Your wedding reception is where the party really happens – the food is done, the speeches are over, and it’s time to hit the dancefloor. But how do you make sure the night flows perfectly, with no lulls or awkward gaps?

At Crash the Wedding – a female-fronted pop-punk & indie wedding band in the North West UK – we’ve played receptions of every shape and size. Over time, we’ve developed a playbook for the perfect evening timeline. Here’s how to run your reception so the first dance leads seamlessly into the last chorus.

One of the big decisions when planning your reception is whether to book a wedding band, a DJ, or even both. The right choice depends on your style, budget, venue, and how you want the night to feel.

At Crash the Wedding – a female-fronted pop-punk & indie wedding band in the North West UK – we’ve seen it all: live bands bringing down the house, DJs spinning till the early hours, and amazing receptions where couples combined the two. Here’s our honest breakdown to help you decide.

Best First-Dance Pop-Punk & Indie Songs for UK Weddings.

Crash the Wedding setting up in a Manchester venue – compact, limiter-friendly layout

Female-fronted wedding band Crash the Wedding performing at a Manchester wedding – dancefloor packed