Shaking my tailfeather at a reception is one of the highlights of attending any wedding. While on the surface I enjoy getting my two-step on, I think we can all agree certain tunes bring us pure joy. The universal language in all of her genres  instantly transport us back to our middle school crush, a sweet first kiss or a warm memory with a deceased loved one. Music and her first cousin dance are essential to a fun-filled and memorable wedding reception and helps us celebrate a special union all while creating new memories that we will later reminisce about in years to come. (Why does everyone have a relative who likes to visit the open bar way too much, flirt with all the young, single guests and never knows when to stop doing the cha cha slide?)

I reached out to veteran DJ and owner of One Sound and Entertainment Mark Adams aka DJ Battle Heavyweight, to give us the 411 on ensuring your wedding reception music is the bomb. Now residing in ATL, the New York native shares his expert knowledge with Triple B on ways to get the wedding after-party started!

Three Surefire Songs to Get Guests (of all ages) Out Their Seats
The Cupid Shuffle by Cupid
Before I Let Go by Frankie Beverly and Maze
Set It Off by Strafe

Most Requested Songs For
Couple’s first dance: Here and Now by Luther Vandross
Mother-son dance:  Songs for Mama by Boyz 2 Men
Father-daughter dance: My Girl- The Temptations

Three Questions Every Couple Booking a DJ Should Ask Before Signing on the Dotted Line
Do you have backup equipment?
How early will you arrive to the reception venue?
Do you require a meal?

Band versus DJ
Battle explains that bands can be quite expensive and come with a lot of liabilities. (If you’re still hoping for the sounds of a live band in addition to a standard DJ, consider using a band solely for your cocktail hour as the Dujons did for their classy yet fun reception.)

Beyond the Music
In addition to the actual music, we can provide ceremony sound rental up lighting, GOBO lighting, video montages, streaming video and custom CD wedding favors.

On Destination Weddings
Although I’m based in Atlanta, I am willing to travel for destination affairs. I have done weddings in St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and  St. Lucia. I’m currently  booked for 3 more destination weddings later this summer.

Click here for more info on One Sound and Entertainment.

Tomorrow I’m attending a cousin’s wedding…so excited! I’m looking forward to hearing some old-school hip-hop and R&B tunes at the reception. What are your fave wedding reception songs?