A Foolproof Wedding Music Formula
Mom wants Motown, Grandpa wants Sinatra, the girls from college want Spice Girls and you and your partner just want them all to be happy.
Photo courtesy of Bethany & Dan Photography
It is impossible to please everyone attending your wedding. But the pressure’s still there. Especially when mom and dad are footing part of the bill (which, statistically they are). So, how do you manage what you want versus what mom and dad want? Our suggestion: break your day into sections, where each segment gets its own tone and goal.
Hour 1 / Ceremony
The ceremony is the most formal part of the day, so it makes sense to utilize traditional music. You're not trying to get anyone up and grooving. The goal is to create a romantic and memorable atmosphere. See: 5 Classic Ceremony Songs that aren't "Here Comes the Bride."
Hour 2 / Cocktail Hour
Cocktail Hour is a breath of fresh air. Have a jazzy and upbeat soundtrack to ease into socializing. Once again, the goal is not to have people dancing. It’s about breaking any emotional tension leftover from the ceremony and getting people to relax.
Photo courtesy of Love Wild Photography
Photo courtesy of Love Wild Photography
Hour 3 / Dinner
Create a classy and loungey atmosphere during dinner by playing some grandma-friendly classic like Elvis, Ella Fitzgerland and Sinatra. Nothing feels swankier than being serenaded during dinner service. Your older loved ones will love it, and your younger friends will feel like they’re getting red-carpet treatment.
Hour 4 / Reception Part I
The first hour of dancing can be considered “Family Dance Time” where the night is young and everyone jumps in the hypothetical party pool. It’s the perfect time for Motown, soul, and classic rock - timeless throwbacks that everyone can sing along to. The goal here is to make everyone feel welcome.
Photo courtesy of Move Mountains Co.
Hour 5+ / Reception Part II
Bring on the Top 40s and club hits towards the end of the night. Since your high school and college friends are the ones still energized at this hour, it’s the safest time to play the bangers that may not appeal to your auntie. Break out Rihanna, Shaggy, and Ginuine. The goal here is to party until your venue kindly asks you to leave.
Photo courtesy of Move Mountains Co.
And there you have it. A basic musical outline to help plan your day. And remember, at the end of the night, it is YOUR wedding. Take this “formula” and make it your own.
