Wedding Reception Music

From LoveToKnow Weddings

Your wedding reception music will set the tone for the entire event. If you want a quiet low-key affair, classical music or smooth jazz can play in the background while your guests mingle. If you prefer a lively party atmosphere, you'll want upbeat music your guests can dance to. What follows are some tips for choosing the right wedding reception music. Read our guide about finding wedding music on-linefor additional tips, as well.

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First Dance

When choosing the wedding reception music for your first dance, you'll want to select something that means something to you as a couple. Perhaps the first song you ever danced to or the music that was on the radio when you shared your first kiss. Your first dance song is going to live on forever in your memory, so it should be special. If there's no music that reminds you of a special time, find a song with lyrics that reflect your feelings about each other.

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Dinner Music

While your guests are dining you probably don't want to boisterous dance music. Consider jazz, soft rock or light classical music and save the up tempo stuff for when the meal is over.

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Father/Daughter Dance

The wedding reception music used for the father/daughter dance should also be special. Most father/daughter songs are slow and entail dance steps that are easy for both parties. Here are some of the more popular father daughter dance songs:

Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle
My Girl – The Temptations
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
Have I Told You Lately that I Love You? – Rod Stewart
Through the Years – Kenny Rogers
Unforgettable – Nat "King" Cole with Natalie Cole
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) – James Taylor
My Father's Eyes – Amy Grant
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
What A Wonderful World – Louie Armstrong

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Band or Disc Jockey?

Do you hire a band or a disc jockey for your wedding reception music? This is the subject of many debates and clearly a matter of preference. Each has their pros and cons. For instance, with a wedding band, there's not as much variety. The band is selected because the bride and groom feel they reflect their personal tastes. Each band chooses music and songs that they can play well, which means you and your guests may only be treated to a certain style of music. If not all of the wedding guests enjoy the vocalist or the screaming guitar solos they might not have the good time that was originally intended.

Live music tends to be of better quality than recorded music and guests might warm up to a band better than they do with a disc jockey. A wedding band or orchestra is also a better choice for a formal affair as it's considered more elegant and classy. Remember though, bands take breaks. When auditioning bands be sure to find out how often they take breaks and what type of music plays in the background while the break is going on.

Disc jockeys can play a better variety of music but do they have the personality of a live band? What if a disc jockey doesn't have a good rapport with the guests or is just plain annoying? These are a few things to consider when hiring a disc jockey.

Nowadays, many disc jockey packages come with a disc jockey and emcee. It's the emcee's job to get the party going. This is a wonderful solution. Besides playing music, disc jockeys and emcees will lead the guests in different dances and games to keep them on their toes. One more plus is that it costs less money to hire a disc jockey than a band.

If you're not sure which to hire, visit a few of each and ask to see some audition tapes. It's important to not only choose a band or disc jockey that reflects your personal style, but also that will keep your guests dancing for hours. Some couples hire both a band and disc jockey. The DJ can keep the guests dancing while the band is taking a break. See what works best for your event.

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Wedding Reception - Hiring The Band

Suppose you've weighed the options, and have opted for a band over a DJ. There are factors to consider, including the points previously mentioned above (repertoire, style, etc).

Apprehension about this is normal. Thus, a couple things can help.

Contact bands that are experienced in Wedding Receptions. They understand what's expected of them, and know what people like to hear. They've probably heard your questiosn or concerns before, and are prepared for dealing with requests. As well, if you've picked a band of the genre you're after (jazz, rock, top 40), then they probably know heaps of material that will please you. And finally, people generally enjoy a GOOD band, even if it isn't their favourite style of music. Having an experienced band will be a pleasure for your guests.

Ask the band questions. This seems straight forward enough, doesn't it? Being upfront with the band with all your questions/requests/concerns, it will let you know whether this is the band for you, and the band know if this is something they can comfortably provide. Ask them if they know your mom's favourite song. Tell them that you really want to hear "our song". Ask them if your Aunt Sally can sing the first dance with the band. There are bands out there that will be flexible and work with you, and there will be bands that won't feel comfortable with some of these things. Even if its a good band, make sure it is the right band.

Keep these 2 things in mind when hiring a band, and I'm sure you will be satisified with the result.

Andrew Taylor

The Diplomats Jazz Band, Toronto Wedding Jazz, http://www.diplomatsjazz.com

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