We’ve got the aesthetics basically mapped out for the ceremony and reception but one very important element still is unsettled: the tunes!
Music has been a driving force in our relationship. Some of the most important bonding moments between us have been a result of our shared love of live music. So this little detail is possibly the most important one to Mike and I.
Unfortunately, the only live band we’d choose for our reception is a little out of our budget, but we’re lucky enough to have a DJ service in the family! My father happens to have his own entertainment company. We’re fortunate in that we can hand the party over to people we know and trust, which should allow me to relax and enjoy the day.
What to Play?
I’ve done decently well thus far in trying not to micro-manage every detail someone else is trying to take care of for me, but the music is one area I can’t seem to keep my hands out of. If it were reasonable to sit down and make a playlist song by song, I would. Fortunately for my father, however, it is unreasonable.
I went to wedding consultant Stephanie Padovani of The DJ Solution, for a little advice. She suggested making a list of outlawed tunes. “Then talk to your father about what you like and give him the freedom to keep the party going while sticking to the vibe you want.”
What Not to Play?
In order to get people dancing they need to hear something familiar and fun. This is where an all too often “Chicken Dance,” or “Macarena,” can be inserted. These songs can be great in the right type of celebration, I would just rather not do the Chicken Dance, again.
So, at the risk of being a stick in the mud, we’ve decided to avoid these songs at our reception. Stephanie assured me that it's perfectly ok to elude these catchy tunes at our reception. To get even your most shy guests out on the dance floor, she suggested such classics as Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” or “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge instead. Now those make me want to get up and dance!
I’ve learned it’s important to let the DJ feel out the crowd and make song choices accordingly. This is why it is so important to feel like you can trust the people involved. We’re so lucky to have family members that know us well enough to leave “The Cha-Cha Slide” at home.
Lena M. Sack is a 26 year old student of life currently working her way through Massage Therapy School. By day an Executive Assistant for a magnet company, by night, writer and artist, Lena's latest mission is planning a dream wedding with her wonderful fiancé, Michael.
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Great article Lena! I love how you're making sure your wedding music reflects your style as a couple while still making room for your DJ to read the crowd and get the party started! Sounds like Steph gave you some great advice.
If your reads want to go into a little more depth about Must Play and Do Not Play Lists, I'd recommend this article on my blog as well:
http://djbriswatek.wordpress.com/what-is-typical-wedding-music/
Congratulations!
Bri
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I am beyond thrilled with this article! The advice I always give people is the same that you have listed here: Make a DO NOT PLAY list! That list is usually shorter, and you can be sure that the Chicken Dance and Macerena will not play. Because when 200 people say "UGH!" under their breath, you will hear it! ;-)
Still bummed about the lack of RMB, but maybe by the time the 5 or 10-year anniversary rolls around, you can afford to have them play!! :-D