Wedding Djs: Curating The Perfect Playlist

Wedding DJs have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. They are in charge of directing the night, communicating with vendors, and keeping any planned events on schedule. They also need to be able to read the room and play music that will get people on the dance floor. When creating a playlist, a wedding DJ should consider the couple's music preferences, the energy of the room, and the flow of the night. It's important to include a mix of genres and tempos to keep the guests entertained and create a balanced night of celebration.

Crowd-pleasing vs personal preference

When it comes to wedding music, there are two opposing views: crowd-pleasing and personal preference.

Crowd-pleasing

Playing well-known songs that guests can sing and dance along to is a surefire way to keep the party going. This approach involves sticking to the classics and reading the room to play songs that will get everyone on the dance floor. While this method may be seen as unoriginal or even "soul-destroying" for some DJs, it is a safe bet for keeping guests entertained.

Personal Preference

On the other hand, some couples prefer to curate their wedding playlist according to their unique tastes. This approach allows the couple's personality to shine through and creates a more personalised atmosphere. By providing a playlist to the DJ or creating one themselves, couples can ensure that their favourite songs are played and avoid hearing cheesy wedding classics.

Finding a Balance

Ultimately, the best approach may be to find a balance between the two. Couples can provide DJs with a mix of must-play and do-not-play songs while allowing the DJ to fill in the gaps with crowd-pleasers. This way, the couple's music preferences are respected, and the guests are kept happy and dancing.

Advantages of a Wedding DJ

Hiring a wedding DJ offers several advantages over a simple playlist. Firstly, a DJ can read the room and adapt their song choices to the crowd's energy. They can also handle announcements and ensure the music is played at the right moments, such as during the ceremony or first dance. Additionally, a DJ can take requests from guests, ensuring that everyone hears something they like.

Advantages of a Playlist

Creating a playlist gives the couple complete control over the music and can save them money. With the help of apps that automatically transition between songs, a playlist can flow smoothly and create a unique and personalised atmosphere.

When it comes to wedding music, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Couples should consider their priorities and decide whether they value crowd-pleasing classics or personal preference more. Ultimately, finding a balance between the two can result in a fun and memorable wedding celebration for everyone.

Order of songs

The order of songs in a wedding playlist is crucial to keeping your guests entertained and the dance floor packed. Here are some tips to help you craft the perfect playlist:

Start with a Mix of Genres

Begin your playlist with a mix of instrumental and oldies music, followed by classic rock and indie. You can also include some upbeat and well-known love songs during the aisle walk to set the tone for the celebration. This will create a pleasant atmosphere as guests arrive and take their seats.

Build Up the Energy

As the night progresses, gradually increase the energy of the music. Start with some chill and happy tunes during cocktail hour, then transition into more danceable genres like hip-hop and indie rock. Think about creating a build-up that will get your guests excited and ready to dance.

Mix Fast and Slow Songs

A good rule of thumb is to play one slow song for every five upbeat songs. This will give your guests a chance to catch their breath and relax before hitting the dance floor again. For example, after some energetic pop hits, you could play a few romantic slow dances to give everyone a break.

Include Crowd-Pleasers

While it's important to play songs that you and your partner love, don't forget to include some crowd-pleasers as well. Think about the different generations of guests you'll have and try to include something for everyone. From classic rock to modern pop, a mix of genres will keep the dance floor packed.

Take Requests

One way to ensure your guests are happy is to take song requests. You can include a "song request" section on your RSVPs or leave music request cards on the tables. This way, your guests can let you know what songs they'd like to hear, and you can incorporate them into your playlist.

Create Separate Playlists

Consider creating separate playlists for different parts of the wedding. For example, you could have one playlist for the ceremony, another for cocktail hour, and a more upbeat playlist for the reception. This will make it easier to manage and ensure a smooth flow to the music.

Don't Forget the Special Dances

In addition to the general party playlist, don't forget to include songs for special dances like the first dance, parent dances, and any other traditions you plan to include. These songs are usually slower and more romantic, creating intimate moments throughout the night.

Stay Flexible

While it's important to have a plan and order to your songs, stay flexible and be prepared to make changes. The beauty of creating your own playlist is that you can adapt it to the energy of the room. If a particular genre or era is going down well, stick with it!

Creating the perfect wedding playlist is a fun but challenging task. Remember to include a mix of genres, build the energy throughout the night, and don't be afraid to take requests. With a well-ordered playlist, you'll keep your guests entertained and create lasting memories.

Length of playlist

When it comes to wedding playlists, the length of your playlist will depend on several factors. Firstly, consider the duration of your wedding reception. A good rule of thumb is to prepare 3-5 hours' worth of music for a typical wedding reception. This allows for a variety of songs to be played and ensures that you have a few extra songs up your sleeve should the celebration extend longer than anticipated.

It is also important to take into account the different parts of the wedding and the songs you wish to play during these moments. For instance, you may want specific songs for the ceremony, such as when the bride walks down the aisle, the signing of the register, and the exit of the newlywed couple. Additionally, there may be special dances, such as the first dance, the father-daughter dance, and the mother-son dance, for which you will need to select appropriate songs.

Another factor influencing the length of your playlist is the mix of genres and tempos you intend to include. A successful wedding playlist should offer a diverse selection of music to cater to a variety of tastes and keep the atmosphere lively. Aim for a balance of fast-paced and upbeat songs with slower, more romantic tunes. A good guideline is to include one slow song for every five upbeat songs. This helps to maintain the energy of the celebration while also providing moments for guests to relax and catch their breath.

Finally, it is worth noting that creating a wedding playlist can be a time-consuming task. Curating the right mix of songs that resonate with you, reflect your musical tastes, and create the desired atmosphere can take multiple rounds of refinement. It is advisable to start this process well in advance of your wedding day and to involve your partner and close friends or family members in the decision-making process.

Genres

Pop, country, rock, and hip-hop are versatile genres that can find a place on a wedding playlist. These genres offer a mix of classic love songs, modern dance hits, and tunes that evoke memories for the couple. For instance, including a Miley Cyrus song might remind the couple of their sorority days, or a Daft Punk record could take them back to their high school music taste.

The age range of the guests should also be considered when selecting genres. For a 20-something crowd, playing music from about five years back can evoke nostalgia for their high school days. For an older crowd in their 40s or 50s, disco, Motown, and classic pop tunes from the 70s and 80s might be more appropriate.

It's worth noting that some couples prefer to stick to specific genres that hold personal significance. For instance, a couple might choose to focus on old-school rock 'n' roll and their favourite love songs, steering clear of typical country reception songs and line dances.

To cater to a diverse crowd, DJs can group songs by genre into mini-sets of about 15 minutes each. This allows them to play a range of music without disrupting the flow of the dance floor. They can also intersperse these genre sets with slow dance songs to give guests a break and create a graph-like oscillation in energy levels.

Additionally, DJs can take requests from guests, either through RSVP cards or on the spot, to ensure that their song selections align with the crowd's preferences. This approach ensures that the wedding playlist is not only genre-diverse but also tailored to the couple and their guests' unique tastes.

Timing of songs

Timing is a crucial aspect of a wedding DJ's playlist. Here are some tips to consider when planning the timing of songs:

Allow for Flexibility

It is essential to build flexibility into your timing. Weddings rarely go exactly according to plan, and unexpected delays or changes in schedule can occur. To accommodate this, it is recommended to prepare an extra hour of music for each planned playlist. This ensures that you have enough music to fill any gaps or extensions in the festivities.

Know When to Play Which Songs

The type of music played should align with the energy and atmosphere desired for each part of the wedding. For instance, during the cocktail hour, a mix of happy and contemplative songs can be played to match the post-ceremony mood. For the first dance, choose a song that holds a special meaning for both the bride and groom. When it comes to dancing, it is recommended to play one slow song for every five upbeat songs to maintain a dynamic and engaging atmosphere on the dance floor.

Consider the Audience

An important consideration when timing your songs is the demographic of your audience. For example, if there are children at the wedding, playing "Happy" by Pharrell Williams is advised, as it is a hit with the younger crowd. Additionally, be mindful of the ages of your guests when selecting music genres. 80s and 90s music tends to be a favourite among a wide range of ages, while some older guests may prefer slow dancing to classic love songs.

Collaborate with the Couple

As a wedding DJ, it is essential to collaborate closely with the couple to understand their musical preferences and create a playlist that reflects their tastes. Ask them for a list of must-play, play if possible, and do-not-play songs. This ensures that the music played aligns with their vision for their special day.

Frequently asked questions