Creating The Perfect Wedding Music Playlist

Music is an integral part of any wedding. It sets the tone, inspires dance, and acts as the soundtrack to all the memories being made. So, it's important to get it right.

There are many ways to create a memorable wedding playlist. This paragraph will outline some tips and tricks to help you get started on curating the perfect soundtrack for your big day.

Choosing a DJ or DIY

There are three main ways to organise music for your wedding: hiring a DJ, hiring a band, or doing it yourself. If you want to save money, or if you have very specific musical tastes, you may want to opt for the DIY approach. However, hiring a professional DJ can take a lot of stress out of the process and ensure your wedding has a great atmosphere.

The Benefits of Hiring a DJ

A good DJ can read the room and adjust the music accordingly, keeping your guests dancing all night. They can also troubleshoot technical issues, adjust volume levels, and give you tips on dance floor setup and volume for different phases of the night. They will also be able to make announcements and act as an MC if needed.

When choosing a DJ, consider whether they have experience with weddings, whether they are familiar with your venue, and whether they are open to playing songs that are special to you. You should also ask about their typical attire and whether they include any visual effects, such as disco balls or strobe lights.

The Benefits of DIY

Creating your own wedding playlist can be a fun and budget-friendly option. You can use tools like Spotify or iTunes to build the perfect playlist, and you can borrow equipment from friends to save money. However, this option requires more time and effort, and you will need to ensure that someone is in control of the music throughout the event.

If you choose the DIY approach, be sure to create a backup of your playlist in case of technical issues. It's also a good idea to test your playlist beforehand to ensure there are no awkward gaps or strange transitions. Include a variety of music genres to cater to different tastes, and consider taking song requests from your guests.

Must-play and do-not-play lists

When it comes to weddings, music plays a crucial role in setting the tone and creating an atmosphere that will leave guests with lasting memories. Here are some tips for crafting must-play and do-not-play lists to ensure your wedding music hits the right note.

Must-Play List

The must-play list is all about infusing your wedding with songs that hold personal significance for you and your partner. Chloe Weise Donovan, VP of A&R at RCA Records, suggests drawing on past memories to identify songs that are meaningful to your relationship. This could be a song that reminds you of your early days together or a tune that brings back happy memories.

Another approach is to select songs that hold special significance with your friends. For instance, you could include a song that you and your sorority sisters used to sing along to, or a record that expanded your high school friends' musical horizons.

To create a well-rounded must-play list, consider the following:

• Include a mix of genres to cater to different tastes and ages among your guests.
• Opt for songs that are fun and upbeat during the welcome drinks and reception to encourage a lively atmosphere.
• For the ceremony, choose happy and sweet songs, steering clear of overly lyrical pieces that may trigger individual emotions or singing along.
• For the first dance, go with a slow and romantic tune, or surprise everyone with an upbeat number to showcase your dance skills.
• Ensure you have enough music to cover the entire event, with a good mix of fast and slow songs to keep the energy flowing.

Do-Not-Play List

The do-not-play list is arguably more important than the must-play list. This list ensures that certain songs or genres that may dampen the mood or offend guests are avoided. Here are some tips for crafting this list:

• If a song evokes negative memories or is associated with a time in your life you'd rather not revisit on your wedding day, add it to the do-not-play list.
• Avoid songs with excessive profanity or controversial themes/lyrics that may upset or annoy certain guests.
• Discuss with your partner to ensure that neither of you has any negative associations with particular songs.
• Avoid songs that are overly negative, violent, or non-romantic.
• If you have strong opinions about a musician's personal life that conflict with your values, it's best to exclude their songs.

Additional Tips

• Include a few slow dance songs—about 10% of your playlist—to give guests a break from fast-paced dancing.
• If you're hiring a DJ or band, provide them with your must-play and do-not-play lists, but also trust them to read the room and make adjustments to keep the party going.
• When deciding on the length of your lists, aim for a balance. Provide enough guidance without being overly restrictive, as this will hinder the DJ or band's ability to read the crowd and use their expertise.

Happy planning, and may your wedding be filled with magical musical moments!

Cocktail hour and dinner music

Cocktail hour is a time for guests to socialise and relax, so the music should be <

Songs for key moments

Music is a crucial part of setting the tone for your wedding. While it may seem overwhelming to think of every song that will be played on your big day, there are a few key moments to focus on. Here are some song suggestions for those special moments:

Prelude Music

Prelude music is one of the first things your guests will notice. It is usually light background music played while guests are being seated. You can request specific songs, or your DJ or wedding planner will likely have a list of songs to fit your wedding style.

Processional Song

The processional song is played while the wedding party, including parents and grandparents, enters the ceremony. Traditionally, instrumental music is played during this time, but you can choose to switch it up with a processional style song.

Bridal Processional

This is the moment when all eyes are on the bride as she makes her grand entrance. Choose a song that will highlight your arrival and make it a memorable moment.

Recessional Song

The recessional song is played when you exit the ceremony as a married couple. It should be happy and lively! While it can also be an instrumental song, many couples choose a fun, upbeat song or even incorporate a dance routine.

Reception Entrance

Make a grand entrance at the reception with a rocking song! This is the moment to celebrate and kick off the party.

First Dance

Your first dance as a married couple can be a very sentimental moment. Choose a song that is special to you as a couple, or pick one of your favourite songs at the moment.

Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dances

Parent dances are usually sweet and sentimental, but they can also be fast and upbeat! A swing dance, foxtrot, or waltz will awe all the guests and create lasting memories.

The Party-Starter

This is the moment to get everyone out of their seats and onto the dance floor! Pick an upbeat, fun song that will get everyone moving and set the tone for the rest of the night.

Final Dance

End the reception on a high note with one last song that will give everyone the chance to show off their best dance moves.

Number of songs

The number of songs you'll need for your wedding will depend on how long your reception is. A good rule of thumb is 15 songs per hour, so for a three-hour reception, you'll need 45 songs. However, it's a good idea to have a few extra songs up your sleeve in case things run over.

It's also important to consider the different parts of your wedding and the types of songs you'll need for each. Here's a breakdown of the number of songs you may want to include for each part:

Welcome Drinks

For welcome drinks, you'll want to choose 15 upbeat songs to get your guests excited and set the tone for the event.

Ceremony

The ceremony is typically shorter, lasting around 15-20 minutes, and you'll need about four songs to cover this part. Choose happy and sweet songs that align with the emotions you want to convey during the ceremony.

Drinks Reception

For the drinks reception, which usually lasts around two hours, you'll need about 30 songs. Go for familiar songs that are fun but not too dance-oriented, as you want your guests to settle down, eat, and chat.

First Dance

Traditionally, the first dance is a slow and romantic song. However, some modern couples choose faster songs to impress the crowd. Either way, you'll only need one song for this special moment.

Wedding Party

The wedding party is when you can let loose and have fun with your music choices. Choose a mix of fast and slow songs, old and new, to keep your guests entertained. For a three-to-five-hour wedding party, you'll need about 60-70 songs.

Last Dance

The last dance doesn't need to be as emotionally impactful as the first dance, as many guests will have left by this point. Choose a slow song to wind things down and signal the end of the festivities.

Other Special Dances

In addition to the first dance, there are often other special dances throughout the reception, such as the father/daughter dance and the mother/son dance. Choose meaningful ballads for these emotional moments.

Cocktail Hour and Dinner

During the cocktail hour and dinner, you can play some of your favourite songs or mix it up with classic cocktail hour music like Frank Sinatra. This is a great opportunity to play songs that reflect your personal style and taste.

Pre-Ceremony

Don't forget the pre-ceremony music! Choose about 30 minutes of soft and calming music to play as guests arrive and take their seats.

Parent Entrance

For the parent entrance, couples often choose something sentimental to accompany the walk down the aisle.

Bridal Party Entrance

The bridal party entrance is when you can shift the mood to something more upbeat. Select a song that matches the walking pace of your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Bride's Processional

The bride's processional is a grand entrance moment, so choose a bold and unique song. Practising walking to the music beforehand, especially if you'll be wearing heels or a dress with a train, is a good idea.

Recessional

The recessional is when you'll exit the ceremony as newlyweds, so choose a triumphant song to celebrate the occasion.

Cake-Cutting

The cake-cutting is a light and silly moment, so pick a fun and upbeat song to match the vibe.

Bouquet and Garter Toss

If you're including the bouquet and garter toss, choose some cheeky and playful songs to make these traditions even more fun.

Remember, it's essential to have a good mix of songs that you and your partner love, as well as songs that will appeal to your guests. You can also create a "`must-play`" and "`do-not-play`" list to ensure your DJ or band plays the right music for your special day.

Frequently asked questions