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People always ask me what music is best for a wedding
reception. As you might guess there is no exact answer
because a lot depends on the reception itself.
For example:
- If the reception is being held in a
small room adjacent to a church and there is
no dancing the bride and
groom might want a pianist playing very soft
background music.
- However if the reception if being
held in a banquet
hall with 500 guests there is a good chance
the bride and groom will want a 12 piece band with a few singers.
- And if the
bride and groom are trying to achieve a certain
theme they will often choose a
style of music to complement their wedding. (If the groom
wears a cowboy hat and the reception is
on a ranch they will probably choose all country
music).
But the basic answer to this burning question is
that most times brides and grooms want big band,
swing, and pop-songs for the first part of the reception.
Then after dinner, they choose top 40, oldies, R&B,
country, ethnic music, group dances, etc.
In other words, they want a good mix because when
you mix different styles of music, you are more likely
to please all ages and, as a result, more guests
will be inclined to dance.
As soon as you confirm a wedding date and secure
a location for your reception you should begin making
arrangements to hire (and contract) your musicians
or DJ. The most popular wedding music professionals
are booked at least one year in advance.
Once you have decided who will be working for you
don't be shy about telling your bandleader or DJ
exactly what you want. Confirming special details
will take more time on your part, but it is the only
way to achieve the wedding of "your" dreams.
If you are undecided about anything, definitely ask
your bandleader or DJ for
suggestions, but you should make the final choices.
You should have an in-depth meeting with your bandleader
or DJ at least six weeks before your wedding day.
At that meeting you should discuss...
- Introductions:
Bring a list of names of the bridal party and
in what order you want them introduced. When
you compile
a list of your bridal party names, you may
want to include something about each person
so your
guests will now why that person is special
to you. Whether it is funny or sentimental,
everyone will enjoy this personal touch.
- Confirm
songs you want played for special moments:
- The bride and groom's first dance as a married
couple.
- The bridal party dance (you could also
have the bridal party join in the bride and
groom's first dance)
- Father/Bride dance
- Mother/Groom dance (or you
could choose one song for a father/bride, groom/mother
dance).
- A special garter and/or
bouquet toss song (s).
- Songs for any other special
dances (including ethnic or group
dances).
- Anniversary song for all other
married couples.
- A song
for the end of the reception.
- Confirm exactly what order you want special
moments to take place:
- Blessing (confirm the
name of who will give the blessing)
- The toast
(confirm the name who will give the toast)
- The
cake cutting ceremony.
- The bride and groom's first
dance.
- The father bride dance.
- The mother groom dance.
- The wedding party dance.
- Any ethnic dances.
- Garter and or bouquet toss.
- Anything else you
would like to add.
- Confirm a list of songs you want played.
- Confirm
a list of songs you definitely do not want played.
- Confirm
any special instructions for the cake cutting
ceremony.
- Confirm any special instructions for
the garter and/or bouquet toss.
- Confirm band breaks
(the band should play CDs while they are on break).
- Confirm
the band or DJs attire.
- Confirm a wireless microphone
for the blessing, toast, etc.
- Confirm overtime
charge (if you think you will want it) and when
it would be paid.
- Review the entire contract
including final payment and when it should be
paid.
- Confirm that the person who you hired,
had meetings with and signed the contract is also
the person who will be working for you on your
wedding day. You don't want some mystery musician
or DJ at
your wedding.
By Mikki Viereck
To hear Mikki's special songs, or purchase her CD's
for the bride, groom, bridal party and more visit
the New
Wedding Traditions section on our web site.
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