Wedding DJ playlist for open dancing!

Soon, I'll be going over wedding DJ playlists for your reception, but in the meantime, here;s an article on just that! Enjoy.

Here is a great set list for a wedding DJ playlist. As you can see, we begin with some good danceable Motown. Groove Me is a great crossover song into disco...it's Motown yet funky! WE then transition from disco into Top 40. From there we can cross mix into 80's alternative. Then we do a couple of Old School 80's tunes, then into 90's rap (so fun!) and close it out with the bouncy Venga Boys. Here we have a hard jump back into oldies, but we move into the classics, since everyone is ready to go nuts (thank you , bartender)! We end the set with Shout. At the end of this wedding DJ playlist, people were simply worn out and ready to lay down and take a nap! Talk about a workout.

I want you back Jackson 5

Respect Aretha franklin

Groove me King floyd

Boogie shoes Kc & the sunshine band

Funkytown Lipps, inc.

September Earth, wind & fire

Blame it (warning content) Jamie foxx f t-pain

Yeah (clean)warning Usher f ludacris & lil jon

Way i are Timbaland f keri hilson

New sensation Inxs

Anything, anything (i'll give you) Dramarama

Blister in the sun Violent femmes

You dropped a bomb on me Gap band

Super freak Rick james

Baby got back Sir mix-a-lot

Whoomp! (there it is) Tag team

Tootsie roll 69 boyz

We like to party! Vengaboys

Brown eyed girl Van morrison

Twist & shout Beatles

Shout Animal house soundtrack

This is, of course, just a sample, but it covers a huge array of genres and eras. It is probably about an hour to an hour and a half long (depending on when the DJ mixes out of each song) and has such a wide variety, you're sure to please just about everybody within this time. Dont' forget, if you've seen a bigger response on the dance floor for a certain style of music,
get back to that genre as fast as you can. And, likewise, if you got NO dancing to a certain genre, don't bother playing the other songs on the list in that style. Get right into the next set. Have fun and remember, your wedding DJ playlist is not set in stone!

6. Wedding Songs for your Unity Candle/Event

Choosing the wedding songs for the unity candle, which is a ceremonial activity symbolizing the union of two people becoming one, is a very simple task. I'll get to how to pick this music in a moment. First, I want to go over the various types of unity candle/events available for you to choose from.

With the standard unity candle, the bride and groom each take a lit tapered candle and touch the flame to the wick of the center candle. Then these candles are placed back in their holders. Some wedding planners suggest blowing out the individual tapers, but I prefer to leave them lit, since they represent the bride and groom's individuality (you're still a unique person even though you're getting married, right?). Also, if you are a christian, the three lit candles are a nice representation of the Trinity.

One of the main questions that comes up is, how do the individual tapers get lit? You know, the actual candles that the bride and groom pick up and light the center candle with? I usually suggest these get lit by the mother of the groom and the mother of the bride. Right before the start of the ceremony processionals, the mothers can walk up together and light the individual tapers. It's best not to use a click lighter either! Tacky! Instead, have a smaller candle already lit nearby, and the mothers can light the tapers off of that candle. Nice, huh?

Here are some other unity events to consider.

The Unity Sand: similar to the candle idea, there are two small glass vases filled with two different colored sands. At the appropriate time, the bride and groom pour the sand from these small glass vases into a larger vase, creating a unique sand piece for their fireplace mantle. the sands can represent whatever they want; the minutes in their lives, now poured together as one, etc.

The Unity Tree: For you botanists, tree-huggers, or avid outdoors types, this event involves having a potted plant or tree somewhere near the altar. The bride and groom each take a nice spade and scoop up some loose earth (obviously from another container) and they pour the earth over the roots of the tree. This tree is then planted at their home and becomes their wedding tree.

The Unity Wine: One of my favorites. Take two different wines and have the bottles up at the altar. the bride and groom pour a little wine from each bottle into a glass, thereby creating a completely new and unique vintage. They each take a sip from this glass and thereby begins the party! Just kidding. This new wine is now uniquely theirs, just as their marriage will be.

So, there you have the unity events. But, what about wedding songs, you ask? Simple. Any love song or ballad will work well with these events. Feel free to research love songs that might pair up with wine, trees, or fire.

This is also a great opportunity to have someone perform the song live. I suggest this because these events usually take anywhere from one to two minutes at most, so much of the song is cut off anyway. Having a performer brings the entire event to life and gives you a reason to hear the whole song, in it's entirety.

Good luck in choosing your wedding songs for your unity event, whatever it may be!

Wedding DJ Playlist Article

Here's an excellent article on picking open dance music for your DJ to play:

The #1 Rule For Your Wedding DJ Playlist

Whenever soon-to-be married couples work on their Wedding DJ Playlist they usually don't take into consideration the golden rule in building that list of wedding songs. The first rule of the playlist is...you do not talk about the playlist! I'm kidding, but many couples actually have that attitude and are afraid to tell their DJ what and how to play their sets of music. Don't make this mistake. Some (not all) DJ's have a set show for every single wedding they perform at, but that won't work for every crowd because every crowd is different! You don't want the DJ playing Hip Hop and rap music if the crowd is mostly your parent's age. You can play some hip hop but you need to make sure the DJ is following the #1 rule.

So, here it is...The number one rule for your wedding DJ playlist: Only play 3 songs from the same genre in a row. That's it! That is the FIRST rule when building your music playlist for dancing.

I know, it sounds too simple but it is what will make or break your dance floor! If your DJ is playing more than 3 songs in a row of a certain style, the guests who dislike that style will start to wonder if the rest of the night will be all that kind of music. 3 songs come out to about 10 to 12 minutes of music, which is a good length of time for a dancing set. Then the music switches up and those who were dancing go get a drink and rest up while those who like the new style crash the floor. then again, sometimes people just never leave the danced floor at all and that would be awesome!

Now I'm not saying to go from Reggae to Death Metal! If your DJ is talented, he can make the transitions smooth. For instance, the DJ can start of with Motown for a few, then come in with some disco, then mix into some top 40 dance. There's about 30 to 40 minutes of straight up dance music. You can move on to some classic rock from there or, since it is a wedding, hit your peeps up with a slow ballad. I'll go over some great song transitions and playlists in future posts, so stay tuned for that.

As always, there is an exception to this rule. You can get away with playing 5 or 6 songs from the same genre if your DJ mixes out of each song early. And I mean 2 minutes into the song. As you can see, it's more about the amount of time your guests are subjected to a certain style of music, which is about 10 to 12 minutes. If you go over that time, you will run into problems and you will most likely have guests heading out the door early. Don't believe me? Have your DJ play the best top 40 dance songs for 40 minutes and watch half of your guests run out the door!

So, again, here it is: Only play 3 songs from the same genre in a row. Don't forget this rule, the golden rule, the first rule in building your wedding DJ playlist for you and your guests.

5. Wedding Songs For Your Ceremony

We've covered getting you and all of your wedding party up to the altar. Later, we will look at wedding songs to get you AWAY from the altar (the Recessional). But, for now we're going to look at what the actual ceremony is and how wedding songs and music can be a part of it. the ceremony is where the Pastor, Minister, Priest, Rabbi, Officiant, Elder (does this list ever end?!?) performs all of the ceremonial avocations which includes various uses of verbiage and symbolism. At the end of this article, I will list a standard ceremony outline. And if you got a copy of my Wedding Music Timeline Planner audiobook, you'll get samples of verbiage for each ceremony event.

Fitting music in during the ceremony (besides the upcoming Unity Candle/Event and the Live Music Performances) isn't necessary or terribly important. Usually, the Minister will be speaking the entire time and there is no need to "fill" empty space with song. But, if you simply LOVE music and want to squeeze in as much as you can, there are ways to add wedding songs during your ceremony.

One way to add music is to play a prerecorded song that is special to you, the soon-to-be-married couple! It may be the first song you ever listened to together or one that has lyrics that uncanningly speaks of your relationship. Another way is to have light (very light) background instrumental music played while the Minister is performing the ceremony. I would suggest not playing music the entire length of the ceremony, as this could become overbearing to the point of irritation for you and your wedding guests. You can bring up some beautiful music as you repeat your vows to each other or as you exchange roses or as you give a rose to each of the mothers and/or grandmothers. Just be sure to inform your Minister that this will be happening so he isn't surprised. It will show!

My suggestion here is to let the ceremony speak for itself, only highlighting special sections with light background instrumental music. The best ways to add wedding songs to the ceremony section, would be through the Unity Candle/Event and the Live Song Performance, which we'll review in our next post. Here's a standard ceremony outline:

1. Opening Remarks - "The Call to Worship"

2. The Opening Prayer

3. Congregation is Seated

4. Giving Away of the Bride

5. Worship Song, Hymn or Solo

6. The Charge to Brd and Grm

7. The Pledge

8. Wedding Vows

9. Exchanging of the Rings

10. Lighting of the Unity Candle/Unity Ceremony

11. The Pronouncement

12. Communion

13. The Closing Prayer

14. The Kiss

15. Presentation of the Couple

Thanks again for reading and learning here at Wedding Songs and Music Ideas!

4. Wedding Songs For The Bridal March

"Here Comes The Bride..."
Everyone in the world is familiar with this wedding song. Most of us picture the good old pipe organ blasting it out and the bride, covered head to toe in white, appearing in the doorway of the church. She is then escorted down the isle by her father.

Well, times are a' changin'! Most brides I talk to nowadays tell me when they hear that pipe organ, they think of a funeral! You certainly don't want to start off married life with that thought in your or anyone's mind!

The wedding song in question is called the Bridal Chorus from Wagner's opera Lohengrin. It has also been called Here Comes The Bride, The Bridal March, and The Wedding March. Don't confuse this song with The Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn. This is traditionally used as a Recessional at the end of a wedding. If you listen to samples of the songs, you'll understand what I'm talking about.

As mentioned earlier, the pipe organ has always been the traditional way to go, but if you search the internet, you'll find many different versions of this song. Whether you like piano, guitar, harp, string quartets, or even bagpipes, there's a version out there for everyone. It may take you some extra time to find the version of this wedding song that works perfectly for you. It is one of the most important moments of your wedding day so be sure to do some research and find the version that makes our heart melt.

Another option would be to choose a processional song from the list of standard processionals. If you're "over" the Bridal March, any of those other processional songs would work well. And just like the previous processionals, don't be afraid to walk down the isle to a modern song. You're not just stuck in classical-land here. Songs like Waiting On An Angel by Ben Harper, I've finally Found Someone by Streisand and Adams, and From This Moment by Shania are great choices. Be sure to listen to newer love songs and see if one fits with your style and personality.

Another very important point to consider is this: This is (usually) the first time the groom will be seeing his beautiful bride on their wedding day. Be sure to consider his feelings when choosing this song. The bride may love a particular piece of music, but for the groom, the song reminds him of a bad experience in his life, a death in the family, or even worse, an old girlfriend! Then again, if he suggests you walk down the isle to You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC, you're headed for trouble!

Once again, the bride's entrance to the ceremony is an incredible, emotionally charged moment for everyone, so be sure you pick the wedding song that will stay in your memory and heart forever.

3. Wedding Songs For The Second Processional

Now we're going to focus on the wedding song for your Second Processional. By now you've chosen your First Processional, or your parent's processional. Now, you have a few choices to make. Do you want the minister, groom, and groomsmen to walk to the altar/ceremony gazebo, etc. together (usually not down the isle, but from the audiences right side) or would you prefer the minister, groom, and best man come in first (also entering from the right side) and have the bridesmaids escorted down the center isle by the remaining groomsmen? Your decision here will impact the next song selection, because you will either have both guys and gals walking down the isle, or just the gals. If it is just the bridesmaids, you can feel free to get a little "girly" with your wedding song choice if you want! Now, let's move on.

Your Second Processional, or bridesmaid's processional is very similar to your first processional. It's usually a classical or contemporary piece, but with a twist. Since you're dealing with younger people, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, they are typically less offended. This opens up the door to have a little fun, if you so choose! Many of the suggestions made earlier also apply to this song, but going with a contemporary or new song would work even better here. Songs like Amazed by Lonestar, Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Isreal Kamakawiwo'ole, and Fairy Tales by Enya have been used by some of my clients. Notice these are still slow and romantic, but, this is your wedding so do whatever you want! For instance, if you want to really go crazy, you're bridesmaids can walk down to Chapel of Love, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, or even Beyonce's Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)!

Finally all of this may be a moot point, and here's why: If you only have a few parents walking down to the First Processional, you might not need a different wedding song for your Second Processional. You may only need 20 seconds of music for your parents to make it down the isle, and it would seem quite odd to cut off that first song! this may make your life easier, because now you'd be able to combine your First and Second Processionals into one. Choosing one song may be your only option here.

Again, to find different versions of the same song performed by different artists, do a search for songs you like and leave the artist blank. And again, don't forget movie soundtracks!

For those of you who purchased my Wedding Timeline Planner, you'll have an easier time by going through the Song Suggestions List and searching those on iTunes or Amazon.

Good luck and thanks for stopping by Wedding Songs and Music Ideas!

2. Wedding Songs For Your First Processional

Choosing the right wedding songs for your processional should be a simple process. The problem is most people don't have any idea what songs fit in this particular ceremony event. I’ll first review what the processional is and how to plan it then go over music ideas for you. I will include a list of traditional (and non-traditional) First Processionals at the end of this article.

First, here’s a brief description of the processional. This is where the parents and any other special people (aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, etc.) are honored by having them walk down the isle. They can be escorted by an usher or groomsman or they can process as a couple. The groom’s parents, for instance, could walk down as a couple if still married. Don't go too crazy and include everybody in the processional (like your 3rd cousin, twice removed). It should be reserved for the most important people in your life. I’ll go over the entrance order in reverse. The last person down the isle would be the bride’s mom. Before her, would be the groom’s mom. And before her would be the bride’s grandparents, then the groom’s grandparents. Any other special people would come before the grandparents. Notice how the most important, the more special the person is, the later they walk down the isle? I know, it seems backward, but it’s like a movie. The most important stuff happens at the end! Start with your close special people, then the groom’s grandparents, then the bride’s grandparents, then the groom’s parent’s, then, finally, the bride’s mom finishes the first processional. She won’t be escorted by the bride’s father, as he will be walking the bride down the isle. The bride’s mom can be escorted by her son (I know, you can say “awwww!) or any other person she’d prefer. This is the First Processional, or the Processional for the Parents. What follows is the Second Processional, or the Processional for the Bridesmaids. Finally, the Third Processional, or the Bride's Processional follows next. We'll cover those processionals next time.

The wedding song you choose for your parent’s processional can range from classical to contemporary and should reflect your style and/or your parent's sensibilities. Some traditional songs are Air On A G String by Bach, Greensleeves, and of course, the ever-popular, much overused Canon in D Major by Pachelbel. Now, if you've always pictured your family walking down to an over-played wedding song, that's fine. There are so many different versions of these songs available, you can always find one that has a new, unique feel to it. I currently have 16 different versions of Canon in D in my music library! Another way to go is using contemporary songs, such as Con Ti Partiro by Andrea Bocelli (or by anyone else, for that matter) or even a Josh Groban song. If you’d prefer no vocals, many times you can find instrumental versions of these songs that will work well. I’ve even had some clients have tons of fun with this, the very start of their wedding day, by playing a fun, over-the-top song like Chapel of Love by the Dixie Cups.

Whatever wedding song you choose for your First Processional, make sure the bride loves it and the bride’s mom loves it. The groom and everyone else can simply “like” it and you should be fine! Now, as promised here’s a list of wedding songs and music ideas for your First Processional!

Adagio – Mozart

Air – Handel

Air on a G String – Bach

Ave Maria – Pavarotti

Canon In D Major – Pachelbel

Con Ti Partiro (the Bellagio song) – Bocelli

Flower Duet – Traditional

Greensleeves – Traditional

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach

Minuet – Mozart

My Heart Will Go On (Piano) – Christopher Peacock

Ode To Joy – Beethoven

Prelude No. 1 In C Major – Bach

Sheep May Safely Graze – Bach

Siciliano – Bach

The Wedding Song – Petula Clark

Also, search for these song titles and leave the artist blank and you’ll find a wide variety of versions. Oh, and don't forget another great source--movie soundtracks! Good luck and thanks for stopping by Wedding Songs and Music Ideas!

1. Wedding Songs For Your Ceremony Background Music

When guests arrive for your wedding ceremony, they should be greeted by a beautiful setting, a comfortable atmosphere, and appropriate wedding background music. These songs are heard before the official start of the ceremony, which is usually keyed by the first processional, or the parents processional (which will be covered later here at Wedding Songs and Music Ideas). Of course, Metallica and the Black Eyed Peas are probably not what you want to play here, but that doesn't mean you have to use music that will put your guests to sleep!

A lot of people will go the classical route, playing string quartet or trio music from artists such as Bach, Brahams, and the like. Another typical route would be piano, guitar, or some other solo instrument playing the same. If this is what you have always dreamed of hearing before the start of your wedding, then go for it. Many couples use classical for their ceremony music or have that solo instrument playing classical. These are fine, but in today's wedding arena, people are spreading their wings and branching out!

I recently had a string quartet playing love song arrangements from the Beatles, Journey, and Dave Matthews. of course, they needed to get the sheet music for these songs, but they did so for free, as an investment for their group. There's also modern pianists, like Steve Siu, who recently put out his versions of contemporary songs from Toni Braxton, Josh Groban, and even Coldplay! There is an electric harpist named Hillary Stagg that has some great pre-ceremony music on CD or on iTunes. Another popular artist is Enya. I know, seems a little too early 90's but she's always putting out new stuff that works great for before the ceremony.

Finally, picking love songs, old or new, works well if kept at the appropriate level. Just about every artist on the planet has recorded a love song so it shouldn't be too hard to find the 5 to 10 artists that work for you. Give your list of 20 songs to your DJ or put them on a disc and you're ready to go.

The wedding songs you pick for before the ceremony should reflect your music ideas, style and taste. Don't be afraid to express yourself. It is, after all your wedding. Choose your wedding songs. Your music ideas. Be yourself and your guests will love you for that!

Wedding Songs and Music Ideas and Wedding Planning

Welcome to Wedding Songs and Music Ideas and Wedding Planning!
This site provides song suggestions for brides and grooms planning weddings along with great music ideas and fun advice for the soon-to-be newlyweds. Songs for your ceremony, processional, recessional, unity candle, bridal march, reception, grand entrance, first dance, father daughter dance, mother son dance, parents dance, wedding party dance, bouquet toss, garter toss, money dance, dollar dance, last dance, cocktail hour, dinner music and more will be covered here. If you have any questions or any ideas for articles you'd like to see covered, please email me--I'm here to help you!
Once again, welcome to Wedding Songs and Music Ideas and Wedding Planning and thank you for visiting!