What Are the Top Songs to Include for My Wedding DJ music brief?
When my clients book, they get access to an online planning portal where they can set out their Must Play Songs, their Do Not Play songs (which will not be played at all, even if requested by guests on the night) and their Vibe playlist (where they can link a playlist containing all their favourite songs).
But couples may wonder, 'Why am I giving direction on song choices? Isn't that the DJ's job?'
Fair point. With many weddings under my belt, you can trust that I'm going to mix in the right song at the right time to maximise that BDE (Big Dancefloor Energy).
But there are, of course, going to be songs that are special to you – that song you always tore up a dance floor to at Uni with your mates, your mum's favourite song that she'll belt out every lyric to, or a song from that album you thrashed in your first car.
While I'll still be mixing songs that appease the whole crowd and reading the room, I want to ensure that the music on the night is reflective of the couple and evokes happy memories (while creating new ones).
By having the couple contribute to song choices helps achieve that.
On the night, I'll play all five of my clients' Must Play songs and, depending on the song they have listed, I'll play it at the right time. For example, it's a cool/groovy song that is suitable. In that case, I'll play it in cocktail hour; a slower/'ballad-y' song is likely more appropriate for dinner, or a straight-up banger or crowd favourite guaranteed to ignite dance moves and will, of course, be dropped later in the night.
If you're struggling with some song ideas for your music brief, the ones below will hopefully get your creative juices flowing.
Photo by Maegan Brown.
Music for Cocktail/Canapé Hour
Some great tracks that perfectly complement this time of the day include:
Need U (100%) - Duke Dumont
Like an Animal - Rufus Du Sol
Time to Pretend - MGMT
Never too Much - Luther Vandross
Keep the Fire Burning - Gwen McRae
Music for Dinner
Some great tracks that are perfect for dinner background music (depending on the mood, and style of wedding you're going for) include:Lover - Taylor Swift
This Must Be The Place - Talking Heads (because what’s a night without a bit of Talking Heads at some point)
Groove Me - King Floyd (oh man, if you don’t know this song, play it. right. now.)
Texas Sun - Khruangbin, Leon Bridges
Blind Melon - No Rain
Dance Floor
When formalities are done, and it's time to boogie with your guests, don't forget these pearlers (OK, there are way too many great songs out there to list, so here is just a small sample of what works well in my experience):
I Will Survive - Gloria Gaylor
Jump (For My Love) - The Pointer Sisters
It’s Raining Men - The Weather Girls (or Geri Halliwell’s version for you 90s kids)
Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
No Scrubs - TLC
Low - Flo Rida ft. T Pain (what’s a dance floor without this dropping at some point)
Lose Control - Missy Elliott
Shooting Stars - Bag Raiders
Jackie - BZ ft Joanne
Untouched - The Veronicas
Freed from Desire - Gala
100% Pure Love - Crystal Waters
Heads Will Roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs, A-Trak
Final Song
For the last song of the night, it's a good idea to play one well-known by all your guests. We want everyone to get around it.
Mr Brightside - The Killers (an obvious one, but even after all these years it still works so well at the end of the night)
All Night Long - Lionel Richie
First Date - Blink 182
Don’t Stop Me Now - Queen
Closing Time - Semisonic
Photo by Maegan Brown.
Looking for a DJ to ignite your dance floor? Get in touch. I'd love to be part of your special day and if I am not available, I'll be able to recommend some other great options.Tim the DJWebsite: www.timthedj.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timthedjsax/?hl=en