When you envision your wedding reception, what does your playlist sound like? Maybe you have a touch of nostalgia or the latest hits in mind, like Sabrina Carpenter’s “Expresso.”

You may wonder about the best music for a wedding reception, especially since this is when your playlist will shine. From your epic entrance and first dance to your ultimate dance party, your musical journey will guide you and your guests through an unforgettable night of memories.

That’s where having a specialized wedding DJ, like Pro DJ Entertainment, by your side will make all the difference. If you’re feeling stuck with your tracklist, keep reading for our complete guide covering:

  • Wedding reception entrance music
  • Best music for wedding reception
  • Must play wedding songs
  • Do not play list for your celebration

Let’s kick off this guide with the flow of your reception timeline!

Clarify Your Wedding Reception Timeline

As your guests enter the reception space, your DJ can set the stage with upbeat tracks to maintain the energy after cocktail hour. If you prefer to ease into the reception, you may consider slower beats or instrumental music, like Lofi.

Consider songs with lyrics here. Before adding any tracks, make sure they’re appropriate for the occasion and have a special meaning to you and your partner. Your wedding DJ can provide support with your selection.

Once your guests get comfortable, it’s time for your wedding party to make a memorable entrance. In many cases, the wedding party walks out to a single song. However, you can also dedicate a new song for each wedding party member. The choice is yours! From there, it’s your turn for the spotlight.

Fun wedding reception entrance music:

  • “Crazy in Love” – Beyoncé
  • “My Type” – Saint Motel
  • “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
  • “Brand New” – Ben Rector

Set aside time to brainstorm your wedding reception entrance music. Then, share your ideas with your wedding DJ.

If you’re planning a reception dinner, consider background music that will complement the atmosphere. For instance, instrumental covers, jazz, or Lofi may be ideal genres. Your dinner set is also an excellent opportunity to play less popular songs near and dear to your heart.

Finally, you’ll want to explore dance floor hits, moving from a relaxed vibe to high energy. Expert DJs know how to create smooth transitions between tracks and match beats, so there aren’t any hiccups in your tracklist.

Want to gain clarity with your wedding reception playlist? Use our planning form to get started!

Organize Your Wedding DJ Music List

Wedding playlists are unique for each couple, but if you need direction with your song selection, start by organizing your tracks into two categories:

  • Must play wedding songs: These are the melodies and beats you can’t imagine celebrating without. They may include songs from your childhood or personal favorites that played a role in your love story. Perhaps, from Taylor Swift’s discography?
  • Genres and personal tastes: This category focuses on balancing your must play wedding songs, go-to artists, and crowd-pleasers across multiple genres. You can include pop hits over the last decade or more. We recommend diversifying your playlist so all your guests feel included in your festivities.

Worried about creating your wedding reception tracklist by yourself? You don’t need to formulate it alone. Instead, you can collaborate with your wedding DJ to support this part of the planning process.

Be open to their ideas and see how their suggestions fit your vision. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our extensive music library to search for your favorite artists and songs to play for your big day!

Hit the Dance Floor With a Must Play Wedding Songs List

Beyond understanding your reception timeline and collaborating with your entertainment, you’ll also want to light the dance floor on fire with a playlist of songs that speak to you and your guests.

Remember that you don’t have to follow popular music trends, especially if it doesn’t feel authentic. Instead, opt for your favorites and ask for recommendations from your wedding DJ.

While everyone has unique preferences, there are many tracks to inspire loved ones to jump up from their seats and break a move, like “September” by Earth, Wind, & Fire and “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars.

If you want to nail your wedding reception music, consider adding a song request option to your RSVPs so you can include your guests’ top choices.

Answering Common Questions: Good Wedding Music for Reception

1. What are some of the most played songs at weddings?

Many modern couples include tracks like “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake, “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi, and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

While many of these tunes are crowd favorites, that doesn’t mean they’ll fit into your playlist. Sometimes, couples put overplayed songs on their Do Not Play list.

2. What are fun, non-traditional first dance songs?

There’s nothing more romantic than a good old-fashioned ballad. If you’re leaning towards easy listening, here are some beautiful melodies to consider:

  • “Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac
  • “The Only Exception” – Paramore
  • “Invisible String” – Taylor Swift
  • “Leave The Door Open” – Silk Sonic
  • “Until I Found You” – Stephen Sanchez

Feeling in the mood for something more upbeat? We’ve got you covered! Check out these classic gems:

  • “Come and Get Your Love” – Redbone
  • “Love On Top” – Beyoncé
  • “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” – Whitney Houston
  • “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” – Stevie Wonder

3. What’s a good last song for a wedding reception?

You can end on a high note, like “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang or “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. A slower-paced song, such as Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” may also work well if you prefer to wind down for the night.

Set aside time to explore your musical journey from start to finish. If you need inspiration, you can always brainstorm with your entertainment.

Create a Do Not Play List

You likely have songs you skip every time they come on the radio or your Spotify playlist. Have a few notable tunes here? If so, add them to your Do Not Play list so your DJ can avoid them during their set.

Kickstart the purging process by noting your least favorite tunes. For instance, the songs may be by artists or bands you don’t like. You can also include songs with inappropriate lyrics and those that don’t match your desired vibe.

According to The Knot, many popular wedding tracks may coincide with your Do Not Play List, like:

  • “Cotton Eye Joe” – Rednex
  • “Party Rock Anthem” – LMFAO
  • “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
  • “All About That Bass” Meghan Trainor

Please don’t take it personally if you see any songs on this list that you love. Select the music that resonates the most with you and your significant other.

Best Music for Wedding Reception

Wedding receptions have a natural flow of ballads for emotional moments and celebratory beats. Some of the best wedding reception music to maintain high energy include pop, rock, and EDM genres. You can also blend modern dance hits with timeless classics, which can hit just as hard as the latest Billboard Hot 100 – just ask your grandparents!

Whether you incorporate soundscapes from Charli XCX’s Brat Summer or some throwbacks, you can expect your versatile playlist to speak to your friends and family without compromising your style.

Not sure where to begin with curating the best music for your wedding reception? Send us a message with your questions and ideas!

Couples Want to Know: What Music to Play at Wedding Reception

Save hours of Google searches by finding the answers to your music-related questions here.

1. What’s the most played song at a wedding reception?

We’ve already touched on some of the most popular options. But here are a few more ideas to add to your list:

  • “Footloose” – Kenny Loggins
  • “Marry You” – Bruno Mars
  • “Build Me Up Buttercup” – The Foundations

2. What songs always get guests on the dance floor at weddings?

Want to inspire friends to join you for a dance number, even the shy ones? You can never go wrong with light-hearted pop songs like:

  • “Mr. Brightside” – The Killers
  • “Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey
  • “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk The Moon
  • “Thriller” – Michael Jackson
  • “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift

3. What’s the #1 wedding song?

Every couple has their #1 go-to song, but if you’re still trying to determine yours, you can always opt for one of these:

  • “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
  • “At Last” – Etta James
  • “Can’t Help Falling In Love” – Elvis Presley

4. How do you choose a song for your wedding reception?

Like your Do Not Play list, you can compile a list of your favorite tunes. Some may have lyrics, while others may be strictly instrumental. Select a blend of both to transition from festivity to festivity.

Good Wedding Music for Reception: Timing, Venue, and Requests

Crafting your custom wedding playlist with your DJ is only the beginning. You’ll also want a clear reception timeline to map out special traditions and your musical journey.

Many wedding receptions have the following timeline:

  • Guests enter the reception venue
  • Wedding party and couple’s epic entrances
  • Married couple’s first dance and dance routines from the wedding party (optional)
  • Wedding reception dinner and welcome speech
  • Maid of honor and best man toasts
  • Wedding reception dances, starting with the parents
  • Party on the dance floor with all the guests
  • Traditions, such as bouquet toss
  • “Closing Time” last dance
  • Final send-off

This is a general timeline to guide your reception festivities. But you can also personalize the experience with your planner and DJ. Check out our wedding timeline tool to start organizing your reception!

In addition to your schedule, you’ll also want to be mindful of your event space.

  • Are you hosting a celebration indoors, outdoors, or both?
  • What are the acoustics like?
  • Does the DFW wedding venue have any noise guidelines?

These vital questions will help your DJ ensure your wedding sounds as beautiful as it looks.

As for special requests, many modern couples like this option because it immerses guests in the experience. While some may have concerns about disrupting the flow of their tracklist, you don’t have to stress about this.

Your DFW DJ is an expert in this area and can include requests while maintaining a seamless musical flow.

Let’s Have No Skips on Your Wedding DJ Music List

We hope this wedding reception guide inspires you and your fiancé(e) to create a memorable playlist for your significant milestone. Whether you create playlists on Spotify or write a few ideas down on a sticky note, all it takes is getting started.

If you want to take it one step further, you can collaborate with a professional wedding DJ to weave your favorite songs into an unforgettable soundtrack – one that will play fresh in your mind every time you reminisce about your special day.

Ready to start planning your music for your Dallas-Fort Worth celebration? Tell us what you have in mind on our contact form!

With a massive to-do list, it’s easy for engaged couples to forget about details like wedding lights. Unlike your welcome sign and seating chart (which are equally important), your lights will illuminate your festivities and add a special glow to your event.

Whether you line the aisle with pillar candles, hang Edison bulbs over your reception space, or switch up the color on the dance floor, your wedding lighting can bring a dynamic effect compared to the venue’s overhead lights.

After serving hundreds of celebrations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we’ve seen how a customized wedding playlist and specialized lighting can bring a twinkle of joy to our client’s eyes.

Are wedding lights right for your special event? Let’s help you make an informed decision for the best day of your life! This post will cover:

  • Role of wedding lights
  • Uplighting for weddings
  • Creative lighting decoration ideas
  • Monogram lighting
  • Dynamic effects

Open your wedding doc and prepare for some illuminating notes!

The Role of Wedding Lighting

While everything depends on your preferences and budget, wedding lighting can transform the atmosphere and feel of your venue. Think about the types of lighting you experience every day, from grocery stores to restaurants. Would you rather light up your occasion with fluorescent lighting or warm lighting?

In some cases, cool lighting can create an energetic atmosphere. However, overly bright and harsh lights can make your decorations look unflattering. In contrast, warm lighting can create a cozy and welcoming environment.

In addition, your wedding lighting can lean into your desired aesthetic, changing colors to match your color palette. Your lighting can elevate the atmosphere whether you want an indoor or outdoor event.

For instance, hanging string lights above a courtyard gives a festive, starry look. Pillar candles add a touch of romance to your tablescapes. Colored uplights can enhance your overall theme and deliver the ultimate party vibes.

With the support of a lighting design expert, you can give your big day an aesthetically pleasing glow.

Uplighting for Weddings: Stylistic, Elegant Lighting

As you explore lighting options for your celebration, you may come across many options, such as uplights.

What are uplights for a wedding? These light fixtures are positioned on the floor, pointing towards the ceiling. They cast a light on the wall, creating a unique effect in your venue.

Uplighting offers diverse colors to match any wedding theme and mood. So, if you want a warmer vibe, consider gold or amber colors. You can also opt for alternatives like fiery red, romantic purple, or warm white.

You can even use uplighting to highlight the features of your venue and important elements, like your wedding cake. If you want to add more drama and dynamics to your special events, look no further than our lighting options!

Creative Light Décor Inspo for Weddings

Pinterest and Instagram are full of wedding lighting ideas. But with a sea of options, narrowing down the perfect style for your celebration can be challenging. Let’s take a step back and cover popular lighting décor ideas worth considering:

  • String lights/fairy lights: Strings lights are romantic and whimsical. They’re perfect for outdoor weddings, barn venues, and winery celebrations. They also pair well with indoor wedding venues.
  • Chandeliers and hanging lanterns: Crystal-beaded chandeliers or classic light fixtures can add elegance to any special event. Lanterns are also a stunning addition for outdoor wedding receptions, especially for evening occasions.
  • LED lights and neon signs: Want a modern twist to your reception? Consider adding a custom neon sign with your name. Many modern couples pair a personalized sign with a floral backdrop for a sweetheart table. As for LED lights, you can add a vibrant touch to your reception with an LED dance floor!

Wondering about other light decorations for weddings? You can include candles in your tablescapes or lanterns along the aisle. Accent lighting is another way to change the atmosphere from formal reception to party time. You can use uplighting here to add a pop of color to the scenery.

Monogram Lighting: Tailor Made For You

Monogram lighting, or gobo lighting, projects a custom text, like your name, initials, or wedding date, on a flat surface.

Love this personalization? If so, you’ll appreciate the options for fonts, colors, and any additional symbols that have meaning to your relationship. Some of the best places to project a monogram symbol include:

  • Walls
  • Dance floors
  • Ceilings
  • Curtains
  • Venue entrances

We offer lighted monograms along with other dynamic ceiling effects. Learn more about our lighting services here.

Wedding Lights and Dynamic Effects

There are many creative ways to immerse your guests in the experience through your wedding lighting. For example, you can install an LED dance floor to synchronize with your wedding playlist. An interactive and color-changing dance floor will keep attendees on their toes and maintain the energy.

You can also ask your lighting design team about spotlights for your first dance or other notable moments throughout your reception. Finally, color washes and uplighting can help transition the mood throughout your evening from your first dance to your dance party.

3 Tips for Selecting the Wedding Lights for Your Reception

Now that we’ve covered wedding uplights, lighting décor ideas, and monogram lighting, let’s dive into additional considerations to keep in mind:

  • Your venue’s aesthetic: You can custom tailor your event lighting to highlight your event space’s architecture and interior design – for example, accentuating intricate molding or stonework.
  •  Lighting design team collaboration: When hiring lighting experts, you can feel confident knowing they will listen to your vision and execute your lighting design with precision.
  • Fun photo ops and lighting: If you’re searching for a unique way to capture candid moments throughout your celebration besides through your wedding photography, consider investing in a photo booth. Our photo booth service includes a ring light, colorful backdrops, fun props, and a gallery of digital photos.

Brighten Up Your Special Day with Wedding Lights

Your wedding lighting can truly transform your vision into a dreamy reality. With thoughtful placement, color grading, and beautiful presentation, you can expect your wedding lights to enhance every moment of your special occasion, from your walk down the aisle to your reception.

Whether you want uplighting, monograms, or both, you can contact our team to personalize your wedding lights until they perfectly match your wedding mood board.

Explore our wedding DJ and lighting services, and let us know how we can support your once-in-a-lifetime experience!