ShareThisMusic is a key factor during almost every moment of your reception, from the cocktail hour to dinner and your first dance. So make it count and try to avoid some of these common missteps. Skipping the Sound CheckWith destination weddings becoming more popular, brides and grooms have to consider making remote locations microphone-friendly. Crashing waves could easily drown out a string quartet or trio of flutes, and a windy mountain peak could render even the strongest voice silent. Ask the site manager about acoustic limitations. And be flexible; though you may have your heart set on a harp, not being able to hear it will be far more disappointing. The Unending First DanceYou may have fallen in love with "Freebird," by Lynyrd Skynyrd, but imagine how long nine minutes and eight seconds will feel while you're dancing with everyone watching you. Pay careful attention to your song's length before committing to it. Even four minutes can be brutal if you're just rocking back and forth. If your heart is set on a certain ballad, look into having it cut down to a reasonable length. You can either work on this with your DJ; find a local music studio; or, if you know your way around iTunes, you can download the song and cut it yourself. See a list of favorite first dance songs at TheKnot.com/music.Letting the DJ or Band Take Total ControlWhile you should feel comfortable letting your band or DJ guide the music, providing a play list (or, better yet, a no-play list) will make you feel less anxious about their song choices. You certainly don't want a song with painful associations to pop up unexpectedly. Start by consulting with your DJ on just how many songs will fill the night; then sit down with your fiance and go through your MP3 collection to create a master music list. You are each allowed veto power, of course. Blowing out the SpeakersDespite the presence of alcohol and all your college friends, the reception shouldn't resemble a frat party. Club-level volume will frustrate older family members and make it impossible for your guests to talk to one another. When creating the play list with your band or DJ, be sure to give input on the volume for various transitions: low for chatting during dinner, and loud for the final song of the night, "Livin' on a Prayer," by Bon Jovi. On the day of the wedding, ask a bridesmaid or your day-consultant to keep volume on her radar. One of them can serve as the point person for dealing with the band or DJ based on your requests.Playing Inappropriate Songs During DinnerSure, you want to hear all of your favorites from your iTunes collection, but don't destroy your sit-down dinner because you had to fit in "I Wanna Be Sedated," by the Ramones. Music should match the mood of the moment. Stick with instrumentals or soft ballads during dinner, and then transition into the dance party with something more upbeat. Work with your music pros to pick an appropriate number of dinner-friendly selections so your guests can digest without Van Halen screaming "Right Now!" in their ears.Rocking out to R-rated SongsYes, these are more liberal times, but be careful not to confuse progressive with perverted. This is your day, and you shouldn't focus on pleasing everyone with your musical selections; however, there's a glaring line you should avoid crossing. "The Humpty Dance," by Digital Underground -- fair. "Thong Song," by Sisqo -- pushing it. Beyond blatant profanity, really consider the song's lyrics and meaning. There may be a very innocent inside joke behind your choice of "The B**** Is Back," by Elton John, but keep in mind that your flower girl will be listening too and probably isn't in on the joke. Keep the songs to a sensible PG-13 so all age groups will have fun and feel comfortable.Too Much of a Good ThingYou both may truly love late '80s hair bands, but if Grandma listens to five full hours of Def Leppard, she might actually go deaf. Including your favorite genre is perfectly fine, but do so in moderation. Your wedding is a celebration of your relationship, but it's also a gift to share with family and friends. Keep them in mind when developing your play list. Play a thank-you song for your parents, such as Frank Sinatra's "Chicago," or "Thank You for the Music," by ABBA. Seeing them enjoy the night will be well worth a little Bobby Darin.For more stories visit scrippsnews.com
Music 911 for your wedding
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