Rockin’ Through the Ages

by Guest Blogger, Sinead Irvine, WPICC

I am sure we have all been to weddings where we hear older guests frustrated and saying. “I don’t know how young people dance to this music”. Weddings are meant to be a celebration for ALL your guests so customize your wedding reception music to ensure that all your guests are having a good time. 

One way to ensure that the dance floor is packed with a large variety of your guests is to move through the various generations of music throughout the night so that you target the musical taste of the majority of guests whether they are 18 or 88. 

Start off the night by playing music that appeals to your oldest guests. For example if you have some seniors guests (like grandparents, ect) play music early in the night that they are familiar with. These people likely grew up listening and dancing to music like Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and the Righteous Brothers. Start off the night of dancing with this music so they are pleased. These older guests will likely be the first people to leave the wedding so they will probably leave the reception after they have had some time on the dance floor with their favorite tunes. Younger wedding guests often find “oldies” fun and entertaining to dance along to- so the dance floor will likely start off full of teenagers, baby boomers and seniors all having a great time! 

Next hit the baby boomer generation with the music they are used to dancing too. This group of people (likely the parents of the couple and their friends/ aunt/ uncles, ect) would probably enjoy dancing to music like Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys and the Temptations. Play this type of music for them as they probably haven’t been to a function where the music is catered to them in a long time! It’s always fun to spend time on the dance floor with your parents and older relatives. 

The next generation to hit is people in 30-45 age group. These guests likely grew up listening to music in the 80’s and are very familiar with Michael Jackson, Madonna, Bon Jovi, ect. Playing music from their generation will help trigger old memories and is often fun for friends who are celebrating together at your wedding who don’t often get to see one another. Songs like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” may bring back memories of college days and create a lot of laughter among friends. 

Once midnight hits the people that are likely left to be found on the dance floor are people in the 20’s and early 30’s. This is the time where you should have your DJ play current top 40 music that older guests often find frustrating and difficult to dancing too. 

It’s important when planning your wedding (or a wedding for someone else) be sure to spend some time thinking about the people that will be at your wedding and the music that will get them moving. Set up a timeline of the evening and the age groups and generations you would like to hit. Meet with the DJ and devise a plan that will work for your guests. 

An example of this would be: 

9:00-10:00pm-50’s/ 60’s Music 
• Hound Dog- Elvis 
• Twist- Chubby Checker 
• La Bamba- Los Lobos 
• Unchained Melody- Righteous Brothers 
• My Girl- Temptations 
• Surfin’ In the USA- Beach Boys 
• Chapel of Love- The Dixie Cups 

10:00-11:00pm-70’s Music 
• Copacabana (At the Copa)- Barry Manilow 
• Knock Three Times- Tony Orlando 
• Cecilia- Simon and Garfunkel 
• Do You Think I’m Sexy- Rod Stewart 
• Dancing Queen- ABBA 
• Macho Man- Village People 
• Wonderful Tonight- Eric Clapton 
• Old Time Rock and Roll-
Bob Segar 
• Sweet Home Alabama- Lynard Sknyrd 

11:00-12:00pm- 80’s Music 
• Kokamo- Beach Boys 
• Lady in Red- Chris DeBurgh 
• Sunglasses at Night- Corey Hart 
• Like a Virgin- Madonna 
• Faith- George Michael 
• 9 to 5- Dolly Parton 
• Billie Jean- Michael Jackson 
• Girls Just Want to Have Fun- Cyndi Lauper 
• Loco Motion- Kylie Minogue 
• I Think Were Alone Now- Tiffany 
• Livin’ On A Prayer- Bon Jovi 
• Don’t Stop Believing- The Journey 
• Pretty Women- Van Halen 

 
12:00-12:30pm- 90’s Music 
• My Heart Will Go On- Celine Dion 
• Turn The Beat Around- Gloria Estefan 
• Mmmmbop- Hanson 
• Hold On- Wilson Phillips 
• Barbie Girl- Aqua 
• Mambo #5- Lou Bega 
• Spice Up Your Life- Spice Girls 
• More Than Words-Extreme 
• Good Riddance- Green Day 
• Lighting Crashes- Live 
• I Would Do Anything For Love But I Won’t Do That- Meatloaf 
• Together Again- Janet Jackson 
• Livin La Vida Loca- Ricky Martin 

12:30-1:00am-Most Current Music• Current top 40 hits 

This method of “Rockin Through the Ages” and playing the most appropriate music at the most appropriate time will not only ensure that the dance floor will be bopping all night long, but the guest will be leaving your event feeling very happy (and exhausted)!!!!!