Dancing Starts at Dinner
One of the most often overlooked aspects of a successful event is the music programming. Is it really that important? Look at it from a radio standpoint; good programming means good advertising revenue which means everyone has a job. The right music at the right time is what programming boils down to; do it wrong and your station goes the way of AM radio.
Take an exciting wedding reception for example: proper programming begins during the cocktail hour, not minutes before the dance floor opens. Todd Hustrulid of EMM recommends light instrumental or jazz at this point. “The cocktail music should be nothing more than background… subliminally setting the mood for great things to come”.
As the guests transition into the dinner / dancing area, the music should be brought up a notch. This is where to introduce light music with vocals, once again, altering the “tone” of the event. Keep the volume low, so guests can speak to each other.
The Grand Entrance often times will be lively and energetic, so now your guests are “awake” and ready to have a good time. The beginning of the meal is one of the most crucial points in any wedding reception, and often time overlooked by our clients.
The meal should start with some lower tempo selections and gradually build throughout the meal. Take note here: BUILD DOES NOT MEAN TURN UP THE VOLUME so your guests become “turned off”. For example, start the meal with Jack Johnson, and near the end of the last course, ND’s “Sweet Caroline”. Music that is not exactly “danceable”, but upbeat and fun.
With this formula, your guests will not be moaning when the dancing begins, but asking the DJ…”WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?!
The rest of the event should programmed ahead of time as well, working in the clients requests and desires for their special day. So give your EMM DJ all the requests you like, and let us handle the programming. Your guests will be glad you did.
