DIY Wedding Tunes That Rock!
DIY Wedding Tunes That Rock!
Words by Samantha Simma
Planning a wedding comes with plenty of decisions, and if you’re working with a limited budget, hiring a DJ might not be in the cards. Luckily, creating a DIY playlist and being the DJ for your big day is easier than ever — and a fun way to add personal touches to your celebration.
The Tech
When it comes to providing your own music, it’s worth investing in the equipment necessary to make it sound its best. At the very least, consider purchasing or renting quality Bluetooth speakers, in a size and quantity powerful enough to light up your venue.
In conjunction, you’ll want to have a microphone available for toasts and announcements. A wireless microphone is the best option for mobility. Then, as with anything that requires electricity, have additional (and backup) power sources available, such as extra chargers, extension cords, and power banks. Finally, put your playlist on a standalone device that can be dedicated exclusively to the purpose of providing music. While it can be convenient to build a playlist on your phone, transferring it to a tablet or laptop will allow that device to live in one spot throughout the night, where it won’t risk being interrupted by phone calls, text messages, or other mobile phone notifications. It’s also essential to make sure the playlist is available sans Wi-Fi, in case there are hiccups with your connection.
At least a week before the big day, do a test run of your equipment to make sure everything is functioning as anticipated and that the sound quality in your venue space is loud enough without distorting the music.
The Playlist
Most common music platforms — Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music — will suffice for hosting your wedding playlist. Purchasing a premium, ad-free option will ensure you avoid interruptions during your dance party. Then, it’s time to start selecting songs. There’s a certain finesse to choosing songs that are personal to your relationship, while also finding some crowd-pleasers that will get (or keep) your guests on the dance floor. Some couples field requests from guests in advance of their big day, but Jackson-based DJ SteadyJake cautions couples to consider the time available.
“If you have eight hours of songs to play in a four-hour reception, it makes it tough,” he says. Additionally, he adds that in the 75 to 80 weddings per year he DJs, he’ll “rarely play a slow song” and instead concentrates on keeping the energy high.
He recommends organizing your playlist to follow the flow of the event if you want to avoid awkward pauses or dead airtime. It’s best to organize your music selections by the various stages of your event: pre-ceremony, ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Light, mellow songs (instrumental or acoustic) during guests’ arrival can set a calm tone. During the ceremony, select meaningful songs that speak to key moments in your relationship. For the post-ceremony cocktail hour, Jake recommends really “putting your signature on the music” by choosing songs that reflect your personalities. Finally, for the reception, aim for a mix of crowd-pleasers with personal favorites, being cognizant of the various generations in attendance. Classic rock, pop hits, 90s throwbacks, and the current Top 40 hits will keep everyone dancing.
The Buddy System
Just because you’re not hiring a professional DJ, doesn’t mean you have to manage everything alone. Enlist a trusted friend or family member to help coordinate music on the day of your wedding. Whether it’s managing the playlist or handling a microphone for announcements, having a “music coordinator” can help alleviate some pressure.
Silent Discos: The New After Party
If you’re worried about local noise ordinances cutting your fun short, opt for an after-hours “silent disco.” Instead of blasting music through traditional speakers, guests wear wireless headphones, allowing them to dance to music without disturbing neighbors or violating sound restrictions. The headsets can be procured through online rental companies.
Wedding and event planner Ashley Wold of Wild Rose JH recalls a wedding last summer where the couple extended their reception by one hour thanks to the “silent disco” approach.
“It was a great way to keep the party going,” says Wold, adding, “It was really cool to look out on this quiet crowd all bobbing their heads and jumping at the same time … It’s a singular experience, but everyone’s connected.”
