The Levels & Approach to Weddings

Weddings come in many styles and approaches, and while it may seem overwhelming at first, this is an exciting time to bring your vision to life. It’s the perfect opportunity to let your personalities and unique style shine through. Below are some of the most common approaches and styles for weddings, each offering its own special touch. And remember, at any point during the planning process, the event specialists at Phil Phest Events are here to make things easier for you. We’re eager to help, reduce any stress, and ensure that everything flows smoothly.

The Levels

  • 1. Ceremony Prelude

    As guests begin to arrive and the anticipation builds before the ceremony, many couples choose to set the tone with elegant, instrumental music. Popular piano renditions of well-loved pop songs are a favorite choice, offering a familiar yet sophisticated atmosphere. Alternatively, string quartets or acoustic arrangements add a timeless, intimate touch, creating the perfect backdrop as everyone settles in for the big moment.

  • 2. Ceremony

    This intimate moment is the perfect opportunity to let your love story shine through music. Many couples choose meaningful songs that represent their relationship as they walk down the aisle. For the ceremony, you can select a song for each key moment—or as few as you’d like. Consider music for the couple's entrance, family members, the wedding party, and any other individuals walking down the aisle, creating a personal and memorable experience.

  • 3. Cocktail Hour

    This is an exciting moment as the ceremony wraps up and guests are ready to celebrate. Many couples opt for acoustic tunes, jazz, or, more commonly, those familiar almost danceable songs that everyone loves. This is the perfect time to enjoy them in a fresh, laid-back way, allowing the music to transcend generations and set the tone for the celebration ahead.

  • 4. Doors Open

    This is, in my opinion, the most exciting moment of the day. It's that brief window right after the cocktail hour, when guests move into the reception area and anticipation builds for the grand entrances and special dances. This typically lasts about 15 minutes, but it’s a crucial time that sets the tone for the rest of the wedding. It's the perfect opportunity to play those funky, vibey tracks that everyone loves.

  • 5. Traditions

    There are numerous wedding traditions to think about, and you can find some great ideas for your big day in the link below. Usually, each tradition—such as the grand entrances, special dances, and so on—has its own unique song that helps make each moment truly memorable.

  • 6. Dinner

    This is the perfect opportunity to play those slower, more meaningful songs that you truly love. It’s a moment to set a more intimate, emotional tone, giving your guests a chance to slow down and really connect with the atmosphere. Whether it's a romantic ballad or a soulful tune, these songs can help create a memorable, heartfelt vibe that enhances the significance of the moment.

  • 7. The Build Up

    This is typically the latter part of dinner, when the toasts are usually made, and then the dance floor opens up. Instead of starting the dance party abruptly, it’s always better to build a vibe first. The last 15 minutes of dinner is an ideal time to begin playing those key dance songs that are important to you—but songs that aren't peak dance floor vibes.

  • 8. The Reception

    There are many ways to approach a wedding reception, but the classic approach is always a timeless winner. That doesn’t mean the songs have to be the same every time. It’s always a great idea to kick off the dance floor with those classic hits that everyone knows and loves. The first 20-30 minutes is the perfect window for this, giving your older guests a chance to hit the dance floor and enjoy themselves. As the night progresses and guests gain a bit of liquid courage, we can then transition into more modern, fun tracks to keep the energy up.

  • 9. The Timeline & Flow

    The timeline and flow of your wedding play a key role in ensuring the day is both successful and enjoyable. A well-planned timeline helps maintain the energy and keeps everything moving in the right direction, preventing any lulls or dull moments. Your emcee will also play a crucial role in keeping your guests engaged and informed, building excitement throughout the event. At Phil Phest Events, we’ll work with you to create a timeline that aligns with your vision while also keeping the energy high and the celebration on track.

  • 10. Conclusion

    In conclusion, we understand that not every couple is a music expert, and that's perfectly okay! Don't stress—our DJs are highly skilled and experienced in all genres and styles of music. They’re not ego-driven and always work to cater to your preferences. Whether you have a specific playlist for each part of the evening or a "do not play" list, we’ll make sure to follow your wishes. That said, it's a good idea to keep your guests' musical tastes in mind as well. Ultimately, if the dance floor is a priority for you, remember that your guests will follow your lead. You are the stars of the day, and if you’re on the dance floor, your guests will be right there with you.

Curious what traditions to consider for your wedding? Click the link below!