At Around Town Entertainment, we love a parent (or grandparent!) dance, whether it’s a Father/Daughter, Mother/Son, Mother/Daughter, Father/Son, or any other combination that makes the most sense for you and your family on your special day. In a day filled with and centered around a celebration of romantic love that will last forever, this moment stands apart; Highlighting instead the everlasting love of the people who raised you. Touching, often tear-jerking, this is a moment we know your parents have looked forward to since the day you were born. 

We’ve written before about some of our favorite songs to play for these dances, or ways to pick out the song you’d like to dance to for this moment, but today we want to touch on something different. Despite how common this moment is in weddings across the country, there are a surprisingly limited number of songs written to suit its purpose. Even worse, there are a surprising number of songs that sound like they COULD work for your dance with your parent, but we promise they don’t. Don’t believe us? We’ve taken the liberty of listing some songs below that seem, at first glance, like they could work, and then we’ve detailed why they’re maybe not the best choice. 

Van Morrison’s ‘Brown-Eyed Girl’ 

Fathers and brown-eyed daughters love to suggest this one, but let’s start with some of the opening lyrics, shall we? 

“Making love in the green grass,

Behind the stadium with you,

My brown-eyed girl.”

…we think our point is made. 

‘I’ll Always Love My Mama’ by The Intruders 

The opening line of this song quite literally goes: 

“I’ll always love my mama,

She’s my favorite girl”

While the song goes on to talk about how mothers bring us into this world and sacrifice left and right for their children, we think it’s in poor taste to dance to a song on your wedding day that loudly proclaims that your mom is your favorite girl… when you just married your wife. That said, if a wife doesn’t feature in your couple, this song could still be considered appropriate! 

John Mayer’s ‘Daughters’ 

At first listen, this song seems sweet – and the title quite literally involves the word “daughter.” But John Mayer has talked openly about how the song is written as a cautionary tale, saying he wrote it because he thought women didn’t receive enough love from their fathers, which impacted their ability to show love in romantic relationships later in life. 

Additionally, the lyrics “girls become lovers, who turn into mothers” is maybe a little more suggestive than any father wants to be about his daughter’s nocturnal activities with her new spouse. 

‘Butterfly Kisses,’ by Bob Carlisle

Despite being known as one of the more iconic father-daughter dance songs, “Butterfly Kisses” could be one to avoid. Yes, the lyrics are remarkably sweet, but some might find them to be a little too sweet, especially if your relationship with your dad isn’t regularly filled with deep sentimentality. Determining the right song for your moment is highly subjective, and this one just might not be it. It also focuses heavily on a father’s sadness to be saying “goodbye” to his “little girl” as she grows up – and your wedding is a day of celebration! 

‘Heaven,’ by Kane Brown

We love country music for its frequently thoughtful and emotional qualities, which make it a popular genre for weddings! But if you’re thinking about this Kane Brown song for your father-daughter dance, we recommend finding something else. Lyrics like:

 “Lyin’ next to you, in this bed with you, I ain’t convinced’

Cause, I don’t know how, I don’t know how heaven, heaven

Could be better than this” 

…aren’t the most appropriate for this reception moment with your parent.

‘Every Breath You Take,’ by The Police

“Every smile you fake/Every claim you stake/I’ll be watching you”

Can you say creepy? This song has been pretty universally acknowledged as uncomfortable and stalker-ish; Sting himself admitted he wrote it about a very jealous and obsessive love he had for someone. There’s just no denying that it’s probably one of the worst parent dance songs. No one wants their parent, or their new in-laws for that matter, to be “watching” them every step they take, every move they make and every vow they break! 

There are plenty of songs out there that DO work for a dance with your mom or dad, though! Our best advice is to think of songs that were meaningful to you growing up, or that bring a special moment to mind. Then, and this is the important part, look up the lyrics. A lot of people hear the chorus of a song and fall in love with it – and they forget to check the verses for the lyrics that could get them into trouble! No matter what you choose, Around Town’s award-winning live bands have this special moment covered, but we definitely recommend choosing something that won’t have your guests blushing for all the wrong reasons!

Sometimes, crazy as it sounds, a cover is “Simply the Best.” For example, one that immediately and aptly comes to mind is Noah Reid’s cover of Tina Turner’s “The Best.” The song shot back into the limelight in 2018 when Schitt’s Creek featured the cover in one of its most touching episodes, with Reid’s character playing his own original, stripped-down, acoustic cover of the iconic rock power ballad Tina Turner cemented as a classic in its own right in the late 80’s. Both songs are impactful and beautiful, yet utterly different, despite the fact that they are “the same song.” Reid’s cover begs to be used for a slow and intimate moment like your first dance though, where Turner’s original fits perfectly for the moment you first enter your reception as a married couple! 

Hiring a live wedding band, like any of Around Town’s award-winning bands, is the secret to making sure you can use your favorites songs during your special moments – even if they don’t originally seem to fit the vibe! As a live band, we can use reference material to take a song to new heights and depths by changing its genre from the one people might know it best in! Don’t believe us? Here are some killer examples of songs with covers so phenomenal you’ll never have to say “We love this song and its meaning, but its vibe just doesn’t match what we want for that moment at all” again! 

Can’t Take My Eyes Off You 

This classic was first made a hit by Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons in 1967 and is known for its gentle intro, which builds into one of the catchiest horn hooks of all time. If you’re a fan of the “slow build to big finish” then the original version is the one for you! Whether your introduction to the song was on the radio, jamming to your parents’ record collection, seeing Jersey Boys on Broadway, or (our personal favorite) Heath Ledger’s iconic rendition in the 90’s classic ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ – this song is timeless, catchy, and a wedding smash hit. 

Oh what’s that? You love this song but you and your new spouse were really hoping to sway to something a little less bopping for your first dance? Great news! The band known as stories has a stunning, stripped back, slowed down, acoustic version of the song that’s sure to have your guests in tears (the good kind, obviously), featuring Sarah Isen. 

We’re actually going to pause here to let you in on the fun trade secret that stories’ entire purpose is to take favorite classic songs that began their lives a little more on the “rocked out” side and strip them back to reveal the tender acoustic side that lives within. 

You Make My Dreams (Come True) 

Who doesn’t love Hall & Oates’ original bop? An infectious rhythm, a feel good vibe, a guitar hook that grabs you from the moment the song starts… all fantastic reasons to involve this song on your wedding day. The original version of this song is absolutely perfect for the couple with a fun choreographed dance routine for their first dance, or even as a reception entrance or ceremony recessional! 

But you’re a rustic, folk couple that loves the sweet, soft vibe – some “slow dancing, swaying to the music” over a high energy routine, if you will. That works for us! Check out Billie Marten’s Ont’ Sofa cover, a slowed, simple, acoustic version of the song that suddenly places the lyrics at the forefront. 

What if you’re that post-modern couple that loves chic vintage touches in a refurbished warehouse and loves funk music? Guess what – we’ve got you covered too. Give a listen to Scary Pockets’ funky, half-tempo cover featuring Jennah Bell! 

Fun Fact! Scary Pockets is from the minds of the same folks who brought you stories – where stories focuses on acoustic, totally stripped-back covers, Scary Pockets loves to find the pocket and get a little scary. Which is to say, they specialize in funk-pop covers of all your favorites! Wow, we’re really giving away all the industry secrets today, aren’t we? 

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough 

…to keep us from spilling the tea on all the different ways you can play the same song! Here’s another all-out classic from Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell that never fails to bring the heat. We love the original version of this song – who doesn’t? High energy vocals, an upbeat tempo, and percussion that just won’t quit – of course this song is a wedding favorite! But once again, the team over at Scary Pockets has brought us a funk cover that manages to change the vibe just a bit (and slows the tempo slightly for the more novice dancer); and the team at stories busts out a stunning acoustic rendition that has us wondering how more people haven’t been asking for an acoustic version of this Motown hit. 

You probably noticed right away from watching our bands’ videos and checking out our song list that Around Town Entertainment bands are as versatile as they are talented. And it’s this versatility that means we can take your favorite song and, with the help of a little reference material, do it just the way you want it for your special day. You and your spouse aren’t like anyone else – why should your music be any different? 

Ella Fitzgerald’s “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight.” Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E.” Etta James’ “At Last.” There’s a reason these artists are known as “The Greats” and these songs as some of the most timeless, classic love songs of all time. We here at Around Town Entertainment love these songs and this gorgeous style of music, with its beautiful brass, and rich, swelling vocals. 

If you’re one of our classic couples who loves old romanticism, and a gorgeous classic vintage vibe, we’re sure these songs have crossed your mind as you’ve been planning your music – how could they not? We’d happily recommend all of them for your big day and special moments; they’re standards, totally classic, guaranteed hits. We also understand though if you have that little voice in the back of your head going “…does classic run the risk of being overdone?” 

First of all, no, not at all. Classic is classic for a reason! Some things truly never go out of style and these big band, jazzy, soulful numbers have safely ensconced themselves in that category. However, we’re also happy to say that there are ways for you to still have that sweeping romantic jazz feel – without picking an old jazz standard!

There’s been a recent comeback, or resurgence in the sweeping, romantic, symphonic, big band, jazz sound in contemporary music with artists like Laufey, Cody Fry, Jacob Collier, Jon Batiste, Sammy Rae & the Friends, Olivia Dean, Adele, and Ben Rector at the forefront of the movement, along with cover artists like Postmodern Jukebox, or stories. 

These artists and others like them infuse their music with rich orchestration, incorporating elements like brass, strings, and woodwinds to create a full-bodied sound that harks back to the golden age of big band music. Their compositions often feature soaring melodies, intricate harmonies, and dynamic shifts, evoking a sense of nostalgia and romance – perfect for a wedding where you’re blending the idea of rich romance with the idea something that can last forever – just like this classic style of music. 

Moreover, the revival of this sound speaks to a broader trend of artists rediscovering and reimagining classic genres and styles. By blending elements of jazz, classical, and pop, these artists are creating a unique sonic landscape that appeals to both old-school aficionados and contemporary music lovers alike – which makes it ideal for a classic yet contemporary wedding, and is sure to keep all your guests feeling like the music is familiar to them, from grandma to your girl friends! 

Of course, we wouldn’t rave about these artists or throw this idea out there without having some fabulous examples to back it up! Here are just a few of our favorite suggestions our award-winning live bands can play that could fit beautifully into your evening – a lot of them make for stunning first dances. 

“Best Friend” by Laufey – an ideal tempo for a calm, sweet, soothing first dance, this song has a romantic timeless vibe and lyrics that express a deep and genuine affection, capturing the essence of a strong bond between two people. Perfect for newlyweds that know their deep friendship is at the heart of their passionate love; and as a bonus, the lyrics have a few clever little jokes that will leave you and your guests laughing at its poignancy. 

“I Hear a Symphony” by Cody Fry – this song is deceptive and perfect for couples looking for a choreographed dance moment. It begins very softly and simply and builds to a lush and rich musical moment as the lyrics describe how someone went from hearing a simple song as they went through their life, to hearing a full symphony each time they look at their love. It’s the musical and aural equivalent to the “I met you and now the world is technicolor” sentiment! If you ever wanted to feel like the main characters of a movie, this song is the perfect soundtrack, with its deceptive simplicity magically transforming into a sweeping romantic movement that will leave your guests in tears (the good kind). 

“I Get It Now” by Sammy Rae & The Friends – This one is brand-spanking new, so we aren’t surprised if you haven’t heard it yet! Once again lush yet simple, this song beautifully describes how the love you spent years trying to make happen turned out to be something so simple and effortless with the right person. Believe it or not, it’s the bands’ first love song – and we think it hits the mark perfectly. Slow and steady, just like your love, this song is another perfect option for a first dance – its structure simultaneously classic and flowing, allowing for that lovely jazz sound. 

What if the song that means the most to you and your partner doesn’t match the vibe of your wedding? Say you’ve planned this gorgeous classic, romantic, timeless day, but your favorite song that you’d like to use for your first dance or other part of your big day just doesn’t seem to fit musically. Well, that’s the most beautiful part of your brilliant choice to hire our incredibly talented live musicians: we can change the style of a song. Think of Postmodern Jukebox taking contemporary songs and giving them a retro makeover – we can do something similar! In the same way that artists will often release acoustic covers of their music or someone else’s, we can take the song that’s most meaningful to you and shift its style so that it suits the vibe you’re looking for! 

When it comes to crafting the perfect ambiance for your wedding day, the choice between a live wedding band and a DJ is a decision that can shape the entire atmosphere of your celebration. And let’s be honest, this decision is a big one—it’s not just about music; it’s about creating moments that will be cherished for a lifetime! So, why should you choose our live wedding bands over a DJ? Let’s dive into the reasons why this choice can truly elevate your special day.

First and foremost, let’s talk atmosphere. Picture this: you’re surrounded by your closest friends and family, the love in the air is palpable, and as you take to the dance floor for your first dance as a married couple, the sound of a live band fills the room with soul-stirring melodies. There’s an energy, a vibrancy that comes with live music that simply can’t be replicated by recorded tracks. The presence of our talented musicians and vocalists adds a level of sophistication and elegance to your wedding that sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Their professionalism and experience are unmatched, and are skilled at quickly reacting and adjusting to whatever is happening in the moment, whether you need a longer intro to reach the dance floor, or a shorter ending to the cake cutting in case of a frosting fiasco! 

But it’s not just about the music—it’s about the interaction, the connection between the performers and your guests. With our award-winning live wedding bands, you get more than just music; you get a fully immersive entertainment experience. From engaging with the crowd to reading the room and adjusting their performance on the fly, our live bands bring a level of spontaneity and excitement that keeps the energy high and the dance floor packed all night long. It’s this interactive element that creates moments of pure magic, where you and your guests feel truly connected to the music and each other.

Now let’s talk customization. One of the greatest advantages of choosing an Around Town live band is the ability to tailor your music selection to reflect your unique style and personality as a couple. Whether you’re into classic hits, modern chart-toppers, or a mix of genres, our talented bandleaders can curate a setlist that perfectly suits your taste and sets the tone for your celebration. From romantic ballads to high-energy dance tunes, the versatility of a live band ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy, creating a personalized soundtrack for your special day that will be remembered for years to come.

Perhaps the most compelling reason of all to choose a live wedding band over a DJ is the undeniable power of a live performance. There’s something truly magical about witnessing musicians and vocalists come together to create music in real-time. The raw emotion, energy, and talent of live performers add an extra layer of depth and authenticity to your wedding day, elevating the entire experience to new heights. Whether it’s the soulful strains of a vocalist or the infectious rhythm of a drummer, the sight and sound of live music create moments that are not only memorable but truly transformative.

Of course, versatility is also key when it comes to choosing the right entertainment for your wedding day. Around Town’s highly-lauded bands can cover a wide range of musical styles and genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re planning an elegant ballroom affair or a laid-back outdoor celebration, our versatile bands can adapt their performance to suit the unique vibe of your event, keeping the party going from start to finish. From classic rock to Motown classics, we can cater to diverse musical tastes and create an atmosphere that is as unique as you are as a couple.

But let’s not forget about the lasting memories that live music can create. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and the music you choose will play a central role in shaping the memories you’ll cherish for years to come. From the first dance to the last song of the night, the presence of live performers adds an extra layer of emotion and intimacy to your special day, creating moments that will be etched in your heart forever. Whether it’s the soul-stirring lyrics of a love ballad or the infectious energy of a hit dance song, the music becomes a soundtrack to your love story, weaving its way into the fabric of your memories and reminding you of the magic of your wedding day.

Of course, we would be remiss not to sing the praises of our fabulous after party DJs! We know you party animals don’t want the night to end, so we do offer the option to keep the celebration going just a little bit longer with DJ’s available to book in advance. They’re there to bring the heat with some of the more “club” numbers your grandma may wish to miss – so the timing is perfect since she’ll likely be in bed by the time you’re ready for an after party! 

To sum up, choosing an Around Town live wedding band over a DJ for the bulk of your day offers a multitude of benefits that can truly elevate your special day. From creating an unforgettable atmosphere to providing interactive entertainment, customization, and a lasting experience that will be cherished for a lifetime, live music brings a level of sophistication and authenticity to your wedding that simply can’t be matched. So, as you plan your dream wedding, consider the power of live music to transform your celebration into a moment you’ll never forget.

What do Lawrence, Billy Joel, September, Whitney Houston, Sammy Rae & the Friends, Silk Sonic, and KC & The Sunshine Band all have in common? A few things, believe it or not! First, they all have incredible songs that are perfect for your wedding – whether it’s a classic like “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” or a newer hit like “Leave the Door Open” these tunes are sure to get your guests’ feet moving and hips grooving. They also all involve instruments that we here at Around Town happen to love – horns.  

Horns are having quite the comeback lately, especially with the rise in popularity for retro pop artists like Laufey, Lawrence, Lake Street Dive, Sammy Rae & the Friends, Cody Fry, Cory Wong, Vulfpeck, Cory Wong, and Jon Batiste. These bands and solo artists infuse their music with a diverse range of influences, blending genres such as funk, jazz, pop, and rock to create a fresh and eclectic sound that appeals to contemporary audiences seeking something different from mainstream pop. The genre itself often incorporates elements of classic funk, soul, and R&B, which have a timeless quality that transcends generations. The music tends to evoke a sense of nostalgia for past musical eras, such as the 70s and 80s, which resonates with both older audiences who experienced these periods firsthand, and younger listeners who are drawn to the vintage sound and style.This appeal to a broad audience base contributes to the growing popularity. It’s also what makes it such a perfect genre to incorporate into your wedding and reception – it’s one of the few parties you’ll throw in your life that has such a diverse guest list, ranging from your grandparents to your nieces and nephews, with all your friends and family in between. 

With this in mind, it’s important to think about how to get all of those diverse guests out on the dance floor – and we think that horns are your answer. We’ll start by raving about all the fabulous qualities horns bring to the band’s sound, and in case we haven’t convinced you they’re a great idea by then, we’ll also bust out a list of just how many incredible party songs involve horns. And hey, if we happen to give you ideas for your song requests or special moments, fantastic! 

Horns, whether a saxophone, trumpet, or trombone, can be a unique and exciting addition to a wedding band for several reasons:

1. Unique Sound: Horns add a distinctive and rich sound to the music, enhancing the overall auditory experience for guests! Their presence can elevate the atmosphere and make the wedding celebration more memorable. 
2. Versatility: Horns are versatile instruments that can adapt to various music genres, including classical, jazz, pop, and more. This versatility allows our live wedding bands to cater to diverse musical preferences among guests, ensuring that everyone finds something to enjoy
   
3. Elegant Aesthetic: Brass instruments, particularly trumpets and saxophones, have a very elegant and sophisticated appearance that can complement the formal ambiance of a wedding ceremony or reception. They can also add a touch of glamor to the band’s visual presentation – nothing quite literally shines like the light catching on a brass instrument!
   
4. Energy and Excitement: The vibrant and dynamic sound of horns can inject energy and excitement into the performance, encouraging guests to dance and celebrate throughout the event. This lively atmosphere contributes to the overall enjoyment of the wedding festivities and keeps toes tapping. No one can stand still at a New Orleans Mardi Gras parade, or in the presence of a Parisian sidewalk jazz quartet – your wedding music should have the same effect on your guests: giving them the irresistible urge to dance!
   
5. Memorable Performance: Incorporating horns into the wedding band creates a unique and memorable musical experience for the couple and their guests. It adds a special touch to the celebration, making it stand out from typical wedding entertainment options. Whether it’s a soulful saxophone solo during the first dance or a brass fanfare to announce the newlyweds, horns have the power to make key moments in the wedding ceremony and reception even more special and unforgettable.
   
6. Professionalism and Quality: Hiring horn players also demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and quality entertainment, which signals to your guests that you’ve invested in your wedding band, and the band has invested in talented musicians who will deliver an exceptional performance. This attention to detail can enhance the overall aesthetic of the wedding and leave a lasting impression on attendees.

Overall, horns can be the perfect addition to a live wedding band, offering a combination of unique sound, versatility, elegance, energy, and memorable performance that enhances the overall wedding experience! 

Now that we’ve convinced you to add horns to your Around Town band, it would be just rude of us not to include a few killer song suggestions to help you utilize them! 

• “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang: This iconic funk and disco anthem features lively horn arrangements that are perfect for getting guests on the dance floor and setting a celebratory mood.
• “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire: Featuring vibrant horns and irresistible grooves, this disco-funk masterpiece is an excellent choice for bringing joy and energy to the dance floor.
• “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder: With its upbeat tempo and soulful horn arrangements, this feel-good classic is perfect for celebrating your love and commitment.
• “My Girl” by The Temptations: This soulful Motown ballad, complete with beautiful horn arrangements, is a romantic choice for special moments like the first dance or father-daughter dance! 
• “Boogie Shoes” by KC & The Sunshine Band: As soon as the horn riff hits the opening notes, you can hear the crowd cheer and see the energy lift. A great mid-tempo song, even older hips and knees can get into the groove of this one! 
• “Do You Wanna Do Nothing with Me?” by Lawrence: With its sweet, funny and romantic lyrics, laid-back groove, and soulful horn arrangements, this song is ideal for slow dances or romantic moments during the reception.

And these are just the songs that already have horns in their arrangements! You’ll be amazed at how many songs that don’t originally have horns in their arrangements are utterly elevated by their addition. We can certainly promise that adding horns to your live wedding band will make for a night to remember and a dance floor to never forget!

In the whirlwind of modern romance, Julia and Matthew found themselves caught in the crosshairs of fate, their love story unfolding across miles and moments that would shape their lives forever.

Their journey began with a simple swipe on Bumble in early 2019, a digital connection that bridged the gap between Julia’s life as a globetrotting tennis player and Matthew’s career as a medical resident in Charlottesville, Virginia. Despite the geographical distance between them, sparks flew through their virtual exchanges, leaving them with a hopeful promise: “If you’re ever in New York…”

December 2019 brought a twist of fate when Matthew found himself in New York during a trip back from visiting family. Seizing the opportunity, he reached out to Julia, proposing a meetup on Long Island. Little did they know, this fateful encounter would set the stage for a remarkable journey ahead.

Their first face-to-face meeting at Bar Frites in Greenvale, N.Y., was nothing short of magical. As they delved into deep conversations and shared laughter, a profound connection blossomed between them. Julia, captivated by Matthew’s sincerity, found herself drawn to him in ways she hadn’t anticipated.

With Matthew’s impending move to New York City for a fellowship in June 2020, the stars seemed to align for the couple. However, fate had other plans. Covid lockdowns ensued, trapping Julia in Charlottesville for what was meant to be a brief visit. What began as a temporary rendezvous turned into an unexpected three-month cohabitation, marked by shared meals, outdoor adventures, and cozy nights in.

As Covid restrictions eased, the couple returned to their respective lives in the New York City area. Matthew pursued his medical career, while Julia, recovering from a tennis injury, transitioned into sports journalism. Despite their divergent paths, their bond only grew stronger, and by September 2022, they knew they were meant to be.

In a serendipitous twist of fate, Matthew proposed to Julia during a picturesque stroll along the water in Tarrytown, a moment that encapsulated the beauty of their love story. Now residing in Tarrytown, the couple embarked on a new chapter of their lives together, cherishing the memories of their proposal spot visible from their apartment window.

Under the crisp November sky, and in unseasonably warm weather, Matthew and Julia exchanged vows in an enchanting outdoor ceremony at the historic Hempstead House in Sands Point, NY. As guests gathered, the gentle breeze carried the strains of JVKE’s “Golden Hour,” played poignantly by Around Town’s incredibly talented pianist, setting the perfect tone for the procession. All eyes turned as Julia made her grand entrance, radiant in her stunning lace gown with its off-the-shoulder sleeves, to the timeless tune of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” Against the backdrop of Hempstead House’s Celtic castle, the former estate of the Guggenheim family, the two were married. As they sealed their union with a kiss, the joyful jive of Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day” filled the air, oh-so-aptly. 

Inside the Gatsby-era castle, Around Town’s jazz trio provided the perfect ambiance for the cocktail hour, which was already starlit at 5 o’clock thanks to the early sunsets of November. This was, of course, only a warm up to a very lively and memorable reception. 

The bridal party entered to a classic (and incredibly appropriate) bop, as Around Town’s live musicians provided a rocking rendition of The Black-Eyed Peas’ “Let’s Get it Started,” and the bride and groom entered just after to Barry White’s soulful “You’re the First, the Last, my Everything.”  

The absolute show-stopper of the night, however, was the couple’s first dance. As Around Town’s fabulous band crooned Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?]’ Julia and Matthew took to the dance floor for a gorgeous choreographed dance that left the room with not a dry eye to be found. And the waterworks didn’t stop there! Julia and her father danced their Father/Daughter dance to Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” and Matthew and his mother shared a lovely moment to The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun.” 

The fun lasted well into the night, and this lovely couple’s witty musical taste just didn’t quit! The two cut their cake to another Bill Withers’ classic, “Just the Two of Us” and the bouquet was tossed to the jockeying unmarried ladies of the party to Kool and the Gang’s “Ladies Night.” Julia and Matthew and the phenomenal Around Town musicians made sure that no one felt like leaving the dance floor that night, busting out hits like Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ “Oh What a Night,” Andy Gibb’s “I Just Want to be Your Everything,” and The Beatles’ “Here, There, and Everywhere.” 

Of course, the party had to end sometime – so their lives together could begin! Julia and Matthew exited the stunning castle, to wall an aisle of their friends and family with sparklers, to reach their fabulous vintage getaway Rolls Royce. 

One, two, three-four-five, 

Everybody in the car, so come on, let’s ride! 

…Did we get Lou Bega’s ‘Mambo No. 5’ stuck in your head? Easy to do, the song is undeniably catchy and it certainly never fails to make people want to dance! Which is why this next sentence may come as a surprise: 

We strongly recommend not playing this song on your wedding day. 

GASP – SHOCK! HORROR! WHY???? 

Simply put, the same or similar reason we’re going to recommend a whole list of songs not to play on your wedding day: these particular lyrics are all about someone who is seeing at least ten women at the same time (though shout-out to Rita and Sandra for being the only two to be mentioned in both a verse and the refrain?). On your wedding day, these lyrics may not quite convey what you’re hoping to in terms of eternal and true love. 

So, as NYC’s premier entertainment company, with 5 of the most-lauded live wedding bands in the tristate area, Around Town Entertainment is here to help you make sure the music at your wedding is full of good vibes only! Below, we’ve broken it down to a few different categories of thematic material you may not want to feature on your special day, and included lists in each of those categories because we believe that when planning your wedding, choosing the music should be the easiest and most fun part! So without further ado, let’s get into it! 

Songs that Insult Your Partner (or her Family)

Let’s face it, we all love a song with a witty little jab for an ex. There’s something eternally satisfying about cleverly putting someone in their place. However, your wedding doesn’t seem like the time or place for these songs, since your partner is presumably someone that you want to spend the rest of your life complimenting – you chose to marry them because they aren’t like the lyrics in the following songs: 

‘You’re So Vain’ – Carly Simon

‘You Give Love a Bad Name’ – Bon Jovi 

‘Highway to Hell’ – AC/DC 

‘I Hate Everything About You’ – Three Days Grace 

‘Gold Digger’ – Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx

‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ – Shania Twain 

‘Bad Romance’ – Lady Gaga

‘Mother-In-Law’ – Ernie K-Doe

This last one isn’t about your partner, is funny, and may even be apt for your relationship with your new Mother-In-Law, but it probably isn’t one you want to play the very day she becomes your family; not if you want to start out on the right foot! 

Songs About Cheating 

This one… feels like it should be the most obvious category. It’s your wedding day and you just promised to love and cherish one another in sickness and in health ‘til death do you part. Songs about cheating on your partner just don’t fit the bill for this special day. We’re also going to start this list off with a hot take: the first song is still about cheating, even if they do end up back with the partner they started with and never technically see anyone else. Fun as it is, we don’t encourage it for your wedding! 

‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song)’ by Rupert Holmes 

‘Before He Cheats’ by Carrie Underwood 

‘Unfaithful’ – Rihanna 

‘You Know I’m No Good’ – Amy Winehouse 

‘Cry Me a River’ – Justin Timberlake 

‘Jolene’ – Dolly Parton 

Songs About Leaving or Breaking Up 

This also feels exceedingly obvious as a category. And while there is certainly a time and place to belt out some of the following bangers, your wedding is probably not one of those times and places, since we’re very much hoping your love is here to stay! 

‘Thank U, Next’ – Ariana Grande

‘You Can Go Your Own Way’ – Fleetwood Mac 

‘50 Ways to Leave Your Lover’ – Paul Simon 

‘Bad Blood’ – Taylor Swift 

‘I Will Survive’ – Gloria Gaynor 

‘Since U Been Gone’ – Kelly Clarkson 

‘I Will Always Love You’ – Dolly Parton (covered by Whitney Houston) 

Songs That Make Your Grandma Blush
(Or are generally tasteless) 

We’re sure your grandma is a cool grandma. She’s YOUR grandma after all. And while TikTok has certainly revealed its fair share of cool, rebellious grandmas, we also know there’s every chance that your grandma or another of your guests could be easily offended by the… racier content in some of the following songs. These songs might be perfect for your bachelorette night, but your wedding reception maybe isn’t the time. Additionally, some songs, we can acknowledge in 2024, simply aren’t appropriate (if they ever were). 

‘Bootylicious’ – Destiny’s Child 

‘Baby Got Back’ – Sir Mix-A-Lot 

‘My Humps’ – The Black-Eyed Peas 

‘Candy Shop’ – 50 Cent feat. Olivia

‘Every Breath You Take’ – The Police (Stalker vibes!) 

Songs About Lost Love

Your wedding day is all about celebrating the full and hopefully long lives you’ve just promised to share! These songs are ones that, stunning as they are, focus on love that’s been lost, either to life’s circumstances or (gulp) death. So again, while they might put you in your feels or even be a personal favorite, we think there are better times to play these particular songs than on your wedding day. 

‘Make You Feel My Love’ – Adele 

‘Yesterday’ – The Beatles 

‘Tears in Heaven’ – Eric Clapton 

‘White Wedding’ – Billy Idol 

While this list certainly isn’t a complete list with every song that maybe shouldn’t make an appearance on your wedding day, these categories and examples should give you a good set of questions to ask yourself before selecting a song. Even more helpfully, we’ve provided a list of songs that we know are classics and hits your guests will love – when you book us, you get to highlight ones you like to your heart’s content so we get a sense of your style and vibes! While we may not get the chance to play all of them, we can promise your day will be full of crowd-pleasing, bopping, non-problematic tunes. 

Congratulations! You booked Around Town Entertainment for your wedding, and now it’s time to pick out the music. We happen to like the sound of music around here, so we’re going to start at the very beginning – we hear it’s a very good place to start. The beginning, of course, is your ceremony music! While your cocktail hour gets a lovely jazz trio, and your reception will, we’re sure, be full of lots of danceable tunes; the ceremony can be tricky because this moment, more than most, is one where your creative license can truly run wild. 

The music for your ceremony can be the most instrumental (pun intended) part of setting the tone and telling your guests precisely who you are as a couple and what’s important in your relationship. Your ceremony also presents the unique opportunity to create a story arc – your procession can begin with a song or songs that remind you of how your relationship began, and by the end the two of you can exit to a song that conveys your hopes and intentions for the future! Today, we’ll be diving into this idea a bit more, since it’s a little less conventional. 

Since there are three main sections of music – your bridal party procession, the bride’s entrance, and the recessional – we’ve broken each of them down in their own section of this blog and filled them with questions & suggestions to get you started in building your perfect ceremony! 

Seventy-Six Trombones Led the Big Parade 

The procession of your grandparents, parents, and bridal party likely won’t come with 76 trombones, but depending on the size of your bridal party, the length of the processional music can vary greatly! That’s why it’s often important to choose multiple songs, and maybe even one more than you’ll think you’ll need, just in case (though when you make the list, put the most essential songs in the top 2, knowing you may not need the songs after that). 

Now we come to the big questions: 

What is the overall vibe of your wedding? Are you looking for something classic and romantic? How about something sweet and simple? 

Do the two of you have a favorite film? Some popular wedding procession choices include “Concerning Hobbits” from ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’, or “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in the style of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. 

Is there a TV show you both love? Consider using the theme song or a song from a meaningful moment in the show. “The Office” is a great example of a show with a beautiful theme song that is well suited to a piano or guitar cover, and recent smash hit “Bridgerton” is full of stunning orchestral arrangements of more modern pop songs that could be perfect for your bridal party’s entrances. 

How about a favorite band or artist? Was there a concert you attended together that made a certain song all the more meaningful? 

Use this time to tell your love story! Your procession music can tell your story from start to present – In three songs or less, do you think you can tell the story of how you met, how you first fell in love, and the love you came to when you decided to spend the rest of your lives together? 

At Last, My Love Has Come Along

Mark Gordon and Harry Warren really nailed it with the lyrics to this classic popularized by Etta James – and it’s how we hope you feel when you see each other from opposite ends of the aisle as the bride’s part of the procession begins! This is another moment to really tell your guests the story of your love, while all their eyes are on you. Is there a song that immediately comes to mind as one that always makes you think of the moment you truly knew you loved your partner? Stop reading for a moment to think! 

Ok, now that you’ve thought about it, if you’re stuck or coming up empty, we do have a few ideas to get the ball rolling for you. Consider songs like Sara Bareilles’ “I Choose You” or Train’s “Marry Me”! A little too on the nose? Other popular choices include Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years,” John Legend’s “All of Me,” or Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love.” 

This Will Be An Everlasting Love 

We and Natalie Cole just know it will! And, conveniently, this song remains one of the most popular song choices for a couple’s recessional back down the aisle after being pronounced as married! But there are other choices, too, and most couples seize this opportunity to pick a song that stays consistent with the theme of telling their guests just how much hope they have for their future together. Disney lovers have been known to use “A Whole New World” from Aladdin, Hall & Oates’ “You Make My Dreams” is an eternally fun bop (Even if their partnership didn’t survive the test of time, we’re sure yours will so don’t let that deter you from using the song!), and Stevie Wonder remains quite a king of the wedding music scene with the ever-so-apt “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” 

For this moment more than any other in the ceremony, we recommend something truly celebratory – it’s the start of your life together, and, more immediately, the start of the party! 

No matter what music you choose for your ceremony, our live musicians will have the perfect touch to bring your ceremony, be it intimate or grand.