Good music. Great memories. One hell of a party.
Music sets the mood for your entire wedding, from the moment you walk down the aisle to the last song of the night.
But choosing wedding music isn’t just about putting together a Spotify playlist and hoping for the best.
Here’s how to get it right
1. Start With Your Favourite Music
Think about the music that represents you as a couple.
Are you country music lovers? Rock fans? Into old-school classics, R&B, dance music or a bit of everything?
Your wedding playlist should reflect your personalities while still giving your guests plenty of reasons to hit the dance floor.
2. Choose Your Key Moment Songs
These are the songs worth choosing well before your wedding day.
- Wedding party processional
- Bride’s or couple’s entrance
- Signing of the marriage documents
- Ceremony recessional
- Reception or wedding party entrance
- Cake cutting
- First dance
- Father–daughter or mother–son dance
- Other family or special dances
- Bouquet toss or other reception activities
- Last song of the night
Not every wedding needs every moment. Pick the traditions you love and skip the ones you don’t.
3. Create Your Must-Play and Do-Not-Play Lists
Give your DJ a selection of songs you absolutely love.
Around 20 or more songs is a great starting point, or you can share a playlist that reflects your musical taste.
And don’t forget the do-not-play list!
If you can’t stand the Nutbush, don’t want the Macarena or have a song that brings back memories you’d rather forget, say so.
Your DJ isn’t a mind reader.
4. Think About Your Guests
Your wedding is your celebration, but a good mix of music helps keep everyone involved.
Consider the ages, musical tastes and personalities of your guests.
A great DJ knows how to read the room, move between genres and keep the energy going.
5. Don’t Forget the Practical Stuff
For outdoor or rural weddings, think about:
- Access to suitable power
- Weather protection for equipment
- Space for the DJ setup
- Noise restrictions or venue curfews
- Microphones for speeches
- Adequate lighting around the dance floor
- Generator noise and location
- Who will operate ceremony music
If you’re using a generator, make sure it can safely support the sound equipment and won’t be competing with your music.
Cassie’s Wild Tip:
Don’t place a noisy generator beside the ceremony or dance floor. A beautiful bush wedding doesn’t need a diesel engine providing the backing vocals!
6. Trust Your DJ
Give your DJ your favourite songs, your absolute no-go tracks and any special requests.
Then let them do their thing.
A great wedding DJ can adapt to the crowd, take requests where appropriate and keep the night flowing without sticking rigidly to a playlist.
Ready to plan your wedding soundtrack?