Creating The Perfect Wedding Playlist: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating a playlist for a wedding can be a daunting task, but it's also a fun opportunity to set the tone for the celebration and create lasting memories. Here are some tips to help you get started:

- Start by dividing the day into sections: ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and after-party. You can further break down the reception into introductions, opening dances, speeches, dinner, and dance sets. Assigning specific songs or genres to these sections will help create a cohesive flow for the event.

- Consider the musical tastes of both the couple and their guests. Make a list of artists and genres that are loved by the couple and will also appeal to their guests. It's okay to include a variety of music styles to cater to different generations and cultural backgrounds.

- Create a do-not-play list. Rule out any songs, artists, or genres that the couple specifically dislikes or that may be associated with negative memories. This list will help guide your entertainment vendor and ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

- Utilize online resources. Google can be a great starting point; search for top wedding songs or get more specific by including the year and location of your wedding. Websites like WeddingWire also offer helpful suggestions.

- Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you've hired an entertainment company, lean on their expertise to guide you in the right direction. They often have planning apps or curated playlists that can make the process easier.

- Test and refine your playlist. Once you've compiled a list of songs, take the time to listen through the entire playlist before the wedding. This will help you identify any awkward transitions or moments of silence that need adjusting.

- Include a mix of fast and slow songs. It's important to vary the tempo and energy of the music to keep your guests engaged. A good rule of thumb is to play one slow song for every five upbeat songs.

- Make sure you have enough music. Depending on the length of the reception, aim for 3-5 hours' worth of music. It's better to have extra songs than to run out of music during the event.

- Consider the couple's musical tastes. While you want to cater to a diverse crowd, don't feel obligated to include music that doesn't reflect the couple's style. It's their special day, so their favourite songs should take priority.

Choosing a DJ vs. DIY

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to hire a DJ or create your own wedding playlist.

Cost

Hiring a DJ can be expensive and may not be feasible for those on a tight budget. The cost of a DJ will depend on their level of experience and the services they offer. On the other hand, creating your own playlist requires more time and effort but can be a more affordable option.

Music Selection

If you have very specific music tastes or want complete control over the music played at your wedding, creating your own playlist may be the best option. This allows you to choose every song and ensure it aligns with your preferences. However, a good DJ will work with you to understand your music taste and create a customised playlist. They also have a large selection of music at their fingertips and can easily adjust to the mood of the crowd.

Technical Skills and Troubleshooting

DJs come with their own equipment and have the technical skills to operate it. They can also troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise and adjust volume levels between speakers, music, and microphones. If you decide to DIY, you will need to ensure you have the necessary equipment and knowledge to operate it. It is also a good idea to have a backup plan in case of technical failures.

Time and Stress

Hiring a DJ can save you time and reduce stress. They will handle the logistics, timing, and MC'ing, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your wedding. Creating your own playlist can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also requires significant time and effort.

Crowd-Pleasing

A skilled DJ can read the crowd and adapt their music choices to ensure your guests are enjoying themselves. They have experience in creating a vibrant dance floor atmosphere and keeping the party going. However, if you have strong opinions about music or want to ensure that specific songs are played, creating your own playlist may be preferable.

Ultimately, the decision between hiring a DJ and DIY-ing your wedding playlist depends on your budget, the level of control you want over the music, and the amount of time and stress you are willing to invest.

Creating a must-play list

Tap into Your Musical Memories

Think about the songs that hold special memories for you and your partner. These could be songs from your first date, a concert you attended together, or a tune that was playing during a significant moment in your relationship. These songs will add a personal touch to your wedding and evoke fond memories for both of you.

Include Songs that Resonate with Your Friends

In addition to songs that are special to you and your partner, consider including songs that are memorable for you and your friends. It could be a song from your sorority days that you used to sing along to with your girlfriends or a record that expanded your high school friends' musical tastes. Including these songs will create special moments for different groups of guests throughout the event.

Write Down Your Ideas

Whenever a song pops into your head or you hear something you like on the radio, quickly save it to your phone or write it down. That way, you won't forget any of the tracks you want to share with your band or DJ before the big day.

Embrace a Variety of Genres

Pop, country, rock, and hip-hop can all find a place on your wedding playlist. Embracing a variety of genres will ensure that your musical selections appeal to guests from different generations and backgrounds. Include a mix of music that you love and tunes that will resonate with your group of guests.

Poll Your Guests

You can also involve your guests in the process by polling them on what songs they would like to hear. Include a song suggestion space on the RSVP cards or ask for song requests directly from your guests. This way, you can be sure that your playlist will include something for everyone.

Keep the Crowd in Mind

While it's important to stay true to your musical tastes, remember that you are also hosting a party. Consider your guests' preferences and try to include a mix of music that will cater to their diverse tastes. If you love a genre that you know your guests might not appreciate, find a way to incorporate it without dominating the entire playlist.

Work with Your Entertainment Company

If you've hired an entertainment company, lean on their expertise for guidance. They are professionals and can provide valuable suggestions when you're stuck or have specific questions. They may also have planning apps or curated playlists that can be extremely helpful in crafting your must-play list.

Creating a do-not-play list

Creating a "do-not-play" list is an important part of planning the music for your wedding. This list will ensure that you don't hear any songs that you dislike or that bring up bad memories during your special day. Here are some tips for creating an effective "do-not-play" list:

Know Your Taste in Music

It's crucial to know what kind of music you love and hate. If there are particular artists, genres, or songs that you can't stand, be sure to add them to your "do-not-play" list. This is your wedding, and it should reflect your musical preferences.

Consider Your Guests

While it's essential to stay true to your musical tastes, also think about your guests. You want to cater to a range of ages and musical backgrounds. Avoid songs with explicit lyrics or inappropriate content that might offend or make your guests uncomfortable.

Avoid Overplayed and Inappropriate Songs

Some songs are overplayed at weddings, and your guests might appreciate hearing something different. Additionally, be cautious of songs that are too sad or overly sexual for a wedding. Songs about breakups, death, or other inappropriate topics should be avoided.

Think About Tempo and Energy

Variety in tempo and energy is crucial for a successful wedding playlist. While you might love fast-paced, upbeat songs, too many in a row can tire out your guests. Include some slower songs to give your guests a break and create a balanced playlist.

Be Mindful of Lyrics

Take the time to listen carefully to the lyrics of the songs you're considering for your wedding. Even if a song has a catchy tune, the lyrics might be controversial, creepy, or not suitable for a joyful event like a wedding.

Communicate with Your Entertainment Vendors

If you're hiring a DJ or a band, be sure to communicate your "do-not-play" list to them. Discuss your preferences and work together to create a list that aligns with their style and your vision.

Be Prepared for Mistakes

Even with a "do-not-play" list, there's always a chance that a song you didn't want might get played. If this happens, don't make a big deal out of it. Simply remind the entertainment vendors of your preferences, and they will likely seamlessly phase out the song.

Timing and sections

The timing and sections of your wedding playlist are crucial to keeping your guests entertained and ensuring a seamless flow to your special day. Here are some tips to help you structure your wedding music:

Split the Day into Sections

Your wedding day can be divided into several parts: the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and after-party. The reception itself can be further broken down into introductions, opening dances, speeches, dinner, and dance sets. Assigning different songs and genres to these sections will create a varied and engaging atmosphere throughout the event.

Plan for Each Section

• Arrival and Pre-Ceremony: Show tunes or soft rock can be a good choice for creating a relaxed and elegant atmosphere as guests arrive and take their seats.
• Cocktail Hour: This is a good time for chill and unobtrusive music. Jazz, early jazz, old French songs, or instrumentals can work well.
• Dinner: Sophisticated and romantic music is often chosen for the dinner, such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, or Michael Bublé.
• Dancing: This is where you can really get creative and have fun. Start with music to get everyone on the dance floor, like pop, rock, or indie. As the night progresses, you can switch to dance music, golden oldies, 90s pop, or current pop.
• Late Night: Towards the end of the night, you might want to play music that people can grind to, like R&B or slow jams.

Timing and Length

When planning your wedding playlist, keep in mind that about 15-20 songs fit into an hour. It's a good idea to have a few extra songs for each section in case there are delays or things take longer than expected. You can also create separate playlists for each section, so you can easily switch between them as needed.

Curate the Flow

To ensure a smooth flow, consider the transitions between songs. Some music platforms, like iTunes, have features that automatically adjust the volume and create fades between songs. You can also edit songs to adjust their start and end times, removing long pauses or intros.

Test and Enjoy

Finally, don't forget to test your playlist before the big day. Play it from start to finish to ensure there are no awkward gaps or strange transitions. And, most importantly, enjoy the process! Creating your wedding playlist can be a fun and relaxing activity for you and your partner.

Genres and artists

When it comes to genres and artists, there are a few things to keep in mind when making a wedding playlist. Firstly, it's important to consider the different sections of the wedding day, such as the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and after-party. Different songs and genres will work better for each part of the day. For example, you might want to start with soft and slow songs during the ceremony and then transition to more upbeat dance music during the reception.

When choosing artists and genres, think about the music you and your partner love and want to incorporate. Make a list of your favourite artists and genres, but also consider your guests' preferences. If there are any genres or artists that you know your guests might not enjoy, you can find a way to incorporate them without upsetting everyone. For example, you could play a few songs from that genre during a specific section of the night or create a separate playlist for that genre.

It's also helpful to think about the artists and genres you don't want to include. Make a "do-not-play" list of about 10 to 15 songs that you don't want to hear on your wedding day. This will help your entertainment vendor understand your musical taste better.

To get ideas for your playlist, you can search online for "top wedding songs" or "wedding playlist ideas". You can also ask your entertainment company for suggestions if you've hired one. They are professionals and can guide you in the right direction.

• Pop: Olivia Rodrigo, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, ABBA, The Jackson 5, Queen, Elton John, Adele
• Rock: Meat Loaf, The Cure, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Van Morrison, Guns N' Roses
• Country: Dolly Parton
• Hip-hop: The Notorious B.I.G., Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rihanna, OutKast
• Indie Rock: The Killers, Bloc Party, Arctic Monkeys
• Dance: Daft Punk, Justice
• Oldies: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Buble
• 90s Pop: NSYNC, Britney Spears, Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys
• 00s Pop: Kesha, Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani

Frequently asked questions