Let’s think about dance music for a minute. Think what styles best describe what songs are successful at a wedding. Now think about your wedding. What do you want the DJ to play?
In Step 7 of the Wedding Reception Perfection planner you can choose your favorites. You may even make your very own do not play list.
Couples ask my advice on this topic all the time and there are 2 camps; the couples who get everyone involved to choose music or couples who choose nothing and leave it up to the DJ.
Either way is fine, nothing wrong with any of it.
But I got to thinking more and more about what styles of music make up a fun dance floor and how the music motivates guests. Here are some thoughts…
The wedding guests must be enthusiastic and be motivated about what the DJ plays.
The DJ must play a wide variety of styles from contemporary decades. (40’s thru now)
The music must be danceable whether it’s fast or slow.
The songs must be appealing to you and your guests.
The question I always ask is can you dance to it?
Taste and likeability also account for whether certain songs can be played at some weddings. Most wedding DJ’s play only “radio edits” or “clean mixes” so offensive words should not be an issue. If you don’t like a pop song because it’s annoying to you but it’s popular at weddings, like the “Cupid Shuffle” you may choose to have the DJ play the song because it will make your guests happy and fill the floor. Offensive lyrics are probably another matter. Techno or House styles have limited interest.
The DJ wants the same happy result as you.
Here are some ideas to help your DJ become more effective,
Don’t be controlling with your musical choices.
Don’t give your DJ more than 10 “Do not plays”
Don’t write a timeline of songs to be played every 4 minutes.
Give your DJ freedom to play “what works” & take requests.
Listen to advice from your DJ about your personal choices and where to place them like at cocktail hour or the dinner hour.
Here’s a word about requests…successful DJ’s filter out the requests which may not make sense to play. Most guests will ask for what they know and like but it may not keep a dance floor full. Timing plays a huge part in what the DJ plays and when he plays it.
Factor in some element of surprise and the song gets a positive reaction from the crowd.
Here’s one more thing to think about…a good sized smattering of oldies always works well. You might be too young to remember the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s. But many of your guests probably grew up in one of those decades and are fond of several songs or artists. By rule of thumb, the music you listened to as a kid is what you’ll end up listening to as an adult but if the DJ plays a few oldies it will keep guests interested all night long.
They don’t call ‘em “golden oldies” for nothing.
Many of your guests will want to hear the current favorites as well so now you have a huge mix which will keep the floor crowded all night.