When you decide to throw a party, you know you need to pay careful attention to the music. Any party, from a wedding reception to a birthday bash, can derail if no one has curated that very important song list.
But don’t worry; it doesn’t have to be an arduous chore. You know your party plans, you know your guests, and most importantly you know yourself. Those basics will help your entertainment planner make your event unforgettable.
At Gold Coast Entertainment, we have a lot of experience choosing the best music to fit any party. Here are some general guidelines to get you started.
I Love This Song!
People dance to songs they know. Even if popular music isn’t necessarily your thing, make sure to sprinkle your party with songs that everybody recognises. Your cousin may not have any idea who MC Hammer is, but you can bet she knows “U Can’t Touch This”. So do your parents, and maybe your grandparents, which brings us to…
Who’s on the Dance floor?
If you’re planning a wedding, you should take into account how many generations are represented on your guest list. If you have grandparents or older relatives attending, pay attention to what will get them on the dance floor. If the combination of MC Hammer and your grandparents makes you queasy, shoot for something like “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, or “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.
The key is to choose upbeat, danceable songs from a variety of eras, so there is something for everybody—at least at the beginning. You can, and should, change your song selections as the party goes on. Play the multi-generational songs (don’t forget real classics like “The Twist” by Chubby Checker) early on, then make your mix more contemporary as the elder audience retires for the evening.
What’s Your Jam?
Remember that this is your event, especially if it’s your Gold Coast wedding. If you love 80s pop, don’t hesitate to bring out A-Ha’s “Take on Me”. Love EDM? The Chainsmokers and Bebe Rexha’s “Call You Mine” is a great choice. It doesn’t matter what genre you love, there are going to be great dance songs that fit the bill.
Take It Slow
You have a lot more leeway when it comes to slow songs. They are a chance for everyone to relax a little, chat with their dance partner, and catch their breath. It isn’t vital that guests recognize them, only that you love them. Whether it’s John Legend singing “All of Me”, or Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”, everyone loves a great slow song.
Give Yourself a Hand
Planning a wedding or party is a huge undertaking and when you can, you should have professionals take on some of the duties. That includes music. Once you have some basics in mind for what you want, hit the internet for song titles. Then let Gold Coast’s Explosive Entertainment transform your ideas into the perfect entertainment for your Ultimate Dance Party.