Things You'll Need:
- A computer, an ipod, recordable cds
-
Step 1
Think about your guestlist. Are there a lot of young people that will be attending? What kinds of cultures or backgrounds do they have? It's great to pick songs that different generations can relate to, so a good mix of decades can make a great songlist.
-
Step 2
What kind of sound system will be at your reception location? Most modern stereo systems will have an output plug hole that you can plug an ipod or laptop into that will have your playlist(s) on it. A 5-CD changer will work well too, because you can designate each CD for a different block of time throughout the night: the cocktail hour, the dinner service, dancing, cake cutting, etc. You also need to think about the best setup for your reception. If the sound system is controlled away from the main room, you might need someone who's communicating with the bride and groom or wedding coordinator on how the evening is progressing. Whoever is in charge of changing the CDs or playlist needs to be in sync with the events of the evening so there's a smooth transition of songs. If a laptop is cumbersome and you think it may get in the way (it may get knocked over or drinks spilled on it if no one is manning it for a long period of time) an ipod will work if someone is available to change the playlists in a quick fashion. A CD player will work in the same manner when changing the playlist CDs. The worst thing to have at a wedding is a lot of dead air with no music playing. If you have a trusted friend, relative, or reception staff member that can put a little time into switching the playlist when they've gotten the cue from the bride & groom or wedding planner, you can alleviate the need for a DJ (and their sometimes corny MC skills!).
-
Step 3
Picking the right songs can make or break a reception. Most weddings have a cocktail hour when the bride and groom haven't yet arrived to the reception and are away taking photos, or are busy receiving guests. This is a great time to play upbeat, yet relaxing music that will put everyone at ease. Jazz standards from the 1940s, Frank Sinatra songs, and 1950s do-wop tunes work well. Putting a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song next to a Thompson's Twins song can also work really well, and guests of all ages can appreciate songs that sound great back to back that not many people would think of putting next to each other. Pop songs that get people out of there chairs to dance a bit can work for the cocktail hour as well, but save the biggest dance numbers for the dancing playlist later in the night. You don't want to put the loudest and most rocking songs during the first hour. You've got to think like a DJ if you're not planning on hiring one!
-
Step 4
When the bride and groom arrive to the reception, you may need to change the playlist a bit, depending on the event. A formal wedding may call for all music to stop and for there to be speeches. The dinner service music should then resume which can include music that isn't too loud or dancy, so guests can be able to have meaningful conversations while eating. After dinner, your dancing music playlist will begin that will include both slow and faster dance songs. Starting off with a Michael Jackson song like "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" is a great way to get people out of their chairs and onto the dancefloor. Put in some ABBA, The Bee Gees, David Bowie's "Rebel Rebel", and you've got some instant favorites. Then you'll need to add in some slow-dance songs like The Platters' "Only You", or Elvis' "Can't Help Falling in Love". Only put in a few that are back to back, and then start up the faster dance songs again to get people who aren't just couples back on the dancefloor.
Depending on the taste of your guests, and if you have a theme wedding, you can add particular genres of songs. If you love country music and you know your guests do, too, play a bunch of them. If you're of Indian descent, play your favorite Indian songs and be sure to add in other genres as well. A great variety of songs will get your guests talking and they'll remember your playlists more.
If there's a cake-cutting ceremony, songs like The Archies' "Sugar, Sugar" work well. Don't forget to put in the bride and groom's first dance song as well.
The rest of the evening should have mostly upbeat dance songs with a few more slow songs in the playlist, but not too many. Most people enjoy to dance or hear upbeat songs during weddings.
Comments
djbrian said
on 7/28/2009 A wedding DJ is more of a master of ceremonies. They are educated on wedding traditions and will customize and run your reception in a way the suits your personalities and that of your guests.
Somebody to keep the flow going and prepare all the other vendors so you can relax at your own wedding is why you hire professionls. Saving a few bucks is nice but you get what you pay for. As long as you can tell your DJ what you expect him to do and not do then you should be covered for any over the top antics.
dwmusic said
on 7/17/2009 What most of these "DJ your own wedding" articles are glossing over is the quality of the sound system. You cannot use a "stereo system" at a wedding with more than 10 or 15 people there. It just won't cut it. You need a fairly powerful PA system with quality speakers and amplifiers. This is one of the main reasons for hiring a pro DJ.
Devero said
on 12/17/2008 Good ideas to save some money on a DJ and still have great music. The last wedding I was at, the DJ started playing his alto sax along with the music - crazy.
2ndMomma said
on 10/30/2007 Hey Calien...
Great article!!! Thanks for posting it; I'll keep these tips in mind:)) And...welcome to eHow. Hope you'll enjoy everything this site has to offer as much as I have!