1. To be yourself, or not to be yourself- this is one of the hardest lines to walk while building a playlist. You want the music being played to represent yourself, but if you are a fan of Metallica, Green Day, Limp Biscuit (not that there really are any...) or other bands like that, then you probably don't want to add those types of songs to your playlist. Pop music may also be your least favorite type of music, but if it gets your guests moving and having a good time, the there will need to be compromises. As a suggestion, try throwing in your favorite songs that may not work for dance songs during the dinner or cocktail hour (though heavy metal probably wouldn't be too favorable at any point during a wedding, haha). Those times are more for listening entertainment rather than dancing. Songs played during that time can really set the mood for the rest up the night. To much soft background music could put your guests to sleep, while heavier music could interfere with conversation.
2. Mix it up- This is probably the best tip of all and the most important. If you want to make sure that your playlist is unique to you, this is the way to do it. For most weddings out there, ages can range from new borns to 90 year olds. You can't please everybody, but it's not a bad idea to try. And even if you are the most avid Hip-Hop/Rap fan, very few people want to listen to the same type of music the whole night long. Variety helps keep your reception fresh and exciting! Throw in the top billboard hits, some classic rock, and those oldies but goodies. Use the tactic that I use when I try and cook dinner- the more ingredients, the better! (there's a reason my wife does most of the cooking at our house).
3. Have fun- Along the lines of mixing it up, don't forget the songs that EVERYONE knows...literally, everyone. I promise, I have never bumped and danced to the Y.M.C.A. while driving in my car (mostly because that would be unsafe). But there are few DJ gigs where I haven't played that song along with others that would never find a place on the top 'coolest' billboard charts. Dancing is supposed to be fun, not cool. If it was meant to only make you look cool, then 99% of the people on any dance floor wouldn't be dancing. Your playlist doesn't need to filled with these songs (and probably shouldn't be), but have fun! Do the Y.M.C.A., the Electric Slide, the Macarena...the more corny the song is, chances are more people will know it!
4. Adjust to the night- A lot of people have the notion that their reception or party is going to be a huge dance party and people will be dancing all night long like a high school dance that has 1,000+ kids in attendance. And while an open bar and an awesome DJ (ahem) can help, this doesn't always happen. The truth is, guests like to dance for a few songs, then go get their drinks refilled or take a rest. It helps to have a DJ who can adjust. Sometimes the music needs to be reset, play a couple of more mellow songs, then come back with a song that everybody knows or likes to dance to.
So while building a playlist for your event or for your DJ, make sure you or your DJ are able to adjust and read the crowd. Don't be afraid to mix it up and dust off the classics and remember to HAVE FUN!!!
Taylor Cotter
Disc Jockey
Save This Dance
480.652.0888 | www.savethisdance@me.com
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