Creating the Perfect Wedding Playlist: A step-by-step guide

Have you been asked for a wedding playlist of all your favourite songs by your hired DJ?

Having trouble putting together a great song selection for all guests to enjoy? Here are some tips on choosing songs for the day.

Firstly, you need to think about each wedding as separate sections of the day, such as, ceremony, bride and groom entrance, reception, dance floor. Then, you should think about how you would like each section of your wedding to feel and how the music will compliment this. You may want your guests feel included, ask for a song from each guest for a certain section of the day.

Ceremony

Walking down the aisle, typically, you would choose a song that is soft, gentle, a song that represents each of you OR you can think outside the box a little by choosing a song that is cheerful and joyous and with a faster beat. Maybe having the bridemaides come down the aisle dancing, the grooms throwing out beers to the guests. Make the start of your day shine with your personalities in mind.

Reception

Bride and Groom entrance

You may choose to have an introduction entrance where you will be introduced as the newly married couple to your guests. Here is your chance to set the mood for the party ahead with a brilliant song that hits all the notes. Pay attention to the lyrics, you may want to walk to the chorus only, ask the DJ to have this on a loop.

Whether it be a sit down meal or cocktail hour these could be very different music genre.

A sit down meal

Keep in mind slower paced songs are usually more comfortable when enjoying a sit down meal. You could request for your DJ to find some of your favourite (faster paced) songs as an acoustic version instead.

Cocktail hour

Music that is a more up beat works great in this scenario.

Cake Cutting

Cake by the ocean? Have some fun here, choose a song that could be fun but themed.

Dance Floor

First Dance

For some this can be one of the hardest song to choose. Only choosing one song to show the love you have for each other, a song of romance. Some may love a slow dance but some may hate to slow dance, in this case think of a song that you can dance to like your infront of your mirror with the hairbrush! Another option is playing a song all can enjoy, getting other people involved to take away the nerves, ask your parents, siblings, best friends to join in.

Ask your DJ to opt for a shorter version of the chosen song. Around 2 mins long keeps the guests attention.

Party time

Go big or go home. During the party section of your wedding it is always best to choose songs of many genres of different eras. However, there will be some songs you enjoy listening to in your car but when playing at a party they can clear the dancefloor! not all songs work for a dance floor. We want to keep that floor busy and those guests enjoying every track. You want some personalized songs in the playlist but think 'is this a song we can dance to or is it something I just enjoy in the car'.

Remember, the DJ has experience in knowing what music always has the dancefloor pumping, allowing them to have freedom, reading the crowd and mixing some of the top hits you haven't thought of.

Another option to consider is if you would like to take the first hour of music for children songs to keep them entertained. If children may be present, speak with your DJ if you wish to have clean versions and if available.

Some DJs will allow guest request on the night, liaise with your DJ to check if this is a service they offer.

Considering a DJ for your next event? Call Sonic Wave Events. Servicing Central Coast, Sydney and Hunter Valley, NSW.