Although your wedding ceremony will be a big moment for you and your partner, the music selection is what most of your guests are looking forward to. The music is what takes a party from mediocre to unforgettable.

For a truly fun time at your wedding reception, you will need some great rock wedding songs, the kind that will get your guests in the mood and on to the dance floor. Take your music playlist to the next level and tune things up a notch for the enjoyment of all.

With songs from rock bands such as Yellowcard, Oasis, The Killers, and several others, you won’t run out of great rock songs to dance to. You will have your friends and family tapping their feet, moving and grooving the second the music comes on. If you’re looking for music to make a grand entrance as well, you are in the right place. Most of these songs are great numbers to set the tone for your entire wedding reception.

“Come to Me” by Goo Goo Dolls

if you’re a fan of rock music and want to make your wedding’s first dance truly unforgettable, “Come to Me” by Goo Goo Dolls is an excellent choice. This beautifully crafted rock ballad features a slow, melodic tempo and heartfelt lyrics that express the depth of true love.

The song’s joyful, fun-loving spirit is infectious and is sure to create a memorable moment for the newlyweds and their guests. With Johnny Rzeznik’s distinctive vocals and the band’s signature guitar sound, this song creates a romantic and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for the special moment.

“Everlong (Acoustic Version)” by Foo Fighters

“Everlong (Acoustic Version)” by Foo Fighters is a beautiful and romantic rock song that would be a perfect choice for a wedding first dance. This acoustic version of the Foo Fighters’ hit song features a stripped-down arrangement that highlights the raw emotion and sincerity of Dave Grohl’s vocals. The slow, melodic tempo and tender lyrics about the enduring power of love create a truly intimate and unforgettable atmosphere.

“Heaven” by Bryan Adams

If you’re a die-hard fan of Bryan Adams or simply appreciate the beauty of this timeless ballad, “Heaven” is a fantastic choice for a rock song for a wedding first dance.

The song’s essence of true love and the feeling of being in your world with your partner are beautifully captured by Bryan Adams’ powerful vocals and iconic guitar riffs.

“Friday I’m in Love” by The Cure

Choosing “Friday I’m in Love” as a wedding’s first dance song is also a unique and unconventional choice that will make the moment even more special. It’s a departure from the usual slow ballads or romantic songs that couples often choose for their first dance.

“Faithfully” by Journey

“Faithfully” by Journey, released in 1983 as part of their album “Frontiers,” has become an enduring favorite for wedding first dances. This classic rock ballad, penned by Jonathan Cain, showcases the band’s powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, which poignantly express the devotion and commitment that come with true love. As couples sway to the music, the tender lines “I’m forever yours, faithfully” serve as a poignant reminder of the promises they’ve made to one another.

“(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” — by Bryan Adams

This 1991 rock ballad not only was featured in the soundtrack for Prince of Thieves, but it also won Canadian rocker Bryan Adams a Grammy. Are the lyrics, which speak of a love worth dying for, a little bit cheesy? Yes, but in the very best way. This romantic song is the perfect candidate for a memorable first dance with your spouse.

“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” — by Aerosmith

This No. 1 Hot 100 hit was written for the 1998 sci-fi film “Armageddon,” which, ironically, starred lead singer Steven Tyler’s daughter, Liv Tyler. While Aerosmith wasn’t songwriter Diane Warren’s first choice to perform the song, it became Aerosmith’s biggest hit in the U.S. and across the globe. If you like a classic love song interlaced with a rock style, this one’s for you.

“Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” — by Rod Stewart

If you’re looking for a track that’s a little more laid back, then this love song from U.K. rocker Rod Stewart is the way to go. His cover of Van Morrison’s song became a Top 10 hit in 1993. If you’re a fan of Stewart’s raspy vocals, this sentimental ballad is ideal for your ceremony or reception.

Ocean Avenue – Yellowcard

This song set all my sk8r boi romance expectations. This song had a huge moment. This brings me back to high school skipping lunch and sitting in the lunch room with my headphones in. 

Sugar, We’re Going Down – Fall Out Boy

“A LOADED GOD COMPLEX. COCK IT AND PULL IT,” we all screamed like we understood what that meant. You’ll get the same enthusiasm when your wedding band drops this tune at your wedding. If you want people to get rowdy, play old Fall Out Boy songs. 

The Reason – Hoobastank

Even though they have the worst band name ever, they still managed to pen this classic pop/rock ballad back in 2003. Drenched in nostalgia and perfect lyrics for a wedding, it’s a unique and fitting first dance choice.

Tonight, Tonight – Smashing Pumpkins

This song is timeless and it treads the line perfectly between a ballad and a grungy rock tune. This an awesome first dance song idea for the rockier brides, without the worry of alienating your guests.

Medicine – The 1975

There is something therapeutic about ‘Medicine’. For many, falling in love with the ideal partner can be the cure to all their woes! If you feel this way, The 1975 have you covered.

Cutting the cake with your new husband or wife is a truly celebratory part of your special day, with cheering, clapping, and smiles – and it deserves an amazing song to reflect this! 

Many couples choose to play a cake-cutting song while they slice the cake together since it can help draw guests’ attention to the dance floor (and keep the party going with some lively energy). Your wedding band can also announce before the cake-cutting begins.

Before we divulge into our most requested wedding cake-cutting songs of all time, let’s answer some common questions about this prestigious cake-cutting ceremony. What is the significance of cake cutting at a wedding? Believe it or not, there’s symbolism associated with cutting the first slice of cake at your wedding. Some believe the couple holding the knife together is a sign of their union and dual responsibility for marriage, while others believe that passing out slices of the cake represents fertility and good health.

The choice of cake-cutting songs can tell a lot about you. You might want to make it more personal by choosing a very special song. The one that was playing on your first date, or simply the piece you both enjoy. Your cake-cutting song should be lighthearted, a little bit romantic, and upbeat to reflect the happy moment that everyone’s been waiting for dessert. If you can find a song that somehow ties in a reference to “sweet” or “sugar,” that’s even better, but it’s not necessary.

However, you and your other half may have different music tastes. Do not let it stop you! It can hardly be considered a problem. You can choose one song each. This way both partners would make their contribution to the celebration. You can even make a song selection even with a “private” (off to the side) cake cutting as this is more and more popular now.

That would be a great opportunity to upgrade your teamwork skills! Or you might even decide not to tell each other what music you have chosen. Make it a pleasant surprise on your wedding day. Have fun!

The wedding cake-cutting songs can be romantic, danceable, ballads, or even instrumentals. You can convey all your feelings to the world without saying a word. Also, songs for cake cutting can be full length and more than one if you have a different taste than your spouse. 

These songs work are the most requested from when you cut the cake, to feeding yourselves and sharing with the guests. See our collection above for the top cake-cutting songs that we can perform to fit your style.

“Sugar” | Maroon 5

It’s no surprise that this very popular Maroon 5 song would be placed on this list of cake-cutting song ideas. While the title of the song states the obvious, you should watch YouTube by clicking the link in the song title to see why it’s a big request at weddings. Sugar was the third song to drop from the album V at the beginning of 2015 and would stay in the Top 10 for over 20 weeks. 

 “This Will Be An Everlasting Love” | Natalie Cole

It’s still hard to believe that Natalie Cole left us so soon, but back in the spring of 1975 she would have a Number 1 song on the R&B chart and #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. You might remember this song featured in the romantic comedy starring John Cusack, Must Love Dogs. 

“I Got You Babe” | Sonny & Cher

Another very popular request for the cake cutting from the 60s here. The song was released back in the summer of 1965 and can be found on the album Look At Us and would top the Hot 100 for 3 weeks. Everyone will be looking at you as you cut the cake when this happy-go-lucky starts to play and you try to refrain from smearing frosting all over each other’s faces. For those couples who like the song but would prefer a different version, UB40 did a great cover back in the 80s along with Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders.

Sugar, Sugar – The Archies

A fun, upbeat song all about sweetness and love—what better song could you find for a wedding cake cutting than ‘Sugar, Sugar’ by the Archies? The peppy, romantic lyrics remind us how sweet love can be by comparing romance and love with sweet treats like candy, sugar, and honey and how love is enticing when you’re with somebody wonderful. “I just can’t believe the wonder of this feeling, too, and you got me wanting you.” Breathtaking!

Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder

This song exclaims, “Here I am, signed, sealed, delivered—I’m yours!” And what more fitting song could you choose for your wedding celebration? The Motown soul song from Stevie Wonder, ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered,’ was released in 1970 as a single and spent six weeks at number one on the charts. The song talks about “mistakes” of the past, but when he realizes how amazing the woman is, he comes back and is committed. It’s ranked in The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time for a reason.

“This Kiss,” by Faith Hill

Does this song even need a caption?  Probably not, but here it goes anyway.  “This Kiss” is a perfect sonic encapsulation of all the joy and romantic giddiness of a newfound love (and yet it came out when Taylor Swift was still in grade school).  There are few pop-country tunes that are able to achieve such high levels of catchiness, or to give the replay button a workout like this song does.

Most couples spend hours deciding on the perfect music for their wedding moments, from the bride’s entrance to the final song of the night. But when it comes time for the dancing, some tried-and-true tunes always get the dance floor jumping and people singing along.These are the most-requested wedding songs, the music that everyone knows and loves. 

A wedding dance floor isn’t the place for avant-garde niche favorites. It’s an opportunity to unite people across different ages and backgrounds with the biggest crowd-pleasers. And they’ll be sure to get everyone moving. 

A wedding playlist is a great way to create a personalized soundtrack for your wedding day that is unique to you as a couple so you can keep organized and have an idea of what will be played for the most important parts of the day.

Whether you’re making a list from scratch or hiring a DJ, it’s always fun to add a personal touch. From classic love songs to Top 40 hits, this is your chance to put together a list of songs that you’d love to be played on your big day!

This might sound obvious, but picking a song list with your fiancé is the most traditional way of choosing your music. Remember, this day is about the TWO of you so you want your music to reflect that. Make sure to sit down with your fiancé and see what songs he/she would like to be played. Talk about your first dance, what you want to be played during the mother/father dances, and so forth. Don’t forget to run the final set list with them, as well!

Ask for song requests from your wedding guests. You’ve probably either seen or heard of this method at either a wedding you’ve attended or on social media. Couples reach out to their guests to ask them what they’d like to hear at the wedding. Some couples even like to plan by adding a “Song Request” to their RSVPs, while others leave it completely up to the guests by leaving music request cards on the DJ booth or dinner tables.

You and your friends can get together, sip some drinks, and have a fun time throwing out song ideas by hosting a playlist-making party. Pretty self-explanatory, right? Not to mention, it’s a great way to get some bonding time with your bridesmaids. Take it as an opportunity to hang out and have fun! Have everyone come with 5-10 songs that they would love to hear played at the wedding. That way, if nothing else gets accomplished, you’ll at least have those 30-80 different options to choose from. Sounds like a win-win!

We’re in the age of technology so why not take full advantage of it? On music platforms such as Spotify, you can create collaborative playlists that allow family and friends to add to. Share it with as many or as few people as you wish and watch the music suggestions start flowing in.

Having a good mix of your favorite music, current popular music and classics will likely be the way to go! You want to cater to each of your guests as much as possible – and that could range from a 15-year-old junior bridesmaid to your grandpa!

If you’re making the set list on your own, make sure to include PLENTY of music. Depending on the length of the reception, think 3-5 hours worth. Don’t forget to include a few extra songs for each event just in case the cocktail hour or processional goes a little long or is delayed.

You probably don’t want your wedding day to be a downer. When creating your wedding playlist, it’s always wise to include a list of music that shouldn’t be played. This would include anything overly negative, lyrics that curse too much, violent themes, and controversial styles.

It’s a good idea to discuss it with your partner. There could be a song that seems innocent enough, but you or your spouse connect to a time in your life that you do not want to revisit on this particular day.

Hopefully, this guide will help lead you on your way to creating the ultimate wedding reception playlist that perfectly suits you and your fiancé. It’s going to take some time, but after you’ve finished, you won’t be able to contain your excitement to get out on the dance floor!

Need help crafting some of your must-have songs for your big day? We’ve selected the best wedding songs that we play to our clients to help you plan the wedding you’ve always dreamed of below! Around Town Entertainment can play these songs below!

FROM THIS MOMENT – Shania Twain

I WILL SURVIVE – Gloria Gaynor

I WISH – Stevie Wonder

LADIES NIGHT – Kool & The Gang

LAST DANCE – Donna Summer

ICE CREAM – Sarah McLachlan

I HOPE YOU’LL DANCE – Lee Ann Womack

IF I COULD – Regina Belle

I KEEP ON FALLIN’ – Alicia Keys

COPPERLINE – James Taylor

CRUISIN – Smokey Robinson

DON’T KNOW WHY – Norah Jones

SWEET CAROLINE – Neil Diamond

WHAT I DID FOR LOVE – A Chorus Line

WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR – Disney’s Pinocchio

AT LAST – Etta James

AUTUMN LEAVES – Nat King Cole

BE MY BABY – The Ronettes

BEYOND THE SEA – Bobby Darin

BLUE MOON – The Marcels

CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE – Elvis Presley

CAN’T HELP LOVIN THAT MAN – Billie Holiday

CAN’T TAKE THAT AWAY (FROM ME) – Ella Fitzgerald

CHEEK TO CHEEK – Fred Astaire

FALLIN – Alicia Keys

FEEL LIKE MAKIN LOVE – Roberta Flack

HEARTS OF FIRE – Earth, Wind & Fire

I BELONG TO YOU – Lenny Kravitz

IN YOUR EYES – Peter Gabriel

JUST THE TWO OF US – Bill Withers

THANK HEAVEN FOR LITTLE GIRLS – Perry Como

TIMES OF YOUR LIFE – Paul Anka

VOLARE – Bobby Rydell

WILD HORSES – The Rolling Stones

THIS WILL BE – Natalie Cole

TO BE REAL – Cheryl Lynn

TURN THE BEAT AROUND – Gloria Estefan

PAPA WAS A ROLLIN’ STONE – The Temptations

PROUD MARY – Tina Turner

RESCUE ME – Aretha Franklin

RESPECT – Aretha Franklin

FAITH – George Michael

FAITHFULLY – Journey

FREE FALLIN’ – Tom Petty

GET AWAY – Lenny Kravitz

GET INTO THE GROOVE – Madonna

GOOD LOVIN’ – The Rascals

1. BRIGHTSIDE – The Killers

MY HEART WILL GO ON – Celine Dion

NO WOMAN, NO CRY – Bob Marley

PAPA DON’T PREACH – Madonna

PURPLE RAIN – Prince

ROLLING IN THE DEEP – Adele

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ – Fats Waller

A TRAIN – Duke Ellington

BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGLE BOY – The Andrews Sisters

CALL ME – Tony Hatch

DESAFINADO – Antônio Carlos Jobim

THE GIRL FROM IPANEMA – Antônio Carlos Jobim

GREEN DOLPHIN STREET – Bronisław Kaper

MORE – Riz Ortolani and Nino Oliviero

OUR DAY WILL COME – Ruby and the Romantics

SUNRISE, SUNSET – Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick

THAT’S AMORE – Harry Warren and Jack Brooks

There’s no doubt about it, music entertainment can make or break a wedding. Whether you book a string quartet, a pianist or jazz ensemble with a talented singer, or a full band with a big band feel and horns, the music you choose for your wedding reception is the soundtrack for an entire gorgeous affair and something that you and your friends and family will cherish forever.

If you’re excited by the idea of having some element of live music, choosing the right band can make or break your wedding. Because there are so many pros and cons ranging from your geographic location to how deeply personal and meaningful this decision is, it’s hard to quantify how much more of an expense it is to have a live band. 

That being said, customizable music bands in New York City are, on average, anywhere from four to ten times more expensive than in any other area. Keep in mind that there are exceptions if you’re going for major talent that will attract tons of crowd interaction.

Start by asking yourself some basic questions. Specifically, what type of entertainment suits your taste, budget, space allowances and killer dance moves best? Simply put, a band or ensemble is generally more expensive as you’re hiring more talented people. The cost of a NYC wedding band was an average of $5,400 price difference compared to other areas outside. The cost of a live band varies based on the hours booked, the number of members, and the required equipment. Usually, bands are cheaper because they have fewer members, typically one or two.

How much of your overall wedding budget should be allocated to music on your wedding day is ultimately a very personal decision, and that budget often needs to stretch beyond the reception—if you’d like to have live music at various points during the event, you’ll need to factor that in. As a general rule of thumb, we advise our clients to set aside at least 20 percent of the budget for having a band or other live music. 

From acoustics to quiet hours and providing sufficient power, there are more than a few factors to keep in mind when considering what type of music to have at your wedding reception. The decision of whether to hire a band should start before you even choose your wedding venue in NYC. If having a live music element is important, then you have to consider the acoustics of the space and the unique atmosphere.

Reception venues with a lot of windows, mirrors, high ceilings, and smooth flooring can be incredibly challenging for acoustics, as sound bounces off hard surfaces, which can cause an echo-chamber effect. On the other hand, venues with a greater depth of materials absorb sound. Venues that have a mix of heavy curtains, wood floors, and carpet will typically have better acoustics. 

Then there are always those questions about how loud or late your celebration can go. Unless your wedding reception venue is out there on acres of land, or in a public venue with certain music licenses already in place, it’s likely the space has to abide by local noise ordinances for gatherings, whether that’s a curfew for “amplified sound,” which is often when a venue or hotel place policies and limitations, such as prohibiting the use of subwoofers. 

Other venue considerations that are easily overlooked include making sure that your reception venue has sufficient room to accommodate your preferred musical choice and equipment needs, as well as sufficient power requirements to accommodate the band. The larger the band, the more additional space and equipment the musicians may need, as well.  

There are also A/V needs such as staging, lighting, or backline equipment that may be required and can come with bills that total thousands of dollars, so it’s important to review the talent agreement in full and even get pricing for the requirements you’re responsible for before you sign on the dotted line. Any outdoor lighting or heating also requires a power source, so It’s an important detail to confirm with your wedding venue and the musical talent you’re looking to book. And it’s not only the physical floor space you need to consider, but it’s also vertical height. 

Oftentimes, the choice comes down to budget. If budget is the determining factor, we always urge our clients to consider a live wedding band. We also ask our clients to think through their vision for the music and the songs they’re considering for big moments, like their first dances or the special parent dances. If the vision includes hearing the song exactly as it sounds on the radio, then a wedding band might not be a great fit. If the vision includes a live band performing the song, and they’re open to the band’s version of the song, a band is the perfect choice.

In our experience, many couples already know exactly what they’re looking for when they begin the booking process. Live music makes the wedding and is a perfect fit for a variety of music. They interact with the crowd and keep the party going all night long. 

In the end, book the type of live music that aligns with professionalism, and experience, and speaks to the overall style of your reception. Make sure that it’s music you both love and want to have as the soundtrack for such a monumental celebration. This is your wedding, after all! 

If you need more guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Planning and rehearsing for your first dance as a married couple is no easy feat. First thing first: Know that you’re certainly not alone in your struggles. Even if you aren’t a bad dancer, it’s possible you may not enjoy being the center of attention. After all, just because it’s your wedding day doesn’t mean you have to have all eyes on you, all the time, especially when it comes to your first dance.

Take Lessons or Hire a Teacher

Leading up to your nuptials, sign up for local lessons or hire a dance instructor. A teacher will customize lessons based on your skill level, so even if you think you’re the world’s worst dancer, you’ll still have some simple, tailor-made moves at your fingertips that you feel comfortable with. 

Pick a Song You Connect With

There’s no shortage of sweet, romantic dance songs at your disposal, but it’s important to find a song you connect with. Maybe it’s the pop tune that was playing in the car when you and your partner were driving to your first date or just a rock song you both happen to love. Regardless, you’ll feel a wave of comfort wash over you the moment it comes on, and at that point, you can do no wrong.

Make It Short and Sweet 

That said, it’s probably better for you to pick a two-minute anthem rather than a six-minute one when it comes down to it, or just ask your wedding band to simply shorten your song of choice. You might feel time dragging on forever when the spotlight’s on you, and this way, you’re guaranteed to get the awkwardness over with sooner rather than later.

Play Your Song on Repeat

You may think overplaying your first dance song will “ruin” the tune when it comes time for the big day, but we recommend listening to it many times beforehand. so you are familiar with not only the beat but also the length of the song. Songs can seem short when you’re just singing along in your car, but once you’re in front of an audience, songs can seem to go on for an eternity.

Let the Wedding Band Know Sooner Rather than Later

While you’ve probably got your hands full with wedding to-dos, try not to let your wedding band know at the last minute of your plans because they need to practice and learn the song too! We recommend starting to nail down a song and letting your wedding band know at least 1 month out from your big day so that you and the band are not scrambling to nail the dance routine down a few weeks before.

Stay On Theme

This isn’t the time to get fancy if you’re not fully comfortable on your feet. It’s totally up to you, but we suggest not trying to attempt an intricate salsa, hip-hop, or rumba routine if you’re already nervous to begin with. Go with a simple sway or slow-dance route.

Focus on Your Partner

Most importantly, just focus on the person you’re dancing with. There’s a good chance they’re just as nervous as you, and it’s crucial to remember that this day is about you two. As soon as you look into their eyes, you’ll remember you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Make a plan for when things go off track

Even those who love dancing can get tripped up in the spotlight. Whether you step on your partner’s feet, miss that dip, or forget what step is supposed to come next, not everything will likely go as planned.

Practice, practice, practice

The more you run through your dance, the more comfortable you will feel performing it at your reception. Even if you aren’t planning to pull out any fancy steps, it will help to get used to dancing together. We suggest making it fun. Get your groove on for a more active take on date night. You can even practice in the park if you have to.

Make it your own

No rule book says you can’t change the tradition. Maybe you only do 30 seconds of the first dance after a grand entrance. Maybe you invite the kids to the reception to dance with you. Heck, maybe you invite everyone to the dance floor so you’re not up there all by yourselves. Or, if neither of you is feeling the dancing vibes, maybe you replace a first dance together with something like a hula hoop contest or a slideshow set to your favorite song.

Focus on each other

Once you’re out there, all you have is whatever your plan was, and each other. Don’t lock eyes with anybody else. Be in your dance bubble together, and stay focused on each other. That’s what people want to see anyway—you dancing with your romance.

Dress for success

If you’re nervous about your big dance and wearing a dress to your big day, sky-high stilettos, a skin-tight mermaid silhouette that you can barely walk in and a ten-foot train probably won’t help. Even if that’s your chosen wedding day look, you can make your wedding’s first dance easier on yourself by exchanging your heels for dancing shoes. Even just one of these changes will make your first dance that much more drama-free. Dress to impress!

Whether you consider yourselves a music person or not, the music at your wedding is super important, and a great band can be the difference between a pretty fun wedding and an unforgettable one. Avoid these mistakes and you’re guaranteed to have truly amazing wedding music.

Dismissing the idea of a band before doing some research.

This is your first music decision to make and it’ll narrow down your options by half. Love live music and have a bigger budget? A band might be your best choice here. 

Starting the ceremony in silence.

Most guests will arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the ceremony starts, but the wait will seem a lot longer if they have to wait around in silence. Don’t let this happen! Having music before and during the ceremony will also help signal to guests that it’s time to be seated or get quiet by upping the volume or tempo.

Skipping a sound check

Depending on your venue, there may be limitations to the type of music you can have. Even without regulations, it’s still a good idea to ask your venue manager what type of music typically works best for the space (for example, a soloist may feel tiny in a grand ballroom, but may work well for an intimate garden party). 

Plan for your band to do a walk-through if they haven’t worked in the space before. While you might not realize that crashing waves could easily drown out a string quartet or trio of flutes, professionals like Around Town Entertainment can help spot and solve any tricky music situations with a sound check.

Forgetting to talk through the must-play songs.

Don’t assume your band is going to play every one of your favorites. If it’s a band, make sure you talk through your plans about this list before you decide to book—they may have to learn a song or two and need enough time to prepare. 

Choosing long songs for the wrong times

Make sure to keep songs like the First Dance, Father/Daughter Dance, and Mother/Son Dance shortened to about 2 minutes. Do a run-through and you may realize four minutes can feel like forever if you’re just rocking back and forth. Yes, it’s about you two, but keep your guests in mind too!

A little choreography goes a long way, so make sure you decide to take a few lessons. Or if your heart is set on a certain ballad, work with our bands to cut your song down to a reasonable length, or talk with us about performing a shorter version.

Leaving out a do-not-play list.

Sit down with your soon-to-be spouse and go through your favorite songs together to create the must-play and do-not-play lists. Make sure you give your band plenty of time to review your picks, in case they have to add a song to their repertoire. Once you’ve handed over the lists, leave the rest up to the pros. And be careful not to micromanage (that’s why you hired them).

Playing explicit songs 

You won’t be able to please everyone, but ask that your band keep it at least PG-13 during the reception. When it’s just you, your college friends, and adult cousins at the after-party, feel free to play the songs that weren’t appropriate while your grandparents and baby nieces and nephews were around earlier in the night. Beyond blatant profanity, consider the song’s lyrics and meaning. There may be a very innocent inside joke behind your choice of a raunchy song, but most guests will be on the outside—including your cute little flower girl.

Sticking to one genre.

You both may truly love ’80s pop, but six full hours of Whitney Houston might drive some guests to leave early. You’re sharing this day with family and friends, so save your more obscure favorites for the honeymoon playlist and let your band play a mix of songs that everyone can enjoy.

Letting the Speeches and Toasts Run On

Making guests sit through speeches and formalities for the first 30 minutes to an hour can ruin the party atmosphere. We’ve seen so many brides, grooms, and guests roll their eyes and nearly doze off by the fifth wedding speech! There have been times when toasts took up to an hour to get through because so many people were allowed to say something. Give each toast-maker a specific time limit to help them stay on track.

Waiting Until the Last Minute to Select Spotlight Dance Songs

We see many couples that don’t think about their parents’ dances until a few weeks before the wedding and then they rush to select songs. They should have some sentimental significance but if not carefully selected, then they’ll have minimal meaning and proper time to prepare. Start the process at least ten weeks before the big day so it remains fun and productive.

Not Choosing a Cake-Cutting Song

Not having a cake-cutting ceremony? Bad idea! We always advise selecting the background song in advance. It takes some time for the cake to be brought out, for the couple to figure out how to cut it, eat it, kiss, take photos, etc. Those minutes tick by with your guests focused on the moment. And when you have no music, this can be very boring!

Not Scheduling Breaks or Feeding Your Vendors

Not only will your musical entertainment need to use the restroom but they’ll also need to eat and rest their vocal chords. If you’re using a live band, this is especially important. Discuss breaks with your band in advance so that you know what to expect and avoid any potential upsets!

Choosing wedding music may seem daunting, but pulling off the perfect setlist is easier than you think. From the walk down the aisle to the first kiss and more, when the day comes, it can feel like a romantic movie. And just like any good movie, the music sets the tone. We’re more than happy to work with you and can help you plan your music selections. Ultimately the decisions are up to you, but here is some guidance to get you started from ceremony to reception.

Ceremony 

The prelude music will play while guests are entering and finding their seats. This music aims to welcome the guests to your wedding and sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony, so be sure to choose wisely. You can choose a beautiful mix of classics and love songs. Prelude music should be soft and with a formal touch, to let everyone know that the important event will start soon. Most brides and grooms today choose a mix of contemporary love songs, while some prefer traditional Handel, Mozart, and Bach

The processional song is the wedding ceremony music that is played while the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.) is walking down the aisle. The number rule of thumb here is to choose music that’s neither too fast nor too slow. Make sure you select a song that has a rhythm that matches a natural walking pace. Most importantly, the processional songs should have meaning to you. Any song can work if it is played with a processional feeling (which we know how to do!).

The Bride Entrance Song/Processional is probably your most important music choice of all! You will want to pick something which has a build-up, so your grand entrance makes an impact. Have several rehearsals to ensure your timing is perfect. 

Last but not least, the exit song also known as the wedding recessional song tends to be a little more light-hearted and upbeat. Pick something triumphant and celebratory while you walk out of the building.

A few ceremony song options that are very popular with our clients include:

Pachelbel – Canon In D

A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley

Your Song – Elton John

Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole Viva La Vida – Coldplay

All of Me – John Legend

Marry You – Bruno Mars 

You and Me – Lifehouse

Cocktail Hour

After the end of the ceremony is the most anticipated fun wedding cocktail hour. This is the time for guests to unwind, chat with other guests, and start up on the fun, food, and drinks. Don’t forget to add music to your cocktail hour! For this part of the wedding, you need a perfect playlist of appropriate wedding cocktail hour songs for background music.

These cocktail hour songs should be a mix of different genres and must shine through without drowning the guests’ conversations. To create the cocktail songs’ perfect lineup, see our list of wedding cocktail music genres to keep you inspired.

Having a nice playlist like the songs below is a little extra touch your guests will appreciate.

Paper Moon – Nat King Cole

The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra

At Last – Etta James

The Nearness of You – Norah Jones

Natural Woman – Aretha Franklin

Come Rain or Come Shine – Ray Charles

Reception

Choosing your wedding reception music can be a tricky process. You want to choose songs that you like, but you want your guests to like them too. You want to create a playlist that’s unique and noticeable, but you also want to deliver music that people are familiar with and can dance to. These concepts seem to contradict each other. It seems hard but with our guidance and a few samples, you’ll find that perfect balance.

We see it far too often when couples continuously put off making music choices. Some couples put it off because they feel it’s a quick “to do” and others because they don’t have a song and are struggling to make a decision. Whatever the case may be, we want to make it clear: There’s a lot more to wedding music than just choosing your first dance song! So let’s go through how many songs you will need to get through your wedding day!

You’ll likely make a grand entrance into the reception space with formal introductions of the parents, the wedding party, and the bride and groom.

You’ll want to consider how you’ll be making your big entrance. Are you dancing? Will your bridesmaids and groomsmen each do something unique for their entrances? Are you going for a choreographed dance? Or would you rather just walk in and head straight to your seats? It’s your day, so you get to choose! But don’t be afraid to have a little fun.

Choose one or two songs depending on how many people you have in your wedding party and what you plan to do. Usually, you’ll just play a little snippet of the song so that dinner can be served and you can keep the day flowing. 

Finally, it’s time to eat! Queue up the easy-listening music to have in the background as you and your guests enjoy your wedding dinner. Like the music for your cocktail hour, you’ll want to keep it light and soft to allow for conversation. But this time, you can slow things down. 

Now, we are getting close to party time! There are a few important moments that kick off the dance reception so you’ll want to choose a specific song for these dances:

Bride and Groom First Dance

Traditional Dance

Father-Daughter Dance

Mother-Son Dance

Cake Cutting 

Last Song

Finally, the time we’ve all been waiting for is here! It’s time to party! It’s time to dance! Your wedding guests will be of different generations: from grandparents to nephews and nieces to friends of your age. That is why both wedding planning experts and modern couples agree that today’s weddings should feature a good mix of new wedding songs, as well as the classics. Instead of listing out hundreds of songs to be played during your reception, choose a couple of genres that you’d like to hear and trust your wedding band to get the party started. 

It’s alright to list out a few of your must-play songs – but don’t go overboard. Your live band or DJ will be able to read the crowd and play songs that work for each moment, getting all of your guests out onto the dance floor. They’ll know how to weave in and out of different styles of music to keep the party going for all of your guests throughout the evening! We would, however, recommend listing a few songs or artists that you do not want to be played at your wedding reception. So let us know!

Our live wedding band can play most of the current popular songs of a different genre, which makes your job of picking songs for every stage of your wedding easier. These songs are fashionable for every type of real wedding style you would want to have. We are sure a lot of your favorites will fall within our list.

Check them out, select your best songs of all time, compile your wedding playlist, and select one of our wedding bands today!

It’s a tale as old as time: boy and girl swipe right. Boy and girl match. Boy and girl start texting everyday. And, before they know it… they’ve fallen for each other! This past weekend, we got the chance to celebrate a love that resulted from this very crucible: Alexis and Richard’s! They had plenty of dates over the years, from IKEA to Terra, and everything in between! Four short years later… they were engaged! We joined them in Brooklyn, at the Box House Hotel, and while the weather may have been particularly chilly, we were ecstatic to tag along!

On the rooftop of Box House, with the sun just beginning to set (curse you, Daylight Savings!), our ATE pianist, was set to go! As guests arrived, our pianist played a playful blend of music, so that by the time that he lead the processional, “Yellow”, they were warmed up for the ceremony! Between “Landslide” for the Bride’s song, and “Blackbird” for the recessional, everyone was delighted by the keys! And, before they knew it, it was time for the next step… the cocktail hour!

As the party transitioned over to the cocktail hour, the guests were welcomed by a jazz trio! The guests grooved, mingled, and drank, as the band began setting up for the main event… the reception! Before long, the hand hit the final hour, and it was time to transition over. And well timed, too, as more and more of the party was ready to cut a rug!

Once the party had taken their seats, it was time to get the night started! The band got the ball rolling with “Love On Top”, as Alexis and Richard entered as husband and wife! The newlyweds looked gorgeous! They took their positions on the dance floor, and Katrina dealt out another song: this time, it was their first dance! “Our House” was the perfect song for Alexis and Richard, but it wasn’t the last song of the night! After dinner, and some other treats, the dance floor opened up for all those who were interested in cutting a rug! The Around Town vocalists were happy to oblige! They blessed the reception with “Valerie” and “Dancing On My Own”, and treated everyone with “Float On”! Over the course of the night, everything from Whitney Houston to Gotye was played and everyone had a ball dancing! Just another day at the best job in the world… celebrating life’s happiest moments!

We’ve been all over the northeastern corner of the United States, and we love to travel! Whether it be at a venue with a beautiful view of the Big Apple skyline, a romantically classic clubhouse in Connecticut, or a scenic riverside New Jersey hall, we always have a great time lending music to weddings! Every locale has its charm, but there is something extra special about the simplicity of the more rustic settings. And this weekend we got to spend some time in a delightful spot: Arrow Park in upstate New York, celebrating Kristen and Michael!

Surrounded by the absolutely stunning garden, guests were immediately welcomed by the beautiful musical collaboration of our Around Town Entertainment pianist and cellist! The dynamic duo played plenty of gorgeous tunes, including “You Are The Reason” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love”; and by the time they played “Love On Top” as the recessional, everyone was wiping tears from their cheeks! Kristen and Michael were officially wed!

From there, the party made their way inside the mansion, where the cocktail hour had already begun! Our jazz trio were all set and ready to go! The guests could hardly stop their grooving. By the time the hour was up, everyone was ready to do some more dancing… after some dinner and some exciting romantic moments, of course!

Inside the courtyard tent, the guests took their seats, and we got the night started! The band’s rendition of “Big Energy” was exactly what the reception called for–and it welcomed Kristen and Michael as they made their debut as husband and wife! Shortly thereafter, they took the floor, and Katrina crooned out their first dance, “I Love You, Baby”!

After so many beautiful moments, the party was ready for their chance to cut loose. And good thing, too, because we brought our A game! From Taylor Swift to Elton John, and everything in between, the guests had plenty to great songs to dance to! That said, we made sure to include some of Kristen and Michael’s favorites. From the band’s stellar take on “Juice”, to “Sugar We’re Going Down Swinging”, and a roof-raising “Mr. Brightside”, we definitely had some highlights! When the clock struck ten, and our carriage turned into a pumpkin, hardly anyone wanted to go home–including us! Congratulations to the happy couple!