No party is complete without music, yet nothing can destroy the mood and atmosphere of a gathering quite like a poor selection of songs. Wedding receptions are no exception, but with choosing your music as daunting as it is integral, knowing what you’re looking for is absolutely key. Whether you want your guests to be tapping their feet as they sit and chat or filling the dancefloor and dancing on the tabletops, you’ll need a playlist or band to fit the mood.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at what you should be doing to create the aural environment of your dreams at your wedding reception.
Acknowledge the theme
If you knew the theme for your wedding long before you started making your planning checklist, or if you’re still working it out, this is a good place to start when choosing your music. You need to build the foundations of the party before you can even begin to consider the music that will complement the overall event. For example, a rock tribute band may feel out of place alongside a traditional white wedding , but for an alternative style wedding it might suit perfectly.
Begin the research
When you start to consider your reception music, you should probably commit to doing a little bit of research. Write down specific songs that you want played, as well as genres that need to be included and also those that should be avoided. Figure out whether you will be able to accommodate requests from guests on the day or whether they’ll have to inform you beforehand. @steviedeeentertainments we encourage requests and will take them on the night.
Don’t be afraid to mix it up
It can be very tempting to play it straight and only include music that everyone already likes, but if you want to experiment and you have faith in your musical choices, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Variety is the name of the game; you don’t want anyone to get bored or to feel as though the music choice is only catering to a very specific group of people. Keep everyone guessing and throw in the odd curveball.Here in Ireland we have a tradition of playing Old time waltzs ,jiving ,quickset and siege of Ennis
Consider the volume
You can have the best music selection in the world, but if nobody can hear it, your work will have been for nothing. Similarly, if the music is too loud, even the very best songs can soon begin to feel oppressive and distressing. Most venues will have guidelines on volume and may even require hired bands or DJ’s to use sound limiters, so be sure to start the conversation with them before the night. Most Djs who work in the wedding business will have sound levels correct to keep your guests happy.
Consider the venue
Will you have to provide speakers or any other piece of kit yourself? Does the venue have good internet access? Is there a specific place where a band or DJ will have to stand? Does the venue require music to end at a certain time? Are there neighbours nearby who are liable to complain, or at the very least will need to be informed prior to the event taking place? Answer all of these questions in plenty of time before the wedding, to not only give you peace of mind but also ensure everything goes smoothly on the night.
DJ, records or a live band?
Once you’ve figured out exactly what music is going to be played, you need to think about how it is going to be played. From simply plugging a laptop into Spotify, hiring a DJ or being entertained and serenaded by a live band that you have handpicked just for the occasion, there are many options to sift through. Only you and your partner can decide what is right for your special day, so have fun deciding and finding the perfect choice for your wedding reception.
At Stevie Entertainments you can create spotify lists and share them with us. We will add all the wedding classics making sure we do our best to cover everybodys tastes.