October 2023

One of the highlights of your wedding reception will likely be dancing the night away surrounded by your nearest and dearest. A packed wedding dance floor is the ultimate sign of an amazing party—and an empty one is a huge mood-killer. So how do you keep your guests out of their seats and dancing, as opposed to mingling at their tables or, even worse, congregating in the venue lobby or bathroom? We highlight the best secrets to get your guests on the dance floor all night long!

Let the pros control the playlist.
The average wedding reception includes about 40-50 songs—and you don’t have to choose every one of them. Feel free to provide a few important songs to our band whether it’s from Soundcloud or Spotify, give them the freedom to read your crowd and choose songs accordingly. Let the band do what he/she was hired to do.

Manage your expectations.
The size of your guest list will have a big impact on the wedding dance floor. If there are only 50 guests in attendance, the dance floor probably won’t be packed all night long. If there are 500 guests, then there should be people on the dance floor consistently throughout the evening.

Take requests in advance.
Allowing your wedding guests to make song requests may make them more interested in staying on the dance floor. The best way to field requests? Include a section on your wedding website that allows guests to share their song requests. That way, you can review them (just in case your troublemaking cousin tries to add that tune he knows you hate), and pass them on to your music pro.

Don’t interrupt the flow.
Most music pros recommend serving your entire wedding meal (including toasts and speeches) and then having an uninterrupted dance session afterward. In our own experience, we’ve witnessed that breaks in the dancing can crush any momentum. If you want to keep your guests dancing, you may want to skip traditions like the bouquet and garter tosses—which tend to clear the floor quickly.

Start the night off right.
The song that welcomes guests to the dance floor, usually after the first dance or parent dances, is a crucial one. Different music pros have different opinions on the right tune for this moment. Set a good example. The biggest reason why you lose people on the dance floor is that the couple just isn’t there. People pay attention to where the couple is and what they’re doing. Make sure you take your wedding portraits before the reception and greet and mingle with guests during cocktail hour and dinner, so you aren’t taken away from the dance floor for too long (remember, you can take breaks to rest your feet or use the bathroom!). And enlist your wedding party to join you—it’s part of their “job” to have a great time and get their groove on.

Trick ‘em with a group photo.
If you’re worried that guests will be shy about making their move to the dance floor, here’s a secret wedding emcee trick: reel them in by calling for a group photo. After the specialty dances, we see a lot of clients bringing everyone to the dance floor to get a group photo with the couple in front. Then once the photos are taken, our band can drop into a fun song and everyone is already on the dance floor so they usually stay there.

Don’t go overboard on the slow songs.
We recommend keeping the slow songs to a minimum—only playing between one and three slower tunes during the evening. We will say that it will keep everybody on the dance floor more with faster dancing songs than with slow songs.

Consider a “soft closing”
One of the trends we see is the idea of a “soft close” at the end of the reception. Instead of keeping the partying going until the last minute and then abruptly stopping the music, he recommends stopping the raucous music a few minutes early, giving guests time to gather their things, say goodbye, and maybe take a last-minute selfie. It’s all about having that smooth transition to the end of the night

Open the Dancefloor to Everyone After the First Dance
Get people up and dancing as soon as your first dance is complete. This part of the evening should signal the beginning of the party and the opening of the dance floor.

Inviting everyone onto the floor can be done with a quick announcement by your wedding DJ or your bridal party dancing and dragging other guests onto the dance floor.

You should also pick epic party-starter music after your first dance or ask us to play a tried and tested tune that fills the dancefloor.

Be A Good Example
The biggest reason people don’t dance at the reception party for an extended time is that the happy couple is not there. Make sure you are the first ones on the dance floor as soon as your band starts pumping music and the last ones off at the end of the night – of course, you can take breaks to rest your feet.

Greet and mingle with your guests and take wedding group photos during cocktail hour or dinner. That way, you’ll be free to hit the floor and can spend more time with your loved ones there.

In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of couples choosing to have a live wedding band. There are many reasons why a couple might choose a live band, which we will explore here.

Live Music Sounds Better

There’s a reason why we love going to music festivals and gigs – live music sounds amazing. Watching a live wedding band made up of talented people playing their instruments with passion and enthusiasm adds to the celebratory atmosphere of a wedding and gets people in the mood to party. A powerful love ballad performed by a talented singer will always pack more of an emotional punch than a recorded track.

Live Wedding Bands Aren’t Just About Wedding Music

A live wedding band is a spectacle in its own right. Musicians are also performers and tend to be charismatic and energized. They love what they do, and it will show in their performance. This enthusiasm will rub off on your guests and go a long way to feeding the party atmosphere. If some guests don’t feel like dancing or want to take a break and rest their feet, they have something interesting and fun to look at. 

You Have More Control

A good wedding band will work with you to decide what wedding music you’d like to hear, as well as what you don’t. They will have a repertoire of songs that they will have performed at other weddings, so they will already have a feel of what will go down well with a crowd. They can also speed a song up, or slow it down, depending on the mood of the room. A band can also put their spin on classic wedding songs, which will give you and your guests something different and fun. 

A Live Wedding Band Will Make Your Wedding A Day To Remember

We see live music as something reserved for special occasions, and there’s nothing more special than your wedding day. A live wedding band will bring their brand of magic to your reception. Watching a group of talented musicians rock out will always be more entertaining. If you want to make day one to remember for you, your fiancé, and your guests, hiring a live wedding band is a surefire way of achieving this.

A Live Wedding Band Can Bring Nostalgia

Having live music at your wedding can be a great way to listen to cover songs of all-time classics that appeal to all generations at your wedding. With a plethora of wedding bands in NYC to choose from, you can decide what type of music will be at your wedding. Work with our wedding band before your big day, and you can craft the perfect set list of music for your reception.

Consider who will be attending your wedding. Will you have a mix of different ages and generations? A good wedding band will be able to play some songs from many different genres and decades of music, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Feel the Bass 

With the big speakers and live drums, you and your guests can dance the night away just like you were at your favorite live concert. Having a band on-site means having instruments on-site and feeling the music.

The overall ambiance in the room is just a touch better with a live band, and anybody who loves to dance would agree that dancing to a live drum beat and authentic singer is just more fun than dancing to a few speakers set up around the room. With a live band, you will have a hard time getting yourself, and your guests, off the dance floor! Create a great singalong and dancing experience with live music.

A Live Band Can Add Personality and Interaction

Let that lead singer take over the room. A trained musician, he knows how to engage with the audience and when to change up the tempo of the music. A band is right up front and in the center of the room and becomes an interactive part of the party. This makes the whole wedding feel a bit more personalized, and guests will usually feel cozier and more engaged with a band.

A wedding band is more personable and can even come onto the dance floor. There are more members in the band to engage with guests. Guests can make eye contact, and even have discussions with the band during set list breaks, meaning your guests can walk away truly feeling like they attended both a concert and a wedding at the same time. If you want your guests to remember your wedding more than any other, giving them a unique experience with a great band is a surefire way to create moments they will remember forever.

Live Bands Have a Fan Base

Most people might have a favorite band. While the odds are against you hiring Maroon 5, if your favorite band is smaller in popularity, you might just be able to hire them to play at your wedding. This would eliminate the stress of picking set lists, as you already know you love most of their music. You could trust that they would perform amazingly at your wedding since you have probably already seen them perform in concert before.

A bonus – you would get to meet and greet with your favorite band. While your wedding is going to be special and memorable no matter what, it would truly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create wonderful memories if you can get your favorite band to perform live at your wedding. Your guests will talk about it for years to come.

Wedding music is more than just a few songs playing in the background – it has the power to transform a boring function into the wedding of the year.

We believe that having a live wedding band perform on the evening of your special day is the finishing touch that every wedding needs. Don’t believe us? Here are reasons why wedding entertainment will completely transform your night.

1: Personalize Your Special Day

No one wants to hear a generic playlist of lackluster songs on their wedding day. The perfect way to bring the dancefloor to life is by selecting your favorite tracks that’ll have everyone dancing, especially if they’re family favorites or songs with funny anecdotes attached.

It’s also an opportunity to hear songs that are meaningful to you as a couple, rather than your stereotypical love songs that you might not care about.

We have an extensive back catalog of over 1000 songs, so there should be something for everyone in our repertoire.

2: Create A Unique Wedding Atmosphere

Hearing a live wedding band is an electric and memorable experience that doesn’t compare to radio-esque pre-recorded playlists. Everyone is guaranteed to feel a rush of adrenaline and experience an outstanding performance that’ll keep people talking for days.

3: Live Wedding Music Will Get Guests On Their Feet

No one wants an awkward evening or an empty dance floor, especially if tiredness starts setting in. By hiring wedding music for your event, you can guarantee that there’ll be a non-stop party on the dance floor, making it a night to remember. There’ll be no awkward silences, no stilted moments, and no unhappy guests!

4: Wedding Music Can Reflect Your Unique Bond

Having wedding entertainment isn’t just for a crazy dance floor, but it’s also about making memories as a couple. Infuse some of your special moments and shared interests into the night through a curated setlist. We’re also committed to learning your first dance song and performing it live, allowing you to create a lovely memory with a song that you cherish.

5: Wedding Music Can Evoke Memories & Reflect Your Relationship

Since songs are strongly attached to memories, including these in your wedding is a lovely nod to your relationship. Whether it’s childhood favorite songs or music that takes you back to your early dating days, each song will become a valued part of your day.

Not only does music evoke memories, but it also helps to create new ones. You never know, people could be talking about that spectacular rendition of Don’t Stop Believing for years to come, and you and your partner may always remember your wedding entertainment when listening to Love on Top.

Music is more than just a few songs during your wedding – it’s a complete experience that will elevate the night and make it an occasion to remember. We’re committed to providing the perfect wedding music for you and making the day feel as special as possible, so get in touch to start the journey together.

6. Live music is always a unique experience

You are going to get one first dance with your new spouse; do you want it to be the same as thousands of other couples who have listened to the same pre-recorded song played in the same way for everyone? Or would you rather be able to say that it was something unique played just for the two of you?

Musicians are living, breathing people so there are going to be subtle variations in the way they play their instruments every time they play a song—even if they’ve played it a thousand times. Each band also has its unique style and flavor that they add to their music. These elements combined make any song that is played unique to your wedding.

Songs that a wedding band would use have been recorded for posterity and it will always sound the same no matter how many times it is played (it has no autonomy, so it has no choice). It will sound the same to your ears as to every other couple who has played it. With musicians you have an option that you don’t with pre-recorded music—you can ask for variations of style or tempo in the song and a great band will be better able to accommodate that request.

7. Live musicians have flexibility

As far as being able to make adjustments on the fly, stop and restart without problems, or being able to react in the moment to anything the room throws at them—live musicians have the advantage. For instance, your young ring bearer starts walking down the aisle, freaks out when all eyes are on him, and makes a run for it. The last thing you want to be worried about is AV problems with stopping and starting the music. A live band can pause and restart exactly where they left off without an issue, and they will be more inclined to spot problems and adjust as soon as they start.

8. Live music is a uniting factor

Live music can bridge gaps and unite generations of people. You’re always going to have one or more generations that aren’t into what’s being played but live music seems to get everyone past their biases, even if the song is particular to a certain generation. The fun of watching and listening to musicians surpasses all that.

We are frequently asked which ensemble is best. However, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to this one! 

The string quartet is best known as the classic wedding ensemble which includes two violins, a viola, and a cello. This quartet is the quintessential wedding ensemble. If you want classic traditional elegance, the string quartet is the perfect way to go. While these instruments are two of the most popular options amongst couples on their wedding day, there are many other wonderful options. Since we are on the subject of the string quartet, let’s start there.

String Quartet

The string quartet, comprised of four instruments, is a beautiful ensemble that holds a lot of volume – usually enough volume for 200+ guests at an outdoor ceremony. The string quartet is four string instruments set up into a classic configuration that we recognize from so many wedding movies. The sound is so pretty!

Another advantage to the string quartet is the variety of music arrangements that can be played with a string quartet. For example, if you want some new modern music, you have the best chance of finding it with a string quartet.

The string quartet is versatile. Guests swoon when they hear Canon in D on the string quartet for the bridal entrance, and they cheer when the ensemble surprises the crowd. It can be a classical and modern atmosphere all at the same wedding!

The one drawback: is the budget. Four musicians are more of an investment, but not to worry! We have equally harmonious arrangements that can be played by a string trio, a duet, and a soloist for a wedding ceremony, so you’re being more budget-conscious.

String Trio 

The string trio is a string quartet without the viola, which is two violins and a cello. The string trio has volume and illuminates an exquisite sound. An advantage of hiring a string trio is the budget-friendly element compared to that of a quartet.

We find that the trio pulls off the same elegance as the quartet without quite the price tag, so if you want to minimize costs but still give your guests an elegant evening, the string trio is a great option!

While there are slightly fewer modern songs arranged for a trio, we are more than happy to accommodate and can integrate more modern music into the arrangement for your wedding day. Ask about the song list for the trio before booking, and we will do our best to make the wedding music of your dreams become a reality!

Duets

If you want to stick to two musicians and still play some killer covers of pop songs, we recommend pairing a violin with an accompanying instrument! While this is a great option, the violin violin duet is also the most classical duet that we offer. The violin is a melody instrument that plays the vocals. If you pair it with a guitar, a piano, or a harp, then you still have all the melody and the accompaniment. That’s all you need to pull off pop music successfully (well… as long as you have two skilled players who have a lot of experience playing modern music on strings! Pop music is generally not easy to pull off on strings, so make sure you hear video samples first and hire professionals. It’s not as easy as it looks.

Soloist

We play a lot of solo violin at weddings! One helpful tip is to make sure, when you’re browsing YouTube videos for ideas for your solo violinist, that you’re hearing only a violin. Many solo violin recordings have other instruments in the background. It’s important to us that you’re able to hear exactly how that solo violin is going to sound!

A solo violin can be a pure gorgeous sound! Looking to hear a cover of a rock song at your wedding? We do have that option on violin, but it might not quite sound like the original!

Other Soloist Options

The Organ 

It never underestimates the impact of a good organist. From the prelude to the exit of the wedding party, a good organist can make your ceremony a beautiful and exhilarating experience. Organists typically provide music (at least in part) from stem to stern, and fortunately, almost any other kind of instrument sounds good to them. If it’s a church wedding, most parishes will have an organist or other musician on staff who will work with you to guide your choices, and in most cases, they’ll also have a Rolodex of instrumentalists on hand if you’d like something more than organ or piano solo.

Brass. 

Whether it’s a soloist or a quintet, brass players dress up any part of a service in which they play. From pre-service music to descants on hymns, or dramatic swells as you’re leaving the church, nothing comes close to creating the same experience. Brass players sound good on their own and they sound great with organ.

Cello Solo

Bach Cello Suites and The Swan by Saint-Saens are two very romantic options from the solo cello for a wedding!

Harp Solo

This is a fantastic instrument for creating wonderfully intimate experiences. Even in large spaces, a harp brings a calming effect that can’t be matched. It’s great for quieter portions of the service, including the procession, and can also be used to dramatic effect during songs and hymns. Because the harp is relatively quiet, it can be difficult to balance with other instruments in large spaces. That said, it sounds good with most other instruments as well as simply on its own.

Trumpet

Utilizing the trumpet as a stand-alone instrument allows for a one-of-a-kind performance that will leave your wedding guests in awe.

Guitar Solo

The guitar is so versatile. It offers many songs that sound great and that mimic the originals, and this instrument can be classical or popular.

Piano or Keyboard Solo

If your venue has a piano, take advantage of it! It’s kind of sad to see a piano sitting there and not being played. If your venue doesn’t have a piano, a keyboard rental is a great option!

Flute. 

The flute creates a lovely, tender environment that can be as fresh as a day in spring. Like the harp, it tends to be quieter than other instruments, but its higher pitch tends to carry and it can work well with an organ, piano, harp, guitar, or strings.

Choosing a first dance song seems like it should be one of the easiest wedding-planning decisions. But once couples realize how many great options are out there, the pressure can start to mount overwhelmingly. After all, whichever song you pick will be the one that you define as “yours” for the rest of your lives together. 

But don’t worry! We’ve compiled a few guidelines to ensure that your tune is worth replaying in 40 years. 

Find A Common Musical Interest

Sometimes, opposites do attract, so it’s possible that you and your fiancé don’t share the same taste in music. Narrow down the selection by focusing on one genre you both do like.

Worried that the song you’re thinking of using isn’t typically associated with weddings? You’re not alone. Using the Internet is a great way to find more obscure songs and artist collaborations when the band or artist’s standard music isn’t a good fit

Look For Lyrics That Speak To Your Relationship Together

Finding a set of lyrics that tell your story is the difference between a sweet love song and your love song. Were you friends before you started dating? Did you spend a long time struggling with a long-distance relationship? Did you meet each other later in life with kids and a previous marriage already under your belt? Whatever your story is, there’s a song that speaks to it from both ends of the spectrum. 

Pick a Beat You Can Dance To

You don’t need to hire a choreographer or ballroom dance instructor, but you do need to make sure you feel comfortable dancing to the song you chose. If you have your heart set on certain lyrics but wish the song had a different rhythm, ask your band if they can prepare a customized rendition of the song for your wedding.

Don’t Be Afraid To Be Unconventional

We love a sweet old-fashioned slow dance, but if shuffling along to the likes of Celine Dion just isn’t your style, then choose something a little more upbeat. This is a great opportunity to express yourself and your relationship with the love of your life.

Deciding whether to go the traditional or funky route all depends on what you feel connected to as a couple. Above all, keep in mind that if you and your hubby have a personal connection to a particular song, your guests will feel the love that you radiate on the dance floor, even if it’s not a “typical” wedding tune. 

Listen to your music libraries on shuffle

Play your favorite iTunes or Spotify playlists back and forth for each other on shuffle. Make sure to pause and note particularly dance-worthy tracks. Like the song but not sure whether it’ll fit the mood of the evening? Try giving your partner a spin in your living room. If the pace seems too fast or the lyrics don’t seem to fit, nix it.

Call a friend or family member 

The people who know you best have probably seen, or at least heard about, your significant other since the beginning. If you trust their input — and musical tastes — consider asking them to suggest a song that reminds them of you and your partner. Even if you don’t wind up selecting one of their choices, it might be fun, and enlightening, to see what songs they come up with.

Use your venue as inspiration

Getting married in a century-old barn in the country? Consider an acoustic, country, or folksy track. For a more formal evening in a museum or historical building, consider a classic, such as Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” Ray Charles’s “Come Rain or Come Shine” or Marvin Gaye’s “You’re All I Need to Get By.” For an offbeat location, like an art gallery or brewery, consider “I Found You” by Alabama Shakes or “May I Have This Dance” by Francis and the Lights and Chance the Rapper.

Steal your favorite celebrity couple’s song choice

You look to stars for all sorts of inspiration, from what to wear to what to name your labradoodle, so why not take a cue from the rich and famous when picking a first-dance track? 

Play your favorite movie soundtrack

No one captures romance quite like Hollywood, and luckily, some of film’s most memorable, heart-swooning moments are tied to music. Who could forget Adam Sandler serenading Drew Barrymore mid flight with “I Wanna Grow Old With You” in “The Wedding Singer”? Borrow their happily-ever-after musical moment for your own.

Consider a mash-up.

Looking to add a wow or surprise factor to the dance? Consider a fusion of songs, such as a simple, classic romantic ballad that segues into a happy, upbeat number that will encourage guests to make their way to the dance floor.

Pick something significant and sentimental

Take a trip down memory lane and come up with a list of songs that are meaningful to both of you and your relationship. Maybe it’s the song on the radio during your first date or the encore to an unforgettable concert you attended. Even if one song doesn’t emerge as the winner, a list will help you formulate an idea for what genre and lyrics you both gravitate toward.

Forget all the myths you’ve heard about hiring and handling wedding bands —we’re here to debunk them once and for all.. No, you won’t have total control over every song played (but you can communicate your preferences early and clearly). Here are the top  wedding music misconceptions and why they couldn’t be further from the truth

1. Bands take way too many breaks.

One common concern about hiring a wedding band we hear from clients is that each 30 to 60-minute set they play will be followed by a 15 to 30-minute break filled with music from a compilation CD—and that bored guests will vacate the dance floor. But you can manage your band’s need for downtime so it doesn’t disrupt the party too much. Ask the band members to stagger their breaks so there’s live music throughout the night (it may cost an extra fee). Guests will stay entertained and the dance floor will stay full. 

2. The band will play cheesy tunes.

Worried your wedding band has their mind set on the “Electric Slide” and “The Wobble,” when you’re thinking more along the lines of “Natural Woman” and “This Will Be”? It doesn’t have to be that way—your wedding band wants to play what you want to hear, but you have to communicate your tastes. Don’t rely on words alone—terms like “dance music,” “rock songs” and “slow songs” are vague and can easily be misinterpreted. Make sure you’re on the same music style page and give them a detailed playlist and a do-not-play list. 

3. The MC always talks too much

You’ve probably heard about (or been to) weddings where a MC, in a misguided attempt to emcee, talked more than the audience bargained for—with cringe-worthy results. An 

experienced wedding band MC, however, will only speak when it’s appropriate. To ensure your MC doesn’t abuse their proximity to the mic, be specific about when you want them to talk and when you don’t. If you’re nervous they’ll be a chatterbox, consider sending an example of what you find inappropriate. 

4. You have total control over everything.

You shouldn’t try to micromanage the music. To some extent, your lists should be guidelines for your pro, not hard-and-fast rules. Your wedding band should know the genre you’re interested in, but let them choose the best way to play the music—after all, it’s their job to keep people on the dance floor. Give your band some flexibility to react to the crowd and adjust the pitch accordingly. You need to trust they know what to do. That’s why you paid all that money!

5. Bands love line dances.

The days when it was all the rage for a wedding band to encourage a conga line, the “YMCA” or “The Salsa” are over. Ask for YouTube clips or other footage of previous performances to get a sense of how they interact with the crowd. Just keep in mind you can’t alter a band’s style as easily. If their live act is rambunctious and interactive (complete with line dances), then asking them to change might hamper their performance, and you’re probably better off going with a different group.

6. A band can’t offer enough variety.

You’d be surprised by the musical depth a high-quality wedding band can offer. One indication that a band has versatility is if they have more than one singer—if they have both male and female vocalists, for example, chances are they’re open to a wider range of songs. Though a band may specialize in a style (like big band or soul), they’re professional musicians and should be able to stray at least a little from their niche. If a few of the songs you have your heart set on aren’t in the band’s repertoire, simply ask them to learn the songs before your wedding—most bands will learn between three and five songs if you give them enough notice.

7. Hiring a bar band is a good idea.

Unless they also have a lot of experience with weddings, using a band that’s oriented primarily toward nightclubs is risky since they won’t be adept at pleasing a diverse crowd. It’s much smarter to find somebody who has experience in wedding entertainment. If you’re inviting coworkers, grandparents, and children, the entertainment should offer something for everyone.

8. Slow songs must come first

Some couples request that their wedding band play slow songs early on to please their older guests, and then switch over to more lively beats so the younger crowd can dominate the floor until the last call. But it can be more fun for you and your guests if you have your band mix it up throughout the night. Alternating between speeds, styles, and eras of music will keep wedding guests of all ages more engaged and encourage them to broaden the range of music they’ll jam out to, with truly memorable results so no one leaves early!

9. Bands are loud 

A pair of ears would indeed hurt after a while if they were right next to a drum set being played at full volume against a cranked speaker, but that’s far from the wedding band experience. A sound check is about more than whether the members themselves can hear what they’re doing; it’s a necessary precaution to ensure that everyone – including you – can hear everything they’re supposed to, nothing more, nothing less. Make no mistake, all wedding bands will do this to ensure everyone in the room can enjoy what they’re doing. They’ll also adjust the volume accordingly.