Wedding Receptions (click on highlighted links for song ideas)
The following has been provided to assist you while filling out the Reception
PLANNING Sheet. The information includes tips, ideas and suggestions for a
successful party. Each BOLD heading corresponds to a section on your planner. If you
have any questions, please call us.
Entrance Of Wedding Party
Upon arrival at your reception site, we suggest formally starting the event with a grand
entrance of the wedding party followed by the bride & groom. This announcement
serves as the kick-off to the party. It is
not being done as an introduction of your bridesmaids and groomsmen, but rather as
an enthusiastic recognition of these special loved ones. We will coordinate the entrance
order of each couple and then announce each name as they enter to an upbeat musical
background.
Entrance Of The Bride & Groom
As your MC announces the entrance of the bride and groom your friends and family will
rise and greet you with applause and cheers.
Bride/Groom to Welcome And Thank Guests
A receiving line is a dated and time-consuming method of greeting your guests. The
following is a fun and memorable alternative to the typical receiving line. Upon
entering the room, we encourage you to acknowledge your guests. We will provide you
with a mic. This is a wonderful opportunity to welcome everyone and to do any special
acknowledgements, such as guests who have traveled a long distance, or friends or
family who have contributed in the preparation of the ceremony or reception. It’s
especially meaningful to hear from the bride and groom how important their friends
and family are to them.
Food
Immediately following your welcome, we recommend having the meal service begin.
Remember, although you have just arrived, your guests have been waiting for some
time. During the pre-planning stages, inform your caterer what time you expect to
arrive and that you would like the meal service to begin shortly after that. It is easier
for the caterer to move the food service back if you are running late than it is for them to
move it forward if you are ahead of schedule. Once you have had the opportunity to
enjoy your meal, it is a good time for the bride and groom to visit with their guests.
Typically, most guests will still be eating and you will have about 20 minutes to mingle
table to table.
Toasts
The toast is usually done at the conclusion of the meal. Your MC will coordinate all
aspects of this event. After the champagne has been poured, we will have a wireless
mic available for your best man, maid of honor, fathers, or any others to say a few
words. We strongly discourage open toasting. This can be a slow and awkward
process that drastically impacts the smooth flow of your reception.
Cake Cutting
Following the toasts is the traditional cutting of the cake. You will notice that your
guests are now getting more animated, and giving their enthusiastic encouragement to
the bride and groom during the feeding of the first piece of cake. The fun of this
formality is in the anticipation. We suggest that you have a playful, yet sensible
attitude while feeding each other. Another consideration is who will serve the cake as
you continue with your spotlight dances. This service is not always included by caterers.
Bouquet Toss
As your photographer finishes any additional photos of the bride and groom at the cake
table, your MC will gather the single ladies on the dance floor. You will want to be
sure to have your throw bouquet handy. Your MC will get the energy level up as he
counts the throw with you, 5-4-3-2-1. Following the catch, the photographer will want
to get a special photo of the bride with the woman who caught the bouquet. If you
want an alternative to this tradition, please let us know. We will be happy to suggest
other options including a bouquet presentation or toss to married and single females
that will allow you to give away your bouquet and still create a unique and memorable
moment for you and your guests.
Garter Removal/ Garter Toss
Your MC will invite all of the single men to the dance floor. For the garter removal, the
bride can sit on a chair or on the best man’s knee. The groom will then get down on
one knee in front of his bride. Once the garter has been removed, your MC will begin
the countdown for the toss, 5-4-3-2-1. The gentleman who catches the garter will then
be joined on the dance floor with the woman who caught the bouquet. The bride and
groom will then join them for a fun, candid photo.
Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dance Songs
One of the most traditional events at the reception is the moment the father of the bride
dances with his daughter. An additional special song includes the groom with his
mother. We can also invite all fathers/daughters or mothers/sons to join in halfway
through this dance.
Other Spotlight Dance
For some brides, a special dance with a Stepfather, Uncle, Brother, or close family
friend is done in lieu of, or in addition to, a parents dance. This is also an opportunity
for a parent or step parent to dance with a child or children of the bride or groom to
dance.
General Dancing
It’s important that the bride and groom remain on the dance floor for the first fast
dance as it will make it more inviting as your guests start dancing. As we observe the
reaction of your guests, we can then best determine which songs to play. Your MC is
an expert at music programming and has the ability to “read the crowd” to keep guest
of all ages dancing and having fun.
Money Dance
If you decide to do a money dance, your MC will announce it as an opportunity for your
friends and family to share a special slow dance with the bride or groom. The MC will
ask the best man and maid of honor to assist him. They will help ensure the timely
flow of the guest and collect the money. It’s important that the bride and groom
remain on the dance floor at the conclusion of the money dance. As the music tempo
picks up, your presence will encourage all guests to join you as the fast dancing
resumes.
Types Of Dance Music Preferred
The very best parties always have a mixture of songs that please and entertain all age
groups. Below is a general list of various categories and popular artists. We welcome
you to highlight all of your favorite music categories. Be careful about choosing specific
songs that aren't "danceable."
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Planning Your Wedding Reception
We believe that the pre-reception planning session with your MC is the foundation
of a successful event. It is important to note that this planning session will be done
approximately 3 weeks prior to your reception, and both bride and groom should
participate. In addition, a short meeting by phone or via email or in person will
take place the week of your event to cover all the last minute details.
Questions? Call now. We would love to hear about your wedding plans. 910-579-1091 834-446-6411 |
| Do you want your wedding reception to be unforgettable? It will be with Coastal Entertainers |
First Dance Song
All of the attention is now focused on the dance
floor. The first few notes of your special song begin
to play as you begin to share your first dance as
husband and wife. Many couples choose to have the
wedding party join them halfway through the dance.
By doing this, you give the photographer an
opportunity to photograph your wedding party.
All of the attention is now focused on the dance
floor. The first few notes of your special song begin
to play as you begin to share your first dance as
husband and wife. Many couples choose to have the
wedding party join them halfway through the dance.
By doing this, you give the photographer an
opportunity to photograph your wedding party.
Operating out of Brunswick County, NC, Coastal Entertainers Dj Service is available to provide
music and planning and entertainment for your special events from Pawley's Island to Wilmington,
NC. Extensive experience with banquet facilities Calabash, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Myrtle
Beach, Conway, Loris, Longs, Little River, North Myrtle Beach. Reliable Dependable.
music and planning and entertainment for your special events from Pawley's Island to Wilmington,
NC. Extensive experience with banquet facilities Calabash, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Myrtle
Beach, Conway, Loris, Longs, Little River, North Myrtle Beach. Reliable Dependable.
- Big Band/Standards – Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Nat King Cole, Tommy
Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Artie Shaw, Johnny Mathis, etc.
- 50’s/60/s Rock – Beatles, Beach Boys, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, Platters, Bill Haley, Chubby
Checker, Bobby Darin, etc.
- Classic Rock – Bob Seger, AC/DC, Van Halen, John Mellencamp, Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, ZZ
Top, Eric Clapton, Elton John, etc.
- Funk/Disco – Bee Gees, Village People, Chic, Earth Wind & Fire, Donna Summer, Commodores,
Gap Band, Kool & The Gang, Wild Cherry, etc.
- Motown/60’s Soul – Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Four Tops, Temptations, Supremes, Marvin
Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Jackson5,
- Country – Shania Twain, Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Alan Jackson,Garth
Brooks, Alabama, etc.
- 80’s Retro – Beastie Boys, B-52’s, New Order, Romantics, Cure, INXS, Devo, Clash, Soft Cell,
Modern English, Talking Heads, Billy Idol, etc.
- R&B/Hip Hop – Rob Base, Rick James, Prince, Tone Loc, Young MC, Salt-n-Pepa, Will Smith,
C&C Music Factory, MC Hammer, Michael Jackson, Madonna, etc.
- Ethnic – Italian, Jewish, Irish, Latin, Greek, Cajun, Polkas, Reggae, etc.
- Group Participation Dances – Conga, Shout, YMCA, Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, etc.
- Current Hits – Subject to change
Dedications, Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc.
Be sure to list any special announcements you would like your MC to make. This is a great way to personalize
your event and recognize someone special.
Sensitive Subjects
Your MC will conduct herself in a professional and courteous manner at all times throughout your reception. If
you feel we need to be aware of any sensitive information regarding your event, family, or guests, please list it
here.
Anything Else We Should Know?
If you are having a video presentation, a singer, musicians, fraternity/sorority serenade, centerpiece giveaway,
or any other personalized additions that will make your party unique please list them. Your Your MC will offer
suggestions regarding the sequence and timing of these special touches.
Be sure to list any special announcements you would like your MC to make. This is a great way to personalize
your event and recognize someone special.
Sensitive Subjects
Your MC will conduct herself in a professional and courteous manner at all times throughout your reception. If
you feel we need to be aware of any sensitive information regarding your event, family, or guests, please list it
here.
Anything Else We Should Know?
If you are having a video presentation, a singer, musicians, fraternity/sorority serenade, centerpiece giveaway,
or any other personalized additions that will make your party unique please list them. Your Your MC will offer
suggestions regarding the sequence and timing of these special touches.