The Ultimate Guide to Creating a "Do Not Play" List for Your Wedding DJ
The Ultimate Guide to Creating a "Do Not Play" List for Your Wedding DJ
Your wedding is one of the most important celebrations of your life, and the music sets the tone for the entire event. While you’ll spend time curating the perfect playlist of must-play songs, it’s just as important to create a "Do Not Play" list for your DJ.
Your DJ’s job is to keep the dance floor packed and the vibes high, but they can’t read your mind. A well-crafted "Do Not Play" list ensures that you won’t hear anything that kills the mood, brings back bad memories, or just doesn’t fit the vibe you’re going for. Here’s how to put together a list that keeps the party going, exactly how you envision it.
1. Be Clear About Your Music Preferences
Start by thinking about your overall musical taste. Do you love classic rock but hate country? Are you all about ‘90s throwbacks but can’t stand EDM? Giving your DJ general guidelines about what you do and don’t like will help them shape the night around your preferences.
2. Consider the Mood and Your Guests
Think about the atmosphere you want to create. If you’re going for an elegant and romantic evening, songs with explicit lyrics or heavy metal might not be the best fit. Similarly, if you know your guests love to dance, you might want to avoid slow ballads that could clear the dance floor at the wrong time.
3. Think About Personal No-Go's
Are there songs that bring up bad memories? Maybe an ex’s favorite song or something that reminds you of a cringeworthy middle school dance? If a song makes you or your partner uncomfortable, it belongs on the "Do Not Play" list, no matter how popular it is.
4. Be Mindful of Guest Requests
While it’s great to let guests make requests, you don’t want someone’s questionable taste in music taking over your wedding. Tell your DJ that guest requests are welcome, but they should check them against your "Do Not Play" list first. This way, your college roommate’s love for screamo won’t derail the reception.
5. Specify Versions and Remixes
Some songs are great, but certain versions? Not so much. If you love a particular song but hate a certain remix, let your DJ know. This also applies to covers—if you want the original and not a wedding band’s version, make it clear.
6. Keep It Short and Reasonable
Your "Do Not Play" list shouldn’t be longer than your "Must Play" list. A DJ needs some flexibility to read the crowd and keep energy levels high. Instead of banning entire genres, focus on the specific songs or artists that truly don’t fit your vision.
7. Trust Your DJ’s Expertise
You hired your DJ for a reason—because they know how to keep the dance floor moving! Give them guidelines, but also trust their expertise. A great DJ will find the perfect balance between your preferences and what gets your guests grooving.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding playlist should reflect your personality and create the perfect soundtrack for your big day. By putting together a thoughtful "Do Not Play" list, you’ll avoid musical mishaps and ensure that every song played adds to the magic of your celebration. Communicate clearly with your DJ, trust their skills, and get ready to dance the night away!
