When it comes to picking the right music for your wedding, it's easy to come up on a few road blocks along the way. Creating a music playlist for a wedding can be a little more challenging than it seems, but we've got some great tips to help you create a wedding playlist that is perfect for you!
Photography: Lele & Beane, Brooklyn Photography
1. Band vs. DJ
This is your first (and probably biggest) decision when it comes to picking music for your wedding. Bands offer a great twist and variety of music from their song covers to even their own original songs. If you are looking to have live music at your wedding, a good place to start would be to start going out to live music venues and events to scope out the local bands and see if they also play at weddings. However, if you do decide to have a band, another tip would be to compile your own wedding playlist to play while the band goes on breaks or whenever you're ready to open the dance floor. If you prefer untouched and original songs, choosing a DJ may be the best option for you. Either way, the cost between the two is a big deciding factor, so make sure to do your research!
Photography: River West, Laura Hamon Photography, Cezanne, Laura Hamon Photography
2. Spotify is Your Best Friend!
According to one of our lovely senior coordinators, Allison Dolph, one of her best tips to her brides and grooms is every time you're in the car, start listening to different Spotify playlists and start marking the songs that you like! This is a great and easy way to compile your own list of songs and you don't have to worry about trying to recall all of the songs later! We also have our own Spotify Playlist full of our own song suggestions that we've put together based on the most popular songs that we hear at our events! Find it here.
Photography: Wedflix, Macy O'Connell Photography, DASH Photography, Joey Wallace Photography
3. Music for Everyone!
Of course it's important to pick songs that you and your partner like, but don't forget about the other guests' music tastes too! Consider choosing music that spans from Motown, rock, pop, oldies, etc. since music tastes can vary by generation. Including a mix of different genres ensures that all of your guests will have music that they will enjoy. You can also go around and ask your family and friends for song suggestions if you're having a difficult time branching beyond your preferred genre!
Photography: Wright Moore Photography, Cait Carr Photography, Mary Claire Photography, Wright Moore Photography, River West
4. Keep it Upbeat!
Once the dance floor opens up, you're going to want your guests to get on their feet and keep the celebration going! Playing fast, upbeat songs tend to have more success in keeping guests dancing and having fun. Dance songs like The Cupid Shuffle, Cha Cha Slide, and Wobble can be a little cheesy to some, but they are great songs for getting people out on the dance floor! These songs are also wonderful ice breakers because most everyone knows them and they are easy songs to dance to.
Photography: Mary Claire Photography DJ: NDL Entertainment
5. Talk to Your DJ!
Depending on your DJ, they may already have some playlists you can look at to help you get started. One of our favorite DJ's, NDL Entertainment, has extremely helpful music forms that includes a database of over 200 of the most requested wedding songs! This is a great tool if you book with them, because you can even create your playlist directly through the database-- so easy! And remember, sometimes it is best to leave things to the professionals. Don't try to pick every single song for the wedding. Not only will that drive you mad, but you are working with professionals who will understand your taste and will be sure to deliver music that will fit your style!
Photography: Wright Moore Photography, Simply Morgan Photography, Happy Everything Co., Shelby Norris Photography, Wedflix, Jessica Pendley Photography, Logan Simmons Photography, Wright Moore Photography
6. Special Songs With Special People
First thing's first: you and your partner's first dance. This can either be the easiest or most difficult decision depending on whether or not you two already have a "song." Whether you want it serious and romantic or fun and silly, choose a song that you feel best embodies your relationship with one another. Also, if you choose to have private dance at the end of the night, it's a good idea to take into consideration which song you and your partner want to dance with to end your special day! This is a beautiful, intimate time with your partner, so pick as song that is personal and meaningful to you both.
As for songs with parents or the parent-like figures in your life, consider asking them for their opinion. Some parents like to choose songs that they feel best describes their fondest feelings and moments with you, while others may want to go a more surprising and silly route. Either way, these are moments that you're going to remember (hopefully) for the rest of your life, so make it count!
Photography: Jessica Pendley Photography, Laura Hamon Photography