Unique Songs To Make Your Wedding Uniquely Yours

One of the most unique Ceremony Settings

You want your wedding to be unique - a reflection of you and the love you share. You found the perfect dress, flower arrangements that fit your style, even the perfect menu! So why settle for using songs you have heard at someone else's wedding?

Music - more than anything - is a reflection of your love. So for your walk down the aisle, first dance, etc choose something that truly expresses your feelings.  In doing so, you do not have to settle for the same ol' same ol'

Here are some suggestions of songs not commonly used ( but should be!)
Of course - these songs could be used for any part of your wedding

PROCESSIONAL

Walk With You - Edwin McCain
Turn Around (Look At Me) - The Vogues



I Choose You - Sara Bareilles
Forever is as Far as I'll Go - Alabama
Let's Get Married - The Proclaimers
Never Felt This Way - Alicia Keys
This Is It - Michael Jackson

RECESSIONAL

Now and Forever - Anne Murray
Never Gonna Give You Up - Rick Astley
What A Beautiful Day - Chris Cagle
Forever - Chris Brown
I Feel Good - James Brown
Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & the Waves
  (at one time super popular for Recessional but not used as much today)
The Best is Yet to Come -- Frank Sinatra




Also - For Processional and Recessional - Don't forget Movie Themes! - Mission Impossible, Rocky, Star Wars  all make great statement songs!

FIRST DANCE

Come Rain or Shine (Don Henley has a great verison)
Your Man – Josh Turner
This I Promise You – NSYNC
Baby It's You - The Shirelles
You Make Me So Very Happy - Chicago
Always and Forever - Heatwaves
  (although Luther Vandross does a great verison too)
My First, My Last, My Everything - Barry White
  (Great one - especially if you have great dance moves!)

FATHER AND BRIDE

Dance With My Daughter - Jason Blaine
Dance Baby Dance - Chris Cagle
Daddy - Abby Anderson


Diamonds and Daughters - Aaron Watson (one you really must hear!)
Rope the Moon – John Michael Montgomery
Three Little Birds - Bob Marley
They Can't Take That Away from Me - Frank Sinatra

GROOM AND MOTHER

The Baby - Blake Shelton (Perfect if Groom is the Baby of the family)
One Love - Bob Marley
There You'll Be - Faith Hill
Memories - Elvis Presley
Do I Make You Proud - Taylor Hicks (Bring plenty of Tissues)




Also - Be sure to check out T. Carter Music  - With songs like "This Ring"  "Daddy's Angel" and "A Mother's Song" - True gems that would make your wedding Unique.






Feel free to comment with you favorites - would love to hear them!

Susan Giles - 2 Wolves DJ Service - Fort Payne, AL

DIY - I can DJ my own Wedding ... Really?

Planning to try to DJ your own wedding via an ipod or internet service like Spotify?  One word - DON'T.  
No, not just because we are a DJ Service, there are so many reasons why hiring a Professional Wedding DJ is smarter and worth the money.


When you choose to try to DJ your own wedding, there are things you must plan for.
1. You will need a way to plug into speaker system - some venues do provide this, at a fee.
2. You will have to pick out enough music to fill the whole evening - plus arrange it in a reasonable playlist consistent with the flow of the event.
3. You will need someone constantly monitoring the setup - to keep your friends from saying "I hate this song" and hitting skip or adding songs that they want to hear (have seen fights erupt over this)
4. You will need someone do all the announcements - announce you into the room, first dance, etc - which you will also need a microphone for (unless you have a really loud friend).
5.  If using a streaming service - you will need a backup plan for if the connection gets dropped or internet goes out.
6. You also must be ready for your friends to bug you throughout the night about what song they want to hear next.

A professional DJ Service takes the hassle out of the music part of your day.  With a DJ you will:
1. Have a complete sound system setup
2. Have Dance Floor and/or Up Lighting to enhance the atmosphere
3. You still will be able to compile a list of songs you want, but with a DJ you will not have to find 4 plus hours worth
4.  The DJ will handle all announcements - from Grand Entrance to Bouquet Toss and Last Dance.
5. DJs have a vast library of music on their computers  - and can do requests from your guests -- and can also screen those requests, so a song that is not appropriate at a wedding does not get played.
6. You are Guaranteed to have the best background music for dinner - and have the switch to Dance music perfectly at the appropriate time.
7. A DJ keeps your guests happy - they read the crowd, and will pick the songs to keep them having a good time.
8. A DJ will also serve as Day Of Event Coordinator - keep you on track of time and make sure all know that you are cutting the cake, Having your First dance etc ..
(if your DJ does not offer that - find one who does)

In short - a Professional DJ is well worth the money - they not only provide the music, but they work tirelessly in keeping your guests happy, the evening flowing,  allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day.

Bottom line is - No one ever says they had a blast at a Wedding because the flowers were beautiful, the photographer took many pictures, or even the the food was good .... it is the DJ that makes it fun.

Wedding Band or Wedding DJ? Which is a better choice?

As a DJ we often hear from Brides saying "We are trying to decide between having a band at the wedding or a DJ" Outside of the fact both provide music, there is a vast difference in the two.
When planning a wedding you are faced with alot of decisions, and one of the most important ones being entertainment.  Bands do offer a cool 'live music' effect, but there are several reasons why a DJ would be a stronger choice.
With the exception of a few strictly "Wedding Bands" - DJs not only bring the music, but so much more to the table.

DJs offer:

Lighting - we offer both dance floor lighting and Up Lighting to set the mood and enhance the setting.

Music - Bands are limited by what they know... and often have their own 'style' of doing each song.  A DJ travels with a vast library of music, allowing a more expansive selection across every genre, allowing your guests freedom in requesting songs as well as you having freedom to have - for example - Jazz or classical at Dinner and great dance songs for the reception.  Also, the songs are the originals - done by the artist the way you and your guests know them to be.

MC - Many bands (and some DJs) can be weak at MCing a wedding and keeping the evening flowing smoothly.  A good wedding DJ offers Full Mcing and "Day Of Coordination"  of the evening, from Grand Intro to Final Dance.  They will keep up with your timeline and while being flexible, will make sure all the Highlights of your Wedding are covered.

Ceremony Music - If you want your choice of entertainment to cover the ceremony as well, a DJ is the Stronger choice.  They again, offer a wider range of songs and a good Wedding DJ is a true asset during the Ceremony.  With helping co-ordinating the Bridal Party for the walk down the Aisle, and offering Lapel Microphone for your officiant , we bring more to the table than most.

Cost - Yes, even DJs can be expensive, but unless you are just hiring in one of your local bands, a Professional Wedding Band will tend to be a lot more than a Professional Wedding DJ.

We have a number of packages to fit any budget while not sacrificing quality and allowing you to have true professional entertainment for your big day.  Please feel free to visit our section on our packages : http://www.2wolves.com/affordable-dj-packages

Again - this is one of the most important factors of a great wedding - we want you to be confident that you have the one best suited for you.  Be to compare what a Band versus a DJ brings to the table and make the best selection for your needs.

By: Susan Giles - DJ - MC - Customer Relations for 2 Wolves DJ Service - Fort Payne, AL

Allowing Guests to Request Music Without Worry - Let The DJ Handle It

At any party, be it a wedding reception, prom, birthday or company event, your main concern is for everyone to have a good time.  When it comes to the music, one way is to allow the DJ to take requests.

  But, is that always a good idea?

Lets see.....
1. If you allow requests - you will not have to worry about selecting many songs, nor will you have to worry about the DJ playing some obscure dub-step version of something you never heard of.
BUT - your guests just may request a strange song you never heard of.

2. If you allow requests - there is a chance your guests will ask for songs you totally forgot about and love.
BUT - they may ask for songs you totally hate.

3. If you allow requests- you friends may request songs that bring back some great memories
BUT - they may be memories you don't want.

4. If you allow requests - it insures everyone gets a chance to hear their favorite song
BUT - their favorite song maybe too vulgar, a break-up song (Big no-no at weddings), or something no one can dance to.

How can you allow Requests and avoid such issues?

1. Start with a Must Play List - submit a list of at least 10 - 20 songs to your DJ that he/she Must Play.
2. Add in another 10-20 songs that you would like to hear if possible.
3. Go over with your DJ what you envision the event to be like.  Fun, with alot of fast songs,..... romantic, with mostly slower songs, .... or a nice balanced mix ( recommended )  Be sure to let your DJ know if you like Country , Pop, Hip Hop, etc
4. Have a Do Not Play List - If you will gag if you hear Bieber's "Baby, Baby" or the "Chicken Dance" ... be sure to add to this list.
5. Ask you DJ how they handle requests.  Do they have 'clean' versions of the songs?  How do they handle those 'non dance-able' song requests?  Request from children? etc
6. Set an age limit - Kids can take over a wedding or family gathering with requests. Setting an age limit can help prevent that - or a limit to number of requests.

One way to keep requests to a minimum is to keep in mind your guests when selecting songs.  Include songs you know Grandma will love as well as the younger crowd.
We have a list of tips on How to Select Music here : Tips on Choosing Music for Wedding Reception 
Good tips for any event.

A good DJ can help you find the right balance of music you want to hear and requests from your guests.  Be sure to discuss requests and how they handle them before hiring.

By: Susan Giles - 2 Wolves DJ Service - Fort Payne, AL
www.2wolves.com

Add a Halloween Flair to your Autumn Wedding

Fall weddings are becoming extremely popular, with the cooler weather, the changing of the leaves it makes for a comfortable, colorful time for any ceremony.  And if you have it close the Halloween - that just adds to the fun!

Now borrowing ideas from Halloween need not to be childish or goulish.  Using a pale orange and rich black for your color scheme adds the holiday theme without looking tacky.  Other ideas would be:

Pumpkins

Pumpkin at Sweet Seasons Farm Wedding

An arrangement of Pumpkins and gourds make a colorful setting at a wedding.

Pumpkin wedding centerpiece

Another example of how using a Pumpkin added and elegant touch to a Country "Halloween" Wedding

Gourd Vase

Use painted gourds for Vases 

Leaves and Fall Flowers

   

I know you're saying - I get all that about the decor - but how else can I make it special?

Sweet Favors:  

How about a Smores Bar - where guests can make their own Smores? 

Instead of the usual 'favors' - set up a candy bar - with candy corn, M&Ms, mini candy bars, even bubble gum.  Whatever candies you like ( you can't go wrong here! ) Have little "Treat Bags" the guests can fill.  

Give Candy Carmel Apples for favors - they have some nice 'gourmet' varieties your guests will love!

Now - of Course - The Music

In addition to the "usual" Wedding faire - have your DJ spin some more "spooky" tunes:

1. Thriller - Michael Jackson
2. Spooky - The Zombies
3. Werewolf of London -Warren Zevon
4. Monster - Lady Gaga
5. Monster Mash - Bobby Pickett
6. Timewarp - Rocky Horror Picture Show ( any song from this Classic!)
7. Season of the Witch - Donovan
8. Superstition - Stevie Wonder
9. Jump In The Line - Harry Belefonte ( From BeetleJuice ( Shake Senora) )
10. I Put a Spell on You - Screaming Jay Hawkins

Having the DJ all in Black would add to the fun - as would a black light or Hazer.  You could even make it a costume party - With you - of course being the Bride and Groom!

The trick is - make the day uniquely yours - after all - it is YOUR wedding - Celebrate!

Author: Susan Leak - DJ - 2 Wolves DJ Service, Fort Payne, Alabama 

Father and Bride - Mother and Groom Dances Stir emotions

Father - Bride Dance

Yes, The First dance by the newly married couple is an emotional part of any wedding reception.  But nothing brings on the tears as much as the Father - Daughter and Mother - Son Dances.  Making sure this part of the reception goes smoothly and choosing the 'perfect' song for these dances can be a daunting task.



These Dances can be orchestrated many ways.  If you want to be slightly different than the standard some suggestions are:

• Half way through song - have DJ invite other Father/Daughters - Mother and Sons to join you on floor
• If Mother or Father is no longer with you - have dance with sibling, grandparent, Step parent,  or you new in law ( father - in -law or mother - in - law) or anyone that played a significant role in your life.
• use only one song  for both - you can even start off with Father and Daughter then have DJ invite Groom and Mother to join you

Mother and Groom Dance

Songs can be one you feel reflective of your childhood, the parents favorite, or one that expresses your feelings.    Some of the most popular are:

Father - Daughter Dances

My Little Girl                               Tim Graw
My Wish                                     Rascal Flatts
Somewhere Over The Rainbow Israel Kamakawiw'ole
You Raise Me Up          Josh Gorban
Wind Beneath My Wings             Bette Midler
I loved Her First                             Heartland              
Daddy's Little Girl                         Michael Buble
Cinderella                                    Steve Chapman
Butterfly Kisses                             Bob Carlisle
Daughters                                    John Mayer
Everthing I Do                   Bryan Adams
There You'll Be                            Faith Hill
The Way You Look Tonight          Steve Tyrell
You are so Beautiful                      Joe Cocker

Mother - Son Dances

A Song For Mama Boys II Men (Long)
Hero                                    Miriah Carey
I Hope You Dance Lee Ann Womack
Have I Told You Lately Rod Stewart
If There Hadn't Been You Billy Dean
The Rose                              Bette Midler
Through The Years Kenny Rodgers
Wind Beneath My Wings Bette Midler
What a Wonderful World Louis Armstrong
Then They Do                     Trace Adkins
Simple Man                         Lyndryd Skynyrd
Stand By Me                      Ben E King
Mama's Song                      Carrie Underwood
You & Me Against The World Anne Murray

Be sure to take into consideration the length of the song , for some songs are long.  Ask the DJ to fade out after first chorus or after so long into the song is not unusual , and many will be happy to adjust the song for you.

What other songs are your favorite for These special Dances?  Feel free to leave comments.

By:  2Wolves DJ Service, Fort Payne, AL

Wedding Grand Entrance - songs to make it special

Dan and Robyn Butler 

"INTRODUCING MR and MRS ..... "

Yay! The wedding is over, you have said your "I Do's" and it is time for the party.  Receptions are the fun part where you can kick off your shoes and enjoy the first moments of your married life, celebrating with your family and friends.  Most like to enter the room to a bit of fanfare, making The Grand Entrance as it is called.  But how? and to what song?

We have done many different Grand Entrances, from a trumpet fanfare for a bride and groom who waved to the crowd from a balcony - Royalty style, to a couple who bopped into their candy themed reception to the song "I Love Candy".  The entrance can and should be a reflection of the couples likes and personalities.

To give you some ideas, here is a list of some of the more popular songs we have used:



Got to Get You Into My Life                                           Earth, Wind & Fire
Enter Sandman                                                                Metallica
 This Will Be (An Ever Lasting Love)                               Natalie Cole
Power Of Love                                                               Huey Lewis
You're my first, My last, My Everything                           Barry White
Signed,Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours                               Stevie Wonder
I Wanna Grow Old With You                                        Adam Sandler
The Best is Yet to Come                                                Michael Buble
Lost in this Moment                                                       Big & Rich
My Wish                                                                       Rascal Flatts
Marry Me                                                                     Train
Only Time                                                                      Enya
DJ's Got Us Fallin In Love                                             Usher
Crazy In Love                                                               Beyonce
Stuck Like Glue                                                            Sugarland
Walking on Sunshine                                                     Katrina & the Waves
Chapel Of Love                                                            Dixie Cups
I Gotta Feeling                                                             Black Eye Peas
Finally                                                                          Ce Ce Peniston


Some prefer to have a separate song for the wedding party to make their 'Grand Entrance' to.  Here are some suggestions (which also can work well for Bride and Groom)


I Gotta Feeling                                                    Black Eyed Peas
Celebration                                                         Kool & The Gang
Another One Bites The Dust                               Queen
Walking on Sunshine                                           Katrina and the Waves
Friends In Low Places                                        Garth Brooks
We are Family                                                    Sister Sledge
Wobble                                                              V.I.C.
Party Rock Anthem                                            LMFAO
Raise Your Glass                                                Pink
Rocky Theme Song
Stuck Like Glue                                                Sugarland
Walking on Sunshine                                         Katrina and the Wave
Time (Dirty Bit)                                                 Black Eyed Peas
Eye Of The Tiger                                              Survivor
Walk This Way                                                Aerosmith -(alone or with Run DMC)
Crazy Train                                                      Ozzy Osborne
L-O-V-E                                                         Nat King Cole
Let's Get Loud                                                 Jennifer Lopez
Good Time                                                       Alan Jackson


What is YOUR Grand Entrance song?? What was the most memorable Grand Entrance you have seen?

Visit www.2wolves.com for more information on 2Wolves DJ Service of Alabama

Theme Party - American Pride

Chambers Wedding - Lebanon Courthouse

Many of you who are not going to their towns Fourth of July Celebration are having a BBQ or some other form of party at your home.  In addition to the standard hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, and some ice cold drinks,  playing horseshoes or lawn darts, you will probably have some music going.  Why not make it something that says you are celebrating the birth of our nation?  Fly the flag. decorate everything in the Red, White, and Blue, have veterans tell their stories to the kids, and of course play some of the best patriotic tunes.

I have some favorites I plan on playing, and you may enjoy this list as well. In no particular order, here is my top ten, with links to the lyrics.  Have some fun,(the kids will love this), print out the lyrics, play the tunes and have a patriotic sing a-long! It is guaranteed to make you once again, Proud to be an American.

Great Songs For The Fourth

1. "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue"- Toby Keith - Lyrics (Also know as the "Angry American")
2. "American Soldier" - Toby Kieth - Lyrics
3. "God Bless The USA" - Lee Greenwood - Lyrics
4. "This Ain't No Rag, It's A Flag" - Charlie Daniels - Lyrics
5. "In America" - Charlie Daniels - Lyrics
6. "Some Gave All" - Billy Ray Cyrus - Lyrics
7. " I Just Came Back For A War" - Darryl Worley/Wynn Varble - Lyrics
8. " Born In The USA" - Bruce Springsteen - Lyrics
9. "8th of November" - Big and Rich - Lyrics
(And of course for all us Alabamians:)
10. "Sweet Home Alabama" - Lynyrd Skynryd - Lyrics

Make this Fourth one of pride in your country by playing songs that clearly reflect on things that have made America great.  God Bless The USA.

And for some cool new songs to show your pride in America Check out my list of "Patriotic Songs" on my You tube channel : Patriotic Songs

Pictures are of the decor from Airman Chambers wedding - July 9 - Lebanon Court House in Fort Payne, Alabama

Theme Party - Decades Dance

Students of NEACC Doing YMCA

There are many ways to make a party fun, and one way is with a 'Theme".  A few years back, the 2Wolves DJ-ed a "Decades Dance" at Northeast Alabama Community College.  Everyone came in dressed in the fashions of their favorite decade, the decor was done with a 50s/60s flair.  The music was from the 60s- 70s- 80s- 90s.
Here is the list of some of the songs:

DECADES DANCE

The 60s
Steppenwolf Born To Be Wild
The Twist
Are You Lonesome Tonight
When a Man Loves a Woman
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
I Can't Get No Satisfaction
I'm a Believer
Unchained melody
I Want to Hold Your Hand
I Get Around
Wild Thing
Medley- Aquarius - Let The Sunshine In

The 70's
Let It Be
Dancing Queen
How Can You Mend a Broken Heart
Y.m.c.a.
Best of My Love
The Loco-Motion
Long Cool Woman
Play That Funky Music White Boy
Bridge over Troubled Water
Stayin' Alive

The 80's
Love Shack
I Love Rock And Roll
All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down)
Mountain Music
Footloose
Billie Jean
Wind Beneath My Wings
Groovy Kind Of Love
Celebration
The Power of Love
What a Feeling
I Fell in Love Again Last Night
Super Freak
You're The One That I Want
Born In The USA
Little Red Corvette

The 90s
Candle In The Wind
(Everything I Do) I Do It for You
I'm Your Angel
Macarena
Boot Scootin' Boogie
I Will Always Love You
Cha-Cha Slide
Elictric Boogie ( Electric Slide)
Something to Talk About
I'll Stand By You
TubThumping
Livin La Vida Loca
I Dont Want To Miss A Thing

What is your favorite 'Theme' for a party?  What inspired your choice of the Theme?