Lyla Dejesus
Music is one of the most important elements of a good wedding. Deciding on the songs to give your wedding DJ can be a fun part of the planning process, but it can be challenging to know where to start. It's important to provide a list of must-play songs that are meaningful to you and your partner, such as songs that were popular when you were at university or your mum's favourite song. You can also give your DJ creative freedom to take requests from your guests and adapt to the crowd's vibe. To make it easier to share your song ideas, you can create a Spotify playlist and take advantage of the algorithm's suggestions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Songs | Enough songs to cover the duration of the wedding, typically 3-5 hours |
| Must-Plays | Songs that are meaningful to the couple and their guests, including throwbacks and personal favorites |
| Do Not Play | Songs that the couple does not want to be played under any circumstances |
| Guest Requests | The DJ should be able to take requests from guests to gauge the energy of the room and adjust the playlist |
| Genre | A mix of old and new songs, including classics, pop, rock, R&B, and hip-hop, to cater to all age groups |
| Volume | Keep the volume at a reasonable level during meals to allow older guests to converse |
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What You'll Learn
Songs with special meaning
When it comes to choosing songs with special meaning for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about songs that hold personal value for you and your partner. This could be a song that was playing when you first met, or one that brings back fond memories of your early days together. Perhaps there's a particular artist or genre that you both love and would like to feature at your wedding.
Secondly, consider songs that have a broader appeal and will resonate with your guests. These could be classic love songs that everyone knows and can sing along to, such as "Stand By Me", or upbeat, feel-good tunes that will get everyone on the dance floor, like "Signed, Sealed, Delivered". If you want to involve your guests even more, you could ask them to submit song requests ahead of time, which your DJ can then incorporate into the set.
Additionally, you might want to think about songs that hold a special significance for your families. Is there a particular song that always gets your mum or grandparents on the dance floor? Including these songs will not only make the day more memorable for your loved ones but also add a heartfelt touch to the celebrations.
Lastly, don't forget to include a mix of old and new songs. While classic wedding tunes like "At Last" by Etta James are timeless choices, you can also add a modern twist with more recent hits like "All of Me" by John Legend. This blend will ensure there's something for everyone, creating an inclusive and dynamic atmosphere.
Remember, the songs you choose for your wedding should ultimately reflect your unique love story and create a soundtrack that you and your guests will always associate with this special day.
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Current favourites
For a fun and lively reception, you can't go wrong with "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston. This classic bop is a crowd-pleaser that will get everyone excited and set the tone for the rest of the night. Another editor's pick is "Cuff It" by Beyoncé, a groovy tune about falling in love that will have your guests moving and grooving. "Crave" by Paramore is also a unique choice—it's a song about living in the present and reliving beautiful moments, which is exactly what a wedding is all about!
If you're looking for something more upbeat and modern, "HOT TO GO!" by Chappell Roan is a fun addition, especially if you learn the choreography ahead of time. "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers is another current favourite that will have your guests singing and dancing along. And for a grand exit, "Bye Bye Bye" by *NSYNC* is a fun choice—you and your partner can even perform some of the signature dance moves from the music video!
For a more elegant and romantic atmosphere, a well-curated wedding DJ playlist is essential. During dinner, soft instrumentals, heartfelt lyrics, and smooth melodies will create a warm and inviting ambiance. Some timeless classics that add the perfect touch include "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond, and "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey. These songs will leave your guests with unforgettable memories as they sing and dance along.
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'Must-play' songs
When it comes to "Must-Play" songs for your wedding DJ, it's important to remember that the music should reflect your unique taste as a couple and create an exciting atmosphere for your guests. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you craft your wedding playlist:
Personal Favourites and Sentimental Songs:
Include songs that hold a special meaning for you and your partner. Whether it's the tune that played during your first dance, a song from your favourite movie, or a track that brings back fond memories of your university days, these songs will make your wedding celebration more intimate and personalised.
Crowd-Pleasers and Classics:
Strike a balance between modern hits and timeless classics to cater to guests of all ages. Consider including popular throwbacks like "My Girl," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," "Stayin' Alive," "Dreams," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," and "September." These familiar tunes are likely to get everyone on the dance floor, from your friends to your grandparents.
Energetic Dance Tracks:
To keep the party lively, include some upbeat dance tracks that are sure to get your guests moving. Songs like "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson (feat. Bruno Mars), "SexyBack" by Justin Timberlake (feat. Timbaland), and "Fireball" by Pitbull (feat. John Ryan) will inject energy into your wedding reception.
Romantic Ballads:
Add a touch of romance to your playlist with heartfelt love songs. "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé (feat. Jay-Z), "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!" by Shania Twain, and "I Love It" by Icona Pop (feat. Charli XCX) are perfect for setting a loving and sentimental mood.
Guest Requests:
While it's essential to provide your DJ with a list of must-play songs, remember to leave some room for flexibility. Allow your DJ to take requests from guests, as this can add an element of surprise and excitement to the celebration. It also gives your DJ the opportunity to gauge the energy of the room and adapt the playlist to keep the dance floor buzzing.
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Do not play songs
When it comes to "do not play" songs for your wedding DJ, it's important to consider your personal preferences, the vibe you want to create, and songs that might be inappropriate or offensive to your guests. Here are some suggestions for songs you may want to avoid at your wedding:
- "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke: This song was on Hilary Sheinbaum's "do not play" list for her wedding, as mentioned in The New York Times. It's likely due to the song's controversial and problematic lyrics, which have received widespread criticism for their misogynistic and rape-condoning message.
- "The Chicken Dance": This song, along with its accompanying choreography, is likely ingrained in your and your guests' childhoods. While it might bring back memories, it could also clear the dance floor.
- "Single Ladies" by Beyonce: This song has been overdone at weddings. After spending 15+ years on wedding playlists, it might be best to give it a rest.
- "Electric Slide": Similar to "The Chicken Dance," this disco-style dance song was once popular but may be better left in the past.
- "Cupid Shuffle": After more than a decade of being featured on wedding playlists and special events, it's time to retire this 2007 hit.
- "Uptown Funk": While it's a smash hit, many people might be tired of hearing it.
- "Who Let the Dogs Out": Ranked as one of the most annoying songs by Rolling Stone in 2007, this song is likely to irritate your guests.
- "All About That Bass" by Meghan Trainor: This song was a trailblazer upon its release in 2014, but now it might stir up a negative reaction from your guests.
- "Shut Up and Dance" by WALK THE MOON: After a decade of being a wedding playlist staple, it might be time to replace this song with something more modern and less annoying to your guests.
- "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift: While this song made it to a couple's "do not play" list, as mentioned in The New York Times, whether you include it or not depends on your personal preference and your guests' tastes.
Remember, it's essential to communicate your preferences clearly with your DJ and provide them with a balanced mix of "do not play" songs and must-play songs to ensure they can read the room and keep the dance floor lively.
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Throwbacks
Throwback songs are a great way to get your wedding guests onto the dance floor. These songs are especially important if you have older guests who might not enjoy the latest hits. Think about the songs that you and your guests loved to dance to in the past. These could be songs from your university days, songs from movies you love, or songs that are your parents' favourites.
- My Girl
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered
- Stayin' Alive
- Dreams
- Can't Take My Eyes Off You
- Love is in the Air
- September
- Gimme a Man After Midnight
- Mambo No. 5 (a Little Bit of…)
- Everybody (Backstreet's Back)
- Crazy In Love (featuring Jay-Z)
- SexyBack (featuring Timbaland)
- Yeah! (featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris)
- Low (featuring T-Pain)
- Party In The U.S.A.
- Uptown Funk (featuring Bruno Mars)
- Mr. Brightside
- Thrift Shop (featuring Wanz)
- Fireball (featuring John Ryan)
- I Love It (featuring Charli XCX)
- Don't Stop the Party
You can also include some classic rock songs, such as those by Fleetwood Mac or The Beatles, or some 90s pop and 50s rock n roll hits. These throwbacks will add a fun and nostalgic element to your wedding and will be enjoyed by guests of all ages.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to provide a list of must-play songs, but also leave some space for your DJ to take requests from your guests. A good DJ will be skilled in reading the room and playing the right music at the right time.
You should give your DJ a mix of songs that are meaningful to you and your partner, songs that you and your friends are currently into, and some old-school throwbacks.
Think about songs that are special to you as a couple, like the song from a movie you both love, or a song that you loved to dance to at university.
Think about the age groups of your guests and the types of music they would enjoy. For example, older guests might appreciate hearing some of their favourite classic rock songs.
Creating a Spotify playlist is a great way to share your song choices with your wedding DJ. You can also use the online planner provided by some DJ services to add your song requests.
