The Dj's Playlist Power: Creative Control At Weddings

Music is an integral part of a wedding and there are two ways to go about it: hiring a DJ or creating your own playlist. While a DJ can be expensive, they can read the room and play music to match the vibe. They can also make announcements and ensure a smooth flow of music with good transitions. On the other hand, creating your own playlist gives you complete control over the music and can save you money. However, it requires more work and you might feel the pressure of DJing at your own wedding. So, should the DJ make the wedding playlist? The answer depends on personal preferences and the overall wedding plan.

Pros and cons of a wedding DJ vs a playlist

Music is a key part of any wedding, and there are a few options to consider when it comes to choosing how to provide it. Here are the pros and cons of hiring a wedding DJ versus creating your own playlist:

Wedding DJ

Pros

• A DJ can read the room and play music that fits the moment, keeping the party going and guests happy.
• They can take requests from guests, which can be important if you want to keep the dance floor full.
• They can act as an emcee, making announcements and directing guests when needed.
• They bring their own equipment, saving you the cost and hassle of renting it.
• They have experience and can offer advice on music choices and how to structure the evening.

Cons

• DJs can be expensive, and this option may not fit your budget.
• You may not have control over the exact songs played, and they might not play to your taste.
• A poor DJ may not be able to read the room, playing music that doesn't suit the crowd and clearing the dance floor.
• Some couples find DJs cheesy and would prefer to avoid this.

Wedding Playlist

Pros

• You have complete control over the music, ensuring it suits your taste and includes your favourite songs.
• It can save you money, as you won't have to pay for a DJ.
• You can use apps to create smooth transitions between songs, ensuring a seamless listening experience.
• You can include a mix of genres and styles to suit a range of guest tastes.
• You can avoid cheesy wedding classics and mainstream music, if that's not your style.

Cons

• You may need to rent equipment, which can be costly.
• Someone will need to be in charge of the music and making announcements, taking them away from enjoying the wedding.
• It can be a lot of work to create a playlist, especially one that suits a range of guest tastes and keeps the dance floor full.
• You won't have the benefit of a professional's experience and advice on music choices.
• You may struggle with the urge to "DJ" yourself, rather than relaxing and enjoying your wedding.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and budget. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to consider what will work best for your unique wedding.

Should the DJ take song requests?

There are a variety of opinions on whether or not a DJ should take song requests at a wedding. Some people believe that it is best to give the DJ free rein to play what they think will get people onto the dance floor, while others prefer to provide the DJ with a strict playlist to stick to.

Those who prefer to give the DJ autonomy over the music often do so because they believe that the DJ is a professional who knows how to read the room and will be able to play songs that match the energy of the guests. Additionally, creating a playlist can be a stressful and time-consuming task, and by hiring a DJ, this task is eliminated. However, it is important to provide the DJ with a list of songs that are not to be played, as well as a list of songs that are a must-play. This ensures that the DJ understands your music taste and can eliminate songs that are overplayed at weddings.

On the other hand, some people prefer to provide the DJ with a specific playlist to follow because they are particular about the music they want to be played at their wedding. This ensures that the music aligns with their taste and creates a unique atmosphere that reflects their personality. It is also a way to ensure that the DJ does not play any songs that may be considered offensive or inappropriate for the occasion.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow the DJ to take song requests depends on the couple's preferences and the DJ's style. Some DJs may be more open to taking requests and reading the room, while others may prefer to stick to a predetermined playlist. It is important to have an open discussion with the DJ beforehand to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the couple's expectations are met.

Should you give the DJ a specific list?

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether or not to give your wedding DJ a specific playlist. While some couples prefer to hand over a list of songs to their DJ, others opt for a more flexible approach, allowing the DJ to read the room and make song choices accordingly. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the level of control you want over the music at your wedding.

One advantage of giving your DJ a specific playlist is that you can ensure your favourite songs are played. If you and your partner are particular about music, creating a customised playlist allows you to curate the exact songs and genres you want to hear. This ensures that the music aligns with your tastes and creates a unique experience. Additionally, providing a playlist can be helpful if you have diverse music tastes or want to include songs that are not typically played at weddings.

On the other hand, some couples prefer to give their DJ more freedom to read the crowd and select songs that will keep the energy high. Experienced DJs can gauge the mood of the room and choose songs that will get people on the dance floor. They can also handle guest requests, ensuring that everyone has a good time. Restricting the DJ to a specific playlist may limit their ability to adapt to the crowd and could potentially hinder the flow of the evening.

Another factor to consider is the amount of work involved. Creating a comprehensive playlist for your entire wedding can be a time-consuming task. By hiring a DJ and providing some general guidelines or a list of favourite songs, you can reduce the workload on yourself.

It is also worth noting that a good DJ will typically consult with you before the wedding to understand your music preferences and discuss any specific songs or genres you want included or excluded. They may provide a form for you to fill out, including "must-play" and "do-not-play" lists. This allows them to tailor their song choices to your tastes while still leaving room for flexibility.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to give your DJ a specific playlist depends on your level of comfort and the dynamic you want to create at your wedding. If you have strong music preferences, providing a detailed playlist can ensure your wedding soundtrack aligns with your vision. However, if you are open to a more flexible approach, allowing the DJ to read the room and make song choices can create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

To summarise, here are some key points to consider:

• Giving a specific playlist ensures your favourite songs are played and allows you to curate a unique musical experience.
• Allowing the DJ more freedom enables them to read the crowd and select songs to keep the energy high.
• Creating a comprehensive playlist can be time-consuming, whereas hiring a DJ reduces the workload on you.
• A good DJ will consult with you beforehand to understand your preferences and discuss any specific songs or genres to include or exclude.

What if the DJ plays music you dislike?

It's your wedding, so of course, you want to like the music that's played! But what if your DJ plays music you dislike?

First of all, it's important to hire a professional DJ. While it may be tempting to save some money by hiring an aspiring DJ or someone who's never done a wedding before, it's more likely that they won't know how to read the room and adjust the music accordingly. A professional DJ will be able to gauge the vibes and switch things up if people don't seem to be enjoying the music.

Before the big day, it's a good idea to meet with your DJ and discuss your musical tastes. Many DJs will ask for a list of ''must-play' songs and 'do-not-play' songs. You could also give them a list of genres or bands that you like and dislike. If you're very particular about the music, you could even give them a full playlist for the entire night, although this may limit the DJ's ability to read the crowd and play requests.

If you're worried about the DJ's skills as an MC, you could ask a friend or family member to take on this role instead. That way, you can be sure that announcements will be made when you want them, and you won't have to rely on the DJ to keep things running smoothly.

If you're really concerned about the music being played, you could consider creating your own playlist and using a speaker system instead of hiring a DJ. This option requires more work and means you'll need to find someone to act as an MC, but it does give you complete control over the music.

Remember, music is a key part of your wedding and can make or break the party atmosphere. It's important to put some thought into it and communicate your preferences to your DJ, but also to trust them to do their job and read the room.

How to find a good wedding DJ

A good wedding DJ can make or break your special day, so it's important to choose wisely. Here are some tips on how to find a great wedding DJ:

• Start by deciding what type of DJ you want. Do you want someone who will be the centre of attention, hyping up the crowd, or would you prefer a more low-key DJ who fades into the background and lets the music do the talking? Consider your own personalities and those of your guests. If you and your guests are more on the introverted side, a high-energy DJ might be overwhelming.
• Book your DJ well in advance. Good wedding DJs are in high demand and get booked up quickly, so don't leave it until the last minute.
• Make sure you choose a DJ who specialises in weddings. An experienced wedding DJ will know how to read the crowd, keep the dance floor packed, and help you create a personalised playlist.
• Ask for recommendations from your wedding venue, recently married couples, and other wedding vendors you're working with. They will have a lot of insight into which DJs are reliable and professional.
• Research DJ options in your area using wedding websites and read reviews from past clients. Pay attention to what past clients say about the DJ's performance, their ability to read the crowd, and their professionalism.
• Interview several DJs to determine their style of mixing, music selection, experience, and planning process. Ask about their equipment, backup plans in case of equipment failure, and their process for handling introductions, speeches, and other special events during the wedding.
• Consider the other services offered by the DJ company. Some DJs provide lighting, photo booths, special effects, and emcee services, which can enhance the overall guest experience.
• Trust your gut. If you get a good feeling about a DJ, they have positive reviews, and their communication is responsive and friendly, go ahead and book them. The best DJs book up quickly, so don't procrastinate!

Frequently asked questions