Beach weddings

Congratulations on your upcoming beach wedding! One of the most important parts of your reception will undoubtedly be your first dance as a married couple. Choosing the perfect song can be a daunting task, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are my top 10 first dance songs for your beach wedding:

1. “At Last” by Etta James – This timeless classic is perfect for a romantic and intimate beach wedding.

2. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley – With its sweet lyrics and gentle melody, this song is a popular choice for first dances.

3. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran – A modern favorite, this song’s romantic lyrics and soft melody make it a perfect fit for a beach wedding.

4. “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne – This upbeat song is sure to get you and your guests on the dance floor and dancing the night away.

5. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith – This song’s powerful lyrics and dramatic melody make it an emotional choice for your first dance.

6. “Best Part” by H.E.R. – This soulful ballad is a newer option, but its romantic lyrics and smooth melody make it a perfect fit for a beach wedding.

7. “This Very Moment” by K-Ci & JoJo – With its romantic lyrics and R&B sound, this song is a great choice for a beach wedding.

8. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri – This popular ballad has become a classic choice for first dances, thanks to its romantic lyrics and soaring melody.

9. “Marry Me” by Train – With its sweet lyrics and upbeat melody, this song is a fun and romantic choice for your first dance.

10. “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole – This fun and upbeat song is a great way to get your guests on the dance floor and keep the party going.

Each of these songs has its own unique charm and style, making them perfect for a variety of couples and wedding themes. Whether you’re looking for a classic ballad or an upbeat tune, there’s a song on this list for you.

If you’re still struggling to choose the perfect song, don’t worry! , I can help guide you in making the perfect choice for your special day. And don’t forget to check out my specially curated Spotify playlist for even more great first dance song ideas.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s create the perfect soundtrack for your beach wedding! Contact me to book your DJ services today.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding in Cancun! As a wedding DJ with years of experience in the industry, I know that planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming. However, with the right guidance and resources, you can plan your dream wedding in Cancun without any stress.

In this guide, I’ll be sharing my insights and tips to help you plan your perfect Cancun wedding, from choosing the right venue to finding the perfect wedding DJ.

Step 1: Choose the Right Venue

The first step in planning your Cancun wedding is to choose the perfect venue. Cancun has many stunning beachfront properties that are perfect for weddings, and you’ll want to consider factors such as location, guest count, and your budget when making your selection.

Some of the most popular wedding venues in Cancun include the Dreams Riviera Cancún, Dreams Natura Cancún, and the Acamaya Weddings. These venues offer a variety of wedding packages that can be customized to your needs and preferences.

Step 2: Hire a Wedding Planner

Hiring a wedding planner is crucial to ensure that your wedding runs smoothly. A good wedding planner can help you with everything from venue selection to vendor management, and they can also provide valuable advice and guidance throughout the planning process.

When choosing a wedding planner, make sure to do your research and read reviews from previous clients. You’ll also want to meet with potential planners in person to make sure that they understand your vision and are a good fit for your personality and style.

Step 3: Find the Perfect Wedding DJ

I know that music is one of the most important elements of a successful wedding. Finding the perfect wedding DJ is crucial to ensuring that your guests have a great time and that the dance floor is packed all night long.

When choosing a wedding DJ, make sure to ask for references and listen to their previous work. You’ll also want to discuss your musical preferences and any special requests that you have.

Step 4: Plan Your Menu and Drinks

Food and drinks are an important part of any wedding, and Cancun offers a wide range of catering options. From traditional Mexican cuisine to international fare, you’ll be able to find a caterer that suits your tastes and budget.

You’ll also want to consider your drink options and whether you want to offer an open bar or a limited selection of drinks. A good caterer can help you create a customized drink menu that reflects your personality and style.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Special Day

Finally, the most important step in planning your Cancun wedding is to enjoy your special day. Take time to appreciate the beautiful scenery, spend quality time with your loved ones, and dance the night away with your new spouse.

Remember that your wedding day is a celebration of your love and commitment, and it should be a reflection of your unique personalities and style. With the right planning and resources, you can create a magical and unforgettable wedding in Cancun.

Cancun weddings can be both exciting and overwhelming, but with the right guidance and resources, you can make your dream wedding a reality.

If you’re looking for a professional and experienced wedding DJ for your Cancun wedding, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would be honored to help you create the perfect soundtrack for your special day.

As you plan your wedding, you may be wondering about the importance of a personalized wedding playlist. After all, there are so many other details to consider – why should you spend time and energy on creating a customized playlist?

Here are 5 reasons why a personalized wedding playlist is a must-have for your big day:

1. Reflects Your Unique Style Your wedding should be a reflection of who you are as a couple, and your playlist is no exception. By choosing songs that have special meaning to you and your partner, you can create a playlist that perfectly captures your unique style and personality.
2. Sets the Tone for the Entire Event Your wedding playlist sets the tone for your entire wedding day. From the pre-ceremony music to the reception party tunes, your music choices can create a cohesive and memorable atmosphere for you and your guests.
3. Brings Back Special Memories Music has the power to transport us back in time to special moments in our lives. By including songs that are meaningful to you and your partner, you can create a playlist that brings back special memories and emotions throughout the day.
4. Keeps the Dance Floor Packed Let’s face it – a wedding reception is not complete without a packed dance floor. By including a mix of upbeat and sentimental songs, you can keep your guests dancing and celebrating all night long.
5. Enhances the Overall Atmosphere Your wedding playlist is more than just a list of songs – it’s an integral part of the overall atmosphere of your wedding day. By carefully selecting the right songs for each moment, you can enhance the emotional and visual impact of your wedding day.

In conclusion, a personalized wedding playlist is an essential part of creating the wedding of your dreams. Let us help you create a playlist that perfectly captures your style and sets the tone for your special day. Contact us now to get started!

How can you tell if hiring a local DJ is the best option for your destination wedding?

When it comes to planning a destination wedding, one of the biggest concerns for brides is how to choose the right suppliers. With so many uncertainties and doubts, it can be overwhelming to decide.

While some couples may prefer to bring in a DJ from their hometown, there are actually many benefits to hiring a local DJ. Not only can it save you money, but it can also simplify logistics for your reception.

But don’t stress – choosing a qualified and experienced wedding DJ who will provide the perfect soundtrack for your big day is easier than you might think! Here are some important factors to consider:

Experience

Make sure your DJ has experience specifically in wedding events. A specialized wedding DJ knows the genres of music that will suit your cultural background and personal preferences, as well as the protocols and formalities that are important for your wedding.

References

Check out the DJ’s recommendations and ask other brides for their feedback. You can even ask for references from other wedding suppliers to get a sense of the DJ’s reliability and reputation.

Clear Communication

A good wedding DJ knows the importance of key moments such as the entrance, first dance, and other special moments throughout the night. Make sure you discuss these details with your DJ to ensure that they are aware of your preferences.

By following these simple steps, you can feel confident that you’re making the right choice for your wedding. Plus, hiring a local DJ can be a relaxed and stress-free solution.

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Cancun, I would be honored to be your DJ! Don’t hesitate to contact me today to discuss how I can help make your wedding day unforgettable.

Here are some things that a bride should consider when choosing a wedding DJ:

• Experience: Look for a DJ that has specific experience performing at weddings. A good wedding DJ will know how to work with the bride and groom to create the right atmosphere and make the party unforgettable.

• Music: Make sure the DJ can provide a wide variety of music that caters to the tastes and preferences of the bride, groom, and guests. It’s also important that the DJ can read the crowd and adjust the music accordingly to keep people on the dance floor.

• Sound equipment: Make sure the DJ has professional sound equipment that is appropriate for the size of the reception space. It’s also important that the DJ has a microphone and lighting equipment if necessary.

• Planning: The wedding DJ should be a good communicator and available to work with the bride to plan the music and reception program. It’s important that the DJ knows the wedding schedule and is prepared for any last-minute changes.

• Value: The price of a wedding DJ can vary, but make sure the price is fair and within the bride’s budget. Also, make sure the DJ offers a written contract that details the services and agreed-upon price.

If you’re looking for a professional, experienced, and reliable wedding DJ service, look no further! My wedding DJ service is designed to provide a personalized music and entertainment experience for each couple and their unique celebration.

With a wide selection of music and high-quality professional sound equipment, I’ll be on hand to ensure that the music and ambiance are perfect for your big day. From planning to execution, I’ll work with you to create the perfect atmosphere for your wedding reception.

Don’t waste any more time searching for wedding DJs. Contact me today to book your date and make your wedding unforgettable!

Wondering how to plan a beach wedding? Below are some of the things you need to keep in mind:

Beach weddings are alluring for more reasons than one; and being out in the open, in a romantic oceanfront setting while the wind and waves sing their praises over your union, is one of those. They are far from the typical traditional wedding, which is often hosted within a church, or another elaborate indoor setting. That is not to say there aren’t other outdoor wedding types that aren’t appealing, like the garden wedding for example, but beach weddings are definitely in a category of their own.

1. Make sure the beach is accessible for everyone involved.

Many people overlook the accessibility factor once they’ve found and fallen in love with a beach wedding location. Don’t forget to think about your guests’ convenience, and how easy or difficult it is going to be to make it to the location, from a main road. This can also affect the ease of setting up and transporting chairs, tables, and even food delivery. Make sure your site isn’t too out of the way, and if it is, ensure you make the right preparations.

2. Don’t let the sound of waves drown out your vows.

There’s nothing quite as magical as the waves crashing against the shore while taking a romantic walk down the beach. When you’re trying to exchange vows, this is a completely different story. To work around this, get a professional sound system, and look into ways to get it powered up out on the beach. You can also rent wireless microphone and speaker for use by the officiant. Another option is to invest in a windscreen for your microphone, which will ensure the wind isn’t louder than what you’re actually trying to say. Before you rent or make these purchases, almost every professional wedding planner have a supplier who can solve that need.

3. Choice your décor windproof.

You’ll need to tweak your décor to suit the outdoors, especially in windy locations. This means you may want to think twice about super lavish flowers, towering candles, and even windy ribbons and balloons, which may just end up getting blown away by the wind. Use sturdy décor and avoid breakable items. Anything you can’t live without (like name tags, photos, etc.), secure with adhesive, spring, or place something heavier over top to hold them down. In terms of flowers, you also want to make sure you choose varieties that stand up well against high temperatures, that won’t wilt before the ceremony even begins.

Expert tip: Chrysanthemums, calla lilies, king protea, and orchids do well on the beach. Not convinced flowers will fit your theme or just don’t want to risk it? Go for things like fruits or even shells to add some color to the event.

4. Make sure there’s some shade.

Just as important as covering for rainy weather, you’ll need to keep in mind that outdoor environments usually mean guests will be exposed to the elements. Especially in hot climates, ensure you keep everyone cool by scheduling your ceremony at a time when the sun is most mild – morning or late afternoon is best. You’ll also want to make sure shade is factored in as well, especially for the sake of older people and children. With beach or outdoor weddings, it’s best to monitor the weather so you know what to expect. You can source a canopy to cover the seating area or get some bamboo poles which can be draped with light, white fabric to help keep everyone cool.

5. Finger food storage: keep it cool!

If you aren’t getting married at a resort, food storage is a serious consideration. Food that’s supposed to be refrigerated will spoil quickly in high temperatures, so you’ll need to pick wisely. This is also worth keeping in mind for cake selection – cakes made with buttercream may fight a losing battle against the heat. As a rule, don’t pick anything that’s going to melt or spoil fast.

Expert tip: If you’re concerned about food, you can also consider getting married on the beach, and having the reception at another location, like a nearby restaurant.

Sure, most weddings involve attendees boogieing down on the dance floor. There’s hardly a better way to celebrate a new union. But many weddings also include special, traditional dances that spotlight honored guests.

There’s the first dance, where the couple takes their first spin on the dance floor. During the parents’ dance, the couple enjoys a special moment with the people who raised them. Lesser known is the anniversary dance, which salutes couples who have been married the longest and the money dance where guests surround the couple and slip cash to them.

Even couples who love to dance can find it intimidating to think through traditional dances. Should they wing them or perform a choreographed routine? Will older guests cherish the anniversary dance or feel put on the spot?

Steps to Planning the Wedding Dances

Choose your wedding dances.

Not every couple opts to stage every wedding dance at their reception. Decide which ones are important a few months in advance so there is enough time to prepare.

Reach out to involved participants.

If you want the parents’ dance or the anniversary dance at your wedding give involved participants ample time to practice and choose their music.

Choose your music and prepare your band or DJ.

Choose the music you want for each different wedding dance, then make sure your DJ is equipped to play it for you.

Have fun.

On the day of the wedding everyone’s there because they love you and are celebrating your big day. So at that point don’t worry about the steps and just enjoy performing. No one else knows the choreography but you, so as long as you smile and have fun, you’ll be a hit.

Wedding Dance FAQs and Etiquette

How many traditional wedding dances are there?

There are many ones but the most common are: the first dance, the parents’ dance, the anniversary dance, and the money dance. Different cultures and religions also have their own customs like the hora, a traditional circle dance performed at Jewish weddings or the raas garba, a night of folk dances that takes place before Indian weddings.

Who participates in traditional wedding dances?

There are some general rules. The first dance, for example, is performed by the couple. The parents’ dance is performed by them and their parents (the traditional father-daughter dance now usually includes both parents, hence the name.) The anniversary dance can include the longest-married couple in attendance or all the couples married over a specified number of years. The most inclusive wedding dance is the money dance; all wedding guests are invited to participate.

When do the wedding dances take place?

While some couples like to start the reception with the first dance and the parents’ dances, others opt to spread them throughout the reception.

Regardless of when the wedding dances take place, the key is to keep them short and sweet. You want to leave your audience wanting more.

Is it required to do all the wedding dances?

They are definitely not mandatory, but we think couples should at least consider incorporating dances since they are vibrant and festive and bring joy to the celebration.

What do guests do during the dances?

Some of the wedding dances invite participation. All guests, for example, can join in the money dance, and many older couples can show off their moves during the anniversary dance. During the parents’ dance and the first dance, it’s customary for guests to watch as spectators until they are invited to join on the dance floor.

Do the dances have to be choreographed?

Absolutely not. While some couples like to have a choreographed routine for the first dance (also some parents like to have it for the parents’ dance), it is not obligatory. It can be just as meaningful to watch a freshly married couple slow dance slowly together than have them twist and turn and leap. Regardless of whether the dance is choreographed, it’s important to remember that “less is more,” Make sure to create choreography that suits your personal style and is not overly complex or daunting.

What music is played during the wedding dances?

The couple and the people they are dancing with get to choose the music. Some people pick songs that are meaningful to them (perhaps it was playing during their first date or a father used to sing a song to his daughter when she was younger?) Remember to keep it tasteful and a song to which you are comfortable dancing. Pick a song you really connect with.

Think back to some of the best times you’ve had at weddings, and I’ll bet many of them were “hold my drink” situations during the reception. You know, the ones—you hear that song start and, suddenly, makeup and blowout be damned, the dance floor becomes your stage.

Every couple’s wedding day soundtrack will, and should, be different. There are over 3.5 million wedding-related playlists on Spotify. And that’s the benefit of premeditated tunes: you can pick songs and find the one how cemented the friendship between you and your MOH on the dance floor.

You really have to think about your guests, at a wedding, you have a very broad list—from your grandparents to guests as young as two. You have to think about music that is not only appropriate for that varied audience but also what they’re going to like and get into. That’s very difficult to achieve. But don’t fret your set yet.

Recognize Sometimes It Is a Popularity Contest

Spotify figured out which songs were most often added to users’ wedding playlists—let’s check out the top 10:

“Thinking Out Loud,” by Ed Sheeran

“Marry You,” by Bruno Mars

“All of Me,” by John Legend

“Uptown Funk,” by Mark Ronson, featuring Bruno Mars

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” by Whitney Houston

“Don’t Stop Believin’,” by Journey

“Crazy in Love,” by Beyoncé, featuring Jay Z

“A Thousand Years,” by Christina Perri

“I’m Yours,” by Jason Mraz

“Hey Ya!” by OutKast

Nothing on this list surprises me, You’ve got representation of up-tempo fun songs with ‘Hey Ya!’ and ‘Uptown Funk.’ Some of these songs are very romantic with an appropriate message for a wedding like ‘I’m Yours’ or ‘Marry You.’ Then you’ve got John Legend’s song ‘All of Me’ that’s been popular since its release because Legend wrote that song about Chrissy Teigen, and it’s all about how much he adores her. What bride wouldn’t like to echo that sentiment at her wedding?

Even if you feel like some songs, such as Pharrell’s “Happy” or JT’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” are overplayed on the radio, they can take on new life at a wedding. They’re still great additions because most of your guests will have heard them, and they’re such feel-good tracks. They encourage your guests to move or sing, and they’re also great for younger kids.

Embrace the Crossover

Pop. Country. Rock. Hip-hop. What do all these genres have in common—besides a hit song featuring Nelly? They can all feel at home on a reception playlist. I think anything goes at weddings. Most of the time, you’ve got a mix of genres. It’s all about what makes people happy and puts them in the mood to dance. It makes sense that you’re going to have the full spectrum.

While you and your sorority sisters may have an entire choreographed routine to “Crazy in Love,” maybe your mom and her pals have an equivalent with ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” So go ahead and put Frank Sinatra, Notorious B.I.G., and Dolly Parton in a room together; you’ll wonder why you’ve never done it before.

Serenade Your Guests—Even If It’s Weird

If your wedding day is simultaneously the only time your kooky aunt is willing to fly across the country and the only time she’s game to juju on that beat, you’ve got to make the most of it. You can’t expect every song to cater to absolutely everybody, what you can do is include specific songs for specific guests, especially if they’re traveling really far distances to come to your wedding. That is such a big commitment and such a loving thing for them to do. It’s nice to sprinkle in one or two songs they especially would appreciate.

And are there certain songs that really encourage people to let their freak flags fly? Songs that include extreme emotion are great songs for weddings.

We also recommend up-tempo songs that appeal across generations. If your mom really loves Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ and that’s a song that’s going to get her excited, why not put it in there?”.

Mind Your Do-Not-Play List

We’ve already established the power music has over people’s emotions, so be careful. If a song, or the bad memory (read: ex-boyfriend) behind a song has made it onto your list of names “in red underlined,” keep it off your playlist. Even if it’s a song that everybody loves, if you have some negative association with it, you don’t want to hear it at your wedding—where you should be as happy as can be.

Similarly, if there’s a song that’s going to upset someone else at your wedding, probably best to leave it off too. You don’t want sad songs, and you don’t want songs with perhaps overly offensive lyrics, instead of we can switch out the explicit tracks here for their radio-friendly versions—a good idea if you’ve invited the entirety of the tee-ball team you coach on weekends. Better to be safe, and sometimes it’s more fun to yell obscenities over the censored silence anyway.

Save the First Dance for Everyone

At this point in your process, we don’t doubt you’ve stockpiled your playlist with gems of jams, but only one belongs at the top of your list chronologically. It’s always good to kick off the dance floor portion of your wedding with the right tone. That tone is, it’s party time! Encourage people to dance. The first song must be a beacon, its bright boppiness guiding your guests away from their hesitations and insecurities toward a warm, safe place to dab, drop, and dougie all night long.

Curating the perfect wedding reception playlist is something of an art form. It takes taste, grace, and forward planning. You want to make sure that every second of this celebration is accounted for. From pop-tastic tunes to classic tracks, you need to make sure that the roster has something for every single wedding guest. It’s a tall order.

1. Get a beach permit if needed.

Though this isn’t always required, it is worth your time to do some research, so you avoid any unnecessary problems down the line. Find out about noise regulations in both private and public settings, so you can make the proper arrangements.

2. Plan wisely, avoid crowds.

One of the things you should seek to find out in advance is when the beach is the most crowded. You’ll want to avoid this time to ensure you have enough privacy, so your wedding doesn’t turn into a circus. Usually you’ll find beaches quieter outside of weekends and holidays. Some beaches in Hawaii for example don’t allow event set ups on public beaches. In places like this, you’ll need to instead rent a beachside villa, so you’ll still be able to take photos on the beach after your ceremony.

3. Arrange sturdy seating.

Aluminum chairs, wooden benches, other types of folding chairs and even stylish waterproof ottomans will add to the comfort of guests. All of these are sturdy enough to not be blown away by the wind or sink in the sand and collapse. In some cases, you may not need to have seats for everyone – just the elderly and children. It all depends on the type of wedding you want and how long the ceremony will be.

4. Accentuate the beach’s natural features.

The beach is beautiful enough as it is, so you won’t need to go overboard here. Instead, focus on accentuating the natural features in a way that will help bring your wedding to life. It doesn’t all need to be seashells and palm leaves; you can use the various hues of the ocean or sand to create a theme, adding in elements like stones, dune glasses, and more.

5. Add in colors to contrast the light color of the sand.

If you’re wondering what colours are best for a beach wedding, we recommend adding some color which will contrast with the sand to make the setting more vibrant. Think green, orange, or coral tones.

6. Shop local for destination weddings.

When sourcing your décor for a destination wedding, try to purchase things from local vendors. This can help you avoid hefty importation fees, or delays that can happen if your items get detained by customs for any reason.

7. Prepare for windy conditions.

If it can blow away, it might. Prepare for a windy day, even when not expected. Secure everything you can beforehand to avoid this. Use heavier items to weigh things down, like programmes and place cards, or just get heavyweight stands. You can also tie programmes neatly to chairs. If you plan on tossing dried flower petals, wait to do this, once guests arrive.

8. Prepare a shoe station.

No one wants to spend the day with sand in their shoes. With a shoe rack, guests can trade their fancy shoes for flip flops. Make provisions at the station for guests to be able to wipe or wash the sand off their feet before making the swap. You’ll want to include a seating area, towels, a place to store shoes, and a bucket of water.

9. Have refreshments on hand.

Beat the heat with cold drinks. A table set up with lemonade, ice water, or a signature cocktail will go a long way in keeping guests satisfied and refreshed.

10. Prevent bug bites.

You’ll want to keep insect repellant close at hand for any outdoor ceremony, particularly beach weddings. Try to get a good brand with ingredients that aren’t harmful, that won’t stain your dress.

11. Prepare guests with a welcome package.

You’ll want to ensure everyone is informed about where the wedding will be taking place. This will help your guests plan accordingly. Just in case anyone comes less than prepared, you can include items like travel sized sunscreen, hand towels and fans, and bottled water in a fun welcome package.

12. Have a backup plan.

Beach weddings are best kept short and sweet. Just in case the weather changes, have a backup plan. Always have a canopy or tent at hand to keep everyone cool and dry or ensure your plan B option is somewhere indoors.