There are many different events of the wedding reception that will be greatly enhanced by music. Here is a guide on helping you in your choice of wedding reception music for the various events that make up a wedding reception.

This is a list of the events that are traditionally accompanied and enhanced by music with descriptions on how it can be done effectively.

 Cocktails

If you are having a cocktail hour before your guests enter the main room you can hire a small pop or jazz group, classical musicians from your ceremony, solo guitar, or many other small ensembles.  Many brides and grooms hire a small ensemble from within the reception band or musicians from the ceremony because they can receive cost savings.

Music Preceding the Bridal Party Entrance

Traditionally the reception band performs background music while your guests find there tables and await the wedding party entrance.  If you would like to get the party started right away you can request dance music.

Introduction of the wedding party

The typical format for the introductions is having the music start while an announcement is made by the reception band that the bridal party is about to enter.  Music is played throughout the introductions. The music is played softly as the names are announced and louder as they make entrances.  Another option is to have fanfare trumpeters play a fanfare before each name is announced and the band play only as they are  they are entering.

First Dance

The first dance of the wedding couple is one of the most special events of the wedding reception.  All good wedding bands will be happy to suggest traditional songs for this or fill your special request.

 Mother/Son and Father/Daughter Dances

Ask your wedding band for a list of popular songs for these or make special requests.  If you only know one dance step,  make sure that you request something that will work well with that dance.

 Toasts

The wedding reception band can play a fanfare. announce the toasts and introduce each toastmaster.  Those proposing the toast should talk with the wedding band during cocktails to be shown microphone technique.

(A helpful article about proposing toasts)  http://honeymoons.about.com/od/weddingsaway/ht/wedding_toast.htm

 Cake Cutting

Music is played for the cake cutting and for the announcement of the cake cutting.  The announcement is made and music is performed as your guests gather for the event.  You can request a special song or have the traditional “The Bride Cuts the Cake” performed.

Garter and Bouquet

Some brides and grooms choose to omit some of these events.  All of these events are accompanied by announcements, narration and music by the reception band.

• Taking off the Garter: The groom takes the garter of the bride.  “The Stripper” is the traditional song but many brides make special requests or just request the wedding band select something more subtle.
• Garter Toss: Music accompaniment or a drum roll until the garter is caught.
• Bouquet Toss: Music accompaniment or a drum roll until the bouquet is caught.
• Placing of the Garter: The recipient of the Garter places the Garter on the leg of the bouquet recipient. “The Stripper”  is the traditional song but many wedding couples make special requests or request that the wedding band select something more subtle.

Departure of the Bride and Groom

The wedding band announces the departure of the wedding couple and performs music as everyone gathers for the rice, bird seed or confetti throwing or bubble blowing.

These are some of the traditional events of the wedding reception that music are used in conjunction with.

MusicRemembrance.com offers the top wedding bands in Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Central Florida and we’ll be glad to customize music for these and other events that you may add to your special day.