The Ultimate Wedding Playlist: Songs for Every Moment

What do weddings, proms, bar mitzvahs, and other unforgettable celebrations have in common? The answer is simple: music! Music is the heartbeat of any event, setting the mood and enhancing the experience for everyone involved. While it might seem easy to throw together a Spotify playlist and call it a day, there’s much more to it. Selecting the right music is as crucial as choosing the perfect menu—both can make and break the atmosphere of your event.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed about curating the perfect soundtrack for your big day? Don’t worry, Pleasantdale Chateau is here to help. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key factors to consider when creating the ultimate playlist, ensuring that your event’s music is perfectly in tune with your vision. Let’s dive in!

1) Source of Music

Your selection of what is on your playlist is a significant decision. Whether you hire an event DJ, live band, or click shuffle on Spotify, you first need to know how the music is being played. Listed below are the pros and cons of each music source.

• Event DJ: The biggest pro of hiring a DJ is their expert knowledge of music. DJs will provide an expansive library of music, making sure the music doesn’t get repetitive. Most DJs take recommendations from guests, adding a touch of personalization. However, the music is out of your control. While you can suggest a specific genre or certain songs, the DJ ultimately chooses what is being played.
  
• Live Band: Live bands offer a unique style that DJs or a playlist cannot provide. Since each band is unique, you get to experience their personalized sound. Some live bands can expertly impersonate artists, making it sound like Frank Sinatra is performing at your wedding. However, the biggest downside of a live band is downtime. Live bands often take breaks between sets and may not play continuously throughout the entire wedding, unlike a DJ.
  
• Custom Playlist: If you want full music control, look no further! Your best bet may be a custom playlist from an app like Spotify, YouTube Music, or SoundCloud. While you have the most customization, this isn’t the preferred option. Unlike a wedding DJ or a live band, your playlist can’t adapt for the moment. This means a song may play at an unwanted time.

2) Select Songs of Value

Regardless of who’s playing the music, make sure they are playing songs of value. Include songs that played during your first date, come from a favorite band, or simply rocks, to ensure they’re featured at your wedding. Make sure songs of value come on to make your special day even more meaningful!

3) Think About Your Audience’s Age

While weddings are all about the couple, it’s important to consider your audience when selecting your playlist.

Consider the average age of your guests when selecting songs or genres. It should be easy to select music since your audience is likely around the same age as you and your partner. However, you’ll have older guests too. Ask a few of your older guests what type of music they prefer to get a better feel for how you want to orchestrate your playlist. This way all guests will enjoy the perfect blend of the past and present.

4) Keep “Event Flow” in Mind When Mapping Out Music

Event flow is crucial when planning music. Here are key events to keep in mind when selecting and recommending music:

• Cocktail Hour: Cocktail hour takes place after the ceremony. This is the first time you and your guests will get to socialize. Set the mood by playing light and upbeat music. Jazz is a perfect style of music to play during this time.
  
• Dinner: Like cocktail hour, you should consider softer music. This will allow you and your guests to relax and converse while enjoying dinner.
  Key Dance: The most special part of any wedding ceremony is the key dances. Before the dance floor opens to everyone, you will have the opportunity to dance with your partner and a parental figure. Since this moment is special, make sure to select a song of value.
  
• Dance Time: Now that the dance floor is open, it’s time to party. This means it’s time to play dance floor classics like Mr. Brightside, Pursuit of Happiness, Dancing Queen, September, and more. Keep the tempo upbeat to make sure everyone is on their feet.
  
• Last Dance and Send-Off: It’s time to go out with a bang. Choose an upbeat and fast song to encourage all guests to join in. After the last dance, choose a song that signifies the end of the event. This song should be positive, but a bit slower. Green Day’s Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) is the perfect send-off song.

Dance with Pleasantdale Chateau

Now that you have expansive knowledge of creating the ultimate wedding playlist, it’s time to create the perfect soundtrack. Whether it’s by hiring a wedding DJ, inviting a Frank Sinatra impersonator, or crafting your own playlist, your wedding will feature outstanding tunes.

Pleasantdale Chateau will bring your wedding to life. Not only will your wedding have a great soundtrack, but it will also be held at an outrageously lavish venue. Dial us at (973) 731-5600 if you are interested in learning more about having a wedding at Pleasantdale Chateau.