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Music

Music plays a huge part of any wedding celebration! Of course everybody wants to dance and have a great time during the reception party, but there are also so many points throughout the day that your music choices can make all the difference. The many details of the day can get a bit overwhelming, but we're here to help! We'll guide you through the day, every step of the way. 

Terminology & Song Selection

Below, we'll walk through a typical wedding timeline and the songs that should accompany each section of a wedding day. Keep in mind that you should feel absolutely no pressure to have the exact structure we have listed below, we've just chosen a generic and common wedding structure. You should also feel no obligation to have a song choice for every last detail and you can always feel free to add something, even if you don't see it listed in our guide! 

Ceremony

  • Background Music
    Ex: Classical, Romantic Pop, Instrumental Covers

    This is background or "walk in" music playing as your guests arrive and are seated. Select a general music genre for this portion that fits your vision and the atmosphere you'd like to cultivate.

  • Prelude
    Ex: Serenade, D. 957, No. 4," by Frank Schubert

    This can be considered the final "walk-in" song, suitable for parents being seated. 

  • Wedding Party Processional
    Ex: “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

    Pick a song for your wedding party to get into place! As the first "official" song of the ceremony, this choice can help set the tone for the rest of the occasion. 

  • Main Processional(s)
    Ex: All You Need Is Love by The Beatles

    We find that this is one of the hardest songs to choose - it's a song to introduce you to your guests and there are just so many great options! We'd encourage you to pick music that reflects you and your unique relationship that we are celebrating. Your selection should make you smile when you hear it and don't be afraid of having fun with this choice! At the end of the day, don't sweat it, you're choosing a soundtrack for you as a couple. There are no wrong answers here. 

  • Interlude or Special Music
    Ex: Arioso by Johann S. Bach

    This is a general place holder for any part of the ceremony where you'd like to avoid an "awkward silence".  This won't apply to every ceremony, but think; handfasting, candle lighting, foot washing, silent vows, etc. Think through about how long this will take and choose accordingly. Thirty seconds might feel like a long time while you are standing up in front of all of your family and friends, but it's not quite long enough for a full song to play, making instrumentals a popular choice for this portion of the ceremony. Alternatively, this is a great time to get creative and have special music (either by track or by performer). 

  • Recessional
    Ex: Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen

    This is the final "exit" song! We usually play this right as your first kiss as a married couple takes place. Have fun with this one, it's the moment we've all been waiting for and you can expect lots of clapping and cheering! 

Cocktail Hour

If you've opted to have music during your cocktail hour, we suggest you land on a genre or a mix of genres that correspond with the atomosphere. A cocktail hour outside with fun lawn games to pass the time might have a different feel than a cocktail hour in a scenic banquet hall, keep your setting and the tone you'd like to set in mind. Whether it be classy jazz or modern pop - make sure cocktail hour represents your merging styles as a couple and your guests will be sure to enjoy themselves. 

Reception

  • Background Music
    Ex: Classical, Romantic Pop, Instrumental Covers

    You'll want background music while your guests enjoy their dinner and other reception festivities. Similarly to the background music for your ceremony and cocktail hour, select a general music genre for this portion that fits your vision and the atmosphere you'd like to cultivate. 

  • Grand Entrance
    Ex: Thunderstruck by AC/DC

    This is where we'll announce your entry to the reception! Your guests have been anxiously awaiting your arrival and you can expect a roaring applause and infectious excitement when this moment finally comes. Pick a song that matches your enthusiasm and excitement to be joining the reception. Many couples also include their wedding party in the grand entry -  you can all walk in to the same song or pick separate songs for yourselves and the party members. 

  • Frist Dance
    The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra

    This one is pretty self explanatory - take a moment out of the busy evening and remind yourselves what the day is really all about (spoiler alert; it's about you and your connection as a couple!) Pick a song with a deep nostalgic meaning for the two of you or pick a brand new song that will forever hold a special place in your memories. With whatever you choose, you can't go wrong here.

  • Parent Dances
    EX: What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

    Parent dances are a long standing traditional way to show some love and honor to the folks you call mom & dad. We suggest getting their input on a song that means something special to them before making a final selection here. Don't be surprised if you find yourself teary eyed by the end of your dance. There's something beautiful and intimate about parent dances that just can't be overlooked. Traditionally, a song is chosen for father-daughter and mother-son, respectively. You can also switch things up a bit and have a combined dance, choosing only one song. 

  • Last Dance
    Ex: Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley

    You've been dancing all night with your loved ones by your side - nobody wants the night to end, but it's that time of the night. It's important to end the night on a high note and as DJ's, it's part of our job to read the room and decide how best to accomplish this and we're happy to do so. That said, is there a song you just know you want to hear as your last dance? This is a final farewell as you dance alongside your guests before heading out for the night. This dance will hold the compilation of the day's emotions and is always a great time. Have fun with this song selection and it will be the closer, the final mood set for the evening. 

Playlists for every occasion

 We try our best to curate playlists for every occasion. Below you'll find playlists full of suggestions for each portion of your wedding day. From your ceremony to your first dance, we've got you covered with the most popular choices as well as our personal suggestions. 

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