Over the years I have DJ’d hundreds of weddings and each one has been unique and special in its own way. From decorations, food, banquet halls, vendors, traditions and of course the music. On that note, I am often asked for advice and guidance in picking the perfect wedding music for the couple’s big day.
On that note, I thought it would be helpful to share some tips that will help you select the perfect wedding music. In addition, your DJ should always be willing to make song suggestions as well.
I’ve also included some VERY helpful playlist planning tools that will simplify the process of selecting the perfect wedding music for your big day. So let’s begin!!
Listed below are all of the different wedding events and dances that will need music to be selected prior to your wedding day. I have included tips and my personal experiences to assist you in picking the perfect songs for these most special moments. I have also included samples of music to help you get a feel for the wedding event in which it will accompany.
The Ceremony
When picking the perfect wedding music, remember that your wedding ceremony music should express your personal tastes in music. It also sets the tone for the entire day for you and your guests.
The music playing when your guests arrive should also reflect your personal tastes and preferences. Is this a traditional wedding? Artistic? Throw the traditions out the window wedding? This is all communicated by your pre-wedding ceremony music.
During your ceremony, there is the bridal party processional song, bridal march song, a special ceremony song and a recessional song. Traditional wedding ceremony songs include compositions like: “The Bridal Chorus”, “Cannon in D” and “Mendelssohn’s Wedding March.”
These are beautiful and popular ceremony songs, however as far as “rules” for picking out this music, I say there are no rules for the wedding ceremony music. I do recommend however to always keep it clean.
Cocktail Hour and Dinner
It’s always fun to personalize the cocktail and dinner music as well. I’ve played everything from movie soundtracks, parodies, and even music written by musicians who are guests at the wedding.
I typically suggest standard jazz or classics by Sinatra and the “Rat Pack.” I also suggest that couples do not assume that the music for cocktail hour and dinner should be slow. Uptempo music works great and warms up your guests for the dancing segment of the evening.
Regardless of the cocktail music you choose, your DJ must play it at a low volume level. Your songs should be loud enough to simply fill in the quiet space and not interfere with your guest’s conversations.
The Grand Entrance
Now it’s time to TURN IT UP!! When selecting the perfect wedding music for the Bridal Party ‘s Grand Entrance, it is important to pick music that is fun and upbeat.
One thing I like to do is dedicate a song for each person announced in the bridal party. It is also fun to pick music that the members of your bridal party identify with and to keep it a secret. They will absolutely love that you took the time to do this and the guests who know them will love it too.
You will also want to discuss with your DJ where you want each song to start playing (ex. bridge, chorus and so on). When picking the Newly Married Couple’s Grand Entrance song, I always suggest something that’s high energy and emotionally charged. This is your big moment to shine and we love seeing HAPPY tears of joy in the crowd during your Grand Entrance!!
The Couple’s First Dance
When planning your First Dance song, start early. Days early? Weeks early? Months? If possible, start years early if you have that time available.
Be sure to write these songs down if you hear them on the radio. I always recommend waiting till about 30 days prior to your wedding to submit your music. The reason for this is because song selections often change before then.
Now here is my most important tip for this entire blog. This is YOUR song. It’s nobody’s song but YOURS.
We all know that family and friends can often influence many of the events that take place during the wedding, but not this one. This is the most magical dance for the entire reception and it’s all about YOU and your husband or wife.
Dedication and Ceremonial Songs
Dedication and ceremonial songs include the music for the couple’s cake cutting, dances with the parents, bridal party dance, bouquet toss, garter toss and the last song of the evening. The first thing I recommend is that the couple visits my song suggestion list to get some ideas.
To get creative, couples have also arranged fun choreographed dances with their parents. They may also invite both parents and families on the dance floor for this dance. Furthermore, if you pick songs for the parents dance, I always recommend something they will love and cherish forever.
As for choosing the perfect wedding music for the other dedication and ceremonial songs, I suggest picking songs that are light and fun for the cake cutting. Furthermore, consider casual and cheerful for the bridal party dance.
Entertaining and playful music for the bouquet toss and humerus songs for the garter toss. Finally, it always works well to play fun and sentimental music for the last dance of the evening.
Open Dance Floor
It is now time for me to reveal some of my DJ secrets for picking the perfect wedding music to keep that dance floor PACKED!! Keeping the dance floor rolling is actually a team effort.
It all starts with the DJ and the couple getting married. Prior to the wedding, it is so important that the couple complete the Master of Ceremonies form.
I always suggest the couple picks music that they identify with. It is also very important that the music has a good dance beat. Finally, I always recommend that the couple allow the DJ to play what we call our “go-to” songs that have proven to keep that dance floor packed night after night!
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Hello! My name is Tony Coppola and I’d like to take this time to tell you a little bit about myself and CC King Entertainment.
I began my musical journey when I was 12 years old as a singer and drummer. Ten years ago, I built a home recording studio and named it CC King Studio. Shortly after, I DJ’d my first wedding and CC King Entertainment was born!
After DJing hundreds of weddings, my business allowed me to leave my 16 year career as an occupational therapist. I ALWAYS go the extra mile to personalize my wedding services and I have the distinct honor to work with an amazing team of Michigan wedding DJs.
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