Creating A Wedding Ipod Playlist: Music For Every Moment

Creating a wedding playlist on an iPod can be a fun and cost-saving alternative to hiring a DJ. It also gives you more control over the songs played at your wedding. However, it requires careful planning and execution to ensure a seamless musical experience for your guests. From curating the perfect mix of songs to crossfading and creating medleys, there are several steps you can take to make your wedding iPod playlist a success.

Choose a variety of music for all ages

When it comes to wedding music, variety is key. You want to build momentum with the music, so think about how all the songs build on each other to get your guests in the dancing mood.

For example, if you're playing music that you and your friends love, like Arrested Development, mix it up with some Billie Holiday for the older guests. You want to build it up, and ease it down, then build it up higher, drop it down, and then build it up into a frenzy right at the end.

If you notice that no one over 30 is dancing, skip straight to the hip-hop set and get people sweating through their shirts!

• Uptown Funk, Mr Brightside, Don't Stop Me Now, Single Ladies – Bruno Mars
• Get Lucky – Daft Punk
• Happy – Pharrell Williams
• Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder
• Locked Out Of Heaven – Bruno Mars
• Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke
• Never Too Much – Luther Vandross
• 9 to 5 – Dolly Parton
• Twist & Shout – The Beatles
• Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
• Higher & Higher –

Make separate playlists for each section of the wedding

Making separate playlists for each section of the wedding is a great way to stay organised and ensure that your wedding music runs smoothly. Here are some tips to help you create these playlists:

Ceremony Playlist:

The ceremony playlist is likely to be the simplest, with two to three songs chosen for key moments such as the processional, recessional, and signing of the register. These songs are often more traditional and slower-paced.

Cocktail Hour/Drinks Reception Playlist:

For the cocktail hour or drinks reception, consider creating a playlist of chilled-out love songs or soft background music. This will help set a relaxed ambiance as your guests mingle and enjoy drinks.

Create a separate playlist for introductions and special dances, such as the first dance, father-daughter dance, and mother-son dance. These songs are usually slower and more sentimental.

Dinner Playlist:

During dinner, you'll want some soft background music that won't overwhelm conversation. Consider a mix of romantic and upbeat songs to keep the good vibes going.

Dancing and Party Playlist:

For the dancing and party portion of the wedding, create a high-energy playlist that will get your guests on the dance floor. Include a mix of genres and generations to appeal to all your guests, from classic rock to pop and hip-hop. You can also add some sing-along tunes that everyone knows for extra fun.

After-Party Playlist:

If you're having an after-party, create a separate playlist to keep the energy going. This can include some of your favourite party songs and requests from your guests.

Remember to include more music than you think you'll need, especially for the cocktail hour and reception, as these timelines can vary. It's better to have extra songs than to run out of music!

Cross-fade songs to avoid dead air

When creating a wedding playlist on your iPod, it's important to ensure a seamless flow to keep the party going and avoid any dead air. Crossfading songs is a great way to achieve this. Crossfading allows songs to seamlessly blend into one another, creating a smooth transition between tracks and maintaining the energy on the dance floor.

To set up crossfading on your iPod, follow these steps:

• Locate the Settings menu on your iPod. This is usually accessible through the main menu or by swiping down from the top of the screen, depending on your iPod model.
• Within the Settings menu, look for an option related to playback or audio settings. This could be labelled as "Playback," "Audio," or something similar.
• In the playback or audio settings, you should find a Crossfade or Audio Crossfade option. Enable this setting.
• Adjust the crossfade duration to your preference. Typically, you can set the amount of time it takes for the current song to fade out and the new song to fade in. This is often done using a slider or by entering a specific duration.

By enabling crossfading, you can create smooth transitions between songs, ensuring that there are no abrupt pauses or gaps in the music. This technique is especially useful for dance parties, as it keeps the energy flowing and prevents any interruptions that might cause guests to leave the dance floor.

Additionally, consider the overall flow of your playlist. Aim to build momentum throughout the night by arranging songs that complement each other and gradually increase the tempo. This way, you can create a natural flow that encourages guests to stay on the dance floor and enjoy the celebration.

Ensure you have the right equipment

To ensure you have the right equipment for your wedding iPod playlist, there are several things to consider. Firstly, while most people have an iPod or smartphone capable of holding all the music needed, it is the additional sound equipment that is crucial. This includes speakers, microphones, and other audio gear. Consult a musician or someone knowledgeable about sound equipment to determine your specific needs. For instance, will you require a wireless microphone or a PA system?

Secondly, appoint a "sound person" who is responsible for setting up and troubleshooting the equipment, as well as controlling the playlist and sound levels. This person should be someone other than the couple, as they will be busy enjoying their wedding day. The sound person should be familiar with the equipment and be able to prevent and resolve any technical issues that may arise.

Additionally, it is essential to perform multiple sound checks in advance. Set up and test the equipment in the wedding venue a few days before the event, and again on the morning of the wedding. If there is an inclement weather plan, ensure you also test the equipment in the alternative location. This proactive approach will help identify and address any potential issues, ensuring the music is ready to go on the big day.

Finally, be prepared for last-minute technical glitches by knowing the location of the nearest electronics store. This way, if something goes wrong during the sound check or on the day itself, your sound person can quickly procure any necessary cables or equipment.

By following these steps and ensuring you have the right equipment, you can feel confident that your wedding iPod playlist will run smoothly and create lasting memories for you and your guests.

Appoint a sound person

Appointing a sound person is an important step in ensuring your wedding iPod playlist runs smoothly. This person should be someone other than you or your partner, as you'll be busy getting married! They should be someone who knows a thing or two about sound equipment, sound levels, feedback, and troubleshooting. The best sound people for weddings are those who take their role seriously and know how to prevent issues before they become problems.

Your sound person will be responsible for setting up the equipment, controlling the playlist and sound, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. They should be able to smoothly handle any complications that may occur. For example, they should know how to adjust sound levels to prevent dramatic volume shifts between songs and minimise "dead air".

It is also important that your sound person is someone who will take their role seriously and be committed to ensuring the music runs smoothly. They should be able to prevent issues from becoming problems and troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise.

When appointing a sound person, it is also a good idea to consult a musician or someone with knowledge of sound equipment. They can provide valuable advice and guidance on the sound equipment needed and how to use it effectively.

By appointing a capable and dedicated sound person, you can rest assured that your wedding iPod playlist will be in good hands, and you can focus on enjoying your special day.

Frequently asked questions