@barnonnewriver Our dance floor comes alive! 🤩 Videographer: Carolina Wedding Films #TheBarnOnTheNewRiver #MemoriesInMotion ♬ original sound – barnonnewriver
At Barn on New River, we believe that the right music and entertainment can transform your special day into an unforgettable celebration. Let’s explore how to create the perfect atmosphere for your rustic barn wedding! ♡
Creating the Perfect Wedding Playlist
Your wedding playlist sets the tone for your entire celebration. Here’s how to make it truly special:
- Find your genre: Choose music that speaks to you as a couple. Whether you’re into classic 50s love songs, contemporary pop, country ballads, or indie rock, select a genre (or mix of genres) that reflects your personality and love story.
- Blend styles: Don’t be afraid to mix it up. A diverse playlist can appeal to all generations and keep the energy flowing throughout your event.
- Include timeless classics: Pepper in some universally loved songs that will get everyone from grandparents to younger cousins on the dance floor.
- Add local flavor: Consider incorporating some Appalachian folk or bluegrass to honor our mountain heritage and create a unique atmosphere.
- Consider your venue: Our barn’s acoustics are perfect for both live music and DJ setups. Think about how different styles of music will sound in our space.
Remember, we’re happy to recommend local artists across various genres who know how to make the most of our unique venue.
Your Wedding Day Music Timeline
Creating separate playlists for different parts of your day ensures the perfect ambiance from start to finish:
- Pre-ceremony: Set a relaxed mood with soft, ambient music as guests arrive and settle in. Think acoustic covers or gentle classical pieces.
- Ceremony: Choose special songs for key moments. Select a beautiful piece for the wedding party processional, a perfect soundtrack for the bride’s entrance, and an upbeat, celebratory tune for your recessional as a newly married couple.
- Cocktail hour: Keep things upbeat but not overpowering. Jazz standards, acoustic pop covers, or light classical music work well here.
- Dinner: Opt for mellow tunes that encourage conversation. Low-key jazz, soft rock, or instrumental versions of popular songs can create the right atmosphere.
- Dancing: This is where you amp up the energy! Start with songs that will get everyone on the dance floor, then mix in crowd-pleasers, your personal favorites, and any special dedications.
- Last dance: Choose a meaningful song to end the night on a high note.
Remember, transitions between these phases should be smooth to maintain the flow of your celebration.
Unique Wedding Entertainment Ideas
While music is a wedding staple, consider these entertainment ideas to make your day truly special:
- Live band with a twist: Hire a versatile band that can switch between genres, from country to pop to jazz, keeping all your guests entertained.
- Interactive music stations: Set up areas where guests can try out instruments or even contribute to a collaborative wedding song.
- Silent disco: Provide headphones with different music channels, allowing guests to dance to their preferred tunes without noise overlap.
- Musical guest book: Have guests record short musical messages or song dedications instead of a traditional guest book.
- Karaoke hour: Set up a karaoke station for the latter part of the reception for some hilarious memories.
- Roaming musicians: Hire acoustic performers to move among your guests during cocktail hour, taking requests and creating an intimate atmosphere.
- Dance lessons: Kick off your reception with a professional instructor teaching everyone a simple line dance or two-step.
- Musical trivia: Incorporate music-themed trivia into your reception games for added entertainment.
These activities not only entertain but also allow your guests to fully experience the charm of our riverside barn setting while celebrating your love of music.
Orchestrating Your Perfect Day
At Barn on New River, we believe that the right combination of music and entertainment creates a wedding day that’s as unique as your love story. From the first notes of your ceremony to the last dance of the night, let us help you craft an unforgettable celebration that harmonizes perfectly with our beautiful natural setting.
Your wedding is your chance to express yourselves through music and entertainment. Whether you’re rock ‘n’ roll rebels or country sweethearts, we’re here to help your wedding hit all the right notes. Let’s create a day that will have your guests singing your praises for years to come! ♡
Quiz: Discover Your Perfect Wedding Soundtrack
Ready to find the perfect musical style for your big day? Take our fun quiz to get inspired!
1. For your first dance, you and your partner would choose:
- a) A timeless classic like “At Last” by Etta James
- b) An upbeat pop hit like “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
- c) A romantic country ballad like “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts
- d) A soulful R&B track like “All of Me” by John Legend
2. As you walk down the aisle, you envision hearing:
- a) The traditional “Wedding March”
- b) An instrumental version of your favorite pop song
- c) A gentle acoustic guitar melody
- d) A string quartet playing a classical piece
3. During dinner, you’d like your guests to enjoy:
- a) Soft jazz standards
- b) Acoustic covers of contemporary hits
- c) Mellow country tunes
- d) Instrumental film scores
4. For the dance party, you want to kick things off with:
- a) “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
- b) “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
- c) “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band
- d) “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
5. As the night winds down, your last slow dance would be to:
- a) “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
- b) “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
- c) “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait
- d) “XO” by Beyoncé
6. For your grand exit, you’d love to hear:
- a) “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen
- b) “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors
- c) “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker
- d) “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder
Tally up your answers and see which letter you chose most often!
Mostly A’s:
Classic Elegance Your musical taste is timeless and sophisticated. Consider a playlist that blends classic love songs, Motown hits, and elegant jazz standards. Your wedding will have a touch of nostalgic charm that appeals to guests of all ages.
Mostly B’s:
Modern Pop Romance You’re all about the current hits and high energy. Create a playlist featuring chart-toppers, dance-worthy beats, and romantic contemporary ballads. Your reception will feel like the best party of the year!
Mostly C’s:
Rustic Country Charm Your hearts beat to a country rhythm. Mix classic country love songs with modern country hits and a dash of folk music. Your celebration will have that perfect barn wedding vibe, full of warmth and down-home fun.
Mostly D’s:
Eclectic Music Fusion You appreciate diversity in music. Craft a playlist that blends various genres, from R&B and soul to funk and indie hits. Your wedding will be a unique musical journey that keeps guests guessing what’s coming next.
Remember, the best wedding playlists often mix elements from different styles. Use this as inspiration and feel free to blend genres to create the perfect soundtrack for your special day at Barn on New River!