What kind of music do you play at a Wedding Dinner?

A western wedding is divided into 4 parts: Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, Dinner, Dancing

Pre-Ceremony and Ceremony will vary depending on religion and customs. For non-denominational ceremonies, usually romantic music will play as people are getting seated (think Bridgerton soundtrack of string Quartets playing covers) and specific songs will be chosen for the various parts of the ceremony: walking down the aisle, the signing and walking back out after the kiss.

Cocktail hour is medium tempo music, this can vary from Motown, Soft EDM (Think Kygo), Buena Vista Social Club or whatever you’d want played depending on your taste.

Dinner is for slower music. Slower cultural music is great during these times to please family and friends.
Dinner vibes can vary from acoustic covers to R&B, Jazz, Instrumental music, Classic Romantic songs or all of the above.
Dinner is also a place where formalities take place, Grand Entrances, First Dance, Parent Dances, Speeches, Traditional Dances or Games. Often there are selected songs for these formalities.

*DJ Tip*: Speak with your DJ ahead of time, email them your requests, agenda and floor plan with the subject line being the date of your wedding. Keep everything on one thread for easier access. Your DJ or vendor probably has multiple events and wants to double check and make sure everything is perfect for your event. As they prepare, they will look through their notes and your communications to make sure they have everything needed. If it’s all in one place, that’s best!

Next is dancing with higher tempo music. The beginning of the dancing portion may have older music to please the older people at the wedding, accompanied by some cultural music if needed. As the evening goes on your DJ will go through your various genres and requests, beautifully curated. Be sure to give your DJ 5-10 requests ahead of time for dancing. Don’t give them too many requests (50+) as they won’t know what you actually like or they won’t know what songs to prioritize.

A great DJ prioritizes a full dance floor and reads the room to ensure the most exciting energy for your big day!