Picking tunes for your wedding isn’t just about making a list of favourites. Carefully choosing Music for Key Wedding Moments during your reception is where it’s at!
So, what do we mean when we talk about choosing specific pieces of music for key wedding moments? It is all about understanding the elements that go into creating a playlist for your reception that connects everything together and reflects your style and personality.
Think your guests won’t notice well-planned music for those key wedding moments? They will, and you’ll be glad you spent the extra time on preparation.
Here are some of the main moments to include in your reception music playlist…
Introductions
This is when you get to make your grand entrance as newlyweds and introduce your bridal party. Something upbeat for this intro is perfect – it gets your guests excited, cheering and ready to celebrate!
We recommend: “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake, “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas
Cake Cutting
Here is where you can go for something a little more romantic and uplifting, as sweet as your wedding cake! This is the lead-in to your first dance, so make sure it transitions well into your first dance choice.
We recommend: “Sugar” by Maroon 5, “How Sweet It Is” by Michael Bublé
First Dance
There are so many options for first dance music, and they all come down to personal style and preference. Do you want something slow for a waltz number, or an upbeat tune for a choreographed dance routine?
We recommend: “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé
Parent-Child Dance
This dance is usually a little more on the low-key end, with a slow tune for the newlyweds to share a dance or two with their parents.
We recommend: “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole, “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift
Bouquet Toss
You’re in real party territory now, so fun is the key when it comes to choosing your music. There are so many awesome songs to include here that it was hard to pick just a couple!
We recommend: “Dear Future Husband” by Meghan Trainor, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyoncé
Garter Toss
Just like the bouquet toss, everyone is usually up for a bit of fun when it comes to the garter toss. We have found that couples love something a bit tongue in cheek for this part of the reception!
We recommend: “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen, “Pony” by Ginuwine
Farewell
Most couples we know end the night just as they started it… with something upbeat that reflects their personalities and finishes the party with bang! Of course, this is entirely up to you, and this music should have a personal connection, regardless of the tempo.
We recommend: “Oh What a Night” by Frankie Valli, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Tips from the Ballara Receptions team
Tip 1 – While people are enjoying their meals and mingling, remember to make sure you have some unintrusive background music playing.
Tip 2 – If you have a live band or DJ, they’ll also need to have breaks during the night, so it’s important to arrange some dance tunes to fill in the gaps.
Tip 3 – Don’t micromanage the entire song list. You’ve chosen a brilliant band or DJ based on your preferred styles of music and because you love their work. They are experts at reading the crowd! Let them know of any particular songs you’d love to include in the set lists but give them flexibility to play some song requests or change up the energy when it needs a switch.
Tip 4 – Have a “Do Not Play” list if there are any songs or genres you really don’t like, or that you feel are not appropriate for your crowd. If you don’t want the “Macarena” or are not a Meatloaf fan, make sure your band/DJ knows!
When it comes to music for key wedding moments, a fantastic band or DJ should be a priority in the planning process. Ballara Receptions can help you find your perfect music match for the occasion. Chat to us about the different packages available and how they can be customised to cater to all your music needs.
Contact Ballara today to book your private tour of the venue and to discuss your individual needs.