How To Pick Your Wedding Reception Music

Your music really sets the tone for your wedding. You’ll always remember the songs you played at your wedding! But coming up with the perfect tunes can be overwhelming. There are so many songs to choose from! But don’t get stressed. We have made a list of everything you need to know when it comes to picking your wedding reception music (and your wedding ceremony music!). To make things even easier, we have curated Spotify playlists for you to listen to! Let’s break down what music you’ll need for your reception.

Formal Dances

When it comes to the formal dances, it’s so important to choose the right music for both people and make sure the dance doesn’t get awkward. First, don’t choose a fast song for a formal dance if one partner won’t be able to keep up. You need everyone to be on the same page. Second, shorten your formal dances so you aren’t dancing through the whole song. A song that is over three minutes is too long. Have your DJ or band shorten the song to just one to two minutes. Finally, practice at home together every chance you get. You want to feel comfortable together. Plus, it’s a great way for you and your fiancé to reconnect during the planning since it’s so romantic!

Photo Credit: Bridoll Photography

First Dance

Decide first whether or not your first dance will be choreographed. If you plan on seeing a choreographer or going for dancing lessons, you may be working with your instructor to choose a song. If not, decide what type of dancing you are both the most comfortable with. Are you okay with slow dancing? Choose a song that’s a little more romantic. Do you have two left feet and want to have a fun dance? Choose something more upbeat and faster.

Yes, Ed Sheeran and Frank Sinatra will always be at the top of the list when searching online, but here are three other songs we love:

·       “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Hailey Reinhart

·       “Crazy Love,” Van Morrison

·       “This Magic Moment,” The Drifters (my personal favorite since it was my first dance song)

We’ve got a playlist full of other great songs that would work for your first dance too!

Parent Dances

When it comes to the parent dances, you can discuss your song choice with them or surprise them! The parent dances are always so sweet and special, and we definitely have our favorite song choices. When it comes to the mother/son dance, here are the songs we love:

·       “That’s What Mamas Do,” Jason Matthews

·       “The Perfect Fan” Backstreet Boys

·       “My Wish,” Rascal Flatts

For the father/daughter dance, our favorite songs are:

·       “You Look So Good in Love,” George Strait

·       “I Loved Her First,” Heartland

·       “Daddy, Dance with Me,” Krystal Keith

You can also check out our mother/son dance playlist and our father/daughter dance playlist!

Photo Credit: Dean Michael Studio

Cake Cutting

This is an important part of the wedding reception music, but couples usually don’t think about it. Have fun with your cake cutting song! Some of our favorites are:

·       “Cake,” Flo Rida

·       “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” Pat Benatar

·       “L-O-V-E,” Nat King Cole

Plus, you guessed it, we have a playlist for cake cutting too!

Last Dance

With the last dance, you can go for a hype song or something slow to close the night out. Our preference is a hype song. Send it off with a bang! Maybe we’re partial to this one because we’re in Jersey, but “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey is a great option! Okay, so maybe we are super Jersey because we also love “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. Another fun option is “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon. Your last dance is going to be your last moment with your guests, so live it up and make it memorable. Have sparklers? Have the DJ set them off here! CO2 blast anyone? Bring out all the special effects and soak in those last moments with all the people you love most.

Still unsure of your final song? No worries. We have another playlist ready for you!

Photo Credit: Requiem Images

Your wedding reception music matters because it really sets the mood for your wedding. You want your music to represent the two of you and the kind of reception you want to have. Hopefully, we’ve helped you at least narrow down your choices or helped you find some great music for your reception. Just as one final bonus, you can check out our getting-ready playlist for the bridal party! It’s quite the mix from the classics to the ’90s to the more explicit songs. Check it out!

We love helping couples avoid overwhelm as they plan their special day. We’d love to hear how we can help you achieve that amazing wedding you’re dreaming about. Just send us a message!