Finally, your first dance as husband and wife. Whether you have taken dance lessons and are ready to put on a show or if you are just going to hold each other smile, the song that is playing should be a personal choice by the two of you. It’s important to find the perfect song for you, a song that speaks to you as a couple and fits the theme and mood of your wedding.

Photography by John Arcara Photography

When it comes to picking out the music for your wedding, there are a few major components that come into play to determine how many song requests you should supply for the DJ to pick from. Keep in mind these important ideas below submitted by PJ Windle of Essential Sounds Entertainment.

1. Allowing your guests to request songs will ultimately give a blend of both your music style and your guests. If you dislike some of the more common styles of music that would be played at a wedding, suggesting that the guests give requests is probably something you will not want the DJ to do.

2. If the music you enjoy is hard to find, more obscure, or alternative from the mainstream, you will want to provide your DJ with some guidance. Providing song titles, artists, etc. will allow the DJ to select similar music that falls in line with what you like.

3. How much of the standard wedding music do want to be played? We Are Family, Celebration and Respect are examples of these types of songs. They do tend to work to get a dance floor moving, but that doesn’t mean it will work to get YOUR dance floor moving, or you specifically. If you don’t enjoy those, it’s always good to offer some more depth into what you do like, so the DJ can feel confident that what they are going to play will ultimately get you moving, as well as your guests.

In the end, the amount of requests that you provide to your DJ is completely up to you. Each DJ is different with what they feel is appropriate. Keep in mind that if you supply your DJ with 120 requests, there is no possible way he/she can fit all of those songs into the night. A 4 hour wedding reception will provide you enough time for a total of 65-75 songs to be played. Cocktail Hour allows you another 15 or so songs to select, if you choose. PJ suggests prioritizing your play list and categorizing songs into groups, such as, “Cocktail Hour”, “Slow Songs” and “Dance Requests”. Highlighting the top songs you most definitely would like to hear will help your DJ plan out sets of music based off of your most preferred requests and also work in the remainder of the list as well as I am able to. Don’t forget your DJ will always use their best judgment from their years of experience.

To read the full story visit Essential Sounds Entertainment Blog.

Party Up Productions hit the beaches of Mexico for their first wedding of 2011. Party Up Productions transformed the already breathtaking view of the beach into a Meghan and Mike’s own oceanside night club. Guests were in awe of the entertainment provided by Emcee Eric and DJ Chris, including lightshows, a fireworks display and even a performance by “Michael Jackson” himself. Everyone partied til sunrise and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Wedding Location: Cancun, Mexico • Entertainment Details: Lighting (LED washed and Intelligent Lighting), DJ (Chris), Emcee (Eric) • Video: (AJ Ingoglia) • Photography: Frank Padrone

Meghan and Michael 3.26.11 Mexico from AJ Ingoglia on Vimeo.

Michael Jackson is alive in Cancun Mexico from AJ Ingoglia on Vimeo.

Adding lighting to your entertainment package can add to the ambiance to the grand ballroom and will set the tone for your wedding reception. From uplighting in your wedding colors to gobo lights of cut-out stencils that illuminate your monogram, names, wedding date, and/or even a specific pattern across the dance floor, your guest’s will be in awe.

Westmount Country Club, Photography by Milton Gil Photography

The Rockleigh, Photography by Abbey Creative Photography

Pines Manor, Photography by Marconi, The Art of Photography

The Venetian, Lighting by Magic Moments, LLC and Photography by Abella Studios

When it comes time to step out into the spotlight as your share your first dance as husband and wife, you want to be sure you select a song that reflects you as a couple. The song you choose should not only be meaningful but also shows your guests the love you have for each other. If you haven’t already, read the lyrics to the songs you are considering before you make a final decision. Here are some popular first dance songs and as you dance together as newlyweds.

Photography Credit: Milton Gil Photographers

Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat- Lucky
Elvis Presley- Can’t Help Falling in Love with You
Edwin McCain- I’ll Be
Shania Twain- From This Moment
Beyonce- At Last
Diana Ross and Lionel Richie- Endless Love
Andrea Bocelli- Vivo per Lei

Entertainment has come a long way since having to decide between just a band or a DJ. Now there are some more options to consider like having a belly dancer, an Elvis Impersonator, or even a living table to entertain your guests.

Photo by Denisimo Photography

Photo by Josh Lynn Photography

Have fun at your wedding reception and get involved. Don’t be afraid to jump on stage and play with the band!

Party Up Productions transformed Danny and Mia’s wedding reception from decadent to breathtaking with their precise lighting and decor techniques. The room had a complete makeover with pipe and draping, while the walls were washed with color changing LED lighting to create a soft and elegant lounge effect. Guest’s danced the night away while enjoying entertainment from Emcee Chris, DJ Jeremy, Percussionist Bopa King, and the other staff members of Party Up Productions. Guests were enthralled by the instant photography provided on plasma televisions that were wrapped around the room. Before anyone realized, the end of the night had come and left nothing but everlasting memories of a wonderful wedding.

Wedding date: November 12, 2010 • New York Wedding Reception: Smithtown Landing Country Club • Photographer: Christopher LaDez • Entertainment: Party Up Productions / Pipe & Draping, Lighting (LED washes and custom GOBO), Plasma televisions, Disc Jockey (Jeremy), Emcee (Christ), and Percussionist (Bopa King Carre).

Danny & Mia’s Wedding Video “Teaser”

Mia & Danny 11.12.10 from AJ Ingoglia on Vimeo.