Wedding Reception Music

Putting together a good wedding reception playlist doesn't mean you tell the DJ  to put your iPod  on shuffle.  There are many special parts of the reception that require a song, and you want to make each moment a memorable one.  If you aren't familiar with what reception  events need a soundtrack or just don't have any idea of what songs would work best for you, it's time to do some research.  Check out this guide for tips.

Formal Dance Songs

There are a few formal dance songs that almost every wedding reception incorporates.

• First Dance Songs . Your first dance song with you new husband or wife will be something you'll remember forever. And since it will always be "your song," you better put some thought into it! Make sure your read the lyrics, because even the most popular love songs are really about break-ups.
• Father Daughter Dance Songs.   This can be one of the most emotional songs of the reception. Sit down with your father to choose something that describes your relationship, or pick a song that you already have a special bond over.
• Mother Son Dance Songs.  These songs are a great opportunity to show Mum how much you love and appreciate her. After all, you're going to treat your new wife just as well as you treat your mother!

Special Songs

Some other parts of the reception that may require songs include:

• Grand Entrance.
• Bridal Party Entrance.
• Last Dance.
• Bouquet Toss.
• Garter Removal and Toss.

Resources

If you don't have any wedding reception song ideas, you do have a variety of resources to get those creative gears turning.

• Wedding Planners and Consultants. Weddings are their jobs! If you have a seasoned wedding planner,  they have helped hundreds of weddings go off without a hitch. They probably have a good idea of popular wedding songs, and they probably know a good deal about you after dealing with you and your soon-to-be spouse for many months. This is a perfect combination that might result in some really helpful suggestions.
• Your DJ. It is hoped that no one knows songs better than your DJ. Chances are they've lent their services to all sorts of special occasions,  so they too may have some useful suggestions.
• Family and Friends. If you know any friends who recently got married, don't be afraid to pump them for information. They might have a few song lists or websites that they found helpful in their search, or they may be able to point your toward an experienced DJ that worked well for them.
• Bridal Websites. The internet is a powerful research tool. Many bridal websites are one-stop sites that have advice on every little aspect of the big day, so start scouring.

Band Versus DJ

One of the biggest decisions you'll have to make regarding your wedding reception music is how it is performed.

• There are advantages to having a DJ as opposed to having a live band. DJs may be able to perform a wider array of music, while live bands may be limited to certain genres based on the instruments and number of people present. DJs also don't run the risk of performing a song in a way that you do not enjoy or recognize. If you've wanted the same wedding song since you were six, it may be a safer bet to have the recording played rather than have a band perform a less than perfect version.
• On the same token, there are wonderful advantages to having a live band as opposed to a DJ. Bands have a way of getting your guests more involved in the reception celebration, whether it be by mingling and dancing, to emitting a level of energy during their performances that lifts people's spirits. If you have a friend in a band (or maybe your soon-to-be spouse is a musician), this may be an even better reason to have a live performance, since it actively incorporates the people you love.

Related Guides

Ceremony Music	Hiring Wedding Musicians	Finding a Reception Hall	Reception Food and Drink	Wedding Dance Instruction