Planning for Event Planners

Wedding & Event Planning by Songs 2 Go DJ Service

We want to help you throw the best wedding reception you can imagine. Our planning process walks you steadily from the first conversation all the way to the last song, so you always understand what happens next, what to expect at every stage, and you get straightforward answers to questions you may not have thought to ask yet.

Professional DJ from Songs 2 Go DJ Service ready to entertain a wedding reception
Your Songs 2 Go DJ, ready for the celebration

Ahead of every event, we meet with each couple to get to know them and go through the planning worksheets together, laying the groundwork for an unforgettable evening of music and fun.

Planning Documents You Can Download

Download the PDFs below to get ready for your celebration. Every file is ready to save and review whenever it suits you.

The Songs To Go contract is a legally binding agreement that protects both the client and the vendor. As soon as your contract is signed and your deposit is received, your date is officially held on our calendar. You will find full details in the contract above.

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Reception Traditions We Help You Coordinate

The First Dance Tradition

The first dance tradition goes back to 17th-century Europe, when formal balls were popular and a guest of honor, often a member of the royal family, led the opening dance. Today it is a highlight of almost every wedding reception, marking the couple's first dance together as husband and wife. Whether you have rehearsed with lessons or would rather improvise, this moment is yours, and it is the one guests anticipate most, since it usually kicks off the dancing part of the evening.

The Shoe Game Activity

The Shoe Game is a reception favorite that traces back to The Newlywed Game, but here it is played live in front of your guests. After dinner, drinks, and a little dancing, two chairs are set back to back on the dance floor for the bride and groom. The couple takes off their shoes and trades one, so each person holds one of the bride's shoes and one of the groom's. The DJ or a chosen host then asks a series of 20 to 50 questions about the relationship, and after each one the couple lifts the shoe of the person they think is the best answer. The game shows how well the couple knows each other and brings plenty of laughs along the way.

The Anniversary Dance Tradition

Sometimes called the longevity dance, bouquet dance, or married couple dance, the anniversary dance keeps gaining popularity. It gives you an alternative to the bouquet or garter toss and puts every married couple on display while they share the dance floor with the newlyweds. The DJ or emcee asks all married couples to come out, then after a few minutes invites couples married 5 years or less to step aside, followed by those married 10, 20, 30 years, and so on. The bride and groom get to see for themselves which couple has been married the longest, often grandparents. The DJ leads a round of applause, asks how many years they have shared, and invites them to give the newlyweds some advice, since they have more experience than anyone in the room. The song usually plays to the end at low volume so couples can talk on the dance floor.

Strong slow songs for this moment include "Through the Years" by Kenny Rogers, "Remember When" by Alan Jackson, or newer picks such as "Like My Father" by Jax and "Growing Old with You" by Restless Road. Usually just two songs are used.

Event Planner FAQ

Which planning documents can I find on this page?
This page links to several downloadable PDFs, including the Songs To Go DJ contract, an event planner worksheet, a reception timeline, a reception worksheet, a videographer worksheet, and a wedding ceremony planner. These are the same worksheets mentioned in the planning process described above.
When should we meet ahead of the event?
The DJ meets with every couple before the event to get acquainted and go over the worksheets for a successful night of music and fun. Event planners can use that meeting to confirm the timeline and reception details.
What is the purpose of the contract and deposit?
The Songs To Go contract is a legally binding document that protects both the client and the vendor, and a signed contract plus the deposit locks your date into the calendar.
Which reception activities can the DJ help coordinate?
This page covers the First Dance, the Shoe Game, and the Anniversary (Longevity) Dance. For the Shoe Game, the DJ or a chosen person asks the questions; for the Anniversary Dance, the DJ or emcee invites married couples to the dance floor and handles the song selection.
How can event planners get ready for the reception timeline?
Planners can download the reception timeline and reception worksheet PDFs listed on this page and go over them with the couple before the pre-event meeting, so the schedule is clear from beginning to end.

Whether you are an event planner or a couple planning your own celebration, the worksheets and timeline PDFs on this page give you a clear path from the first meeting to the last dance. Review them with the couple ahead of the pre-event meeting so everyone arrives with the same expectations, and let the DJ handle the coordination of traditions like the first dance, Shoe Game, and anniversary dance.