Wedding Playlist: Buy, Download, Or Stream?

While you can't exactly buy a wedding playlist, there are several ways to go about creating one. You can either hire a DJ, who will be able to read the room and keep the energy up, or you can create a playlist yourself. If you decide to go with a DJ, you can provide them with a list of songs you want to be played, and songs that you don't want to be played. If you decide to create a playlist yourself, you can use Spotify or another music streaming service to create a collaborative playlist with your partner, family, and friends.

DJ vs DIY

DJ vs. DIY: Creating Your Wedding Reception Playlist

The first step in creating your wedding reception playlist is deciding whether to hire a professional DJ or create the playlist yourself. While hiring a DJ can be expensive, they are professionals who will take time and stress off your plate. They will handle the logistics, timing, MC'ing, and other tasks that you may not want to deal with on your wedding day. On the other hand, creating your own playlist gives you total control over the music and allows you to include all your favourite songs.

Hiring a DJ

Hiring a professional DJ comes with several benefits. They will act as an emcee and lead the event, almost like a second coordinator. They will also set up a quality sound system and create a buzz and contagious energy in the room to ensure you and your guests have a great time. Additionally, they will put together a song list that will create peaks and valleys during the event and keep the dance floor full. A good DJ will be able to read the room and play songs that match the vibe and energy of the crowd.

DIY Playlist

Creating your own wedding reception playlist can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to include all your favourite songs and create a personalised soundtrack for your special day. However, it also requires more work and planning. If you choose to DIY your playlist, make sure you have a reliable way to play the music and consider assigning someone to manage the music throughout the event. It is also a good idea to test out your setup before the big day to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose to hire a DJ or create your own playlist, the most important thing is to ensure that you and your guests have a memorable and enjoyable time. Music plays a crucial role in setting the tone and creating lasting memories, so take the time to consider your options and choose the best approach for your wedding.

Creating a collaborative playlist

Choose a Platform

Select a music platform that allows for collaborative playlists, such as Spotify. This will make it easy for your family and friends to add their song suggestions.

Invite Contributors

Share the playlist with your wedding party, family members, and close friends. Consider sending out a message with the playlist link, explaining that you want their input on the music for your special day. You could also include a song request section on your wedding RSVPs or leave music request cards on the tables at the reception.

Provide Guidelines

While you may want to give your contributors free rein, providing some guidelines can help ensure you get a variety of songs that are suitable for your wedding. For example, you could ask for a mix of fast and slow songs, songs from different genres, or songs that hold a special memory for the contributor. You might also suggest that they include a few songs that will get people on the dance floor and avoid too many obscure choices.

Monitor the Playlist

Keep an eye on the playlist as it grows, and feel free to make edits as needed. If you notice that certain songs or genres are lacking, you can reach out to specific people for suggestions or add them yourself. You can also remove any songs that don't fit the vibe you're going for.

Test the Playlist

Before the big day, take some time to listen through the entire playlist. This will help you ensure there are no awkward transitions, gaps, or moments of silence. It will also give you a chance to familiarize yourself with any songs you don't know, so you can decide if they fit the atmosphere you want to create.

Be Prepared for Last-Minute Changes

Even with careful planning, there may be times when you need to make changes on the spot. For example, a song you loved during the planning process may fall flat with your guests, or a guest might make a song request that gets everyone excited. Have someone on hand who can make these adjustments as needed.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a collaborative wedding playlist that reflects the tastes of you and your loved ones, creating a memorable and fun celebration.

The value of hiring a professional DJ

While it may be tempting to save some money and create your own wedding playlist, hiring a professional DJ comes with a lot of benefits. Firstly, a DJ will take the stress off your plate, handling the logistics, timing, and MC'ing, leaving you free to enjoy your special day. A professional DJ will also have the experience to create a buzz and a contagious energy in the room, ensuring that you and your guests have a fantastic time and dance the night away.

A good DJ will be able to read the room and select songs that will appeal to your whole audience, creating peaks and valleys during the event to keep the dance floor full. They will also be able to handle guest requests without killing the vibe. In addition, a DJ will usually have the most recent hits and any special or unusual songs that a band may not know. They can also provide a diverse selection of music and better volume control than a band.

When selecting a DJ, it's important to choose someone organized and experienced, who can offer creative suggestions while also being open to your ideas and input. You should also consider whether you want a DJ who interacts with the group and sees themselves as a showman, or someone who sticks to the sidelines and fulfills the role of emcee without commanding the spotlight. A professional DJ will schedule a consultation before the wedding to go over all the details and determine your personal tastes and specific songs and announcements that are important to you.

The average cost of hiring a wedding DJ varies depending on factors such as location, experience, event size, number of hours, and additional services offered. In general, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $20,000 for a professional DJ, with the average cost in the US being around $1,200 to $1,500.

How to create a must-play list

While you can pay a professional DJ to handle the music at your wedding, you can also create your own wedding playlist. Here are some tips on how to create a must-play list:

Tap into your musical memories

Think about the songs that you and your partner love most. Look to past memories to get your musical ideas flowing. Perhaps there's a song that was playing during your first date or a song that you and your partner danced to at your high school prom. These songs will make your wedding playlist more personal and meaningful.

Include songs that are memorable between you and your friends

Include songs that are memorable between you and your friends. For example, you could add a Miley Cyrus song that your girlfriends used to sing along to in your sorority days or a Daft Punk record that expanded your high school friends' musical taste. Each song will allow you to share a specialized celebratory moment with a different group of guests throughout the event.

Write down your song choices

Once you've tapped into your musical memories, the next step is to write them all down. Any time a song pops into your head, or you hear something on the radio that you like, quickly save it to your phone. That way, you'll remember every track you want to include on your wedding playlist.

Embrace a variety of genres

Your guest list is likely made up of people from multiple generations, so it's important to include songs from a variety of genres that will appeal to different types of groups. Include some pop, country, rock, and hip-hop songs to cater to a wide range of musical tastes.

Poll your guests

You can also poll your guests on what songs they’d like to hear beforehand or include a song suggestion space on the RSVP card. This will help ensure that your playlist has something for everyone and that all of your guests feel included.

Tips for song selection and list size

There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting songs for your wedding. Firstly, it's important to choose a mix of songs that reflects your and your partner's musical tastes. This is your day, so make sure the music represents you as a couple. If you're not into country music, don't play it. If you can't stand the thought of hearing "Don't Stop Believin'" one more time, leave it out!

Secondly, consider your guests. A good wedding playlist will cater to a range of musical preferences and ages, from your 15-year-old junior bridesmaid to your grandpa. Include a mix of your favourite music, current popular songs, and classics. This will ensure that everyone feels included and has something to dance to.

When selecting specific songs, there are a few key moments to keep in mind. You'll want a song for the bride's entrance, the couple's recessional, and the newlyweds' grand entrance, among others. Choose songs that are meaningful to you and your partner for these special moments.

For the rest of the reception, a good rule of thumb is to play 90% fast songs and 10% slow songs. This will keep the energy high and your guests on the dance floor. Aim to include 3-5 hours' worth of music, depending on the length of your reception, and don't forget to include a few extra songs for each event in case of delays.

If you're stuck for ideas, consider asking your wedding party and guests for song requests. You can include a ""song request" on your RSVPs or leave music request cards on the tables. Alternatively, host a playlist-making party with your friends and sip some champagne while throwing out song ideas.

Finally, don't forget to listen to your entire playlist before the big day. You don't want any awkward transitions or unexpected inappropriate lyrics!

Frequently asked questions