Music is an integral part of a wedding, setting the tone and creating lasting memories. The process of selecting songs for your wedding can be fun and romantic, but it's important to consider various factors to ensure your playlist is well-rounded and enjoyable for you and your guests. Here are some tips to help you create a memorable wedding song list:

- Decide whether to hire a professional DJ or DIY: A DJ will handle the technical aspects and has the experience to read the room, but creating your own playlist gives you total control over the music selection.

- Collaborate with your partner: This day is about both of you, so involve your fiancé(e) in choosing songs that reflect your shared tastes and memories.

- Consider your guests' preferences: Aim for a mix of genres and tempos to cater to different ages and tastes. Include classic love songs, modern dance hits, and songs with sentimental value for you and your guests.

- Create a must-play and do-not-play list: Identify songs that hold special meaning for you and your partner, as well as those that should be avoided due to negative associations or explicit content.

- Mix fast and slow songs: Maintain a balance in the tempo to keep the energy flowing. A good rule of thumb is to play one slow song for every five upbeat songs.

- Include a variety of genres: Pop, country, rock, and hip-hop can all find a place on your playlist. Embrace the crossover to appeal to a diverse range of guests.

- Add more music than you think you need: Account for the length of your reception, allowing for some extra songs to accommodate potential delays.

- Listen to your playlist before the wedding: Ensure there are no awkward transitions or gaps, and make sure the flow of songs creates the desired atmosphere.

- Stay true to your musical tastes: Don't feel obliged to include songs you don't genuinely enjoy. Your musical selections should reflect your personalities and preferences.

Characteristics of a Wedding Song List

Choosing a DJ vs. DIY

There are three ways to have music at your wedding: hiring a DJ, hiring a band, or doing it yourself. Bands are a whole other thing, so let's focus on the pros and cons of hiring a DJ versus doing it yourself.

If you want your wedding to be a "killer dance party", then a good DJ is the way to go. They have a wide selection of music and can adjust to the mood of the crowd, switching gears seamlessly. They can also troubleshoot technical issues, adjust volume levels, and give you tips on dance floor setup and volume for different parts of the night.

The best DJs are experienced in reading the crowd and keeping them dancing. They are also more likely to be able to take requests from enthusiastic guests. If you want to be able to dance without worrying about the music, a DJ is a great option.

On the other hand, if you have very strong opinions about music or want to save money, you might prefer to create your own playlist. This option gives you total control over the music and can be more affordable.

Creating your own playlist can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it is also a lot of work. You will need to spend time curating songs that mean something to you and your partner, creating an atmosphere for mingling, and selecting songs that will please your guests and get them dancing.

If you choose to DIY, it is important to have a backup plan in case of technical issues. You will also need to designate someone to be in control of the music during the event, ensuring smooth transitions and adjusting volume as needed.

Whether you choose to hire a DJ or DIY, the most important thing is to keep your guests in mind. If they are a dance-loving crowd, they will likely boogie no matter what. If they don't like dancing, neither option will make a difference. Ultimately, the best way to get your guests on the dance floor is to get out there yourself!

Creating a must-play list

Involve your partner

This day is about both of you, so involve your partner in the music selection. Discuss your favourite songs, any songs that hold special memories, and the type of atmosphere you want to create. Talk about the pace of songs you want for different parts of the day, from the ceremony to the reception. Remember, you're creating a soundtrack for your wedding, so take the time to make it perfect for both of you.

Tap into your musical memories

Think about songs that hold special memories for you as a couple. Perhaps there's a song that played when you first met or one that reminds you of a particular moment in your relationship. These songs will add a unique and personal touch to your wedding and can create a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

Include songs that are memorable with friends

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

Mix up the genres

Variety is key when creating your must-play list. Include a mix of classic love songs, modern dance hits, and chart-toppers from different genres. This will cater to the diverse tastes of your guests, from your teenage niece to your grandparents. Embrace the crossover of genres to create an eclectic playlist that will keep your guests guessing and grooving!

Take suggestions from your guests

If you're open to a wider range of songs, consider taking song requests from your guests. You can add a "Song Request" section to your RSVPs or leave music request cards on the tables. This way, you'll get a sense of what your guests would like to hear and can include something for everyone.

Avoid overly negative or non-romantic songs

While it's important to cater to different tastes, be mindful of the lyrics and mood of the songs you choose. Avoid songs with explicit or offensive lyrics, especially if you have older guests or children present. Steer clear of songs with themes of violence, drugs, or breakups. You want the music to uplift and create a joyful atmosphere.

Creating a do-not-play list

Creating a "do-not-play" list for your wedding is just as important as creating a "must-play" list. This will ensure that your wedding will be exactly as you want it, and you won't have to hear any songs that you dislike or that bring up bad memories. Here are some tips for creating a "do-not-play" list:

Know Your Taste in Music

It's your wedding, so the music should reflect your and your partner's taste. If there's a particular artist or genre you can't stand, add them to the "do-not-play" list. If you're afraid of offending certain guests with specific songs, it's also a good reason to ban them from your ceremony.

Avoid Overplayed and Inappropriate Songs

There are some songs that are way overplayed at weddings, and people just don't want to hear them anymore. There are also songs that are too sad, too sexual, or have explicit lyrics that are not suitable for a wedding. For example, "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke, "Macarena" by Los Del Rio, "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion, and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" by Beyonce.

Consider Your Guests

While it's important to choose songs that you and your partner love, it's also crucial to consider your guests. Your guest list is likely made up of people from multiple generations, so include songs that will appeal to different age groups and musical tastes. For example, mix classic love songs with modern dance hits and include a variety of music genres.

Collaborate with Your Partner and Guests

Creating a "do-not-play" list can be a fun activity to do with your partner and even your guests. Brainstorming together can help you gather a diverse range of songs to avoid. You can also create a collaborative playlist on music platforms like Spotify, where family and friends can contribute their suggestions.

Communicate with Your Entertainment Vendors

Once you've created your "do-not-play" list, be sure to communicate it to your DJ or band in a timely manner. Discuss with them beforehand to ensure they are on the same page and won't play any songs on your "do-not-play" list.

Tips for song selection and list size

Music is an integral part of a wedding and can make the event more memorable. Here are some tips to help you with song selection and list size:

• Involve your partner: This day is about both of you, so involve your partner in the music selection. Discuss your favourite songs, the songs that hold special meaning, and the songs that you would like played during key moments such as the first dance, parent dances, and bridal party entrance.
• Consider your guests: While the music selection should reflect your and your partner's tastes, it's also important to consider your guests. Include songs that will appeal to different generations and groups. This can include a mix of pop, country, rock, and hip-hop.
• Mix fast and slow songs: A good rule of thumb is to play one slow song for every five upbeat songs. This will help to keep the energy flowing and give your guests a chance to relax between high-energy moments.
• Avoid overly negative or non-romantic songs: Choose songs with lyrics that are appropriate for a wedding. Stay away from songs with explicit or suggestive content, especially if you have older guests or children present.
• Include a variety of genres: Mix up classic love songs with modern dance hits to cater to different tastes. This will help to create a well-rounded playlist that appeals to a diverse range of guests.
• Poll your guests: If you're unsure what songs to choose, consider asking your guests for song requests. You can add a "Song Request" section to your RSVPs or leave music request cards on the tables.
• Create a collaborative playlist: Utilise technology by creating a collaborative playlist on platforms like Spotify. This allows family and friends to add their song suggestions, giving you a diverse selection to choose from.
• Provide enough music: Ensure you have plenty of music to cover the length of your reception, usually around 3-5 hours' worth. Include a few extra songs for each event in case of delays or unexpected extensions.
• Listen to your playlist before the wedding: It's important to listen to your entire playlist beforehand to ensure there are no awkward transitions, gaps, or moments of silence. This will help you catch any issues and make adjustments for a seamless musical flow.
• Stay true to your musical tastes: Ultimately, this is your wedding, so choose music that reflects your and your partner's personalities and tastes. If you don't like a particular genre, feel free to leave it out. It's your day, so showcase your unique style!

Adding a personal touch

• Include songs that hold special meaning for the couple, such as the tune playing during your first date or your first dance.
• Choose tracks that reflect your personalities and shared interests.
• Incorporate songs that are significant to your families or friends, creating a sense of connection and nostalgia.
• Craft a custom playlist that tells the story of your relationship, from your first meeting to your wedding day.
• Create a unique hashtag just for your special day for all your social media-addicted guests.
• Share your love story with a custom colouring book for the kids' table.
• Custom Mix CDs of the couple's favourite love tunes make meaningful favours.
• Adorn your walk down the aisle with photos of you and your spouse from childhood to adulthood.
• Surround yourself with a backdrop of handwritten vows.
• Serve your guests your very own signature cocktail.
• Add a personalised vow rose to your bridal bouquet.
• Imbue your wedding band with even more sentiment by imprinting your fingerprint into the ring.

Frequently asked questions