To choose the music for your wedding, start from your own tastes, think of your guests, list what you definitely do not want to hear, then pass these guidelines on to your DJ.
Choosing the songs played at your wedding party is not easy. That is the role of your wedding DJ in Paris, who must live up to your trust, but he needs some guidance on certain points. Here is how to prepare this choice so that your wedding truly reflects who you are.
How do you define the musical style of your wedding?
Start from your tastes
What kind of songs would you like to hear on your wedding day? Rock'n'roll, disco, funk, variety, pop? The choice is wide, from traditional to mainstream: you may love the gentle rhythms of a ballad just as much as the lively tones of an electro remix. Your musical tastes come from your story, your preferences and your culture, and the style you choose reflects this identity to your guests.
Match the music to the spirit of the celebration
The music should be in harmony with the theme and spirit of the celebration. For a refined and elegant wedding, great classical hits can enhance the event. For a relaxed and joyful union, wild rhythms will bring their energy to the party.
Think of all your guests
The challenge is to create a selection that represents you while remaining enjoyable for all your guests. Note what you like to listen to, and also what will liven up your evening. Ask for styles that are as varied as possible: this will help please as many people as possible and bridge the generations.
What music for each moment of the wedding?
First, set a musical direction that reflects you. Then imagine the atmosphere you want for each moment of your wedding: softer background music during the meal, more contemporary songs during the dancing. We have devoted an article to each highlight:
- The secular ceremony: sound for your ceremony
- The arrival at dinner: the newlyweds' entrance music
- The meal: should there be music at dinner?
- The dessert: the music for the wedding cake
- The first dance: the music to open the dance floor
- The dancing: the best hits for a wedding party
Also say what you do not want to hear
Conversely, what music do you definitely not want at your wedding? Perhaps zouk, oriental, metal, hip-hop?
It takes all sorts: an artist adored by some is hated by others, and this cannot be guessed. So give your disc jockey your blacklist of songs, artists or styles: he will then avoid any misjudged choices that could make you feel uncomfortable. Our article on the mistakes to avoid in a wedding playlist covers this point further.
How do you pass your choices on to your DJ?
Take care over the questionnaire your DJ will give you in advance: for him, it is a real goldmine of information. At Jour Précieux, wedding DJ in Paris, you can send us:
- Your “favourite” tracks, in the space provided in our interactive questionnaire
- A short playlist (written or links) of around twenty must-have songs, and a longer one, as explained in our 12 tips for preparing your wedding
We are open-format DJs: playlists are tailored to your needs and wishes. If you have no precise idea, let your DJ go with the flow.
Before talking with your DJ, read through our tips for communicating well with him.
The more information your maestro has, the better he can get you going on the dance floor, as at this sumptuous wedding.
How does your DJ pace the wedding party?
Every party is unique: it is not about always playing the same playlist. After asking you a few questions about your wishes, your DJ must understand the type of party and music you need, the kind that will keep your guests dancing until dawn. This personalisation is one of the most important elements for a successful wedding.
He must also vary the rhythms, from the most intense moments to slightly calmer sections, so as not to tire out the dance floor too early. Nobody wants to spend the whole evening at a fixed BPM (beats per minute) of 120 (fast), or even at 80 (fairly slow for dancing).
By varying the energy on the dance floor, the DJ keeps his dancers and encourages every guest to join in. We compare this work with that of an automated playlist in a dedicated article.
Once the guidelines have been given, your DJ will know how to put together and mix the songs that will make you dance. He will show creativity and may sometimes surprise you pleasantly too!
Wedding music that reflects who you are
More than mere background sound, the music embodies the soul of the couple: discreet when necessary, it must also set the dance floor alight at the right moment. We discuss this balance in our article on the sound volume at a wedding. If you are still looking for your DJ, read our guide to finding a good wedding DJ.
A question about your wedding music? Write to us at [email protected] or via our contact page.
