What is a Play List?

Once you contract your band or DJ, you need to give them a play list. This is the list of songs that you want played at your ceremony and reception, and sometimes it's broken down into categories.

Our DJ wanted a list of songs that "must" be played, a list that can be played if time allowed or in between guests' requests and the all-important "Do Not Play" list of songs.

Do Not Play
The Do Not Play songs are those that for some people, like me, just make my skin crawl, songs that you, as the bride and her groom, absolutely can do without on your special day. Songs that your guests would probably look at each other and say, "Who the heck requested THAT one?" The Chicken Dance comes to mind.

My list of Do Not Play songs included the song that my husband and his EX-wife danced their first dance to.

So I don't care who might want to hear it at OUR reception, it will not get played. It's a very popular First Dance song actually, but not for me, for obvious reasons.

The Song and the Artist
Make sure you give your DJ not only the title of the song, but also the artist. There are a lot of songs that have been re-recorded or remixed so you want to make sure he plays the right one.

Event Songs
Along with the song that you want played for your First Dance, there are other important songs that your band or DJ will want listed. These are your event songs, songs that will be played during special events of the reception. They include, but are not limited to:

During wedding party introduction or the bridal party dance

Dollar Dance: usually 3 to 5 songs. If the dance goes on longer, the DJ can pick from your play list for additional music

Cake cutting

Groom removing and tossing the garter

Bride tossing the bouquet

Guy who caught the garter putting it on the girl who caught the bouquet

Last song of the evening

Any other event that you would like a special song played, like particular guest involvement games

Here is our sample Play List for our reaffirmation ceremony:
Musselman's Play List for April 17, 2010

Now you know what songs I don't like!

Try to include songs from some of your family's favorite artists. For example, I don't know everyone's favorites, but I know my brother likes the Beatle's and his wife likes Bon Jovi.

I also know my aunt and uncle love to Jitterbug (used to win contests in their younger days, too!). So you'll see that a few of those songs are included on my list.

You can't please everyone obviously, which is why your guests will make requests. But it's nice if your list includes a wide variety, spices up the event.

Band or DJ?
The pros and cons of contracting a band or a DJ.

Song Request Cards
Custom Request Cards for Your Guests to Give the Band or DJ.

Go to Wedding Music from Play List