Wedding Reception Music Ideas

With just a few simple wedding reception music ideas, you can have the unique wedding reception you have dreamed of.

When it comes to choosing your wedding reception music, you have even more choices than with the wedding ceremony music.

(Click here for wedding ceremony music ideas.)

If your reception is outside and small, you can have a string quartet.

If you really want a string quartet, I would suggest having them play while everyone is eating and during any transitional times during your reception. Another wedding reception music idea is to hire a live band, or play CD's during the dancing, and special moments during your reception.

Hiring live bands and DJs or a combination of both is very popular for wedding receptions. You can use these regardless of where your reception location is.

It's always important to make sure that when you hire a band you use a professional act to provide your wedding reception music. A band, such as this wedding band, has built a repertoire that spans over 5 decades, so there will always be something for everyone, delivered in a style fitting for a wedding!

Another important thing to consider, if you want to hire a band, is that they tend to be very expensive and can take a huge chunk out of your budget. So, it is very common to have either the band leader or DJ act as emcee for the evening, announcing the couple and wedding party, the first dance, cake cutting, the couple’s departure, etc.

If you choose either of these methods, here are a few wedding reception music ideas to consider:

• Give the band/DJ a song list of any particular songs that you want played to ensure they know how to play those songs or that those songs are in the DJ’s play list.
• Make it clear to the band/DJ what types of music you like.
• Provide as much information as you can to any hired musicians.
For example:
• Give them the wedding date and time.
• Parking information, along with where to load and unload any equipment. Be sure to allow enough time for them to get there and to get set up.
• Provide them with the schedule of the events for your reception. This should include the list of names, if they are announcing anyone.

The more information you can give them the better prepared everyone will be. Allowing for a flawless performance - creating a perfect reception for you.

If you use a DJ, you can usually give them a complete song list and they will play the wedding reception music you want.

For a list of wedding songs to use at your reception, click here.

Burning Your Own CD's

Another simple wedding reception idea is to burn all of the songs you want to be played onto CD's and have someone play the CD's during the reception. This works great! It is very inexpensive and allows you to play exactly what songs you want. This idea also allows for more creativity/freedom in the song selection.

If you choose to go with this wedding reception music idea,

• Remember to assign someone to be in charge of playing the CD's.
• Be sure to have someone check the sound equipment at the venue and to test all the CD's before hand to make sure they play properly on the equipment.
• Ensure that you have enough music to last the entire time of your reception.
• You will also need to assign someone as emcee to make all of the important announcements.

Whatever wedding reception music idea you decide to go with, there are some rules of thumb when it comes to reception music to keep in mind.

Make sure you have designated songs for all of the special moments (i.e. announcing the couple and wedding party, first dance, father/daughter dance, cake cutting, and departure), so that they will be as memorable as possible. You will also want the appropriate music to accompany each event. It is best to play slow tempo music while the guests are eating, fast temp music for dancing, etc.

Unique Wedding Reception Ideas

Here are a few fun and unique ideas for your wedding reception music:

• If you are having a themed wedding, then music that can go along with your theme is perfect.
• Moroccan Ensemble with a belly dancer.
• A couple of violinists playing in harmony.
• A Harp and Woodwind Ensemble.
• A single cello.
• A Barbershop Quartet.
• A Free Juke-Box filled with Golden Oldies that the guests can select.(one of my personal favorites)
• A Swing Band.
• A Country and Western Band.

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