Diy Wedding Music: Is It Worth The Tune?

Music is an integral part of a wedding, and deciding whether to hire a professional DJ or do it yourself is an important consideration. While a DJ can be expensive, they are professionals who can read the flow of the party, choose appropriate songs, and make announcements. However, many couples opt to DIY their wedding music to save money and have more control over the playlist.

If you choose to DIY your wedding music, there are several steps you should follow. First, decide on the software or app you will use to play the music, such as Apple Music or Spotify, which offer unlimited streaming options for a monthly fee. Next, determine the amplification system you will use, such as renting a professional-quality speaker or borrowing equipment from friends or family. Then, start collecting songs for your playlist, considering the different moods and moments of the wedding, such as the processional, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. Create multiple playlists to cater to these different moments and keep your guests entertained.

Finally, don't forget to test your equipment and do a trial run of your playlists at the venue to ensure everything works properly and sounds good. Assign a music captain or emcee to manage the music on the day of the wedding, freeing you up to enjoy your special day.

Choosing a music app

There are several music apps you can use to play music at your wedding. The most popular options are Apple Music and Spotify, which both offer unlimited streaming options for around $10 a month and can be accessed on your computer or phone. You can also make your playlists available offline, which is essential to avoid any buffering or connection issues on the day.

If you want to get more creative with your playlists, you could use Audacity to edit songs and create smooth transitions between tracks.

Alternatively, you could use a wedding DJ app like MyWeddingDJ to help streamline the process and make setting up on the day even easier.

Amplification equipment

Venue and Guest Count:

The first thing to consider is whether your wedding will be held indoors or outdoors. Acoustics play a significant role in amplification needs. Indoor venues tend to have better natural acoustics, allowing sound to bounce off walls and ceilings, filling the space. In this case, you may not need extensive amplification equipment. On the other hand, outdoor weddings often require more amplification to ensure the music and ceremony can be heard over ambient noise and natural sounds.

The number of guests also matters. The larger the guest count, the more amplification you'll need. This is especially true if you have over 100 guests, as the sound needs to carry further and be louder to reach everyone.

Type of Equipment:

The basic amplification equipment you'll need includes a sound system, speakers, and a microphone.

• Sound System: Decide whether to rent or purchase a sound system. Rental options are often more economical, especially if you choose a basic system. If you plan to reuse the equipment, buying may be a better option.
• Speakers: Invest in professional-quality speakers to ensure the music can be heard clearly by all your guests. The number of speakers will depend on the size of your event; for a wedding of 75 guests, two speakers should be sufficient. Consider adding a subwoofer for extra bass and sound reinforcement.
• Microphone: Include a microphone in your setup if you want to make announcements, give speeches, or ensure the officiant can be heard clearly. Microphones can be wireless or wired, with the cable connecting to the mixer for amplification.

Additional Considerations:

• Power Sources: Ensure you have access to proper power sources at your venue. Check for power outlets and bring extension cords or power strips if needed.
• Audio Device: Use an iPod, laptop, or other digital music device to house your playlist and connect to the sound system.
• Cables and Mixer: For the best results, use a mixing console and the appropriate cables to connect your music device to the mixer and speakers.
• Lighting: Don't forget about lighting! While not strictly amplification equipment, lighting can enhance the overall experience and create the right ambiance for your wedding.

By considering these factors and planning ahead, you can ensure you have the right amplification equipment to make your wedding music memorable and enjoyable for you and your guests.

Collecting songs

Start Early and Curate Playlists

Use the time during your engagement to collect songs that are must-plays at your wedding. Create different playlists for each part of your wedding, such as the processional, recessional, ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. That way, you can add songs to the appropriate playlist whenever you hear something that stands out. This will also give you complete control over the mood and flow of each moment.

Choose Songs That Are Meaningful

Select songs that hold a special significance for you and your partner. These can be songs that remind you of your relationship, important moments in your lives, or people who are dear to you. They don't have to be typical wedding songs, but they should resonate with you as a couple.

Consider Your Guests

While it's your wedding, and you can certainly include that quirky song that only you and your partner know, keep in mind that you also want your guests to enjoy the music and feel included. Choose songs that will get people on the dance floor and create a celebratory atmosphere. A mix of popular hits, crowd-pleasers, and personal favourites is usually a good idea.

Use Streaming Services and Pre-made Playlists for Inspiration

Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music offer a vast library of music and the ability to create and edit playlists. They also provide pre-made playlists that can be a great source of inspiration. Take advantage of these tools to discover new songs and build your wedding playlists.

Collaborate with Your Partner

Creating your wedding playlists can be a fun activity to do with your partner. Discuss your musical tastes, must-have songs, and any songs that should definitely be avoided. You can even turn it into a fun date night where you listen to songs together and decide which ones make the cut.

Ask for Input from Guests

If you're looking for crowd-pleasers, consider asking your guests for song suggestions. You can include a song request section on your wedding invitations or create an online form for guests to submit their favourite tunes. This way, you can incorporate songs that your guests will enjoy and get them excited to dance.

Think About the Flow and Transitions

Once you've collected a bunch of songs, it's time to arrange them into a smooth-flowing playlist. Consider the order of the songs and how they transition from one to the next. You don't want to play three songs by the same artist back-to-back or have jarring shifts in genre or tempo. Create a natural flow that will keep your guests engaged and on the dance floor.

Don't Forget the Special Moments

In addition to the general dancing and celebration, there are often special moments during a wedding that require specific songs. These include the first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, cake-cutting, and more. Choose songs for these moments that hold a special meaning for you and your partner.

Be Mindful of Song Length and Lyrics

When selecting songs, pay attention to their length and edit them if necessary. You don't want your processional song to be too long or your recessional song to be too short. Additionally, be mindful of the lyrics and avoid songs with inappropriate or offensive language or themes for a wedding.

Get Creative and Make it Personal

Incorporate songs that reflect your personalities and musical tastes. If you're both music lovers, this is your chance to showcase your style. Include songs from different genres, decades, and cultures to create a unique and diverse soundtrack for your wedding.

Don't Be Afraid to Delegate

Curating the music for your wedding can be a lot of work, so don't be afraid to ask for help. Delegate the task to a musically inclined friend or family member who understands your vision. They can help with song selection, creating playlists, and ensuring the music runs smoothly on the day.

Happy planning, and may your wedding be filled with joyful tunes and unforgettable memories!

Arranging songs

Choose the Right Songs:

• Consider the bigger picture: Your wedding music sets the tone for the entire event, so select songs that fit the vibe you want to create.
• Think about the feeling you want to evoke: Do you want calm and subdued music, or something more upbeat and surprising?
• Select songs with the right length: Make sure the songs you choose are long enough for the processional, especially if you have large wedding parties.
• Opt for songs with personal meaning: Choose songs that hold a special memory for you and your partner. This could be a song you always dance to or one that reminds you of a fun road trip.
• Be mindful of lyrics: While an unexpected genre can be fun, pay attention to the lyrics to avoid any awkward moments. For example, "Every Breath You Take" by The Police is often played at weddings, but the song is actually about jealousy and obsession.
• Create a cohesive flow: Choose a theme to tie your processional songs together, such as songs from the same genre, with similar tempos, or from the same era.

Create Smooth Transitions:

• Group songs that complement each other: When creating your playlist, think about the flow of the night. For example, play older songs earlier on, followed by a mix of slow and fast-paced songs to keep your guests on the dance floor.
• Edit songs for smooth transitions: Use software like Audacity to edit songs and create smooth transitions between tracks. This will ensure there aren't any awkward gaps or abrupt changes in the music.
• Avoid playing similar songs back-to-back: Playing three Michael Jackson songs in a row might not be the best idea. Mix things up to keep your guests engaged.
• Consider the flow between genres: If you and your partner have different musical tastes, be mindful of how you transition between genres to maintain a cohesive feel.

Finalize and Test Your Playlist:

• Listen to your playlists in their entirety: Before finalizing, listen to your playlists from start to finish to get a feel for the order and make any necessary tweaks.
• Pay attention to the beginning and end of songs: Avoid playing a song that ends in a busy way, followed by a song that begins with a busy intro. This can create a messy crossfade.
• Create separate playlists for key moments: In addition to your main playlists, create specific playlists for important moments like the first dance, cake cutting, and garter toss. This will make it easier for your DIY DJ to find the right songs at the right moments.
• Test your playlist at the venue: If possible, test your songs at the venue to ensure the sound levels and transitions work well in the space.

Testing equipment

Testing your equipment is a crucial step in your DIY wedding music setup. Here are some tips to ensure your equipment is functioning correctly and to avoid any technical difficulties on your big day:

Equipment Testing:

• Practice with the equipment: Familiarize yourself with the equipment by setting it up and testing it out. This will help you identify any potential issues and ensure you know how to operate everything.
• Check power sources: Ensure you have the proper power sources and extensions to support your equipment. Survey your wedding venue to check for power outlets and plan accordingly.
• Test volume and sound quality: Adjust the volume and sound levels to ensure they are just right. Remember, you'll need more amplification and volume to project the sound over a large crowd, so don't rely on a single Bluetooth speaker. Consider renting professional-quality speakers and amplification equipment.
• Mute notifications: If you're using a personal device, make sure to mute notifications to avoid any interruptions during the wedding.
• Download your playlists: Ensure all your songs are downloaded locally to your device. Don't rely on streaming services or WiFi connections, as this may cause delays or skips in your songs.
• Crossfade and smooth transitions: Utilize the Crossfade option to minimize gaps between songs and create smooth transitions. This will enhance the flow of your playlists and improve the overall listening experience.
• Test at the venue: If possible, test your equipment and playlists at the wedding venue. This will allow you to adjust the volume and sound levels according to the acoustics of the space.
• Create a backup plan: Prepare backup equipment and extra songs in case of any technical difficulties. Have a plan B in case something doesn't work as expected.

By following these testing and preparation tips, you can ensure that your DIY wedding music setup runs smoothly and creates a memorable atmosphere for you and your guests.

Frequently asked questions