First, Band or DJ?

Band or DJ? The age-old question. Which do you go with? First, take a step back and look over your wedding budget. Is a 12-instrument band with 2 singers ideal for your event budget? Typically, DJs are the most cost-effective, but you’ll need to ask yourself a few additional questions before booking one. Do you want to have your evening feel like a night on the town or an intimate gathering? It comes down to what kind of atmosphere and mood you are looking to create at your charming outdoor wedding. Think back on all of the weddings you have been to; what sticks out the most? The music choice will set the tone for the entire Texas Hill Country wedding – hands down! We are not here to sway you one way or the other, but to help provide a few pros and cons in hopes to point you in the right direction. 

Band

Who doesn’t enjoy live music? If you score a hit band, live music will be sure to captivate your elegant celebration in a light that will shine throughout the evening. Bands do have a way of getting the crowd involved, and they tend to feel more personal. There is also something about a stage performance with live instruments coupled with the breathtaking vocals that a crowd just can’t resist! On the other hand, if you love the way a particular song sounds, the band could completely change your idea of the tune. You may find their rendition doesn’t match what you were envisioning.

DJ

If you’re leaning towards a DJ – more power to you! They usually are a bit more cost-effective, and they have a way of getting the party started! If you have an extensive list of songs you would like played, they should have no issues getting a variety of songs loaded. However, some DJ’s personalities may not be the best fit for your wedding and can cause a damper on the day. Another con to having a DJ versus a band is the tempo of the music. It makes it difficult for the DJ to easily adjust the song to stay on the beat during your first dance if you or your soon to be groom is a little behind the beat. 

While you mull over which option to go with, we thought we would share a few song options for each part of the celebration. You must select songs that will effortlessly flow throughout the evening and are appropriate for each event that occurs throughout the night. Let’s be honest, playing the “Wobble” when you announce for guest to start the dinner line, may not be the best choice.

First Dance Songs

You know the feeling you felt when you first fell in love with your partner, but do you remember that first song that you kept on replay when you were swooning about how much you adore him? The one that reminds you of how kind, loving, and special he is? Maybe you shared your first kiss with this tune playing in the background, or perhaps it is the song you first danced to under the Texas night sky. The Bride and Groom’s first dance song is a special moment that will be shared with your loved ones. The song you select will be deeply connected to your relationship and express the love, joy, and happiness you both are feeling. Here are a few trendy first dance songs:

  • “All of Me” – John Legend
  • “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
  • “It’s Your Love” – Tim McGraw
  • “Then” – Brad Paisley
  • “Blessed” – Thomas Rhett
  • “Nobody But You” – Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani

Father-Daughter Dance

Your father has watched you grow up and has given his blessing for your soon-to-be husband to take your hand in marriage. During the enchanting evening of your dream wedding at Gruene Estate, you and your father will share a loving moment on the dancefloor. A dance that symbolizes you will always be the baby girl that he loves and adores, but he knows you have a new chapter of life to embark on. We have provided a few tear-jerker selections that allow you and your old man to share a couple minutes together, laughing and crying as you spin around the dance floor.

  • “My Little Girl” – Tim McGraw
  • “My Wish” – Rascal Flatts
  • “When You Need Me” – Bruce Springsteen
  • “Stealing Cinderella” – Chuck Wicks
  • “Butterfly Kisses” – Bob Carlisle
  • “My Little Girl” – Tim McGraw

Boogie Songs

Of course, at any celebration, people want to DANCE! It is a nice switch up to the slow, intimate love songs when the time comes to BOOGIE!!! Keep in mind you are a classy Southern Bell, so you will want to select songs that are clean and fun for the whole party to enjoy! A few of our favorite staples are shared below. We hope these few songs help keep your guest on the dance floor all night long!

  • “Dance Monkey” – Tones and I
  • “Umbrella” – Rihanna
  • “Senorita” – Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabella
  • “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
  • “Welcome to New York” – Taylor Swift
  • “Don’t Stop Believin” – Journey
  • “Marry You” – Bruno Mars
  • “I Want it That Way” – Backstreet Boys
  • “Raise Your Glass” – P!nk

Dinner Songs

All of that grooving will work up an appetite for your guests. Once dinner is announced, you will want to provide songs that are a smooth transition. These subtle, yet upbeat songs will help with the transition of greetings to eating! They are calm enough to make any announcements and catchy and upbeat, so the energy stays alive as guests fill their plates…and bellies!

  • “Fly Me To The Moon” – Frank Sinatra
  • “All of Me” – John Legend
  • “So Good” – Zara Larsson
  • “Isn’t She Lovely” – Stevie Wonder
  • “Mirrors” – Justin Timberlake

Recessional Wedding Songs

The evening is coming to an end, and you and your hubby are ready to make your grand exit as newlyweds. To wrap up the evening, we recommend playing a couple of the songs below as you begin to make the “good-bye” rounds. While walking (or floating…because, you will probably be on cloud 9) to your exit, these songs will be sure to set the mood for your “Happily Ever After.”

  • “I Want Crazy” – Hunter Hayes
  • “Simple” – Florida Georgia Line
  • “Make it Sweet” – Old Dominion
  • “We Danced Away” – Deana Carter
  • “Cowboy Take Me Away” – Dixie Chicks
  • “For Ever and Ever, Amen”- Randy Travis

Whether you decide on a band or a DJ (or possibly a combination of both), your wedding will be PERFECT! After all, you are trusting some of the best in the business at Gruene Estate. Our specialists are available to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible for you on your special day. We hope these song suggestions throughout the evening are helpful in your planning process. Remember, have FUN, dance the night away and don’t forget to enjoy yourself!

Photos by In Your Eyes Photography