Get The Party Started

Music sets the tone and atmosphere for your wedding, from the ceremony to the reception. While hiring a professional DJ or live band can be a great option, it can also be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, or simply prefer a more personal touch (for example, if you absolutely DO NOT want the YMCA played at your reception), DIY wedding music may be the way to go. You will have ultimate control over the play list for each aspect of your event. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect soundtrack for your special day.

1. Create a Plan

The first step to creating your own wedding music set up and playlists is to make a plan. Start by deciding what kind of music you want to play and when. For example, you may want to have instrumental music for the ceremony, upbeat music for the reception, and slow dance songs for the first dance, father daughter dance, etc. Browse music and dance lists online to gather ideas. Next, make a list of each moment you want music to play. For example, while guests are being seated for the ceremony, while the bride walks down the aisle, while the bride and groom walk into the reception, etc. Make a list of songs you like and organize them by when music will be playing. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you have the right music for each part of the wedding.

2. Get The Right Equipment

In order to play your own wedding music, you’ll need the right equipment. This may include speakers, a sound system, a microphone and a playlist. You can rent equipment from a local rental company, borrow from friends and family or buy your own. If you’re using your own devices, make sure they’re fully charged and have enough storage space for all the songs you plan to play. Have extension cords available and check that you have compatible outlets for every device you plan to use. If you are using your own phone or similar device, don’t forget to show whoever you put in charge of music how to navigate your phone’s apps and give them your lock code. 

This minimal kit from Rockville can play music and make announcements easy to hear. 

3. Create Playlists

Once you have a plan and equipment, it’s time to create your playlists. Include a variety of songs that will appeal to all your guests. You may want to include some popular hits, as well as some classic sing along songs. Upbeat music that multiple generations will recognize can help get everyone on the dance floor. Consider adding some songs that are meaningful to you and your partner, such as the song that was playing when you first met or a favorite from your early dating days. You can save playlists separately so that they are easy to find during each part of your ceremony and reception. It will be much harder to accidently play your reception music at your ceremony if the playlists are separate. 

4. Practice

Before the big day, make sure to practice setting up your equipment and playing your playlists to ensure that everything flows smoothly. Figure out how to mute notifications if you are using a personal phone or tablet. Test volume and sound quality. If you can, practice setting up and playing songs at the venue to hear how it will sound in the actual space. You may also want to enlist the help of a friend or family member to act as a DJ and help with transitions between songs. If you do this, include them when you practice so that they will be comfortable day of.