Having a swing dance reception...need other songs too!

LindyLou2012

I LOVE to swing dance, and so does most of "my side" of the guests. We go out swing dancing every week and we always have a great time. One of my friends is our DJ, primarily in swing music. I've heard him lots of times and he's fantastic. I know he'll be a great DJ at our wedding.

However, I know that not everybody (especially groom's side) knows how to swing dance, and I want to try and find some "regular" (non-swing) songs that people can dance to and still have fun. I don't really care for 80's music.

Suggestions anyone?

The artists I have so far are Frank Sinatra, Bruno Mars ("Just the way you are"), Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Etta James, Dean Martin, Michael Buble...I'm just trying to think of other artists/songs that I can include that will still allow the music to flow throughout the night. I don't want it to seem choppy...going from genre to genre...

Sounds To Go

Sounds like a fun reception!  As for music, I definitely think you're right on the money in wanting to incorporate some music for other guests, because your special day really is ABOUT you, but it's FOR your friends and family, so making sure everyone has a little something is definitely the way to go.

That being said, I think swing music is great, and even if they don't know how to "really" swing dance, it might not stop as many people as you think from just wanting to get up and try, especially if there's other people dancing too.

The artists you mentioned are great, but are really better suited for dinner and or cocktail sections as they aren't so much danceable, but just have a great vibe.

For interspersing with your swing, I'd suggest some oldies like Bill Haley & the Comets, Elvis, Twist & Shout by the Beatles, Shout by Otis Day & The Knights.  These transition well into Motown stuff too, and all of this is still accessible/recognizable enough to allow the "non-swingers" to join in.

The other advantage to incorporating these types of tracks are that the motown stuff in particular would make it easier to transition into more modern dance stuff without being "choppy" like you were describing. 

Hope this gives some ideas, have fun!

Justin....
Sacramento Wedding DJ