Now that you've tied the knot, it's time for the really fun part -- your wedding reception! In addition to eating, drinking, and being merry, a large part of the celebration will rest on the music you provide for your guests' enjoyment. Below, we'll talk about general wedding reception music guidelines and traditions to keep in mind when selecting your wedding songs. General Reception Music Suggestions Generally speaking, wedding reception music is designed for one thing - to get your guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor. With people of all ages, however, this can be a tricky proposition. In addition to your musical tastes, it's good to think about your guests' expectations, and also the experience and expertise your DJ brings to the song selection process. That's why you (or your DJ) must be a master of the SLOW TRANSITION. After the dinner music is over (classical and jazz are great choices), the dance music might begin with a mix of older, romantic songs from the Swing and Big Band eras - this allows time for your senior guests and true romantics to have some slow, intimate dances with their loved ones. As people continue to finish their meals and the general level of excitement rises, the music SLOWLY TRANSITIONS to a more contemporary, upbeat mix of songs. A great DJ can make this transition so seamless that the older folks at your party end up bumping and grinding right along with your teens and youngsters! This wedding music philosophy also allows everyone to hear "their kind of music" over the course of the night, which helps to make everyone happy. Traditional Wedding Reception Songs Traditionally, at least four songs are set aside for "special dances" amongst members of the bridal party. These dances are:

Bride and Groom's First Dance

Father and Bride?s Dance

Mother and Groom's Dance

Wedding Party Dance Other parts of the reception which might call for a special song include cake cutting or the bride and groom's departure. Choosing the Right Mix of Wedding Songs Logistically speaking, a four hour reception leaves time for between fifty and sixty songs, depending upon how long your wedding speeches and wedding toasts end up lasting. When choosing your songs, think about three things:

Your preferences

Your guests' expectations

Your DJ's expertise Of course, you?ll have certain songs you'd like to play, and probably certain songs that you'd prefer not be played, as well ("YMCA" and "The Chicken Dance" come to mind). However, bear in mind that it's the songs that everyone knows (even if they can?t stand them) that often end up being the most fun for your assembled guests on the whole. Take your DJ's suggestions to heart - after all, they do this for a living, and (if you're working with a good one) will have a fair insight as to how to keep your party hopping.