The background music is an integral part of any wedding day. You’ll want your soundtrack to encourage guests to fill the dancefloor in the evening while also intertwining those meaningful songs throughout that will become synonymous with this special occasion. But it can be difficult to know exactly what to play. After all, you’re trying to cater to people of all different ages with all different tastes. Here are our top three tips to help you curate your own perfect playlist that will hit all the right notes.
Consider the mood changes throughout the day
Naturally, there are several changes in mood throughout any wedding day, and you’ll want your playlist to reflect these. From the slow and serious tone of the ceremony to the more upbeat mood at the reception, think carefully about how you and your guests may be feeling at different points. But remember that there aren’t any rules when it comes to the music and if you want to create a party atmosphere during the processional then by all means do that – just remember to keep your guests in mind.
It’s also important not to discount your getting-ready playlist in the morning. Ask one of the bridesmaids or groomsmen to create a playlist that the wedding party will enjoy while you’re all getting glammed up. This will be the only time of the day when you won’t need to consider any other guests when selecting your music, so feel free to play exactly what you want.
Cater to all tastes
While you and your partner should always have the final say, and it’s important not to get too bogged down in trying to please everyone, you should still consider the tastes of your guests. Ultimately, you don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable about the song choices at the most crucial parts of the day. You will know best the type of music your family and friends will respond more positively to, so bear this in mind when picking your playlist.
To really get them involved in the musical elements of the day, you could ask each of your guests to note down a few songs they’d like to hear during the reception. These should, of course, be vetted by you and your partner to ensure they align with the theme of your wedding. Not only does this help to ensure the guests will hear something they love on your special day, but it can also be a great source of inspiration if you’re feeling a bit stuck.
Give your performer some freedom
It’s important to remember that you chose to hire a musical entertainer for a reason. As much as it can be helpful to give them a few ideas about the type of music you like, when it comes to their performance, they can always benefit from a little bit of creative freedom. Musical performers will naturally be skilled at reading the room. If everyone’s up and dancing in the middle of the reception, it may not be the time to play that slow ballad you’ve requested. Leave some of the musical choices in their capable hands and you can be sure of a seamless soundtrack.
To ensure they don’t end up playing songs you’d rather not appear on your wedding playlist, it can be helpful to provide them with a do-not-play list. This will help to guide your DJ or performer who can then ensure they’re hitting the right notes and not upsetting the mood.