Polkas at the Reception?

JeaMarie

Hello Wisco Brides,

I have heard that it is very common for Wisconsin Weddings to play a few polkas at the wedding reception.  My family is very Polish.  I know my brother played two polkas at his reception.  My cousin actually hired someone to play the accordion for 30-45 minutes at her reception. My siblings and I felt that the polkas dragged on and got really boring at my cousin's wedding, but it was fun watching our mom and aunts dance to the polkas at my brothers.  I was planning on having 2-3 polkas during my reception.  My fiance, however, feels like most of the receptions he's been to played a significant amount of polkas.  He feels like his family will only dance if it is polkas, and they'll sit down or leave if it is other music.  I feel the opposite way. He wants to compromise at 5 polkas (though, still visibly disappointed at that number).  I am afraid that 5 polkas could be close to a half hour, and would be a repeat of my cousin's reception.

Any input? Are you playing polkas at your reception? How many? What have you noticed at other Wisconsin weddings?

Thanks,
Jeanie

stephaniefdl

I was planning on just having 2-3 at ours, just like you said, I want to include the polka dancers into my wedding & watch them have some fun too but unless I want to disappoint the 75% of my other guests,  would like a little more variety with other choices. I love polka'ing too but 2-3 willl be plenty.

itzMS

FWIW, I haven't been to a wedding in the metro Milwaukee area in the last 10 years that had polkas. It might be a different ratio in other areas of the state, though.

There's no harm in having your DJ play 2 or 3. Stick to the most common ones that everyone knows. Roll out the Barrell, In Heaven there is no beer, etc.

WiscDoll322

Many of the weddings I've been to in the Madison area and around the state have had a couple polka songs played. Two or three songs should be fine, and like the PP said, maybe stick to the more well-known ones.

We're having a DW in Florida, and since my FI is from the Stevens Point area, we're requesting two or three polka songs be played. Hope our DJ can accommodate and doesn't think we're strange!

StephJean83

If your FI wants 5, which does seem like a lot to me, maybe spread them out like slow songs. Play a polka, play some dance music, play some slow songs and repeat. Its been ages since I have attended a 'Wisconsin' wedding, the last one was more of a dance party for mid 20s vs a wedding reception. We will probably have a couple but like most music, we will space them out during the reception.

JeaMarie

Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I'll see what he thinks about maybe 3-4 spaced out. That seems like a reasonable compromise to me.

jentaberson

3-4 spaced out should be plenty. The reception should cater to all ages. Not just the old folks. Not just the young. by doing 3-4 throughout the event will ensure that people hear lots of variety. just beware that later in the evening around say 11pm the last thing you want is a DJ just starting to get to the modern pop/ hiphop and all of a sudden someone asks for a polka (for the 5 old people still there) and clears the place out.

 

[Deleted User]

polka is not polish, just saying ...

MeganLAnderson

My mother called me recently and told me we have to play some polkas so she and her friends can dance.  I never would have thought playing any but after she mentioned it, I do remember a few being played at most of the weddings I've been to (I feel like it's somewhat associated with UW-Madison sports).

I'll put some on the DJ's list to please her and hope he gauges crowd reaction when it comes to how many to play.  

JeaMarie

Oh, That is a great idea! The DJ should be able to judge that pretty well. Thanks!