Category Archives: wedding playlist

Wedding Music Checklist: What do I need?

disco balls from a wedding danceOnce you’ve finalized all the big details, it’s time to move on to planning the fun stuff: wedding music and entertainment. We’ve got a little bit of experience in that area (maybe a bit more…like 6,000+ weddings), so we put together a step-by-step checklist that can help you plan the perfect wedding music and entertainment for your big day.

What music do I need for my wedding?

In a traditional wedding, your wedding music typically follows this format:

Ceremony

___ Prelude

___ Music while parents are seated

___ Processional music for attendants

___ Processional music for bride

___ Recessional

Reception

___ Dinner & cocktail background music

___ Wedding party entrance music

___ First dance

___ Father-daughter dance

___ Mother-son dance

___ Bouquet & garter toss songs

___ Dance songs

How do I choose the right music for my wedding?

Your exact wedding playlist depends on the wedding theme or atmosphere you’re planning. The playlist for a vintage wedding with a Roaring 20’s theme is going to be very different than a rustic country wedding. Choosing the right wedding music can be as complicated as planning and executing a do-it-yourself option or as easy as choosing and trusting the right wedding entertainers.

Commonly, the latter option is split between two wedding entertainers: band and wedding DJ. Bands tend to be more expensive but can add to the atmosphere with a unique wedding theme. Wedding DJs are usually more affordable and can craft a playlist unique to your musical tastes (if they don’t, be careful and look for these other signs of a substandard DJ).

Whatever option you choose, understand that your wedding reception is not an isolated event; it’s part of your whole wedding. Choose music that fits with your wedding theme, or contact a DJ or band and give them all the details as you plan (for a seamless day, use a DJ for your ceremony and reception). A high-quality wedding entertainer can give meld the right wedding songs into a playlist that fits your special day—and makes your guests want to stay on the dance floor.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Wedding Playlist

wedding reception playlistWe’ve heard very few couples say, “I want my wedding guests to have a boring time at my wedding reception.” In fact, we haven’t heard any couples say that, but we have heard a lot of concerns about crafting the perfect song playlist. Couples want everything to be perfect, and the perfect mix of songs for their special day. A couple can leave the playlist in their DJ’s hands, but many couples want input into the playlist. They just don’t know where to start.

We’ve been DJ’ing since 1998 at more than 4,000 events, received awards, and have sat in the room with hundreds of couples trying to piece together this important piece of their wedding reception. So how do you put together the perfect wedding playlist?

Make a list of must-have wedding songs you have to hear

Do you have songs you love to hear, or a favorite song of your parents or friends that you would all love to dance to? Put them down on paper. If you want to craft a playlist your guests love, ask them for their requests when they send back their RSVP.

If you’ve seen something at another wedding, or have a special request for the playlist or the reception in general, make the request as soon as possible.

Be clear about what you don’t want

We all have a song that sounds like nails on a chalkboard, or a wedding activity that we HATE. Sit down with your fiance and make a list of those “Do not play” songs so you both are saved from those annoying songs on your wedding playlist. Be honest with your DJ now, so you don’t end up irritated when you are supposed to be having fun.

Be realistic about the amount of songs that can be played

There are only so many songs that can be played at your wedding reception, so be realistic about how many songs are to be played that night. A good rule to live y is approximately 15-20 songs per hour.

Choose the best DJ service

If you want a DJ you can trust, hire an experienced DJ service that can take your input and run with it. You, and your guests, are going to be very glad you did as they have an incredible evening complete with the perfect wedding playlist.