Planner Post: How to pick your Wedding Playlist.
Planner Post: How to pick your Wedding Playlist One of my favorite parts of a wedding is the music. Whether you choose a great 80s…
One of my favorite parts of a wedding is the music. Whether you choose a great 80s band or a well known DJ you can rest assure that I am always the last one on the dance floor. Some of my favorite weddings are when I see the dance floor alive and all ages are out there having a good time. Music is a very personal thing to a lot of people and can sometime define relationships. I have worked plenty of weddings where people barely touch the dance floor and they are awkwardly shuffling around. No fun! This always leaves the couple wondering why people left early or if the guests had any fun. To avoid this here are some good tips I learned along the way!
Image from Flash Dance
Start making your playlist sooner rather then later: If you are anything like me you already have designated playlists for certain parties or even for your morning workout. Make a playlist for your wedding and starting adding songs you must hear. You don’t want to look back on your wedding and be like, “Man I wish I would have heard that song.”
Loud is always better: If you choose to have your own IPOD or DJ make sure that the music is loud. You don’t want to drown out your guests but you also do not want to be hearing every single persons conversation.
Everyone loves a good throwback: Choose music people know and love to hear. This does not mean that you cannot play stuff that you only know either. Switch it up and have some great throwbacks but also have some songs that are special to you and your sweet heart. The idea is that you want a packed dance floor so if Smash mouth and Sir Mix Alot does it then so be it!
Think of the playlist in several lists: The flow of your playlist is everything. You want to build it up when you are walking down the aisle bring it back down during the cocktail and dinner hours then build it up for the dance floor.
Pre-Ceremony: This music will really set the tone for the night. Have some catchy songs that are not dance floor related.
Ceremony: When you are walking down the aisle everyone will remember that song you choose whether it is Canon in the D or All You Need is Love by the Beatles make sure that it is something that means something to the both of you.
Cocktail hour and Dinner: For the cocktail hour I would have more celebratory songs that as you are walking in people are congratulating you. For dinner have some low key well known favorites so that people can listen and talk to each other but also enjoy the music. You don’t want people rushing that expensive dinner you paid for just to get on the dance floor.
Dance Floor: I would start it off with some older artist to keep the elders happy like the Beach Boys, U2, and Johnny Cash. Then move into your favorite throw backs like Ja Rule, Tina Turner or some 80s. Then end it with more popular tunes like T-Swift, Miranda Lambert, Usher ect.
Image from United with Love
Last but not least have a designated person whether it is a DJ or a wedding planner handling the music. You do not want guest in CONTROL of the music. This could really lead to speaker disconnection, constant skipping of songs and very unhappy dance partners.
All in all this is your wedding. Make sure the music is what you like. Don’t be afraid to take suggestions but don’t let your guests determine the music selection. Have fun and just enjoy.
Xox
Jenna
