Creating A Wedding Dance Mix: A Guide For Couples

A wedding dance mix can make or break the reception. It's not as simple as putting a few favourite songs together and hoping everyone will dance. A good mix will have a variety of fast and slow beats and songs from different genres to cater to guests of all ages and tastes. Couples can choose to hire a professional DJ or create their own playlist. If creating their own, they should include more music than they think they'll need, listen to the playlist beforehand, and ensure a mix of fast and slow songs to give guests a break. They should also consider the songs that are most popular and well-known, rather than choosing the current radio hits.

Choosing a DJ or DIY

One of the most important decisions you'll make when planning a wedding is whether to hire a DJ or create your own playlist. Here are some things to consider when making that decision:

The pros of hiring a DJ

DJs are professionals, and they will take time and stress off your plate. They'll handle the logistics, timing, MC'ing, and all the dirty work. They have years of experience reading the room and getting people excited to dance. A good DJ will also work with you to create a playlist that reflects your musical tastes and creates a cohesive atmosphere for your wedding.

The cons of hiring a DJ

DJs can be expensive. They might also have their own ideas about what music to play, which may not align with your vision. If you have very specific ideas about the music you want at your wedding, a DJ might not be the best option.

The pros of DIY

Creating your own playlist gives you total control over the music. You can put together a setlist of all your favourite songs, and you won't have to worry about a DJ playing something that doesn't fit the vibe you're going for. It can also be a fun project, especially if you enlist your partner, friends, and family to help.

The cons of DIY

Putting together a wedding playlist is a lot of work. You'll need to spend time researching and curating songs, and you'll also have to think about the order in which they'll be played and how they'll be transitioned. You'll also need to think about the equipment you'll use to play the music, and you may need to designate someone to be in charge of the music on the day, which could be a lot to ask.

So, which is the right choice?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. If you have the time and energy to put into creating your own playlist, it can be a fun and rewarding project. However, if you're short on time or would prefer to leave the music to a professional, hiring a DJ is a great option. Ultimately, the most important thing is that you and your guests have fun, so choose the option that feels like it will create the best atmosphere for your wedding.

Creating a must-play list

Involve your partner

This may sound obvious, but it's essential. The wedding day is about both of you, so involve your partner in the music selection. Discuss your first dance, parent dances, and go through the final setlist together.

Tap into your musical memories

Think about 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 song that was playing during a significant moment in your relationship. These songs will make your wedding playlist unique and meaningful.

Include songs that are memorable between you and your friends

In addition to songs that are special to you as a couple, include songs that are memorable for you and your friends. It could be a song you all used to sing along to or a record that expanded your friends' musical taste. These songs will create special celebratory moments with different groups of guests throughout the event.

Mix up the genres

A good wedding dance mix should include a variety of music genres to cater to guests of all ages and tastes. Mix classic love songs with modern dance hits, pop, country, rock, and hip-hop. This will create a crossover of genres that will get everyone on the dance floor.

Consider your guests' preferences

While it's important to include songs that are meaningful to you, also think about your guests. Avoid ultra-inclusive inside jokes that only you and your partner will understand. Instead, opt for songs that are well-known and energetic without being too fast or too slow.

Stagger the playlist for multiple generations

Structure your playlist to appeal to different generations. Start with a mix of Motown and soul classics, sprinkling in some newer jams. After about 45 minutes, transition to '80s, '90s, and current pop, hip-hop, and New Wave. As the night progresses and the guest list dwindles to your core group of friends and family, anything goes!

Include more music than you think you need

Make sure to include plenty of music to cover the length of the reception, usually around 3-5 hours' worth of songs. Include a few extra songs for each event in case of delays or unexpected extensions.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a must-play list that will keep the dance floor packed and create lasting memories for you and your guests.

Creating a do-not-play list

Creating a "do-not-play" list is an important part of crafting your wedding playlist. This list ensures that songs with negative associations or those that may upset certain guests are not played on your special day. Here are some tips for creating an effective "do-not-play" list:

• Negative Associations: If a song holds a negative memory for you or your partner, add it to the "do-not-play" list. For example, if a particular song reminds you of a painful breakup or a sad event, it's best to avoid having it played at your wedding.
• Guest Considerations: Consider the comfort and enjoyment of your guests when curating this list. If there are songs that may upset or offend certain guests, add them to the list. This includes songs with excessive profanity or those associated with controversial artists.
• Personal Preferences: Include songs that you and your partner genuinely dislike or find annoying. For instance, if you're not a fan of a particular genre or artist, feel free to add them to the list.
• Avoid Overused Wedding Songs: Some songs are overplayed at weddings and may come across as cliché. If you want to avoid these overused songs, add them to your "do-not-play" list.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of your guests' diverse backgrounds and cultures. Avoid songs that may be considered inappropriate or offensive to certain cultural or religious groups.
• Collaboration: Discuss the "do-not-play" list with your partner and close friends or family members. They may have valuable insights or remind you of songs that you want to avoid.

Remember, your "do-not-play" list is just as important as your "must-play" list. It ensures that your wedding playlist aligns with your tastes, respects your guests' comfort, and helps create a joyful atmosphere on your special day.

Staggering the playlist for multiple generations

When creating a wedding dance mix that caters to multiple generations, it's important to consider the different musical tastes and preferences of your guests. Here are some tips to stagger your playlist to ensure that everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, has a chance to enjoy the music and show off their moves:

Start the night with a mix of classic and modern tunes to cater to a wide range of ages. Include some Motown, soul, and Stax/Atlantic/Muscle Shoals hits from the likes of Aretha Franklin, Sam and Dave, and Stevie Wonder. Sprinkle in some newer songs to engage younger guests. Avoid overused clichés like "We Are Family." If you're not using a professional DJ, listen to each song in full before adding it to your playlist.

After about 45 minutes, you'll likely notice that the youngest and oldest guests will start to leave the dance floor. This is a good time to transition to music from the '80s, '90s, and current pop, hip-hop, and New Wave genres. A hip-hop song that samples a soul classic can be an excellent bridge between these eras.

Once you're down to your core group of friends and family who are there to party, anything goes. This is the time to play the songs that you and your closest loved ones adore, regardless of their popularity or age.

When creating a staggered playlist for multiple generations, it's essential to read the room and be flexible. Pay attention to your guests' energy and adjust the music accordingly. You might find that some songs work better at different times of the night, depending on the crowd's dynamics.

Additionally, consider the flow and logic of your playlist. Try to create a smooth transition between songs, especially when switching between genres or eras. You can use DJ apps or software to help with mixing and transitioning if you're handling the music yourself.

Remember, the key is to create an inclusive atmosphere where guests of all ages can feel like they are a part of the celebration and have their moment to shine on the dance floor.

Using an app to automate your playlist

Using an app to automate your wedding dance playlist is a great way to save time and money. There are several apps available that can help you create a seamless mix of songs for your big day. Here are some tips and tricks to get you started:

Choose the Right App

There are many apps available that can help you create a wedding dance mix. One popular option is the Djay2 app, which is designed specifically for iPad and iPhone users. This app allows you to automate your playlist by setting criteria such as the desired mix length. You can also use online applications like Audio-Joiner and Mp3Cutter to edit and merge songs, adjust the tempo, and even add cross-fading effects.

Prepare Your Music

Before you start creating your mix, ensure that you have good quality tracks. Buying songs from official sources like Apple Music, iTunes, or Amazon Music is recommended to ensure the best sound quality. Spend time curating a list of songs that are meaningful to you and your partner, and don't be afraid to include a variety of genres to appeal to your diverse guest list.

Structure Your Playlist

When structuring your playlist, consider the energy and tempo of the songs. A good rule of thumb is to play one slow song for every five upbeat songs to give your guests a chance to relax between fast-paced tracks. You can also stagger your playlist to cater to multiple generations. Start with a PG-rated selection of Motown and soul classics, then transition to PG-13 with '80s, '90s, and current pop hits. By the time you're down to your core group of friends and family, anything goes!

Test and Finalize

Once you've created your playlist, it's important to test it out. Listen to your entire playlist before the wedding to ensure there are no awkward transitions or unexpected surprises. This is also a great opportunity to identify any gaps or moments of silence that you can fill with additional songs. Remember to save your work frequently and create a backup to avoid losing your progress.

Collaborate and Get Feedback

Consider collaborating with your partner, bridal party, or friends to get their input and suggestions. Creating a collaborative playlist on Spotify or similar platforms can make it easy for others to contribute their favorite songs. You can also host a playlist-making party, where everyone brings their song ideas and you can bond over music and wedding plans.

Using an app to automate your wedding dance mix can be a fun and creative process. With the right tools and a bit of planning, you'll be well on your way to crafting a memorable and enjoyable soundtrack for your special day.

Frequently asked questions