First Dances and Reception Hits

Because When Whitney Comes On, The Party Starts

Most bands and djs will have song lists to look through, prior to booking them. I would absolutely ask to see those before making any decisions, because they can really tell you a lot about their style and creative choices. I asked a few bands if we could select our song list from their choices, and if they would be able to add any songs that weren’t currently part of their repertoire. Some said yes, but some explained that they had a pre-selected set with an order already picked out, and it couldn’t be edited at all.

In the end, the band we went with (Rivertown) was INCREDIBLE and let us give feedback on songs we absolutely wanted and absolutely did not want from their pages of options. They also learned two new songs for us, which was so nice. Best part, was they spent time understanding our taste and what kind of vibe we were going for. We explained that we didn’t want the part to stop, and if anyone was sitting down mid-reception, it would be considered a failure (tough order for them!!). After reiterating numerous times how 90s-obsessed I am, they took some creative liberties and made a 90s mashup for the wedding day, consisting of every hit from Britney, Christina, Backstreet, NSync, you name it. Guess that’s why I stormed the stage, took the mic, created an alter ego I never knew was inside me, and was in my own bubble of heaven for the entirety of the night.

Also, be sure to ask them about their breaks! Bands and djs will have a set number of breaks they can take throughout the event, and some require them to be spaced apart in a certain way. If you’re having a plated dinner, it might make sense for the music break to occur at that time and to have pre-recorded music going in the background. Just make sure the music isn’t stopping with an hour left in the night, because nothing kills a vibe like a quiet dance floor!

Having experienced non-stop dancing at our own wedding, as well as major band and dj hits at friends weddings, I’ve included a roundup of my favorite song choices, as well as top first dance picks!

First dance:

Thinking out loud , Ed Sheeran

Die a happy man, Thomas Rhett (our choice!)

You are the reason, Calum Scott

Say you won’t let go, James Arthur

Cant help falling in love, Hailey 

Wherever you will go, Charlene Soraia

You’re still the one, Sam Wolfe

Mean to me, Brett Eldridge

I’ll Be, Edwin Mccain

Your song, Elton John

Father/Daughter Dance:

The way you look tonight, Frank Sinatra

Daughters, John Mayer

My wish, Rascal Flatts

My little girl, Tim Mcgraw

It won’t be like this for long, Darius Rucker (our choice!)

Humble and Kind, Tim Mcgraw

Brown Eyed Girl, Vann Morrison

God gave me you, Blake Shelton

Mother/Son Dance

In my life, Beattles

Dont Blink, Kenny Chesney

No Matter What, Calum Scott

My wish, Rascal Flatts

Humble and Kind, Tim McGraw

Reception Hits:

I wanna dance with somebody, Whitney Houston

Shut up and dance, Walk the moon

Wake me up, Avicii

I want you back, Jackson 5

Don’t stop believing, Journey

Summer of 69, Bryan Adams

Anything by Backstreet or N’Sync

Jack and Diane, John Mellencamp

*The key to selecting good dance songs is having VARIETY that every generation can appreciate and hits that will get people singing along!