FEBRUARY ’ 23 � SOUTH � 19
Curate a memorable playlist
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Make a lasting impression
After a formal wedding ceremony , complete with processionals and “ I dos ,” comes the part of a wedding that enables the happy couple to brush off the last vestiges of jitters and celebrate . A wedding reception marks the culmination of months or even years of planning . Oftentimes a hundred guests or more gather to dine , dance and toast to the prosperity of the newlyweds .
Certain components of a reception will prove more memorable than others . Food is one such element . The other component that tends to make a lasting impression is the music , which means couples curating reception playlists should do so with care and consideration .
Deejays and live bands can help couples choose music that fits the mood . But couples also can consider these tips when curating their reception playlists .
Calculate your needs Couples may wonder just how many songs they need for a standard reception . Unless you ’ re working with extra-long songs , like “ Paradise by the Dashboard Light ” or “ Bohemian Rhapsody ,” most songs are around three minutes long . That means for a four-hour reception you ’ ll need roughly 80 songs . However , plan for moments such as speeches / toasts and other breaks .
Pair songs with key elements Traditional weddings have certain mini-events within the receptions . Music enhances these moments .
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Wedding playlist considerations can include far more than the first dance .
Jot down ideas for the following components : l Bridal party entrance l Couples ’ entrance l First dance ( wedding song ) l Mother / son , father / daughter dances l Cake cutting song l Garter / bouquet toss songs l Spotlight dance l Any other special element
Select calm dinner music After a day rushing around , most guests are looking forward to sitting down , conversing and , of course , eating . Cocktail hour and dinner music should be at a low volume and not too fast-paced . It certainly shouldn ’ t drown out conversation . Musician Peter Lee Johnson performs violin covers of popular Top 40 songs , and his music may be an option when choosing songs to accompany food service . Postmodern Jukebox is a group of musicians who take modern songs and give them a bygone flair . Their tunes also can be fitting .
Tie the music to the theme Weddings that follow a specific theme , such as a beach wedding , can be enhanced by music that coordinates to that theme . Think steel drum bands ,
Hawaiian stylings or even Beach Boys surfing songs .
Be mindful of older guests Some seniors may appreciate modern music , but they also may want to hear songs from the era when they were growing up . Pepper the song list with options across various decades to keep as many people on the dance floor as possible .
Select a classic first dance song Some couples opt to go trendy when selecting their wedding songs . However , certain songs have withstood the test of time . Such options include “ Have I Told You Lately That I Love You ,” “ Here and Now ,” “ Stand by Me ,” “ Amazed ,” or “ Just the Way You Are .”
These tips can help any couples put together a wedding reception playlist that will help to create a memorable celebration .