Music can make or break a wedding reception. Over the years, we've found that couples who provide three music lists tend to have the best experience:

Must Play

Please Play

Do Not Play

These lists help us create a reception that reflects your tastes while still allowing us to read the crowd and keep the dance floor moving.

Must play songs

These are the songs that absolutely matter to you.

I limit this list to approximately 10-15 songs because there is only so much time in an evening. Between introductions, dinner, speeches, special dances, cake cutting, and other formalities, there simply isn't enough dance time to guarantee dozens of songs.

If a song is on your Must Play list, we will make sure we have it and make every effort to play it during your reception.

Think carefully about this list. These should be the songs that would make you say, "Our wedding wouldn't be complete without hearing this."

Please play songs

Think of this as your wish list.

This list can be as long as you'd like (within reason!) and helps us understand your musical tastes, favorite artists, genres, and the overall vibe you're hoping to create.

While we can't guarantee every song will be played, these requests help guide our selections throughout the evening. If we see lots of country music, we know that's important to you. If we see 90s dance hits, classic rock, or current chart-toppers, we can use that information to help shape the night.

The goal isn't to follow a playlist from beginning to end. A great wedding reception is built by reading the room and playing the right song at the right time.

Your Please Play list tells us what you love. We'll use it as a roadmap to help create an amazing party.

Do not play songs

Everyone has songs they never want to hear at their wedding.

Maybe they're overplayed. Maybe they bring back bad memories. Maybe you've simply heard them at every wedding you've ever attended.

Rather than creating a strict yes-or-no list, we recommend rating songs from 0 to 5.

0 = Do not play under any circumstances.

1-5 = The number of requests we'd need to receive before considering playing it.

For example:

1 = One request and we'll consider it.

2 = It would take several requests

3 = A lot of people would have to ask before it gets played

This system gives us flexibility while still respecting your wishes.

And don't worry... if a guest requests a song you've put on your Do Not Play list, we'll happily throw you under the bus and let them know that the couple requested it not be played.

Why we need these lists three weeks before the wedding

We ask that all music lists be submitted at least three weeks before your wedding date.

This gives us time to:

Ensure we have all of your Must Play songs.

Review and organize your Please Play requests.

Mark your Do Not Play songs so they don't get accidentally played.

Prepare a customized music plan for your reception.

In fact, we colour-code your requests within our music library: Must Play songs are marked green, Please Play songs are marked blue, and Do Not Play songs are marked red. This allows us to quickly identify your preferences throughout the evening and keep your music priorities front and centre.

One final thought

Many couples assume that giving a DJ a song list is the same as creating a playlist.

It isn't.

A playlist plays songs in order. A DJ reads the crowd.

Your music lists tell us what you love, what you don't, and the atmosphere you're hoping to create. Our job is to use that information, along with the energy in the room, to create the best possible experience for you and your guests.

At the end of the night, our goal is simple:

Play the songs you love, avoid the songs you hate, and help create a celebration that everyone remembers for all the right reasons.