Avoiding Music Mistakes at Your Wedding

As you prepare for your wedding, you may be focusing on the venue, the dress, and the guest list. But don’t forget about the music! A great band or DJ can make or break the party, so here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan the musical aspect of your celebration.

Choose Songs That Are the Right Length

Your first dance is a special moment, and you want to make sure it’s just right. But have you thought about how long the song should be? Consider the length of the song and your comfort level with dancing in front of your guests. If you want to keep it short and sweet, let your band or DJ know when to end the song. This applies to other special dances throughout the night, such as parent dances.

Have the Band or DJ Play a Range of Genres

Everyone wants to see their guests on the dance floor, and the right music can make that happen. Consider the age range of your guests, cultural aspects, and musical preferences when deciding on your playlist. While you may love pop music, think about how an evening of exclusively pop music could affect your guests’ interest in dancing. We recommend a mix of classics, pop, Motown, top 40s, some jazz during dinner, and a twist of your own personal taste to keep everyone entertained.

Pay Attention to Lyrical Content

Parent dance songs can be tricky since most love songs have a romantic tone that may not be appropriate for a parent/child moment. If you booked a live band, the singer should be able to modify a couple of lyrics here and there. But make sure to listen to the song, start to finish, to flag any questionable lyrics. Similarly, avoid any songs with cursing or other lyrics that could make a good moment an uncomfortable one.

Collect Song Requests Prior to the Event

Your guests will have song requests, but you don’t want to overwhelm your band or DJ with too many requests during the party. Include a song request field on your RSVPs or consider another way to collect requests from your guests. Instead of requesting specific songs, it can be helpful to provide a handful of “must-plays” and “do-not-plays,” as well as a list of styles and artists you like and dislike. Your entertainment vendor can plan a list of songs that align with those directions, making sure everyone has a good time.

Think Twice About the Cigar Bar

Cigar bars can be a great addition to your celebration, but they can also take the focus off the dance floor. If your goal is to keep people dancing all night, a cigar bar may not be the best idea. DJs often refer to cigar bars as “dance floor killers.” Consider if having a cigar with your buddies is really necessary, and if not, focus on keeping the dance floor hopping.

Manage Your Vendors Effectively

As the owner of a business (your wedding), you need to delegate and oversee the process. Consider hiring a wedding planner if planning isn’t your strong suit. Provide your vendors with good information and your input to ensure they can do their job effectively. At Sugarbomb Entertainment, we are happy to take the lead on whatever you want us to do, but we also value your input and want to make sure your musical vision comes to life.

Your wedding day should be perfect, and with these tips, you can avoid music mishaps and ensure everyone has a great time on the dance floor. At Sugarbomb Entertainment, we specialize in event production and entertainment, and we’re here to help you

Jon Ardito