As you work with your band or DJ on your wedding reception music, it’s a good idea to be as prepared as possible and have wedding songs already chosen for the key parts of the wedding reception – from your entrance music to the last dance.
Don’t worry, though, if you don’t yet have a song in mind for one or more of these more typical reception events; your DJ or MC should be more than able to help you come up with ideas for songs that might be meaningful to you as a couple.
Choosing Wedding Songs
Here are the most common parts of the reception that couples choose specific wedding songs for:
- Parents Entrance
- Bridal Party Entrance
- Bride and Groom Entrance
- First Dance
- Bride and Father Dance
- Groom and Mother Dance
- Cake Cutting
- Bouquet Toss
- Last Dance
Parents Entrance Song
The parents of the bride and groom are typically the first to make an appearance at the wedding reception, after all of the picture taking wraps up at the cocktail hour. One song is definitely enough here, and you may want to include each set of parents in the decision regarding song choice. Keep in mind that the entrance will be brief; probably just a minute or two of a selection is all that’s needed.
Bridal Party Entrance Song
For the bridal party, choose another selection that will start just after the parents have reached their seats. Again, it’s a nice gesture to involve your wedding party in the decision about music. Oftentimes, though, there might be an obvious song choice here such as an old favorite song from college or one that has special meaning from a part of your lives.
Usually, couples will choose an up-tempo song to “get the party started!” The entrance music really helps set the stage to kick off the wedding reception, which after all is meant to be a fantastic party and celebration of your new marriage.
Bride and Groom Entrance Song
This one is definitely you and your fiancé’s choice! 🙂 While it won’t be remembered as much as your first dance choice, your entrance song should also be a song that holds a special memory for you both.
First Dance Song
While the entrance songs were likely a lot more upbeat, the first dances are generally on the slower side with more traditional selections such as Etta James’ “At Last”, a very popular first dance choice for couples.
Bride and Father / Groom and Mother Songs
This is another perfect opportunity to involve your parents into your wedding planning and your special day. There may be a song that holds special meaning for the bride’s father or groom’s mother and those choices should be honored if at all possible and if it makes sense to you as a couple.
Cake Cutting / Bouquet Toss Songs
These are the final selections you’ll have to make other than the last dance, and they are generally fun, upbeat or nostalgic. As with the entrance songs, though, no need to overthink these as most of your guests will be focusing on the events that they accompany, especially the bouquet toss!
Last Dance Song
And finally, your last dance will be the dance that concludes the festivities and it’s the transition to your wonderful new marriage. Choose whatever touches you both as a couple and perhaps highlights your unique personalities.
Other Wedding Reception Music
Once you have selected your key wedding songs, you’ll also want to compile a wish list of other songs or genres that you might like to hear during the reception. Your musicians may not be able to play everything on the list, but this is a great way to ensure that the reception is filled with music that you actually want to listen to. 🙂 Whether you hire a wedding band or a DJ, it’s also a good idea to compile a “Do Not Play” list so that you can spare yourselves from hearing music that really doesn’t match your individual tastes.
Lastly, keep in mind that (most likely) you’ll have several different generations of musical preferences in attendance at your wedding reception, and even within those groups not everyone appreciates all types of music. Yes, it is your day–but thinking about what types of music would make the day fun and memorable for your friends and loved ones will make it all the more special for everyone.
Wedding Reception Songs FAQ
Which parts of the wedding reception do I need to choose specific songs for?
Typically, couples will choose special wedding songs for the parents entrance, bridal party entrance, bride and groom entrance, first and last dance, father/daughter and mother/son dance, cake cutting and bouquet toss.
How can I get help choosing songs for my wedding reception?
Your DJ or MC can help with ideas for your wedding reception music, and you may also wish to ask your family and bridal party for help with selecting songs for the bridal party and parents entrance, and the father/daughter and mother/son dances.
What are the most important dances during the wedding reception?
Your first dance as a married couple is usually a highlight of the wedding reception, and the one that many couples will rehearse in advance. Additionally, the father/daughter and mother/son dances are both touching moments for all and should also have special songs picked out in advance.
What if I don't want certain music played during my wedding reception?
In addition to providing a list of the special wedding songs you’ve chosen for your wedding reception, you should also plan to create a “do not play” list which can include both specific songs as well as genres of music that you don’t want to have played at your wedding.