Super-Fun Country Wedding

Playing a country wedding with The Way Band in Dansville, NY, was an unforgettable experience that pushed us out of our usual comfort zone and into a realm where we could explore new musical territories. As someone who doesn’t identify as a country musician, the prospect of playing a seven-hour gig, predominantly filled with country music, was initially daunting. However, what transpired that day was an enriching experience, both musically and personally, that I will cherish for a long time.

Anticipation and Nerves

The day started with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The ceremony was scheduled for 2 p.m., with the band playing until 9 p.m., which meant I had a long stretch of music ahead of me. Although my band, The Way Band, has a diverse repertoire, country music typically makes up about 10-20% of what we play. Despite this, we were prepared with a carefully curated setlist that not only met the expectations of the day but also allowed us to inject some classic rock and modern dance hits into the mix.

The setting was a picturesque countryside venue, with a large open space perfect for an outdoor wedding. The ceremony area was across the parking lot from the barn where the reception was to be held. The barn itself was expansive, easily accommodating over 150 guests, and provided a rustic charm that set the tone for the day.

Unscripted Ceremony

As I began playing “Love Me Tender” for the processional, and the bride gave me a thumbs up. The ceremony was anything but traditional. The bride, filled with excitement, couldn’t contain her enthusiasm, shouting “yee-ha” and “fuck yeah” during the proceedings. The officiant, dressed as Elvis, lead the couple to say “uh huh, uh huh” in place of the usual “I do” during their vows!  Of course, I made sure to get a picture with the King himself.For the recessional, I played “Happy” by Pharrel Williams, a fitting end to a ceremony that was both heartfelt and filled with humor.

A Night of Music and Connection

As the band began to play the first dance songs at 5:30 p.m., the energy in the room was palpable. The first dances included “Old Time Rock & Roll” for the father-daughter dance and “Your Mama Don’t Dance” for the mother-son dance. The bride and groom chose “Unchained Melody” for their first dance, followed by “Twist & Shout,” which got everyone up and moving.

The setlist for the evening was a mix of country classics, rock anthems, and modern dance hits. Songs like “Mama Tried,” “Friends in Low Places,” and “Tennessee Whiskey” were crowd favorites, while classics like “Freebird” and “Hotel California” brought a sense of nostalgia to the evening. We also played some more upbeat numbers like “Uptown Funk” and “Shut Up and Dance,” which kept the energy high and the dance floor packed.

What made this wedding so special was the connection we built with the guests throughout the evening. Despite my initial nerves about playing a predominantly country set, the warmth and friendliness of the people made all the difference. Coming from the New York City area, I had to adjust to the more straightforward, no-nonsense attitude of the country folks, but once I did, I found them to be some of the most genuine and welcoming people I’ve had the pleasure of playing for.

Personal Fulfillment

Playing this wedding was not only fulfilling musically but also personally. I have always loved playing for weddings, but this one was particularly special because it allowed me to connect with the guests on a deeper level. The jokes, the laughter, and the genuine warmth of the people made the long day fly by.

I even found myself around the campfire at the end of the night, sharing a few dirty jokes with the guests, which added to the camaraderie and sense of community that had been building throughout the day. This experience reminded me of why I love what I do – it’s not just about playing music, but about creating connections and being a part of people’s most important moments.

A Satisfying Conclusion

By the end of the night, I was both exhausted and exhilarated. The band’s final song, “Friends in Low Places,” was the perfect way to close out the evening, with everyone singing along and enjoying the moment. As I packed up my gear, I reflected on the day’s events and felt a deep sense of satisfaction. We had played for seven hours straight, covering a wide range of genres and keeping the energy high from start to finish. It was a challenging gig, but one that I will remember fondly for years to come.

This was the bride’s review for us on The Bash, the platform on which she found us:  “Dennis played for 7hrs at our wedding with a 3-man band for our reception. They were really amazing! Highly recommend for any party and we will definitely be using them again for another party for our friends and family. Thank you again!”

Looking ahead, I am excited about the possibility of playing more country weddings. This experience showed me that even outside of our usual genre, The Way Band can deliver a performance that resonates with the audience and leaves a lasting impression. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a special day and look forward to many more country weddings in the future.

If you’re planning a wedding and want live music that can cater to a wide range of tastes and styles, The Way Band is here to make your day unforgettable. From country classics to rock anthems and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to book free music consultation and start planning the perfect soundtrack for your special day.