For many couples, preparing music for a wedding comes low in the list of things to prepare – an afterthought to booking the most picturesque wedding venue in Devon identifying the perfect colour scheme and fine-tuning those politically-charged seating arrangements. That said, given that music can plot the journey of your special day, from that very first glass of champagne to the vibrant early hours, it’s worth spending plenty of time working out not just what is on your playlist, but also how it is played.
1. Test out a playlist on your friends
If you plan to give a playlist to a DJ or play music through a laptop or other device, gather a cross section of friends for a little experiment (or at least those with good taste in music!). Play through a list of your favourite songs and take note of the ones that get those toes tapping. It’s important to sprinkle your playlist with a strong assortment of floor- fillers that will please everyone, from your colleagues to your gran. If you tend towards beautifully crafted, lyrically meaningful masterpieces, it might be a good idea to pay attention to those friends who know best how to get a party started!
>>Download the songs direct from YouTube for Free here
2. Delegate
Whether you choose to hire a band or DJ, or rely on a playlist, make sure there’s someone responsible for the music that isn’t the bride or groom. Believe me, they’ll already have enough on their minds, and the experience of a professional DJ will be invaluable in easing the pressure. If you plan to use your own music during the ceremony, it’s not often you see a groom dash off to press play.
3. Consider streaming
Music streaming services are excellent for providing inspiration. Search for wedding playlists and explore tried and tested frameworks within minutes, or invite friends into a collaborative playlist – you’ll be surprised at how many musical memories come flooding in. If you want to use your own music on the day, it’s a good idea to download your music and if using a phone put it on flight mode. Nobody enjoys buffering or being interrupted at the best of times.
>>>Check out some of the most popular wedding music playlists on YouTube here
4. Don’t be afraid to mix the genres
Love ambient dub? Passionate about progressive techno? That’s great – but it’s unlikely that everyone on your guest list will share your enthusiasm. Unless you’re confident that your guests are as open-minded as you are, make sure that you intersperse the more experimental inclusions with safer sing-alongs in order to keep feet on the dance floor.
5. Investigate live music
Whether you prefer string quartets or ceilidh bands, there’s nothing like live music to define the party mood. Seek local recommendations from your wedding venue, and see the artists live if at all possible.
6. Test your equipment
If you can, try out your equipment before the big day, and experiment with different devices. Ensure that the volume is loud enough to encourage that essential party spirit, but won’t prevent your aunties from having their long-awaited catch-up in the corner. If you are using your venue’s music system, make sure you discuss your plans with them early and leave some time for testing before you head off to tie the knot.
7. Use music to signpost the day
Use shuffle mode at your own peril. While you may love all the songs equally, don’t ignore music’s power to plot the development of your big day. Before you arrange an order of songs, map out how you’d like your guests to behave from first dance to taxi – and plot your playlist according to this narrative.
8. Give your playlist a test run
It’s easy to assume that your interpretation of a track is the same as your partner’s, but the ballad that signifies your undying love could bore them senseless. Use this practice round to bring out each other’s soppiest side.
Contact the Pynes House team to discuss the wedding music options available at our wedding venue in Exeter.