“We have to pick our wedding reception music? I thought my band or DJ did that for us?”
Your band or DJ will create a playlist appropriate for your event, but you still get to have input into what should - and should not - be played. When you hired them, you likely covered their style or music. And, you can certainly leave the music entirely in the hands of the professional you’ve hired and expect nothing but excellent results. However, taking a deeper dive before the wedding reception is recommended. Band or DJ? This is a decision you will have to make. Good thing we have some tips to help you choose!
As your wedding reception plans start to come to life, you'll have to decide the type of entertainment. This choice dictates how your playlist. DJs should have no problem adding or nixing songs based on your special request. Bands may, of course, expect some time to learn a few special requests, especially if the songs are outside of the band’s normal genre (i.e. asking your country band to hit Adele’s high notes). Consult with your entertainment providers to find out when they need your list of requested songs.
The Must-Play Playlist
A good band or DJ will know what songs will get everybody on the dance floor at the start of the reception and which to save for later in the evening. Here's how to curate your list:
- Most wedding receptions start with a mix of tunes that cross generational lines.
- Contemporary hits are best saved for mid-to-late reception when the older folks may be calling it quits.
- The magic recipe is one slow song for every five fast ones. Otherwise, everyone’s dancing shoes will be wrapping it up sooner than expected.
- Create a list of 10 must-play songs that you really want to hear, and trust your band or DJ to add them to playlist at appropriate times.
- Again, dependent upon your chosen course of entertainment (band or DJ) include a few songs from various musical genres, such as R&B, country, Latin or swing.
The Do-Not-Play List
Almost as important as your must-plays, don’t forget to include to include a list of songs to avoid. Examples:
- If you hate line dances, no Cha Cha Slide or Electric Slide.
- If you have vowed to never again watch as your extended family tries to recreate the Thriller video, this is your chance to stop that wedding tradition. Besides, you can create a killer playlist, with or without Thriller.
Keep a notebook and pen (or iphone note) handy to jot down the names of great songs you hear on the radio and to brainstorm special songs. Give one to your fiancé and bridal party as well. Ask them to keep a running list or to text you ideas as they think of them. Getting input from your grandparents or parents on a handful of special songs to play would probably go a long way. (You may have already selected some of their favorites to use during your ceremony or reception – that tends to go along way, also!)
Your personality will shine through if you hand-select the songs played during your wedding day. Here's a checklist of the special musical moments to plan for:
Ceremony:
- Prelude
- Wedding party processional
- Bride's processional
- Recessional
Reception:
- Wedding party entrance
- Couple's entrance
- First dance
- Mother-son/Father-daughter dances
- Cake cutting
- Bouquet/Garter toss
- Last dance
- Send off
Don't forget to buy some dance floor decorations for your big night! These Personalized Bust a Move Dance Floor Clings are an awesome element to add as well as these Dance Party Floor Clings. Is your music entertainment providing lights for the dance? If not, we can fix your problem with these Mini Strobe Party Lights. If you are going for a classier dance floor look, these Vintage Bulb String Lights would be a beautiful touch.
Look at you go, rockstar bride, creating a wedding reception playlist like a pro! With just seven months until your wedding, let's check off creating a wedding website, shopping for bridal accessories and choosing the groom’s tuxedo.
See more tips for every phase of your planning process in our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide. Feeling crafty? We’ve included unique DIY wedding projects too! Download these Free Wedding Planning Printables to help with the rest of your planning.
Article written by: Melissa Collier
Photography: Colin Conces
