DIY Wedding Playlist: How To Create. Behind the mix. Professional sound on a DIY budget. Your affordable and budget-friendly wedding DJ guide. How to choose the perfect songs for your DIY wedding. Create unforgettable moments with your DIY wedding playlist.
As much as a wedding is a great time and a special day to celebrate your love, it’s also an amazing time to party with your favorite people. Crafting a DIY playlist for your wedding is an enchanting endeavor that allows you to set the perfect tone for your special day.
Let’s unravel the secrets of creating a musical masterpiece that echoes the rhythm of your heart.
DIY Wedding Playlist: How To Create
Your love story soundtrack
Begin by reflecting on your journey together. What songs hold special meaning? Whether it’s the tune that played on your first date or the track that echoes your proposal, infuse these sentimental melodies into your playlist for a personal touch.
Set the vibe
Consider the atmosphere you wish to create. Is it a lively dance floor, a relaxed garden party, or a romantic, intimate affair? Tailor your playlist to match the ambiance, selecting songs that resonate with your envisioned vibe.
If you choose a party mode, remember that the sound system you are plugging into is just as important as your playlist. You might need to rent out speakers that will get the party going and place them strategically to contain the party right by the dancefloor.
For a more ambiance and laid-back vibe, regular speakers that can play background music should work fine.
RELATED: WEDDING FIRST DANCE SONG IDEAS: 25 CLASSIC & 15 R&B
Collab and survey
Include your partner in the playlist curation process. Create collaborative playlists on music platforms where both of you can add and explore songs together.
Additionally, crowdsource suggestions from friends and family to ensure a diverse and inclusive musical experience.
Diversity is important
Variety is the spice of life, and your playlist should reflect that. Mix genres, decades, and tempos to keep the energy dynamic. Include a blend of classic hits, current favorites, and perhaps a few hidden gems that hold sentimental value.
Timing (DIY wedding playlist)
Identify key moments during your wedding, such as the ceremony, first dance, and cake cutting. Curate specific playlists for these occasions, ensuring the music enhances the magic of each moment.
RELATED: HOW TO DJ YOUR OWN WEDDING
Transitions
Pay attention to the flow of your playlist. Create seamless transitions between songs to maintain a harmonious atmosphere. Consider the energy curve, starting with softer tunes and gradually building up to dance-worthy beats.
Even when you are doing high-energy beats, you would still want to have some slow beats in between to get some “rest” and “build up” with the crowd.
It is also essential to pay attention to song gaps. If you are using Spotify (use Premium to avoid ads!), note that there will be some 1-2 second gaps. If you are ok with that, then that would work. But it is important to note that the dancing has to have some continuity especially when the energy is high – which gets us to our next point…
DIY DJ or DJ for the night
Decide who can take on the role of the DIY DJ for the celebration. If going the DIY route, invest time in creating a well-organized playlist with carefully timed transitions. Alternatively, collaborate with a DJ who can expertly curate the playlist based on your preferences.
Look for playlists that are already created for the party. Some sets and remixes already have built-in sound effects that help keep the party hyped up.
Having a point person or assigned DJ for the night who will be managing the playlist even if it is already “set” will help with crowd reading. If the crowd is looking a little dull, the “assigned DJ” can move on to the next song faster.
You can teach them how to do that by lowering the volume first like a “fade” and then moving on to the next song so the transition sounds seamless.
Check copyrights and usability
To be on the safe side, check if there are permissions or usability limits attached to the audio you are using.
DJs are worth the investment as they can keep the party going and set the tone for the whole celebration.
Having said that, it doesn’t mean that if you choose to DIY your wedding playlist, it won’t be fun, because it definitely can.
If you are holding a small wedding of about 100 people, this can be doable. Any crowd of more than 100 is a little bit trickier to manage and get together.
Not only that, it is important to check if the sound system is sufficient for the crowd that you have. Even if your playlist is great, if the sound system is not enough to get the party started, it won’t work.
Choosing someone within your circle of friends or family who has somewhat generic knowledge or is willing to learn a few tricks here and there to keep the party going, the better.
Know that this person should not be you or your partner. If possible, not someone from your bridal party as well.
Your bridal party will help you and your partner get the crowd going and hype everyone so it will be a great idea to have someone who is not in your bridal party be your assigned DJ.
No matter what route you choose, you are surrounded by your favorite people and you will have fun and create amazing memories of music, laughter, and love, no matter what!
