July 2024

It’s no secret that everyone wants their wedding to be the most memorable, fun, and flawless night that ever was. And while there is a rather proven adage that at least one thing will go wrong (best to laugh it off and capitalize on the joke where you can), we here at Around Town have no intention of letting your music be the thing that goes wrong! 

We get a lot of questions about what timeline we recommend, or how long each special moment song should be, so we thought it would be fun to walk you through some of our suggestions for keeping the whole evening smooth, lively, and engaging! 

First and foremost, we want to emphasize that we will always coordinate with and follow your venue’s suggested timeline – they’re facilitating food service, know their venue like the back of their hands, and we trust their know-how! Where we can really provide our insight is some suggestions for where in the evening to place some special moment dances, and how long to make each of them. Our award-winning live bands are absolute pros at reading the crowd and guaranteeing that your guests are on the dance floor all night long for each of your dance sets, but the order and length of your special moment dances can seriously impact the momentum of the night. 

Without further ado, let’s get to it! Again, please keep in mind that we will always defer to your venue on this; or if you have a different vision, we’ll always do your best to bring your vision to life for your big day! 

Once your reception opens and your guests enter, the first order of business is bringing in and introducing everyone’s favorite folks! Now, this can vary from wedding to wedding, so it really comes down to your vision for the day and who you’d like to be a part of this moment – some couples eschew the introductions, and some really ham it up. We’re here to support your vision and what makes you feel most comfortable! That said, a refrain you’re going to be sick of hearing from us by the end of this article is: short and sweet. Keep it catchy, keep it energized, and let’s try to keep it under 2 minutes. Our “standard” for your bridal party entrance is to play the “hook” of your chosen song, and then a verse and/or chorus (if it even needs to go that long)! For your entrance as a couple, again, we’ll stick to the catchiest part of the song, generally a quick intro into the refrain, so that the whole moment feels as celebratory as possible. 

From here, we recommend you head straight into your first dance, riding the wave of momentum from your entrance! And here’s what we’ll say about this part: remember how long 3 minutes felt when you had to get up and give a speech in high school speech & debate? Or how long 3 minutes feels when it’s the final 3 minutes on the washer/dryer? Or the microwave timer on your food when you’re super hungry? That’s precisely how long 3 minutes will feel when you and your partner are up there, dancing alone, with all the eyes of your guests on you. 

This gets to the heart of the majority of our time length recommendations – we really recommend keeping your major moment dances somewhere between 1.5 and 2 minutes; maybe 2.5 if you have a choreographed routine! That said, most of us aren’t professional dancers, so a choreographed routine longer than 2 minutes becomes increasingly challenging not only to perform but also to remember! Don’t believe us? Even professional dancers rarely dance more than 2 minutes – notice most “Dancing with the Stars” routines are about 1.5 to 2 minutes long.

Our usual formula for a special moment dance is to play the intro, a verse, a chorus, maybe a bridge, and an outro. Trust us, this will absolutely feel long enough and hit all the emotional moments needed within a song. Additionally, the verse we play doesn’t necessarily need to be the first verse – if the second or third verse of a song is the one that’s most important to you, feel free to let us know and we’ll make sure to create a cut of the song that brings all the right emotions to the moment! 

Some couples do choose not to shorten the song, but instead they have our bandleaders invite their guests to join them on the dance floor around the 2 minute mark, which provides a phenomenal segue into your first dance set! However, if your food service works best without a dance set here, then the first dance can segue beautifully into your first course, and any blessings or toasts that are integral to your day. 

After that, we recommend a dance set to get the blood flowing and that first course moving through the system to make room for a main course! After the main course, another dance set, and after that, let’s cut some cake! For the cake cutting, if you’re doing a big moment that draws the attention of your guests, we really recommend having us play a little something to underscore it. This helps alleviate some of the awkwardness of the moment while you figure out how to cut the cake together, and brings some extra fun and vibrancy to the moment! This is another moment where we’ll be playing the catchiest part of the song – a hook and either a verse or chorus. 

Now, time for your parent dances and again, we strongly recommend keeping this moment around the 2 minute mark for each dance! We know you and your parents love each other a lot, but this is the part of the night where you want to build the most momentum into your dance sets through the end of the evening, so an overly long parent dance can absolutely stop it in its tracks. Make time for a longer parent dance at a more intimate event like the rehearsal dinner, or after welcome cocktails, when there aren’t tons of antsy guests waiting to bust a move!  

From here, let the good times roll! The special moments are wrapped up (unless you’d like to do a bouquet or garter toss – easily worked into a dance set) and our award-winning bands will have the most danceable tunes coming for the rest of the night!

There is no love like a mother’s love, and it is mothers who first teach their sons how to love. Which means there’s rarely a dry eye in the house for this touching moment at your reception. We at Around Town absolutely love a good Mother-Son dance, and it’s why we’ve decided to curate a list of some of our (beloved) band’s favorites! We’ve talked before about songs we specifically recommend not using, (as well as songs for a Mother-Daughter dance) but now let’s get into ones we think are great options! 

Before we do, of course, let’s preface with this: go with your gut and trust your mom if she has a song in mind! Moms tend to be right about these things, after all. Most important of all is to make sure you’re talking to her and picking a song that means something to the two of you! That said, if you’re both feeling stuck, we’re here to help! Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

This moment is all about celebrating the bond between you and your mom, and the right song can make it truly unforgettable. So, here are some timeless and contemporary suggestions that will have everyone reaching for the tissues.

Classic Choices:

“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong – This timeless classic is perfect for a heartfelt dance that celebrates the beauty of the moment.

“Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole – A stunning and timeless duet that honors the special connection between a parent and child, especially since the song is sung by a father and daughter. 

“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra – A sophisticated, charming, jazzy tune that brings a touch of elegance to the moment.

Contemporary Favorites:

“A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men – This deeply emotional song is a beautiful tribute to a mother’s love and dedication.

“My Wish” by Rascal Flatts – A song that perfectly expresses a parent’s hopes and dreams for their child’s future.

“Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd or Shinedown – A heartfelt song with meaningful lyrics that resonate with both generations.

Sentimental Selections:

“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban – A powerful ballad that acknowledges the support and inspiration a mother provides.

“Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion – A tribute to the unwavering love and support that a mother offers.

“Forever Young” by Rod Stewart – A wish for the son’s happiness and well-being throughout his life.

Unique Picks:

“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by James Taylor – Joyful, upbeat, and, well, sweet, this song truly captures the happiness of the occasion.

“Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (acoustic version) – A rock classic – and it can be made tender with an acoustic rendition. Believe it or not, there’s a lot of heart in these lyrics! 

“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys – Beautiful, timeless, catchy, and truly captures the essence of the indomitable nature of a mother’s love. 

Country Choices:

“Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw – A song that imparts wisdom and love, perfect for this special moment – perfect for sons who know their mothers are always right. 

“Mother Like Mine” by The Band Perry – A deeply touching tribute to a mother’s love and everything she has done.

“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack – A hopeful and inspiring song that speaks to the future and conveys the enduring power of a mother’s love. 

While these suggestions are a great starting point, choosing a song with personal significance can make this moment even more special. Consider songs that remind you of shared memories or experiences with your mom! Maybe it’s a song she used to sing to you or one that brings back special memories. Perhaps you had a favorite TV show you watched together during the pandemic, with a meaningful song snuck in, or perhaps you go wild and Rick Roll your guests with Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” – especially spot-on if you and your mom are big Ted Lasso fans. In a similar vein, for the Schitt’s Creek fans, “Always be My Baby” by Mariah Carey is an absolutely perfect pick, as is its rootsy cover by Anderson East. Just remember, it’s the personal connection that will make the dance all the more meaningful. 

If you’re still feeling stuck, head on over to our post about using Spotify to help find the perfect song! You and your mom can create a blend or a shared playlist, where you both add songs that you think are contenders. This is especially helpful if you and your mom don’t live near one another or have pretty different schedules – it’ll provide some extra flexibility to the process of picking the perfect song. Best of all, even after you pick The One, you and your mom now both have a playlist full of songs that make you think of each other!

Painful as it is to think about, not all of us are lucky enough to have either or both of our parents present on our wedding days, for any number of unfortunate reasons. That, however, doesn’t mean you have to do away with the beautiful tradition of sharing a dance with someone who has raised you, nurtured you, supported you, and will continue to do so as you begin this new family with your partner. Perhaps it’s a godparent, an aunt or uncle, grandparent, or even a sibling (or siblings!). We here at Around Town believe it’s important to celebrate the love you came from as you declare to the world this new love, even if your circumstances are unusual or non-traditional! 

So, we’ve decided to compile a list of some of our favorite songs that work for various non-traditional “parent” dance scenarios! If there’s one thing our award-winning bands know, it’s how to celebrate love of all kinds with killer music. 

Dancing with a Godparent

If you’re sharing this moment with a godparent, choose a song that honors their spiritual and emotional support. Here are some meaningful choices:

“Blessed” by Elton John – A beautiful song that expresses gratitude for the blessings they’ve brought into your life.

“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack – An inspiring tune that conveys wishes for a joyful and fulfilling future.

“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban – A powerful ballad that acknowledges their role in lifting you to great heights.

Dancing with a Sibling

When dancing with a sibling, you might want to choose a song that reflects your shared childhood memories and the unique bond you have, recognizing that they’ll also always have a place at their table for you at Thanksgiving and vice versa. Here are some fun and heartfelt choices:

“You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor – This song perfectly captures the supportive and enduring nature of a sibling relationship.

“Count on Me” by Bruno Mars – A modern and upbeat choice that speaks to the reliability and love siblings have for each other.

“Save Me a Seat” by Alex Warren – A rollicking tune hitting home the message that you will always be welcome at each other’s tables. 

Dancing with an Aunt or Uncle

For a dance with an aunt or uncle, select a song that celebrates the guidance and affection they’ve provided throughout your life. Consider these options:

“Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler – This song is a powerful tribute to someone who has always supported and uplifted you. This one is a little dramatic, but if that’s your vibe it’s a great choice! 

“Stand by Me” by Ben E. King – A classic tune, this one really underscores the steadfast presence of a loving relative.

“Lean on Me” by Bill Withers – An iconic song that emphasizes the importance of being there for one another. 

Dancing with a Grandparent

If you’re sharing this special dance with a grandparent, you want to choose a song that honors their wisdom, love, and perhaps a bit of nostalgia. Here are some timeless options they’ll know well:

“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong – This classic song is perfect for a tender moment that reflects on the beauty of life.

“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra – A sophisticated and heartwarming tune that will add a touch of elegance to the dance.

“Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole – This duet is a beautiful homage to the everlasting bond you share.

Dancing with a Family Friend or Mentor

When the dance is with a family friend or mentor who has played a significant role in your life, select a song that reflects the special bond you share. Here are some great options:

“Thank You for Being a Friend” by Andrew Gold –  Cheerful and heartfelt, this song shows appreciation for their friendship and support.

“Times Like These (Acoustic Version)” by Foo Fighters – A modern and reflective choice that speaks to the guidance and wisdom they’ve offered.

“Hero” by Mariah Carey – This powerful anthem that acknowledges the strength and inspiration they’ve provided.

Regardless of who you choose to dance with, the most important aspect of this moment is the connection and love you share. Most importantly, choose a song that has significant meaning to both of you! Maybe it’s a song you both love, a tune that reminds you of a special memory, or lyrics that perfectly capture your relationship. Our best advice? Sit down together and talk about what songs are meaningful to you both and why – odds are there’s an obvious pick. 

Incorporating non-traditional family dances into your wedding can be a wonderful way to honor and celebrate the people who have shaped your life. Whether it’s a grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, godparent, or mentor, choosing a meaningful song and sharing a special dance will create lasting memories for both you and your loved ones. So go ahead, pick that perfect tune, and let the love and music flow on your special day!