Selecting Music for your Wedding

Here is a great blog post from Mid-West Sound. Couldn’t have written it better myself. I did put a line through the chicken dance comment.

When it comes to selecting wedding music, a few things come to mind. First and foremost, the songs you choose for your “Spotlight” dances and your ceremony, will tell your audience a story about you. Secondly, you know your “Core Audience” the best (family & friends), you know what songs or type of music they will dance to, or not dance to. I suggest picking 10-15 “Must Play” songs for your DJ, as well as creating a “Do Not Play” list of songs or genres of music. Lastly, when it comes to the open dance floor, ask yourself if it’s recognizable, and can people dance to it? More on that later…

The Grand March/Entrance

It’s the tempo setter for the night, have your DJ announce your Bridal Party in style! Enter the room to “At Last” by Etta James and lull the crowd to sleep, or enter like rock stars to Joe Satriani’s “Crowd Chant” (It’s played whenever the MN Wild score). Remember, the songs you select, tell your guests a story about you!

Cross-Generational Music

You want a night club party, your bridesmaids want a night club party and the groomsmen may want to bro-it-out, but don’t leave out the people who brought the best gifts. In other words, people with grey hair like to party too… Just ease them into it.

What works in the car/bar, may not work at your reception

Here’s an example: Katy Perry’s E.T., did huge in digital sales and radio play, and you couldn’t escape it, but you can’t dance to it… unless you’re a Kardashian. My favorite radio station is 89.3 The Current, but I would say that most of the music played is not danceable. I’ve discussed music with hundreds of clients, and my heart goes out to the great music lovers out there (especially those who fancy punk, old-school hip-hop, folk, and alt music) but trust me, the stuff we love doesn’t work at weddings. If you decide to play “cool” music at your reception ask yourself if it’s recognizable, and can people dance to it?

Bride & Groom Dance

I’ll just say this, stop searching YouTube or Google for “The Best First Dance Song”, or “Popular First Dance Song”…. Those are other people’s songs! What’s your song? When you first met, what song fit the most back then or even now? Maybe it’s a goofy song you both like, or it’s a metal song you want to head-bang to, maybe you don’t like the spotlight and want everyone to join you for your first dance, or maybe you’re both not into music, is there a memorable song from a shared favorite movie? Maybe you’re undecided on two different songs, play both. Whatever song you select it will tell the story YOU want to tell. So what’s your story?

The Father/Daughter Dance

There are other songs besides “Butterfly Kisses” and “I Loved Her First.” Try to think about what you’re father’s favorite song or artist is, or ask him to pick the song HE wants, after all, he may have had a big part in financing your special day! I have to mention this… ”Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton? Really? Please investigate what the song is about… Please!

The Mother/Son Dance

Yes it’s YOUR big day, but building some “equity” with your new Mother-In-Law, and letting her select the song won’t be forgotten.

Bridal Party Dance

Take inventory of your Bridal Party, are they all friends or are they strangers? If they don’t really know each other that well, select a mid-tempo or even upbeat dance tune. Also, you may want the Bridal Party to dance with their dates who have been probably seated next to strangers and feel excluded. .. It’s a nice touch!

Dollar Dance

I suggest leaving the music up to your DJ, but we do want to know if you want a “short” 2-3 song set, or if you’d like to accommodate enough time based on your guest’s participation. Obviously the more people that line up, the more time it takes. It just may pay for the new shoes you bought for your honeymoon! Now some brides feel awkward like it’s “shaking-down” their invited guests, but in reality its tradition, and gives people more face time with you and your husband. If you decide to select the music try to shy away from the “Intimate/Romantic” songs…. Can you say awkward?

To Chicken Dance or not to Chicken Dance?

The Hokey Pokey, The Electric Slide, YMCA, etc., are not cool songs; however, they do get your guests on the dance floor. You aren’t required to participate, but these songs are usually only played at weddings and people love them.

In summary put some thought into your songs, pick 10-15 “Must Plays”, highlight the “Do Not Plays”, pick a couple “Group Participation” songs, and don’t forget “Cross-Generational” music … This will give your DJ an opportunity to “read/play to” the crowd, take appropriate requests, and infuse your “Must Plays” in an order that makes sense so everyone goes home with sore feet!

For some wedding music playlist inspiration and “must play” songs check out our wedding music playlist page which features playlists from past weddings we’ve dj’d.
Happy Planning Everyone!

Musically yours,

David, Your Wedding DJ Specialist