Music preferences are so personal that we make no attempt here at A Music Plus to determine “good” or “bad” music. We do not try to educate our clients about music. We simply play the music that our clients ask to hear. With their permission, we will supplement their choices with selections we feel will appropriately compliment their event.
Live bands are most often limited to the songs they carry in their repertoire, but with wedding or special event DJs, the choices in songs are much more varied.
Some of our clients know exactly what they want to be played at their event, but many clients aren’t sure what should be played at their event. With that being said, here are some things to consider when picking music for your wedding:
What do you want the music at your event to do? Is the purpose of the music to provide a format for dancing, to provide ambiance, to set a mood, or enhance the moment? For weddings, more often than not, the purpose of the music is to get the guests on the dance floor. Determining what you want the music to do will help you decide what should be played.
How important is it to you that your guests dance? This is a huge issue at wedding receptions. Sometimes our clients’ primary concern in selecting music is to demonstrate their eclectic or eccentric taste in music. While we will certainly help them accomplish that goal, we try to warn them not to be shocked if most of their guests don’t recognize the music and, therefore, choose not to dance. Again, we make no judgments, but most people tend to dance when they feel comfortable, and that usually involves recognizing the music.
How much music should we choose, and how much should we let the DJ choose? Again, this is up to you, but remember that we are professionals and know how to set the mood you desire. The DJ should know what you like and dislike so they can play music accordingly. But micro-managing the DJ at your event tends to take away much of your enjoyment of the party and makes a long night for everybody. On the other hand…
What if the DJ is off track with music selection at our event? We think of performing at an event much like waiting tables in a fine restaurant. A great DJ will do their best to provide exactly what you want, but they cannot know you want something different unless you say so. If your soup is cold, the finest waiter will not know unless you tell him. If you want the music selection at any particular time tweaked, tell the DJ and they will be happy to adjust!
Do we have to hear the same old songs that we hear at most weddings? Of course not! This is your day and you should have total control of the music played. On the other hand, songs that fall under the category of “popular music” are called “popular” for a reason. Popular songs like YMCA, Loveshack, and The Electric Slide, for instance, are songs that make some people cringe, while others flock to the dance floor. You need to decide what matters most to you. If hearing a particular song or artist will irk you at your event, you should tell us in advance. If you’ll be too busy visiting with guests to notice or care, and the song has your guests dancing end enjoying themselves, then there is no need to worry!
Should we allow the DJ to take guests requests? Again, this is up to you. We cannot possibly know you and your guests as well as you do. Sometimes guests come up with some good and fun ideas for music selections. The DJ will always use discretion, so you shouldn’t worry about the DJ playing inappropriate songs. But is you aren’t concerned about the music your guests might request, it is generally okay to let guests make requests.
Once again, with A Music Plus, you have total control of the music played. Be as specific or general as you like when outlining for us what you want to hear (and not hear). With that in mind, here are some options for providing us with your preferences.
Some choices for choosing music at your event:
Do nothing, allowing the DJ to choose all the music. This is fine if you have seen us before and know you will like our selections, or if you do not have the time to choose music. Our DJs are at events every week and can quickly determine the kind of music that you and your guests will enjoy. Additionally, our DJs bring a wide variety of all styles of popular music so that they can adjust to your preferences and those of your guests accordingly.
Choose a few songs and/or artists you most enjoy. This is generally what most clients choose to do. This gives your DJ a clear indication of some of the music that is important to you, while allowing them to take guest requests and play songs that they know from experience will please your guests.
Choose several songs/artists and identify a list of “Do Not Play” songs and/or artists, as well as possibly forbidding the playing of guest requests. If you have the time and inclination, this option gives you more control of the music played at your event. While it is more time consuming on your end, it can help you feel that you have more say in what is or is not played.
Provide a list of music choices for the DJ, requiring that only songs on that list be played unless you specify otherwise at the event. This option ensures that you will not hear a song at your event that you have not approved, but is somewhat restrictive and eliminates guest choices as an option for the DJ. But if you want complete control of the music, you got it!
Create the list of music you want played, in order, and require the DJ stick to it. While we will happily do this for you, it is not recommended. Making such a list requires a great deal of time and effort on your part. Additionally, it cannot account for or allow flexibility for what may be happening at your event at any given time. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes we’ve got to improvise!
We hope this post helped outline how to pick your wedding music! When planning your event, please do not hesitate to make us aware of your special music needs. We will gladly accommodate them!
