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Proper Placement of Music for Your Wedding Reception

Arrival - Upon your arrival to the reception hall, the bandleader or DJ will announce you as man and wife.

Mingling - For the next few minutes, you and your groom will mix and mingle as you make your way to your reserved table. In order to alleviate feelings of awkwardness, music should be playing in the background.

Service of Food - At this point, if a formal meal is being served, it will generally take place now. If hors d'oeuvres are offered, guests and the bridal party will simply help themselves throughout the wedding reception. Throughout the meal, soft music should be playing.

First Dance - Obviously, you'll want to select a special song for the band or DJ to play for your first dance. This is probably one of the most touching memories you'll have of your wedding reception. For some ideas, check out our list of popular first dance wedding songs.

Best Man's Toast - Just before the cutting of the cake, the best man will generally offer a toast to the couple. While no music is needed during the toast, your wedding band or wedding DJ needs to be aware of the events, so they can stop and start the music as needed.

Cutting of the Cake - A fun and potentially dangerous portion of the wedding reception! Be gentle with one another. Don't do anything you'll regret later. As with the toast, no music is needed during this event.

Tossing of Bouquet - No music is played during the tossing of the bouquet or that of the garter.

Departure of Bride and Groom - As your friends and family gather to toss rose petals, rice or bird seed, or to blow bubbles, your special day will make way for a special life with your new mate.

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