After the ceremony, it’s time to celebrate! Music sets the tone for a lively, memorable reception—from the first toast to the last dance. This guide covers everything from cocktail hour to dance floor hits, helping you choose songs for every moment, including your first dance and an energy-packed playlist.
Music for The Grand Entrance
Before dinner kicks off, we’ll get things started with a lively entrance into the reception space, where we’ll introduce your wonderful parents, wedding party, and, of course, the newlyweds!
Decide on one or two upbeat songs for this moment, based on the number of people in your party and the vibe you’re going for. Typically, a brief clip of each song plays as each individual or couple is introduced.
Don’t forget to share with your MC how you’d like to be presented as a newly married couple—will it be ‘Mr. and Mrs. ???’ or just your first names?
PRO TIP: it’s a popular trend for the newlyweds to have their first dance right after their introduction. If you’re planning to do this, make sure to give your DJ and MC a heads-up so everything flows smoothly!
Dinner Music
It’s mealtime! This is the ideal moment to set a relaxing mood with some gentle background music while you and your guests savor the wedding dinner. Opt for soft, soothing tunes to keep the atmosphere calm and conversational.
Consider playing some romantic classics or beloved favourites to enhance the ambiance. You might want to choose a music genre that suits the mood of your dinner. Here are a few great options:
Jazz
Classical
Modern Instrumental
Country
Electronic Chill
Cake Cutting
Dinner’s over and the speeches have wrapped up—it’s time to dive into the cake! This is a fun and lighthearted moment for you and your partner to enjoy, and your guests will love it too.
PRO TIP: Use this time to let your guests take a little break. It’s a great chance for them to stretch their legs and grab a refreshment from the bar. After a full dinner and a few speeches, they’ll appreciate the breather. Before you know it, everyone will be ready and excited to hit the dance floor!
Music for The First Dances
The party is almost here, and it’s time to get excited for the dance floor! A few key dances will kick off the celebration, and picking the right songs for these moments is crucial.
Bride and Groom Dance: This is your special moment, so choose a romantic song that feels perfect for your first dance as a married couple.
Parent Dances: After your dance, it’s time for the bride to share a dance with her father and the groom to dance with his mother. Selecting meaningful songs for these dances will make them even more memorable. It’s worth checking in with your parents—they might have a song in mind that could add a lovely surprise to the evening.
Let’s make sure these moments shine and set the stage for a night of fun and dancing!
Music for The Dance Party
The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here—it’s time to hit the dance floor! Instead of creating a lengthy playlist, simply choose a few genres you love and let your DJ work their magic.
PRO TIP: Give your DJ some freedom to make the night unforgettable. While it’s great to have a handful of must-play songs, don’t feel the need to completely manage the playlist. Your DJ will gauge the mood and keep the energy up by mixing in various styles of music, ensuring everyone stays on their feet and the party lasts all night long.
Final Three Moments
With drinks flowing and the dance floor packed, the energy will be electric and everyone will be having a fantastic time! But as the night progresses, there are a few final moments you'll want to have music ready for.
Bouquet Toss: This fun tradition is a great way to involve all the single ladies. Pick a lively, upbeat song to make this moment even more exciting.
Garter Toss: While this tradition isn’t as common as it once was, if you’re planning to include it, choose a playful or cheeky song to add a touch of humor and charm.
Last Song of the Night: As the evening draws to a close, the final song is your chance to set the perfect ending. Decide if you want to go out with a bang or end on a romantic note. Whether you choose an energetic track to get everyone on the dance floor or a tender ballad for a special last dance with your partner, make sure it’s a song that feels just right for you.
Complete Guide To Wedding Music
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