Whether you will be having a DJ, a band, an iPod, or all of the above, 99.99999% of you are going to have guests of all ages at your wedding. While it may range from newborns to 90-year-olds or just 50 to 70-year-olds, there will definitely be a generational difference when it comes to music!
Yes, I know, you may be young and just want this to be a party! Well let me tell you this - if you host your ideal party, you are going to have some of those elderly guests leaving quite early! So we are going to discuss some of the do's and dont's of choosing your wedding music to make sure this is a party for everyone to remember...or forget ;)
1. Put the older crowd away from the speakers! I know the seating chart may be tough at times, but I believe in you! You can do it!! Just remember that the older you are, the more likely you are going to want to be as far from those loud speakers as possible!
2. Make sure you use a generational range of music as well as a variety in pace. Yes, I know. You hate "oldies" music but many of your guests may enjoy it. And there isn't a party unless all of your guests are having a good time! So give ALL of your guests some music they may like. Ask your grandparents what their favorite song was from their wedding day and you will definitely have them up and dancing by the end of the night!
3. Only use the edited version!!! This is important! Yes, most wedding DJ's will know this already but just make sure to check with them first...especially if you will be using your iPod! While you may not be offended, believe me, there will be MANY people who may just walk out if you are playing inappropriate music. There is a time and a place for that, and it is NOT your wedding day. Just remember, this is a classy celebration :)
4. Allow guests to request a song. If they don't like what they are hearing and want to get up and dance, let them choose their favorite song to dance to! It will only be 1-2 minutes taken away from your playlist so don't worry, the world will not come to an end. I promise.
5. Going off of number 4; provide your DJ or band with a "DO NOT PLAYLIST." That way, if a guest requests a song that you absolutely CANNOT have played at your wedding (for example, "your song" from a past relationship), then they won't even have to bother you and can kindly let the guest know that they will not be playing that song and that he or she can surely request another to replace it!
6. Make sure you know the meaning of the song. Now for me, this is something I really had to pay attention to when choosing my ceremony music. I was looking for the instrumental versions of particular styles of music. But what if I loved the instrumental but didn't realize that the song was about a breakup? Now that is something you definitely don't want, especially if your guests may recognize the song. That may be a bit confusing if you know what I mean. So just make sure you know the meaning of a song, even if you are choosing to use the instrumental version!
6 of Four Wedding Photography
All in all, just remember that this is a celebration OF YOU but FOR EVERYONE. Yes, you invited all of your guests to your wedding day not only to celebrate you, but to enjoy a fun dinner and party! And if you want to have a wedding to remember, make it memorable for all of your guests and not just you!
