From family members to friends to colleagues, music is undoubtedly what brings everyone together at the wedding reception. After booking your Band or DJ for the night, it’s important to sit down with your significant other to discuss what songs you would like in your wedding playlist.

MCM provides a very useful free wedding planning form/tool on the Manhattan City Music web site which you can access by clicking here.

There is no ‘right way’ to do it – you can pick half the playlist and leave the rest up to the DJ, or you can pick every single song yourselves. Typically we suggest our clients give us a list of many of their favorite songs that they would like to include  and leave some room for the experienced band or DJ to read the room in order to pace the party and keep everyone dancing. Just make sure you communicate your preferences and dislikes during the planning stages. This ensures that you and your Bandleader/DJ are all on the same page!

An hour usually allows approximately 15 songs to be played. So let’s say your reception is 4 hours, you can choose up to 60 songs. You’ll of course want to cater your playlist to your guests, which is important, but don’t forget that you must also enjoy every song you pick. Assuming this is following the Reception Entrance, First Dance, Father/Daughter Dance… here are our recommendations in choosing your playlist for the rest of your night.

Manhattan City Music also has a super useful free tool to look up the most requested songs in a live national database for party music requests. You can use the pulldown menu to search by decade, first dance, parent dances etc. Check out the free tool here.

Dinner Music

Feel free to pick some songs to play underscoring everyone’s dinner time. These song choices shouldn’t be too distracting since guests often want to engage in conversations and listen to one another during this time. I like to call this ‘ear candy’ music, songs that are pleasant to listen to, keeping the uplifting mood of the reception but don’t put people to sleep.

The Dance Floor Opener

You’ll want to start off your open dance floor with something everybody knows to get them in the mood to show off their dance moves. Choose something that is upbeat, so everyone can start singing along as well. I love a good Michael Jackson song, It could be an upbeat classic or contemporary dance hit, an I Wanna Dance With Somebody moment or a Bruno Mars song. The rest of the dance floor playlist should just be a good time.

Slow Dances

Many people like to have a couple of Have several slower songs throughout slow dances during the night to give you as well as your guests a chance to relish in the romance of it all. It will also help you feel more grounded and give you both a moment to connect with each other!

The Last Song

The last song should again, be something everyone knows! End your wedding with a bang. Where’s the after party at?

Music heals the heart and lifts spirits. Happy music hunting for your wedding!