Page 55 - Real Weddings

SKYTOUCH_E_PHOTOS
• Avoid songs that are dif cult to dance to. Some songs are just not meant to be danced to. If your favorite songs t that bill, but you still want to hear them on your wedding, ask the DJ or band to play them during the cocktail hour or while everyone is eating dinner.
MDance Fever HOW TO CREATE A WEDDING-RECEPTION PLAYLIST
any elements combine to • Aim to get as many guests on the make traditional wedding dance oor as possible. Well-known receptions special, but songs and upbeat dance music will many veteran wedding inspire more guests to cut a rug than
guests would agree that the right play- lesser-known tunes you may be fond of.
list, once guests hit the reception-hall dance oor, can turn an ordinary wed- ding reception into something far more memorable.
The majority of couples choose be- tween a live band and a disc jockey to provide the music for their wedding re- ceptions. Entertainment is often one of the more memorable aspects of a wed- ding reception, as the right band or disc jockey can help to establish a jovial mood that makes it easy for everyone to have a good time.
Couples can leave their wedding- reception playlists to the professionals, but couples should also know that they have a say in which songs are played. In addition, couples can have a “no play” playlist that prohibits certain songs they dislike from being played. When mulling the musical choices for your wedding re- ception, consider the following advice.
Music that spans the decades and vari- ous genres will appeal to guests from all age groups, encouraging them to get up and dance.
THE EVENT
KADENCE PHOTOGRAPHY
“It’s very important for the couple to trust the DJ, as the DJ is the professional conductor of the festivities, and know- ing you’re in good hands allows the cou- ple to truly take in the night,” Luna said.
“I believe it is essential to have the DJ and couple get to know each other before the wedding,” said Mario Luna, platinum DJ for Central Arkansas Entertainment in Little Rock. “For in- stance, it gives you a glimpse into what the wedding guests are like — festive or conservative, cultural or traditional — and it helps the DJ to coordinate things to make the night ow effortlessly.”
• Give the music vendor some leeway. Disc jockeys and bands have no doubt performed at many a wed- ding before yours, and they may have a better feel for crowds than you do. Let them know that if guests seem to be avoiding the dance oor, they have some leeway to play songs that did not make it onto the playlist. That profes- sional expertise is why you hired them, and it can make for a more memorable night for everyone.
SKYTOUCH_E_PHOTOS
“We have a format that allows the couple to ll out all special dance re- quests online,” he said. “Upon talking to the couple, we nalize all the ne details so the event runs smoothly.”
Hiring a band or disc jockey to per- form at your wedding reception is a great way to make sure everyone enjoys a fun night. Adding your own favorite songs to the playlist can make the reception even more special.
courtesy of metro creative contributions by cody graves
• Begin by making a list of your favorite songs. Make this list during different days and at different times and moods so you get a good cross section of your favorite tunes. But remember, not every song is a good t for a wedding reception. Melancholy songs or those that include suggestive lyrics are best left off the playlist.
• Don’t stress out about the music. The playlist can set the tone for a pos- itive reception, but don’t stress out if you’re struggling to come up with songs you want to hear. Your vendor is no doubt capable of creating a playlist that will ensure that everyone has fun.
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