Crafting A Perfect Playlist For
A Wedding Reception That Wows
CC: image source is credit to dancingwiththepros.net
Nothing gets the party moving and keeps the good times rolling like a perfect playlist. Song choice is one of the most important aspects of a wedding reception and can either make a celebration an event to remember or keep guests glued to their seats and watching the clock ‘til party’s end. Music selection is just as important as wedding favor selection. Putting together a great flow of songs to build a new chapter of memories, entertain guests and make a wedding vow requires careful planning, genuine thought, a diverse music library and a nice dose of humbleness.
Selecting Meaningful Songs
Wedding receptions revolve around special dances. First up is the signature bride-and-groom dance. Think about special memories that embody the relationship and choose an appropriate song. A romantic song that allows ample slow dancing is always a good choice and will render plenty of lovely photo opportunities. This is the first opportunity outside of the wedded kiss for guests to see the happy couple significantly interact so keep it classy. Leave the booty shaking for later in the night.
The much-anticipated father-bride dance, the groom-mother dance and the grandparents’ dance are all opportunities for the waterworks to flow but don’t lose sight of the dancing partner’s wants. Still keep it respectable – families are involved, after all – but feel free to relax the rules a little bit. Seeing a mother cry tears of happiness while dancing with her son, the groom, to a meaningful R&B song in a hall full of country clubbers is an absolutely wonderful sight.
Know The Guests
Take a look at the guest list and note the diversity of personalities. Chances are, every guest won’t be of the same generation or have the same taste in music. 80-year-old granny probably won’t like shaking her money maker to 70’s funk music. Incorporate vintage music, like classic crooners, into earlier selections to give older guests an opportunity to have fun while the night is still young. Move onto more contemporary selections as the reception carries on. Save the club music towards the end of the party when the die-hard dancers are still going strong.
Don’t Dominate – Mix It Up
Big fan of country music? Great! Incorporate some sweet songs that everyone can dance to in the mix, and even provide guests opportunities for a fun line dance, but do not include every rollicking bluegrass song on a beloved greatest hits of fiddling album on the playlist.
Mixing genres keeps reception guests enticed and can also reveal guests’ hidden sides. Watch the wedding officiator get freaky on the dance floor with the bride’s vivacious colleague to soul music. And that 8-year-old dancing with her grandpa to big band jazz? A total heart warmer.
Consult A Professional
An ideal playlist is only pure perfection if it is played and played right. For those struggling with song block, a professional, reputable DJ will be able to provide valuable knowledge about how to craft an excellent playlist while taking into account personal preferences. Sometimes whittling down unwanted songs, artists and genres will quickly reveal an easy path to great choices. Entrusting someone’s cousin’s friend’s roommate who is a sometimes DJ to play a carefully-crafted playlist is risky business. A bride recently found this out at her 300-person reception when the amateur DJ threw away her list of fun ’80s hits for nothing but rave-like trance music. Rely on professionals to carry through with crucial music selection to ensure that the reception is a hit, love is celebrated, all bases are covered and wonderful memories are made.
Malory Hampton works with Weddingfavors.org and enjoys writing about love, life, and music. You might not expect it, but her favorite pastime is bouldering.
