Choosing Songs that Work for Your Reception

The music you play at your wedding is significant, as it’s a reflection of the two of you as a couple, as well as the style of wedding you’re planning.

If you’re hiring a band, your tastes will affect the type of group you choose. Swing, jazz, 12-piece orchestra; figure out ahead of time if you want to hear pop standards for the dance floor, or if you’d rather hear Benny Goodman all night. Always take into consideration the age of your guests.

Hiring a DJ gives you much more leverage as to what is played, but you’re still going to need to make lists, and talk the disc jockey. As a couple, decide what your favorite songs are, what you like to dance to, and what you do not want played. Some people let the DJ make most of the decisions, which is fine. However, know that, should you go that route, you’ll be hearing a mixed bag, everyone from Michael Buble to Katy Perry.

After you’ve gone over your play list, make sure you mark down songs and artists you do not want played, even if requested by a guest. Not a Mariah Carey fan? Make sure he’s informed. Don’t dig the Chicken Dance? Unless he knows, there’s a good chance it’ll take over the dance floor at some point.

Band or DJ, it’s nice to throw in tunes and artists for the guests. If your parents are huge Judy Garland fans, surprise them with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Similarly, try to back away from just Britney and Kesha for the reception. “Gimme More” and “Tik Tok” will grate a few nerves from the older crowd, and also keep them from taking a spin.  As most DJ’s will tell you, it’s great to mix in new music with tunes from the past several decades. Not only will you please the crowd, you’ll have a great wedding “mixed tape.”

Check Out Hiring Your DJ
Check Out Hiring a Live Band for Your Reception
Check Out Wedding Traditions to Retire