RECEPTION MUSIC
"Love, love, love--that is the soul of genius"
~Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Reception music must be appropriate for the formality of your reception and should be determined by the mood and ambience you wish to create. The tone you set with music is one of the best ways to personalize your wedding reception, whether the music is provided by a live band, a DJ or both.
Music helps create the atmosphere of your wedding, and special songs will make your reception unique. When selecting songs for your reception, consider the age and musical preference of your guests. SeaSoundStudio can help you choose a reliable band or DJ that will play the type of music you request, and you can be assured that SeaSoundStudio will only recommend professionals who have experience performing at wedding receptions and helping newlyweds' dreams come true on their wedding day.
When considering whether you should hire a band or DJ, consider the style of your party. If you want ambience and entertainment, you need a band; if you only want to dance, consider a DJ. If you want both for your special day, consider the special rates offered by SeaSoundStudio when you hire both a live band and a DJ. When planning your music, you need to select songs for each event during the reception: Cocktail Hour; Newlyweds' Entrance; Dinner Music; Newlyweds' First Dance; Family Dances; Toasts; Bouquet Toss; Garter Removal and Toss; Cake Cutting; Money Dance; Ethnic Dances; Last Dance.
Cocktail Hour
During the first hour or so of your reception, the music should be light and non-intrusive, allowing your guests to transition from the romantic ceremony to the social interaction of the reception. While the Bride, Groom and their families work with the photographer, the reception guests will mingle, sip a drink and possibly enjoy light hors d'oeuvres.
The cocktail hour can be an extension of the wedding ceremony postlude if your wedding ceremony and wedding reception are in the same venue. You may want to consider requesting that the musicians from your ceremony play classical music for the first hour of your reception before the band provides the dining and dancing music.
If your guests have traveled to a new location, you may want to change the style of your music to reflect a more party-like atmosphere. Smooth jazz, instrumental version of pop songs, melodious songs played by a harpist, string quartets playing classical pieces or your reception band playing low-key jazz standards are all good choices for the cocktail hour.
SeaSoundStudio can help you to select the type of music to be played during the Cocktail Hour and can contract on your behalf with the band that you choose to perform during the Cocktail Hour so that you can devote your time to other important wedding plans.
Consider whether you want to hire one group for cocktails and another group for the reception itself if you are planning a traditional luncheon or dinner reception. You might want to consider hiring a jazz combo to play during cocktails with a wedding band or DJ providing the dinner and dancing music. If you are trying to stretch your music budget, SeaSoundStudio may be able to negotiate discounted rates for providing music at some combination of the wedding ceremony, cocktail hour and wedding reception by asking a few members of the band to arrive early and play during the ceremony and/or during the cocktail hour.
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Newlyweds' Entrance
The arrival of the Newlyweds at the reception is one of the most important moments during your wedding day so remember to ask the band or DJ playing during cocktails to announce their arrival in memorable fashion. Often, the band leader or DJ is given a list of names for the entire wedding party so that the arrival of each couple can be announced in the grand fashion of celebratory balls throughout history. If you have a theme for your wedding as described on the Wedding Planning page, the Newlyweds' Entrance provides an ideal opportunity to reinforce that theme as the night of celebration begins.
The entrance of the bride and groom to the reception is the first time that you will be introduced at a function as husband and wife. Since this is such an important moment, select music that emphasizes this grand entrance. Many classical music songs will create a feeling of celebration; for less formal receptions, choose a popular rock or R&B song. SeaSoundStudio can provide you with a list of songs from which to choose and can guide you in your decision.
Dinner Music
If you are serving a meal during the reception, you should carefully select the music that will be played during the meal. The principal consideration for music during dinner and the cocktail hours is to keep the music mellow. Smooth Jazz, New Age, Easy Listening and Popular Standards are all good choices, but be certain that the band or DJ keeps the volume at a level appropriate for background music--your guests should be able to hear the music, but they be able to easily hear their dinner conversations.
Newlyweds' First Dance
The Newlyweds' First Dance may be the most romantic moment of your reception. Choosing the perfect song may be the easiest or most difficult musical choice you will make. You only can choose one song for your first dance, and there are so many appropriate songs. If you and your spouse have a personal song that marks an important time in your relationship, the first dance is the perfect time to play it. If you are not fortunate enough to have selected "Your Song", SeaSoundStudio can suggest some of the most requested first dance songs across the country. We can also help you to narrow down your favorite romantic tunes. The most important consideration in selecting the song for your First Dance is to remember that the First Dance is a special dance that celebrates your marriage so you should choose a song that you both love.
Some couples are now choosing to have thier First Dance choreographed by a professional dancer. SeaSoundStudio can assist you in locating and selecting a choreographer who can train you to present a spectacular dance for your guests to enjoy.
Family Dances
After the Newlyweds' First Dance, it is customary to invite other family members to share a dance with the bride and the groom. Traditionally, there is a bride and father-of-the-bride dance and a groom and a mother-of-the-groom dance. These dances can occur simultaneously or separately, depending on the preferences of the bride and groom as well as the formality of the reception. Often, the Bride will dance with her Father to Daddy's Little GIrl by The Mills Brothers, Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle, I Loved Her First by Heartland or another appropriate song during which dance all of the guests memorialize the event with a multitude of pictures. Then, the Groom and his Mother enjoy the spotlight while dancing to a song such as Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion, You are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder or another appropriate song. SeaSoundStudio can suggest some of the most popular family dance songs and assist you in selecting the perfect song based upon the relationship you have with your Parent.
These dances are an opportunity to give your parents special recognition and to thank them for their love and support during your lifetime. Choose a song that will demonstrate your appreciation and that they will enjoy. Remember that this is your wedding and that you have the privilege of recognizing other individuals who played an instrumental role in your life--step-parents, grandparents, and mentors. If their are two individuals who you wish to honor with the same song, simply change partners during the music.
Toasts
The toasts by the best man and the maid of honor will be another highlight of your reception. Traditionally, these toasts occur immediately after the Newlywed's First Dance, prior to the meal or during the meal. You may want to request that your musicians accompany the toasts by softly playing instrumental versions of songs that capture the spirit of your friendship such as You've Got A Friend by James Taylor, I Wish You Love by Natalie Cole or That's What Friends Are For by Dionne Warwick. If you are planning a formal reception, you might request that a favorite piece of classical music be performed; if you are planning an informal reception, you might request that the band play your school song, fraternity song or sorority song if you went to school with your friend.
Often, the Parents of the Bride and the Parents of the Groom also wish to toast the Bride and Groom. These toasts occur at the convenience of the Parents, but a quick conversation with the band or DJ prior to the toast will ensure that the microphone is active and that appropriate music is played in the background, if desired.
Bouquet Toss
At many receptions, one of the more popular and exciting events is the tossing of the bouquet by the Bride over her shoulder to all the single women at the wedding. The woman who catches the bouquet supposedly will be the next to be married--the basis for the women's exuberance in pursuing the bouquet. Since this tradition is intended to be enjoyed by all guests, it would seem appropriate to select fun background music such as All the Single Ladies by Beyonce, Celebration by Kool & the Gang, Where Have All The Flowers Gone by Peter, Paul & Mary, or Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper.
Garter Removal and Toss
The tradition of the garter toss started as a way to prove that the newlyweds had consummated their marriage. Legend suggests that the groom would prove the consummation by leaving the bedroom with the garter and displaying it to the guests. In its current version, the Groom removes the garter from his Bride after which he throws the garter over his shoulder the the group of reluctant single men. The man who catches the garter supposedly will be the next to be married--the basis for the men's reluctance in catching the garter. This tradition is also intended to be enjoyed by all guests so you should select fun background music such as Stray Cat Strut by Stray Cats, The Stripper by David Rose, Another One Bites the Dust by Queen or Fever by Peggy Lee.
Cake Cutting
The tradition of sharing cake at the wedding reception began with the ancient Romans who shared a cake of wheat flour, water and salt during marriage ceremonies. Following tradition, the Bride and Groom hold the knife together when cutting the first piece--a symbol of their future together. Typically, the band or DJ will announce to the guests that the wedding cake is about to be cut. Consistent with the other enjoyable traditions followed in the wedding reception, cutting the wedding cake should be an uplifting experience. To celebrate the moment select fun background music such as Appetite for Love by Sy Klopps, Completely by Michael Bolton or How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by James Taylor.
Money Dance
Originally a Polish Tradition, The Money Dance has become a tradition at many American weddings. The tradition had a practical element because it provided the Bride and Groom with a little extra money for their honeymoon or their early expenses as a married couple. Traditionally, the dance is started with the Bride and the Best Man who places a dollar in the Bride's purse for the privilege of enjoying a dance with her. Guests are then invited to dance with the Bride and place a dollar in her purse for the privilege. Typical songs selected for the Money Dance are Money (That's What I Want) by the Beatles, Money Honey by Elvis Presley, and Money, Money, Money by Abba.
Ethnic Dances
Weddings bring together many generations, some of which have strong ties to their culture and heritage. It may be appropriate for you to include in your receptions music a song that reflects the heritage of you or your spouse. The Horah is a traditional Jewish dance that culminates in the Bride and Groom being raised upon on chairs by their peers. Originated in southern Italy, the Tarantella is a dance that increases in speed, typically accompanied by castanets and a tambourine. The Highland Fling is a high energy Scottish Dance that according to legend tested a warrior's strength, stamina and agility The Money Dance is a Polish tradition as is Polka music.
Last Dance
You and your Spouse may want to enjoy a Last Dance before you embark on the challenging journey of life together, particularly if you have devoted much of the reception to speaking and dancing with others. Since this is a chance to celebrate the conclusion of your exciting wedding day, you should select a song that has special significance to you and your spouse. Songs that might be appropriate include Save the Last Dance for Me by Michael Buble, All I Ever Need is You by Ray Charles, Goodnight Sweetheart by The Flamingos or Last Dance by Donna Summer. You may also want to choose another special song for one last dance among all your friends and family to leave a lasting impression in your guests' memories.