How to Plan Your Wedding Reception Music and Make Your Song Selections

Your wedding entertainment can really make or break the atmosphere of your reception. No other detail will command more influence over the behavior of your guests, so you should use this opportunity to elicit the behavior you desire. Thus, whether you want your guests dancing on the tabletops by night’s end or would rather keep the atmosphere formal and elegant, your reception music will help set the mood.

Once you have decided on the type of atmosphere you wish to create, it’s time to hire your wedding entertainment. The overall look and feel of your wedding and your venue may determine whether you should hire a wedding band or DJ; however, either will work in almost any situation.

Shop Around
Selecting your wedding reception music is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, so invest some time and energy in scouting for your band or DJ. Check out local acts or ask friends for suggestions. Other vendors can also provide recommendations. Once you find a few bands or DJs that interest you, check out their websites. Many offer sound clips that will further help you decide. Ask each potential band to send you some sample cds for review.

Meet and Greet
Once you have narrowed your list, set up appointments with your top prospects. Take note of the band leader’s or DJ’s personality. Does he or she have a pleasant manner or grate on your nerves? Also, make sure that your band or DJ wears something that coincides with the overall feel of your wedding reception. Mullets and ripped T-shirts don’t really work at formal dinner.

Plan Your Playlist
Make sure that your wedding entertainment plays a variety of music. You want to ensure that both your 17–year–old cousins and your 75–year–old grandmother will enjoy your wedding reception music and find songs that will entice them onto the dance floor. Supply your entertainment with both a play list and a do not play list. If your vision of your reception in no way involves your relatives performing “the chicken dance,” you must alert your band or DJ so that they will have a ready response when your Uncle Fred requests it. Browse our list of popular Wedding Songs for receptions for ideas.

Consult this complete guide to wedding music for even more ideas and money saving tips.