Wedding Reception Events

COCKTAIL MUSIC

While the guests arrive, we are playing either a light, popular jazz, classical, or a light, rock-soul and oldies mix. Because your guest are spending this time conversing with friends and relatives that they haven't seen in a while, we try to keep the music low-key and our volumes unobtrusive.

BRIDE AND GROOM ARRIVE

Usually the photographer will take the bridal party for pictures after the ceremony. When the bride and groom do arrive at the reception hall, we usually do bridal party introductions or have a reception line.

BRIDAL PARTY INTRODUCTIONS

Sometime before the day of the reception, we will try to obtain a list of the bridal party and the order they will be appearing in the wedding ceremony. When the bridal party arrives at the reception hall, we will introduce them as they come through the door. This comes across very classy and, although more complicated, takes much less time than a reception line.

RECEPTION LINE

This can be done in conjunction with the introductions or alone. The bride, groom, and parents will line up and greet the guests as they go through the line. This is a great time to say "thank you" to all of your guests for attending your special day.

During dinner, we play a light, easy-to-talk-over music.

TOAST

This is usually done by the best man after the meal. We will announce the toast several minutes before it happens so that everyone can be sure to have a full glass.

FIRST DANCE

The bride and groom select this song before the wedding day. We usually start this song with the bride and groom dancing, and then half-way through we invite the parents and the bridal party to join in. If needed, we can also play a second slow song.

Dance Floor Open

After the first slow songs, we invite everyone to join in and we play an extremely upbeat song. In the beginning of the reception, we usually play a lot of popular oldies to get everyone involved in dancing.

CAKE CUTTING

This takes place about a half hour after the dancing starts. We will make sure the photographer and the bride and groom are ready, then we will make an announcement for people to gather around the cake.

BOUQUET AND GARTER TOSS

While the cake is being prepared to serve, we will announce for the single ladies to gather on the dance floor for the bouquet toss. After the bouquet, it's the guy's turn with the garter toss.

BACK TO DANCING

Toward the end of the reception, we often start playing newer music that will appeal toward the bride and groom's friends. However, we still mix in a few popular oldies to keep everyone involved.

LAST DANCE

Replaying the "first dance" again so that all of the guests can join in the dance is a nice touch if another song hasn't been chosen.

Song Ideas

Top 25 Bridal Songs of 1999

1. I Swear - J.M. Montgomery - All 4 One

2. Everything I Do - Bryan Adams

3. Have I Told You Lately - Rod Stewart - Van Morrison

4. Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers

5. Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton

6. Power of Love - Celine Dion

7. Keeper Of The Stars - Tracy Byrd

8. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole/Natalie Cole

9. Always - Atlantic Star

10. Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler

11. Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley

12. Could I Have This Dance - Anne Murray

13. Cross My Heart - George Strait

14. When A Man Loves A Woman - Percy Sledge - Michael Bolton

15. Endless Love - Lionel Ritchie/Diana Ross - Luther Vandross/Mariah Carey

16. Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Elton John

17. True Companion - Marc Cohn

18. Beautiful In My Eyes - Joshua Kadison

19. Always And Forever - Heatwave

20. Here And Now - Luther Vandross

21. Love Of A Lifetime - Firehouse

22. I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston

23. Your Love Amazes Me - John Berry - Thanks to Lisa Clague

24. (misprint by Mobile Beat) Love Of A Lifetime - Firehouse

25. You and I - Eddie Rabbitt/Crystal Gayle

Other Songs Regularly Used At Weddings

When You Say Nothing At All - Allison Krauss

I've Finally Found Someone - Barbara Streisand/Bryan Adams

You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker

Time In A Bottle - Jim Croche

It Had To Be You - Harry Connick Jr.

Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion

When I Fall In Love - Celine Dion/Clive Griffin

As Time Goes By - Jimmy Durante

A Kiss To Build A Dream On - Louis Armstrong

Soul Provider - Michael Bolton

A Whole New World - Peabo Bryson/Celine Dion