Category Archives: wedding reception music chicago il

couple dancing to list of wedding songs needed for wedding day

A Full List of Wedding Songs Needed for a Wonderful Day

You spend months (maybe years) planning out almost every moment of your wedding day. So why shouldn’t you plan out wedding music? Now, you can with this full list of songs needed for a wonderful wedding day.

Before we jump to the full list, it’s important to think about the music you’ll need before you walk down the aisle. This is the time to think about wedding playlists for your time in your dressing room getting ready for your big day. You can also plan out your engagement party, showers, rehearsal dinner, and other pre-wedding get togethers.

Ceremony

For your ceremony, you’ll need at least four different songs, including the prelude, processional, bridal processional, and recessional. The prelude is the music that is played when guests enter the ceremony. It is followed by the processional, which is played as attendants walk down the aisle. Bridal processional music is for that beautiful moment when the bride walks down the aisle. After the ceremony, recessional music is played as the wedding party and newlyweds exit. Some couples add other music to their list of wedding songs for the ceremony, especially during key moments. Ceremony music can be played by instrumentalists or a wedding DJ.

Cocktail Hour

Beautiful wedding ceremony music is followed by beautiful cocktail hour music. Again, this list of wedding songs needed for this time can be played by instrumentalists or a wedding DJ. Many wedding DJs offer this service as part of a package. If the DJ charges by the hour, you should ask them before hiring if cocktail hour music is included (along with these other wedding DJ questions). Cocktail hour music flows into the more upbeat songs of the wedding reception.

Wedding Dinner

The list of wedding songs needed for a wedding reception is markedly longer. After all, this is your chance to celebrate! It shouldn’t be surprising then, that the wedding party entrance song is typically and upbeat song. (Note: it doesn’t have to be upbeat! Talk to your wedding DJ for recommendations.) If you want to spice up your entrance, use one of these wedding party entrance ideas.

Once you’ve arrived, it’s time for dinner and toasts. You’ll need music for this time too, so guests can enjoy the atmosphere and each other’s company. If you’re using a wedding DJ, ask them if they can provide dinner music and provide a microphone for toasts. (Not all wedding DJs and bands do.) A wedding DJ can also, if needed, emcee the affair.

When dinner is done, it’s time for the traditional cake cutting (or cupcakes or another non-cake dessert). If you’re using a wedding DJ, ask them to make an announcement for guests and to coordinate the big moment with your videographer and photographer. (Tip: the best wedding DJs know how to work with other professionals to get your key moments on film.)

Wedding Dance

Now for the wedding dance! The wedding dance typically includes a few traditional dances, though you can customize your reception with games and dances—if you hire a band or wedding DJ that customizes their playlist to your preferences. (Make sure you ask your wedding DJ this question when contacting them.) Typically the wedding dance includes these key moments:

  • Wedding Party Announcement
  • First Dance (use these first dance ideas to take it to another level)
  • Mother-Son Dance
  • Father-Daughter Dance
  • Last Dance & Exit

You can come up with your own ideas for these dances (with this wedding DJ checklist), or you can ask your wedding DJ for recommendations. (To spice up your reception, use these parent-child dance ideas and first dance ideas.) Remember, have fun!

couple at wedding with guests and DIY wedding music or DJ

DIY Wedding Music vs DJ: 12 Pros and Cons

DIY wedding music or DJ? The choice is different for every couple, but may be easier to make after you’ve weighed the pros and cons.

Wedding DJ

Pro: Experienced emcee

It’s common to focus on the music when deciding between a DJ and DIY wedding music, however one of the biggest pros of a DJ is their ability as an emcee. An experienced wedding DJ keeps the dance floor packed and guests entertained! They can also draw on their past experience so they can choose the best playlist and dance floor games that fit with your wedding atmosphere. (Pro tip: don’t hesitate to ask the wedding DJ how many weddings they’ve emceed when you hire them, plus these other wedding DJ questions.)

Con: Cost

A wedding DJ is going to cost more than a DIY wedding playlist, but the cost difference may not be as big as you think. If you’ve got the equipment and have already paid for the songs, you won’t have to make much of an investment. On the other hand, coming up with your own wedding play list is a significant investment of money and time—the latter of which you may need for wedding planning.

Pro: Comes with HUGE playlist

A quality wedding DJ comes with a huge wedding playlist, so you’re sure to hear all your favorites! (Use this wedding music checklist to help you.) Plus, a wedding DJ has the expertise to “fill in the blanks” with songs that guests love.

Con: Equipment may break down

Wedding DJs can supply the best equipment, but it is prone to breakdowns like any other equipment. To prevent a stop in the action during your wedding, always ask your wedding DJ if they have back-up equipment available. Unfortunately, any equipment you use for a DIY wedding playlist can break down too.

Pro: Quality equipment

Most DJs come with some quality sound equipment that’s sure to make your guests feel like they are part of a dance party. When searching for a wedding DJ, you should be able to ask to see the equipment if you have any concerns. (Pro tip: always be careful about hiring an amateur with dated equipment or these other warning signs of bad wedding DJ.) If you want to get the same effect with DIY wedding music, be ready to do your research so you can get good sound equipment.

Con: DJ may be sick

Hiring a wedding vendor always comes with the risk that they may not be able to be there, but there are ways to avoid this scenario. Whenever you hire a wedding vendor (including a wedding DJ), always ask about their ‘plan B’ in case they get sick or have some other emergency. In the case of a wedding DJ, do your research (i.e. check reviews on wedding sites and social media) and make sure you hiring a reputable service.

DIY Wedding Music

Pro: Inexpensive

DIY wedding music is very affordable! It’s usually cheaper than a wedding DJ, though it does require money and time. Make sure you get speakers that adequately amplify music so everyone on the dance floor can hear and enjoy it.

Con: Need to find someone to make announcements and play music

Even if you have a fantastic playlist, you’ll still need someone to make announcements and “man” the DIY equipment. (Pro tip: always choose someone who is just dedicated to this task, and can do it well all night!) Make sure you choose someone who doesn’t have any other roles to fill—and make sure it’s not you, because you have other things to do throughout the reception.

Pro: You can make sure the list is full of your favorites

On the biggest perks of DIY wedding music is that you can make sure you play all your favorites. As you choose music, make sure you choose songs that your guests actually want to dance to. Plus, don’t forget to think about the right songs for your special moments, like your first dance, cake cutting, and parent-child dance.

Con: Takes a lot of time to customize playlist

It does take a lot of time to make a customized playlist, and wedding planning does come with a long wedding planning checklist. But if you’re up for the task, make sure you do your research and get started early.

Pro: Easy to do

If you love music, it’s fairly easy to find your favorite songs. Just make sure you make a long enough playlist; typically, you’ll need 18 songs per hour. You should also think about atmospheric music for dinner, cocktail hour, and any down time.

Con: If there is a break down, it takes time away from guests for troubleshooting

Unfortunately, even the best planned out DIY music comes with the risk of breaking down. Be aware that you may have to take time away from fun—and your guests—if any of your equipment breaks. The only way to avoid this is to have another person who can troubleshoot or have back-up equipment.

wedding dance floor with guests dancing to wedding theme songs

10 Items to Have Ready for Your Chicago Wedding DJ

Hiring a Chicago wedding DJ comes with a long list of interview questions, but did you know that there are items your wedding DJ needs from you? Here’s a list of items your Chicago wedding DJ needs to know from you—and when they need to know it.

What Your Wedding DJ Needs to Know When Hiring

Don’t worry you don’t need to have every detail set in stone yet, but there are a few details you should have confirmed when hiring your wedding DJ.

Wedding Date

The best Chicago wedding DJ calendars fill up quickly, which is why you should have a set wedding date when you contact them. (Or, if you really want your favorite DJ, you can call them first and ask them for available dates!) You can choose a wedding date based on special dates in your relationship, other special family dates, your favorite season, or your professional commitments.

Location

Right after when, your wedding DJ is going to want to know where. Is your wedding confirmed at a popular Chicago wedding venue? Or in your backyard? If your choice is the latter, ask your DJ if there are any specific electrical requirements you need to have ready for them on your special day.

Dinner Music

If you need dinner music, let your wedding DJ. Some Chicago wedding DJs may charge extra for the time, while other DJs offer packages so you don’t have to worry about “extras.” (It’s all included!)

What Your Wedding DJ Needs to Know Right Before the Wedding Day

Wedding planning is a continual process—you don’t have to get every detail confirmed right away! This wedding planning checklist can help you break it down, and help you have these details ready for your Chicago wedding DJ before your big day. (Ask your wedding DJ for their specific deadline.)

Wedding Day Schedule

You and your wedding DJ need to synch schedules before your big day. Hopefully, you should have this finalized weeks before your big day. Your wedding DJ needs to know the order of events, and when cocktail hour, dinner, and the reception is planned for.

What to Play

If you have any favorite “must play” songs, this is your chance to speak up! Tell your DJ what you absolutely must hear, and any songs that have a special meaning to you, your fiancé, and your friends. (DJs love to share neat back stories!)

What Not to Play

Have any songs that sound like nails on a chalkboard? Tell your wedding DJ! You can use this DJ song list or just make a list of never-ever-play songs.

Wedding Party List (and Pronunciations)

Let your wedding DJ know who is standing up in your wedding, plus any friends or family you want announced. If anyone on the list has a hard-to-pronounce name, give them some pronunciation aids so the announcements go smoothly.

Special Dance Songs

If you’re having a traditional wedding dance, let your wedding DJ know what songs you would like played for your first dance (here’s how to pick the perfect first dance song), parent-child dance, and any other special moments.

Surprises

Have a special surprise planned? Let your DJ in on the secret so they can have fun with it and set the stage for your BIG surprise. (If you need an idea for a fun wedding day surprise, use this list of surprises for inspiration.)

Volume Limitations/Curfews

Some wedding venues and municipalities have curfews or volume limitations. Let your DJ know now, so your wedding reception doesn’t get shut down.

wedding dance floor with guests dancing to wedding theme songs

Wedding Reception Music: 10 Questions that Get You Awesome Wedding Songs

The right wedding playlist that guarantees a packed dance floor is different for every couple. As wedding DJs, we’re firm believers that every couple’s wedding reception music should fit their big day (more than a Google search for the top wedding songs can do!)

The good news is that deciding on the right wedding songs can be as simple as sitting down together and asking the right questions. (Think of setting the right wedding playlist as another chance to get to know each other!) The answers to your questions can set the tone for the right wedding playlist, or give you answers to pass on to your band or wedding DJ.

What kind of wedding atmosphere are we trying to plan?

Wedding reception music can be an integral part of establishing a wedding atmosphere. Period specific music can go a long way toward reinforcing a vintage wedding with all those retro details. In the same way, the right wedding songs can be a sign of the trend-setting, modern wedding reception to come.

What is the budget for our wedding reception music?

Couples don’t need a huge wedding budget to get the best music, but they do need to allocate funds according to the items that make the biggest impact on guests. The amount in each category on the wedding budget checklist helps you decide on the right vendors for your big day. These tips can help you decide between a band and DJ, and choosing the right wedding entertainment for your big day.

Do we need an emcee for our wedding reception?

Couples often underestimate the importance of having an emcee to direct the crowd and keep guests on the dance floor. Emcees can make major announcements, point guests to major points of interest (such as a tasting bar or photo booth), and even assist with surprises. A professional emcee, such as a band leader or DJ, has the expertise to make the flow feel effortless and well-planned.

What are our favorite songs?

This is your big night. It’s normal to want a night filled with your favorite songs, but don’t get so set on the idea that you don’t listen to your band or DJ. Together, put your favorite songs down on paper (if you disagree on the list, give each other a certain number of vetoes). Once you’ve hired your wedding entertainer, pass on the list and let them mix it in with top wedding songs that fit with who you are as a couple.

What wedding songs do we hate?

No bride or groom wants to hear songs that give them the same sensation as nails on a chalkboard. In addition to ‘must play’ songs, draft a list of songs that you absolutely hate. Don’t overdo it! Be careful about marking too many of guests’ favorites so they don’t get the chance to dance to their favorite songs.

Do we have any favorite songs that we want for our entrance into the wedding reception?

Your entrance into your wedding reception can be as unique as you want it to be—and the right wedding song puts it over the top. If you have a favorite song that fits the mood you want for your entrance (think excitement, classical, or a song that reinforces a theme), now is the time to put it down on paper. Don’t worry if you can’t come up with the right song; your DJ or band can suggest songs that are right for your wedding reception.

Is there a special song that we want for our first dance?

Some couples have their first song set in stone the first night they meet. For others, it’s not so clear (this list of tips for choosing the first dance song can help). If you want to make the moment completely different, ask your DJ or band to select the right first dance song for the ultimate surprise.

Do we want to play any games during the wedding reception? Are there any surprises we want to include?

Just like wedding songs, put together a list of games that you love and hate (this list of wedding dance games can get you started). If you both hate wedding dance games, it’s okay to hold a wedding reception without a single game; make sure you let the wedding DJ or band know you hate games so there is a clear understanding. If you want to add a surprise to the wedding reception, such as a visitor or celebrity popping up unexpectedly (use this list of wedding surprises to start your planning), let the wedding DJ or band in on the secret. Often, they can take your surprise to another level with wedding songs and announcements.

Are there any curfews or volume limitations we need to follow?

If the wedding venue has any curfews or volume limitations, it’s better to know right away. If an over-the-top wedding dance is a top priority, include the question in the list of questions you ask the wedding venue. Always let the DJ or band know as soon as possible if the answer is a yes. Once you have those important details, use this wedding reception planning checklist and let the wedding planning fun begin.

10 Tips for Selecting the Right First Dance Song

bride and groom at small wedding receptionA first dance with your new spouse is a special wedding reception moment; one that should be accompanied by a very special song. We’ve assisted many Chicagoland couples with planning their wedding reception—and specifically their wedding first dance. Some couples have a definite idea of what “their” song is, and others are still trying to find the right song for the occasion. If you’re in the latter category, use these tips to select the right first dance song for the perfect wedding reception.

Think back to your early dating days.

Memorable moments can be the perfect inspiration—and the song doesn’t always have to be playing at the time. Sometimes the right song can describe that moment perfectly, either in sentiment or in perfect detail (almost like they were there…).

Ask your family and friends for ideas.

If you want to pay homage to someone special, such as parents or grandparents, ask that person or persons for the song that played during their first dance with their husband or wife. It’s also okay to ask for suggestions from friends and family; it can even be fun to do a general survey and get input from your friends (just remember that it’s your wedding day and your first dance).

Find inspiration in a fav.

How much fun would it be to dance to your absolute favorite song? The right first dance song doesn’t have always have to be slow; if you want a unique first dance that’s close to your heart, opt for your absolute fav song—just make sure it’s your spouse’s new favorite too.

Listen to songs.

The simplest advice for finding the right first dance song for your big day is to just listen. Mix up your favorite tunes and listen to a random mix, both on your own and as a couple.

Make the decision together.

When making the decision for your first dance together as newlyweds, find some commonality so you can make the selection as a couple. Look for some commonality, such as a favorite movie (and movie sound track), musical, or special past time.

Decide what era song is right for your wedding atmosphere.

It’s the age-old wedding first dance debate: modern versus vintage? The answer depends on the existing wedding day details. If planning a vintage wedding, find inspiration in the decade of the wedding. Make a new hobby of listening to the classics and finding the right song that fits your love story.

Have your friends “nominate” songs.

If you want a fun way to get your guests’ input, hold a contest on your wedding website or on the RSVP cards. It’s simple: come up with your top 3 choices for first dance songs and ask your guests to vote on it. Once the votes have been calculated, make a big deal about announcing the winning song at the wedding reception.

Choose the song based on the dance.

Have a favorite dance that shows all your best moves—or a few? Show off your fancy dance moves with a specially choreographed dance or medley. To up the ante, keep your dance lessons a secret from everyone—except your DJ. Get your DJ in on the fun, and let them make a big deal about your surprise.

Keep it short and sweet.

A wedding first dance is a special moment, but don’t let the moment be too long or boring for guests. When choosing the first dance song, choose a song that is not too long (ask your DJ if you are concerned about your first dance song length). You don’t want your guests to leave because it’s taking too long to get back on the dance floor.

Ask the pros for suggestions.

Hopefully, your DJ has been there, done that. (That should be one of the reasons you hired them!) If you’re still lost on the right first dance song, don’t hesitate to ask the seasoned pro for recommendations (and ways to make it over-the-top).