So many couples wants to know if they should do the “chicken dance” or play “YMCA”. And it’s a good question. So allow us to set you up for success. Here are seven ways to choose great music for the reception.
(1) Choose a Blend of Musical Styles – Naturally your reception will contain a slew of many different ages. A wise move is to choose songs that compliment these varying demographics so that all guests feel like they are a part of your special day. This is hard because it requires setting aside your immediate desires for those of your guests, but we promise you it’s worth it.
(2) Launch the Dance-Floor With Oldies – For the first opening dance floor set, consider starting with older songs (Beatles, Chubby Checker, 60s, Motown, Disco) to draw the older guests. This helps release the tension in the room and allows for the upcoming modern dance songs to be embraced.
(3) Use Medium to Low Songs for Cocktail Hour & Dinner Music – Non-Danceable genres like Indie Rock or swinging Crooners are suited well for the dining phase of the evening. This is where conversations are starting and people are getting comfortable. So make it easy on them so they can hear each other and dine in a classy fashion.
(4) Choose Mainstream Selections – If you want everyone to celebrate with you, we suggest mainstream songs. Save the avant-garde goodies for your one on one dances so that everyone else can shake their hips to that radio hit. There’s nothing like a packed dance floor and it happens more often when the songs are recognizable. Use your obscure favorites like salt. Don’t overdo it, but sprinkle them on to add flavor.
(5) Consider Group Dances as a Draw – Okay okay. This is where the chicken dance comes in right? Well, it’s not as if that song and the YMCA are the only options. Perhaps the Wobble, Apache or Cupid Shuffle are in order. Most brides are hoping that their DJ isn’t a cheese-fest and certainly are hoping the songs will electrify the guests without flapping their wings. Yet it is surprising how many unlikely candidates jump out of their seats just to be a part of a bunch of animated bodies. Your guests are wanting entertainment and sometimes this very trick gets them into their groove for the rest of the night. From here, the DJ will re-guide this large pack of humans to the music that you love.
(6) Select Slower Tunes Throughout The Evening – With all the romance in the air, let’s not neglect those that have been married for awhile. A good slow-dance is just what the doctor ordered for such an occasion. Some of your shy or older guests will appreciate this. These slower tunes also allow for a break between the faster ones.
(7) Chat With Your DJ – After skillfully entertaining hundreds of weddings, your DJ is the one that understands you best. There’s a reason you didn’t hire your cousin to push play on his iPod. So take advantage of the tools that your DJ has to share. Reveal your secret list of requests and ask them for honest feedback. They have your back and can reassure you that this wedding day will succeed.