.
Music for your Reception: How to begin planning
1. Make a list of all the moments of the day you would like set to music
Here are just a couple of the moments that will need that perfect memorable song…
A Great Song for the First Dance is a must
The first dance as a married couple should be set to a song that has special meaning to you both. If there are none that you have in mind, you can ask for suggestions from your family or friends. (Or hint…ask your Complete DJ for some suggestions!)
Choosing a Great Song for the Father /Daughter – Mother/Son Dance
The father and daughter portion of the dance is generally very emotional. The song should be sweet and uplifting, and it is also generally slow. However, if your Dad was never the sappy type and happens to love classic rock, pick something that truly reflects Dad’s personality too!
If there are special songs from childhood that would be wedding appropriate, they would be a perfect choice for this part of the reception.
The same goes for the groom and mother portions of the reception. The song chosen should be upbeat but full of love and happiness. Though the parents are giving their children over to their new lives, the moment is bittersweet and the music should reflect this.
Also, don’t forget you will need music for cake cutting, bouquet/garter toss, perhaps an anniversary or dollar dance…just to name a few.
2. Talk about Taste
The wedding reception music that you choose will set the tone for the evening. It is a reflection of you and your spouse’s taste and inner feelings. While many of the songs may give the feeling for the romance of forever love, at some point you will eventually want to get everyone up and dancing. The choice of music for your reception can add sophistication or it can ramp up the energy.
3. Ask your Guests
Ask your family and friends for recommendations for great music, excellent vendors, and jaw-dropping dance moves. There is nothing like a wedding guest to give you an unbiased view of all things music. This is especially true when they will be attending your wedding and want a good time. Some DJs ask tables to request one song before being released for dinner service.
There are a lot of ways to make your wedding reception memorable. You can customize it with special colors, attractive dining options, a live performance, or any other dazzling options. Your music is another way to create a certain mood that your guest will remember for years to come.
You can hire a DJ, a live band, or even do both to entertain your guest from the moment they arrive, until the moment you cut the cake as husband and wife. Your music masters will handle most of the hard work, but it is a good idea to give them a list of songs, or a direction about the mood you want to create. Here at Complete Weddings + Events Tampa our DJs work with couples to create the perfect soundtrack to their wedding day complete with a MUST playlist and a DO NOT playlist. Thus, bringing us to our next point.
4. Consider a DO NOT play list
Just as important as the playlist is the “no play” list. Having to hide that cringe-worthy look when a song that you hate or perhaps have sad/negative memories with starts blaring through the speakers is hardly something you want to remember. Make sure you let your DJ know any music that is forbidden from your day.
Additional Tips For Planning Your Wedding Reception Jams
Your music should be perfect when you are first introduced to your guest as a married unit. You may choose to enter with grace, or you might want to make an entrance with flair. Just make sure that your entrance and your background music reflect your personality. There is no reason to stick to old-fashioned songs if your styles are modern. If you love classical music, there is also no reason to pick that latest pop hit. Your love story is one of a kind and your reception playlist should match that same energy. If you love Disney jam out to your favorite “Little Mermaid” tune! (Ok maybe that was just me.)
Encourage Your Guests to bust a move
Once the special dances are out of the way, couples will enjoy watching their guests dance and groove in celebration of their nuptials. Think about your guest, your personality, and even the venue when choosing your group playlists. Make sure to have a mix of slow jams along with more fast-paced music for the more serious dancers. If you plan to allow children at your reception, it might be a good idea to set aside a couple of sets of songs that they will enjoy. These can be played early in the evening so they can burn energy, or even between meal times to keep them occupied. Your list of songs should appeal to the crowd while also reflecting your personal taste. You can always chat with your DJ on ideas to pack the dance floor!
About Complete Weddings + Events Tampa
If you’re looking to tie the knot or throw an epic event, you have come to the right place. Complete Weddings + Events in Tampa, FL will help you find the right event or wedding photographer, videographer, and DJ to throw a phenomenal party, plus we have a fun photo booth and lighting rentals to elevate your event and give you the type of unforgettable experience you’re looking for. When you party with Complete Weddings and Events, it’s completely about you! We’re offering the best wedding services in the area.
Complete Weddings + Events, Tampa’s leading provider of event and wedding photography, videography, lighting, DJ services & photo booth rental.
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