receptoion song tips
Choosing your reception music is a big task, but it can be a fun one. If your reception will include people of all ages, it's best to go with everyone's favorites to ensure one and all will hear songs they love.
Ensure your reception goes smoothly by deciding on the details in advance:
Budget for your entertainment. Too often couples choose their reception entertainment based on the money they have left over. You need to keep your guests happy for four to five hours, so find a professional who'll keep the party going.
Choose either a band or DJ. A DJ generally costs about half of what a band does, so your budget will likely make this choice for you; definitely pick a DJ if your budget calls for bargain bands. Hire both if you can afford it. The DJ can play during the band's breaks, and the band can bring life to the old classics while the DJ excites the crowd with the latest pop tunes.
Consider your guests. If your guest list is made up of mostly elderly relatives, steer clear of rap music and choose your favorite big band numbers. Try a diverse mix of music to please guests of all ages and backgrounds.
Decide on a vibe. The time and location of your reception will help you make this decision. Think light for an afternoon reception. For an evening jubilee, determine whether you want it to turn into a dance party, or if you'd prefer to keep it toned down after 9 p.m.
While you'll want to be involved in the overall planning of your reception music, you only need to worry specifically about key moments:
Entrance with your new spouse: This is the first time you're announced as a married couple, so make it memorable; 'Crazy Love' by Van Morrison is an endearing song to play.
First dance: This dance is traditionally accompanied by 'your song' and can occur either when you're announced or after the salad course of a sit-down dinner. A timeless tune is Eric Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight.'
Mother and son dance: This dance follows your first dance. Try playing 'In My Life' by the Beatles.
Father and daughter dance: Her father can cut in during the first dance, or this dance can follow it. A touching song is 'Unforgettable' by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole.
Toast: After everyone has been seated and the first course has been served, the best man begins his toast to the newlyweds. Get the ball rolling with a poignant song like 'It Had to Be You' by Harry Connick, Jr.
Bouquet/Garter toss: This happens toward the end of your reception either before the cake is cut or right before you and your new spouse make your exit. Try a rousing tune like 'What I Like About You' by the Romantics.
Cutting of the cake: Do this during the last hour of your reception; it usually signals to your guests that it's OK to leave soon. Try 'Unchained Melody' by the Righteous Brothers for some romantic accompaniment.
Last dance: This is the last dance of the evening. A popular accompaniment for this is 'Friends in Low Places' by Garth Brooks.
The dances you shouldn't shorten or do without are the father-daughter and mother-son dances; don't be shy about taking a few minutes to highlight your parents! They worked hard to raise you and would love the individual recognition. However, if you'd like alternatives for other dances, try these suggestions:
Shorten the length of each dance. Pick two different pieces of music and edit them to reduce the length. Your DJ can probably recommend a vendor to do this for you.
Celebrate your new in-laws. Mother-in-law-groom and father-in-law-bride dances are a great idea! Combine these two dances and choose a slightly up-tempo song that emphasizes the happy union of your families.
Invite your guests to join you. Another great alternative is to instruct the DJ or bandleader to ask the guests to join you on the floor after a minute or so of solo dancing.
Remember this simple rule of thumb: Pick music that everyone can smile, laugh and groove to. Make this a night to remember!
lifeserve.com
Ensure your reception goes smoothly by deciding on the details in advance:
Budget for your entertainment. Too often couples choose their reception entertainment based on the money they have left over. You need to keep your guests happy for four to five hours, so find a professional who'll keep the party going.
Choose either a band or DJ. A DJ generally costs about half of what a band does, so your budget will likely make this choice for you; definitely pick a DJ if your budget calls for bargain bands. Hire both if you can afford it. The DJ can play during the band's breaks, and the band can bring life to the old classics while the DJ excites the crowd with the latest pop tunes.
Consider your guests. If your guest list is made up of mostly elderly relatives, steer clear of rap music and choose your favorite big band numbers. Try a diverse mix of music to please guests of all ages and backgrounds.
Decide on a vibe. The time and location of your reception will help you make this decision. Think light for an afternoon reception. For an evening jubilee, determine whether you want it to turn into a dance party, or if you'd prefer to keep it toned down after 9 p.m.
While you'll want to be involved in the overall planning of your reception music, you only need to worry specifically about key moments:
Entrance with your new spouse: This is the first time you're announced as a married couple, so make it memorable; 'Crazy Love' by Van Morrison is an endearing song to play.
First dance: This dance is traditionally accompanied by 'your song' and can occur either when you're announced or after the salad course of a sit-down dinner. A timeless tune is Eric Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight.'
Mother and son dance: This dance follows your first dance. Try playing 'In My Life' by the Beatles.
Father and daughter dance: Her father can cut in during the first dance, or this dance can follow it. A touching song is 'Unforgettable' by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole.
Toast: After everyone has been seated and the first course has been served, the best man begins his toast to the newlyweds. Get the ball rolling with a poignant song like 'It Had to Be You' by Harry Connick, Jr.
Bouquet/Garter toss: This happens toward the end of your reception either before the cake is cut or right before you and your new spouse make your exit. Try a rousing tune like 'What I Like About You' by the Romantics.
Cutting of the cake: Do this during the last hour of your reception; it usually signals to your guests that it's OK to leave soon. Try 'Unchained Melody' by the Righteous Brothers for some romantic accompaniment.
Last dance: This is the last dance of the evening. A popular accompaniment for this is 'Friends in Low Places' by Garth Brooks.
The dances you shouldn't shorten or do without are the father-daughter and mother-son dances; don't be shy about taking a few minutes to highlight your parents! They worked hard to raise you and would love the individual recognition. However, if you'd like alternatives for other dances, try these suggestions:
Shorten the length of each dance. Pick two different pieces of music and edit them to reduce the length. Your DJ can probably recommend a vendor to do this for you.
Celebrate your new in-laws. Mother-in-law-groom and father-in-law-bride dances are a great idea! Combine these two dances and choose a slightly up-tempo song that emphasizes the happy union of your families.
Invite your guests to join you. Another great alternative is to instruct the DJ or bandleader to ask the guests to join you on the floor after a minute or so of solo dancing.
Remember this simple rule of thumb: Pick music that everyone can smile, laugh and groove to. Make this a night to remember!
lifeserve.com
