Every couple’s wedding soundtrack should sound like them—not like the last ten receptions I played, and definitely not like some “Top 100 Wedding Songs” list off the internet.
When I build a wedding playlist, my goal isn’t just to keep the dance floor busy—it’s to make sure the music fits your personality, your crowd, and the flow of the night.
I learned this way back in my radio days. On the air, we worked with “dayparts”—morning drive, midday, afternoon, weekend nights—each with a different energy. My job was to keep a consistent thread but shift the mood to fit the time of day.
Turns out, weddings work the same way.
🪩 Starting with the Right Energy
When I build a wedding playlist, I start with a vibe that’s inviting to the widest variety of people—something that gets guests of all ages feeling comfortable on the dance floor. That first burst of energy sets the tone for the night.
From there, I watch.
Who’s on the floor? What happens when I change tempo or switch genres? The goal is to find that sweet spot where the music keeps pulling people in.
🎶 The Couple’s Song List: My Foundation
Every couple I work with gives me a list of songs they love. That’s not just a “to-play” list—it’s a window into who they are.
If you tell me you’re big Disney fans and you request specific Disney songs (which has happened!), I instantly get a sense of your taste, your personality, and the kind of night you want to have. That list becomes my foundation, and I build out from there.
🚫 The Don’t-Play List
Just as important as what you do want is what you don’t want. Maybe there’s a song you can’t stand. Maybe there’s a genre you’d rather skip. I respect that—and I also default to clean versions of songs unless you specifically request otherwise. Suggestive lyrics? I’ll steer clear unless you tell me to lean in.
🔄 Reading the Room in Real Time
The plan is always flexible.
A wedding is a living, breathing event. If the dance floor is full, I’m thinking about how to keep that momentum. If it’s thinning out, I’m thinking about how to shift gears without losing the thread that makes the night feel yours.
Sometimes those shifts are subtle—and sometimes, they’re dramatic. At one wedding, the dance floor had been sparse for a while. I leaned into some oldies—“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis and “My Girl” by The Temptations—and suddenly, older couples were on the floor, smiling and singing. It turned into a really sweet moment.
🎵 A Few Reliable Starters
I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all opener, but I’ve found some songs work well for getting people moving:
- “September” – Earth, Wind & Fire
- “Come and Get Your Love” – Redbone
- “24K Magic” – Bruno Mars
- “Dancing Queen” – ABBA
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
- “Shut Up and Dance” – WALK THE MOON
- “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
They’re upbeat, familiar, and have a little singalong magic.
🧩 The No-Frills Approach to Song Selection
My no-frills style means I keep it simple:
I’m not doing tons of flashy mixes or effects (at least, not yet—I’m still learning). I focus on picking the right song for the moment, playing it cleanly, and making sure it resonates with the people in the room.
Because at the end of the day, a wedding playlist isn’t about me showing off DJ tricks—it’s about crafting a soundtrack that feels like you and keeps your guests engaged.
📞 Let’s build your playlist together.
Send me your favorite songs, your “don’t play” list, and a little about your crowd. Call, text, or email me anytime, and we’ll start shaping the soundtrack for your night.