The First Dance

With the recent passing of Etta James, I began to think of her biggest hit song "At Last", and how many times I, as a DJ, have played that song at an event. It is probably more than 100 times. That made me think of the song that my wife and I shared our first formal dance to: Stevie Wonder's "Ribbon In The Sky", and what that song means to us. Today's brides and grooms are fortunate in that they have classics like those previously mentioned as well as a wide assortment recorded since. Artists such as Adele, Alicia Keys, Michael Buble', Maxwell and Tracy Byrd to name a few. Today's artist are indeed singing the classics of tomorrow.

Brides and grooms can easily become overwhelmed with all of the choices they have for a first dance. I always recommend to unsure clients that they create a list with no more than ten songs to begin with. I suggest starting with songs that "speak" to them as a couple invoking a special meaning. That list can be reduced by one to two songs each month as their wedding day approaches. When just one song remains, the choice has been made.

Engaged couples should let thier wedding entertainer know of their choice and specify any special version (acoustic, live, etc.) that they want to dance to.


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The Mood of Cocktail Hour

Mention cocktail hour to a bride to be, and it almost certainly brings to mind an area full of guests, sampling carefully chosen hors d'oeuvres, sipping on libations of their choice, and commenting on what a lovely couple the newlyweds make. While all of these things are occurring, there is a background track which not only fills in the voids of conversation amongst the guests, but also gives a glimpse of what the rest of the evening holds in store for them.

What type of music is played during the cocktail hour is really a personal choice of the newlywed. This is a great opportunity for them to honor a parent or grandparent with a selection of tracks of a genre or artist that they love, but may not be the most conducive for dancing due to the median age of the guest in attendance. The songs could be peppered in with other selections by the bride and groom.

Having provided the entertainment at more than 275 weddings, I know from experience that guests enjoy an upbeat cocktail hour. Newlyweds should remember that their guests will most likely be sitting for the next hour to an hour and a half during dinner which is traditionally accompanied by softer music to allow for conversing.

If your planning a wedding reception in the Philadelphia metropolitan area contact Music To Your Ears Mobile Entertainers and we will help you set the mood of your cocktail hour.