You and your partner are totally one of a kind. So why is it that we all do the same things over and over again when it comes to celebrating your marriage? Sure, we all love to keep traditions, but why not make receptions as unique as the people we’re celebrating!
Choosing Around Town to provide your music and entertainment was, of course, the first brilliant choice you’ve made. Our award-winning live bands are New York’s favorite for a reason, and a lot of it is because we’re willing to go the extra mile and incorporate fun new ideas to keep your reception fun, fresh, and unforgettable.
Without further ado, here are 10 of our favorite new ideas!
The Snowball
Oh yes. A middle school classic. Whether you did this at a rollerskating rink or the homecoming dance, the concept is not only timeless and simple, but it’s downright fun. Weddings are often full of people who all know you, but don’t necessarily know each other – that’s where the snowball dance comes in!
You and your spouse can start it off by dancing with each other, then when the bandleader says to, run off and each grab a new person onto the dancefloor. At the next “everybody separate and grab a new partner to bring onto the dancefloor” – each new partner should be someone they haven’t met, and so on! By the end of the night, all the people you love most love each other, too!
Life is the Bubbles!
You guessed it – we love a champagne tower. Who doesn’t? But have you ever thought about giving it a soundtrack? Picture it: pouring a champagne tower with your new spouse to a thematically perfect song that makes the whole moment feel straight out of a movie – what could be better! Suggestions? Try The Alex Opal Outfit’s ‘Champagne Pink Convertible,’ or Colbie Callait’s ‘Bubbly’ if you’re feeling a little more sentimental.
When I Fall In Love (It Will Be Forever)
This jazz standard will probably speak most to your grandparents – which is why it’s a perfect choice for the Grandparent Dance. Admittedly, not all of us are lucky enough to have our grandparents present on our big day, but for those that are, this is one of the most magical things you can do. Imagine calling your grandparents to the dancefloor and inviting them to share a dance to their own first dance song – you’re crying already aren’t you?
Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too!
Better yet? Soundtrack it! The cake cutting is an often messy, silly little moment that takes a lot longer than you think it will. Next thing you know, you’re standing there in relative silence trying not to elbow your partner or absolutely destroy your cake in a single swipe, all while everyone you know and love stands there watching. Add a song, and suddenly this moment is just a fun part of a movie montage!
How Long Will I Love You?
Pretty long, as it turns out! Don’t believe us? Add an Anniversary Dance to your evening and find out just how enduring love can be! Start with all your guests on the dance floor, then ask everyone but the couples to leave. From there, start “eliminating” couples by who’s been together the least amount of time; at the end, you’ll have the longest lasting couple left dancing – which is a pretty great way to congratulate them on their achievement and also thank them for the inspiration we assume they are to you!
Sweet Home, Alabama!
Or whatever song happens to be an anthem for you and the special people in your life – whether it’s the Cleveland Browns’ “Who Let the Dogs Out,” the Yankees’ “New York, New York,” or the Red Sox’s “Sweet Caroline” this is a phenomenal way to give your guests a second wind on the dance floor. Maybe it’s a college anthem, maybe a sports team; whatever the song, no one can resist the pull of “their” song.
Shorty Got Low-low-low-low…
LIMBO kinds of low, duh. No, really, we’re serious. Have you ever seen all your family members try to play limbo in fancy clothes after a drink or two? Want to keep the kids from wreaking havoc for a second? There is nothing quite like a big game of limbo set to the Chubby Checker classic to really get the laughter flowing at a wedding. As a bonus, it’s a good breather from dancing without letting the energy drop!
You’ve Got a Friend in Me
Parent dances are THE big tradition, of course, but what about your siblings or your closest friends? Your Maid of Honor and your Best Man, who got up and gave speeches to your entire extended family and all your friends’ questionable Plus Ones about how much they love you? Silly as it might sound initially, this can be one of the sweetest, most grounded moments of the night, just dancing with your siblings or members of your bridal party (though we recommend saving it for later in the evening as your aunts and uncles start to tire so they don’t feel excluded).
I Can Buy Myself Flowers
But it’s so much sweeter when someone you love gives them to you. The Bouquet Toss is a traditional staple, but sweet and charming twists on this include (and definitely aren’t limited to) dedicating your bouquet to your mom or grandmother, or separating your bouquet into smaller ones or even individual flowers to give to the women who’ve made you who you are today, whether they’re an aunt or a bestie.
Simon Says: Dance!
If you think your guests are too old for this game, you should absolutely guess again. Simon says “dance” right as the music stops? Simon says “freeze” right as the music starts again? Hilarious at any age, we promise.
