Well I was supposed to give you a song of the week every week but I seem to have let that slip a little! Well I will try and keep this going from now on.

This weeks song is the new single from Pixie Lott called What Do You Take Me For? I am loving this track and it seems to work well on the dance floor….

I thought I would start a new weekly blog post with my song of the week. This is going to be something new, or at least newish, that is working well on wedding dance floors.

7th October 2011

This weeks song is Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera – Moves Like Jagger. This is one of the most requested songs at weddings at the moment and does not fail to get people dancing.

I have not posted a blog for a while so thought it was about time I did.

Now let’s start with a question? Have you really thought about the DJ at your wedding?

Did you spend a long time finding the perfect dress? Venue? Cake? I would of thought yes but so many people seem to not put the same effort into finding the best entertainment. For example many people just go with the DJ company the venue recommend but would you let your venue pick your wedding dress?

Your wedding DJ/Entertainment is going to be ending your wedding and it will be the last 5, 6 or 7 hours of your wedding day and the high, or low, that your guests will leave remembering. Most wedding poles of guests say the entertainment is the most memorable part of the wedding day ahead of the dress, venue and food!

Now you are most likely thinking “he would say that” but you only need to look on google for the amount of people that wish they spent more time looking for the best wedding entertainment.

Here are my top tips to choosing your wedding entertainment…

1. Shop around do not go with the venue suggestion with out a thought.
2. Make sure you get to request the music you want.
3. Arrange to meet your DJ before the wedding.
4. Find out who your DJ is if your using a venue agency. Having worked for agents in the past I know they will normally pick your DJ a week (or evening a day before) your wedding from anyone who is free. Do you really want your wedding day treated like this?
5. Discuss the set up you will be getting and how it can match your wedding theme etc.

Of course I am generalising and there are some good companies that supply venues and they are not all bad but you have to be careful if you just decide to go with what is included in the package or the venue push you into. Remember it is your wedding day and you should get what you want!

The other 2 major problems with some wedding DJ’s are the “one size fits all” approach or the “I will play what I want” DJ.

If you look at Disco’s back in the 80′s and 90′s they where huge with big light screens and metal truss over head and they would look out of place at any wedding. These DJ’s are still around and when you are paying out so much to make your wedding venue look the way you wanted the wedding disco should do it’s best to match the theme of your wedding. For example with LED Mood lighting, DJ booth and discreet set ups a DJ can actually ad to the look of your venue not take away from it.

The other problem I mentioned is the I will play my favourite tunes approach. This is totally wrong and you should not put up with it! These days we for example use an online music planner that allows you to pick the songs you do (and don’t) want. Now we do only suggest you pick up to about 40 songs, but this way we get a a feel of what you like and what will work best at your wedding. We still have the experience to read a crowd and play what will get people dancing but we can also make sure we have all your favourite songs. Your guests do not want to hear your wedding dj playing his latest dubstep tracks at your wedding.

To summarise make sure you find out all about your wedding DJ and make sure you know what you are getting for your money. Also remember just because they are the cheapest does not make them the best DJ for you and your wedding.

We have put together a list of the top songs we have been playing at wedding disco’s over the past few years. The list is a selection from across the years. Most of our clients find it very useful when building a wedding playlist using our online music request system.

We believe that your wedding DJ should play the music that you and your guests want.

You can download and view the list below…

best music

1. Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling
2. Abba – Dancing Queen
3. Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody
4. Lady GaGa – Poker Face
5. Michael Jackson – Billie Jean
6. Bee Gee’s – Stayin’ Alive
7. Rihanna – S&M
8. Weather Girls – It’s Raining Men
9. Roy Orbinson – Pretty Woman
10. Jackie Wilson – Your Love Keeps Lifting Me
11. Beyonce – Single Ladies
12. LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem
13. Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now
14. Beatles – Twist & Shout
15. Jackson 5 – I Want You Back
16. Village People – YMCA
17. Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl
18. Alexandra Stan – Mr Saxobeat
19. Wham – I’m Your Man
20. Take That – Relight My Fire
21. Taio Cruz – Dynamite
22. Stevie Wonder – Superstition
23. Robin S – Show Me Love
24. Michael Jackson – Thriller
25. Lady GaGa – Bad Romance
26. Madonna – Like A Virgin
27. Billy Ocean – Love Really Hurts Without You
28. Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
29. Cameo – Candy
30. Jessie J – Price Tag
31. Kings Of Leon – Sex On Fire
32. Kool & The Gang – Celebration
33. Luther Vandross – Never To Much
34. Shaggy – It Wasn’t Me
35. Nolans – I’m In The Mood For Dancing
36. Pitbull Featuring Ne-Yo – Give Me Everything Tonight
37. Roy Orbinson – Pretty Woman
38. Sister Sledge – We Are Family
39. Adele – Rolling In The Deep
40. Take That – Never Forget
41. Los Del Rio – Macarena
42. Pointer Sisters – I’m So Excited
43. Wynter Gordon – Dirty Talk
44. Shakira – Hips Don’t Lie
45. B52′s – Love Shack
46. The Real Thing – You To Me Are Everything
47. Tiffany – I Think We’re Alone Now
48. Spandau Ballet – Gold
49. Grease – The Megamix
50. Lionel Richie – Dancing On The Ceiling
51. Jermaine Stewart – We Don’t Have To
52. House Of Pain – Jump Around
53. Katy Perry – Last Friday Night
54. Killers – Mr Brightside
55. Human League – Don’t You Want Me
56. Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams
57. Flo Rida – Low
58. Frank Sinatra – New York, New York
59. Wham – Wake Me Up Before You Go Go
60. Abba – Waterloo
61. Black Box – Ride On Time
62. Jennifer Lopez – On The Floor
63. Chesney Hawkes – The One And Only
64. Mud – Tiger Feet
65. Mary Wells – My Guy
66. Jacksons – Blame It On The Boogie
67. Pussycat Dolls – Don’t Cha
68. Elvis Presley – The Wonder Of You
69. Dolly Parton – 9 to 5
70. Four Seasons – December 63 (Oh What A Night)
71. Candi Staton – Young Hearts Run Free
72. Los Lobos – La Bamba
73. N Trance – Set You Free
74. Bryan Adams – Summer Of 69
75. Tony Christie – Is This The Way To Amarillo
76. Madness – House Of Fun
77. Gap Band – Oops Upside Your Head
78. Faithless – Insomnia
79. Jessie J – Do It Like A Dude
80. Contours – Do You Love Me
81. Lady GaGa – Bad Romance
82. Beyonce – Crazy In Love
83. A-Ha – Take On Me
84. Scouting For Girls – She’s So Lovely
85. Robbie Williams – Rock DJ
86. Mavericks – Dance The Night Away
87. LuLu – Shout
88. Donna Summer – Hot Stuff
89. Chris Brown – Beautiful
90. Irene Cara – Flashdance
91. Oasis – Wonderwall
92. Sweet Female Attitude – Flowers
93. DeBarge – Rhythm Of The Night
94. Mark Ronson & Amy Winehouse – Valerie
95. Abba – Mamma Mia
96. Black Eyed Peas – My Humps
97. Lionel Richie – All Night Long
98. Foundations – Build Me Up Buttercup
99. Katrina & The Waves – Walking On Sunshine
100. Scissor Sisters – I Don’t Feel Like Dancing

The wedding processional is the “grand entrance” that every bride dreams about.

It is the first moment when most guests will see her for the first time and every head turns. All eyes will be on the bride as she makes her entrance.

Choosing the best wedding processional music can make the moment even more special for you as you walk down the aisle.

Usually couples will pick a slow, romantic and uplifting piece of music works well for the entrance of the bridesmaids and their very elegant bride. Although you might have a songs that is special to you.

The song should compliment the Bride & Groom’s tastes as every couple and their style of wedding is different.

Most hotels will play offer to play your song for that special and magical moment, but, is usually done on a high-fi at the back of the room and will be cut dead as soon as you reach your Groom!

1Entertainments can supply a sound system for your wedding and play all the music you require using our state of the art bose sound system. We will discuss with you what songs you would like playing and when, then when it comes to the day it’s self make sure each song is faded out at the correct moment and not just cut dead.

Some of our suggestions for this special moment include…

• Etta James – At Last
• Bryan Adams – Everything I Do
• DJ Sammy – Heaven (Candlelight mix)
• Luther Vandross – Here And Now
• Eva Cassidy – Songbird
• Westlife – You Raise Me Up
• Goo Goo Dolls – Iris
• Israel Kamakawiow’ole – Somewhere Over The Rainbow
• Take That – Greatest Day
• Luther Vandross – So Amazing
• Westlife – Flying Without Wings
• Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
• Shania Twain – From This Moment
• Sade – By Your Side
• Minnie Riperton – Lovin’ You
• Gladys Knight – For Once In My Life
• George Michael – You And I
• Gary Barlow – Forever Love
• Adele – Make You Feel My Love

More about the Wedding Processional

The song has not always been about showing off the bride as she comes down the aisle.  In the past families would process through town from their homes.

Music wasn’t always used although local musicians would sometimes follow the families.  The bridesmaids would even dress the same as the bride to confuse evil spirits so they wouldn’t curse the bride!

In medieval times and later, processionals became more formal in wealthy and royal homes, where arranged marriages were normal.  But these processionals were more about showing off the wealth and power of the families than the beauty of the bride.

Both bride and groom wore expensive fabrics and as many jewels as they could and the processional was meant to impress and everyone with how important and rich the bride and groom were.

It wasn’t until the Victorian era that the processional began to focus on the bride as the “star of the show” and bridesmaids began to dress in gowns that were pretty but more subdued than the one the bride wore.

Make Your Wedding Processional Music Unforgettable

The most recognized wedding processional song in the world is Wagner’s Lohengrin. Most people simply call itHere Comes the Bride. At many weddings, a particular piece of music is played as the bridesmaids walk down the aisle that is a favorite of the bride and groom.  Then, just before the bride begins to walk down the aisle, the first notes of Lohengrin are begun.  Of course, you can choose any music you want, but it is traditional to choose different music for the bride than was played for the bridesmaids.  After all, this is your day to shine!

There is nothing like the entrance of the bride – at most ceremonies, the congregation will stand and turn in unison out of respect for her and remain standing while she walks down the aisle.  It is a beautiful tradition and one you will always remember as a bride.  Choose a piece of music that is just as lovely as this moment!

There are lots of ways to make your processional music unforgettable.  You don’t have to stick with traditional organ or piano music.  Do you know someone who is talented playing an instrument that you would like to have play the processional?  Is there a university nearby with a music department?

You can find wonderful string quartets, harpists and other performers through music schools.  For songs such as the Trumpet Voluntary, finding a few trumpet or coronet players can make the processional magical.

Above all, choose music that you find uplifting and beautiful.  If it makes you feel like floating down the aisle into your groom’s arms, you’ve made the right choice

Over the last 15 years we have been asked for many songs. Below is a list of the most popular requests we have been given at wedding disco’s and parties….

• A – Ha – Take On Me
• Abba – Dancing Queen
• Abba – Waterloo
• Amen Corner – Bend Me Shape Me
• Aretha Franklin – Respect
• Arrow – Hot Hot Hot
• B52′s – Love Shack
• Baby D – Let Me Be Your Fantasy
• Barry White – My First, My Last, My Everything
• Beatles – Twist &  Shout
• Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive
• Beyonce – Single Ladies
• Beyonce – Crazy In Love
• Bill Hayley – Rock Around The Clock
• Billy Joel – Uptown Girl
• Billy Ocean – Love Really Hurts
• Black Box – Ride On Time
• Black Eyed Peas – My Humps
• Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling
• Blues Brothers – Everybody Needs S0mebody
• Bob Marley – Could You Be Loved
• Bob Sinclair – Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now)
• Bobby Brown – Two Can Play At That Game
• Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
• Bryan Adams – Summer Of 69
• Candi Staton – Young Hearts Run Free
• Ce Ce Peniston – Finally
• Cher – Believe
• Chesney Hawkes – One And Only
• Chic – Good Times
• Chris Montez – Let’s Dance
• Chubby Checker – Let’s Twist Again
• Contours – Do You Love Me
• Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
• David Guetta Feat. Akon – Sexy Chick
• Dexy’s Midnight Runners – Come On Eileen
• Diana Ross – Chain Reaction
• DJ Casper – The Cha Cha Slide
• Dolly Parton – 9 to 5
• Elvis Presley – Hound Dog
• Faithless – Insomnia
• Five – Keep On Moving
• Flo Rida – Low
• Foundations – Build Me Up Buttercup
• Four Seasons – December 63
• Frank Sinatra – New York, New York
• Gap Band – Oops Upside Your Head
• Girls Aloud – Love Machine
• Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive
• Guns’N'Roses – Sweet Child Of Mine
• Hot Chocolate – You Sexy Thing
• House Of Pain – Jump Around
• Jackie Wilson – Your Love Keeps Lifting Me
• Jackson 5 – I Want You Back
• Jackson 5 – Blame It On The Boogie
• James Brown – I Got You
• Jocelyn Brown – Somebody Else’s Guy
• John Travolta & Olivia Newton John – The Grease Megamix
• Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’
• Katrina & The Waves – Walking On Sunshine
• Katy Perry – California Girls
• Killers – Mr Brightside
• Kings Of Leon – Sex On Fire
• Kool & The Gang – Celebration
• Lady GaGa – Poker Face
• Lionel Richie – Dancing On The Ceiling
• Livin’Joy – Dreamer
• LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem
• Los Del Rio – Macarena
• Los Lobos – La Bamba
• Lou Bega – Mambo No. 5
• Lulu – Shout
• Luther Vandross – Never To Much
• Madness – House Of Fun
• Madonna – Like A Virgin
• Madonna – Into The Groove
• Mark Morrison – Return Of The Mack
• Mark Ronson Feat. Amy Winehouse  - Valerie
• Mavericks – Dance The Night Away
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean
• Michael Jackson – Thriller
• Monkees – I’m A Believer
• Nolans – I’m In The Mood For Dancing
• Pointer Sisters – Jump
• Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now
• Real Thing – You To Me Are Everything
• Ricky Martin – Livin La Vida Loca
• Rihanna – S&M
• Robbie Williams – Rock DJ
• Robin S – Show Me Love
• Rolling Stones – Satisfaction
• Roy Orbinson – Pretty Woman
• S Club 7 – Reach
• Salt & Peppa – Push It
• Scissor Sisters – I Don’t Feel Like Dancing
• Shania Twain – Man I Feel Like A Woman
• Sister Sledge – We Are Family
• Snap – Rhythm Is A Dancer
• Spandau Ballet – Gold
• Stevie Wonder – Superstition
• Supremes – You Can’t Hurry Love
• Take That – Relight My Fire
• Tiffany – I Think We’re Alone Now
• Tina Turner – The Best
• Toploader – Dancing In The Moonlight
• UB40 – Red Red Wine
• Usher – Yeah
• Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl
• Village People – YMCA
• Weather Girls – It’s Raining Men
• Wham – I’m Your Man
• Wham – Wake Me Up Before You Go Go
• Whigfield – Saturday Night
• Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody

We supplied a wedding disco at The Manor Of Groves hotel in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire for Claire and Matthew and this is what they sent today…..

It was a great wedding and the venue was fantastic.

It’s the one song that most couples stress about the picking and the dancing to. The words have to be perfect! This is the first song you will dance to as Husband and Wife.

Here are some of the more popular choices from the last 12 months…..

1. Take That – Rule The World

2. Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars

3. Lonestar – Amazed

4. K-Ci & Jo Jo – All My Life

5. Adele – Make You Feel My Love

6. Goo Goo Dolls – Iris

7. Shania Twain – From This Moment

8. Etta James – At Last

9. Michael Buble – Everything

10. Van Morrison – Have I Told You Lately