How to Find Your Wedding Playlist and Dj for Your Event

When it comes to finding the right wedding playlist and DJ for your event it can be challenging.  I prefer a variety of genera’s; pop, r&b, hip hop, jazz, neo soul, and etc. As for the DJ, they MUST keep the crowd going all night! Before your big day arrives you want to make sure everything is perfect all the way down to your playlist. Why? Overall, you want to have a memorable evening. There is nothing like seeing your family and friends having a good time! Trust me, they would leave if they were not! In addition to that would hate to hear another story about someone spending “x” amount of dollars on their wedding and everyone left prior to the event being over because no one was having a good time. Below are a few helpful tips on how to find the right music and DJ for your event.

Photography courtesy of Linda Threadgill

 

Photography courtesy of Abby Kamagate

Check out your local radio stations and billboard top charts. They have an ongoing list of songs to choose from. Pandora for an example, if you are familiar with internet radio then this will become your best friend when it comes to creating your playlist. Simply type in your favorite artist and let Pandora work for you by filtering music genera’s and finding similar music artists. Check your cable networks as well for their music channels. If you have AT&T or Direct TV they have an array of channels that play different genera’s of music.

How to Find Your Wedding Playlist and Dj for Your Event

What’s appropriate and what’s not? Make sure your music selections are appropriate to play at the reception, ask your DJ for edited song selections. The last thing you want to have to do is explain inappropriate lyrics to a relative. Can you imagine? If not Google, “Grandmothers Read Drunk in Love.” Ask your friends, coworkers, and family to pitch in with creating your list as well.

Photography courtesy of Trene Forbes Photography

 

Finding a DJ that works for you

 

Photography courtesy Linda Threadgill

First and foremost, when it comes to finding the right DJ that works for you communication is key! Be direct with what you are looking for. Here are a few questions to consider asking when it comes to hiring your DJ for your social gathering. How long have you been a professional? Don’t be afraid to ask for professional references because you are hiring this person to work for you! You want them to wow the crowd! Make sure you ask if they have a sample of their work, if so could they provide it? Some DJ’s provide a Mixed Tape (a CD or download of their work) for their potential clients to hear prior to being hired for the event. Ask if they have the proper equipment? You do not want to hire someone who tells you they are a professional, they can mix and scratch for you, but when it comes down to your big day they prefer to use their mp3 player. Most non-professionals among the industry often try to cut corners so beware! Ask them, what does their services include? Many DJ’s are including price packages that have additional services such as lighting and photo booth to provide on going entertainment for their audiences. This can be a great alternative because you do not have to hire additional vendors and it can save you money in the process for the ultimate party experience!

Photography courtesy Trene Forbes Photography

 

Photography courtesy Tony L. Ferguson

Your Wedding Playlist

Some would classify their wedding playlist as their all-time favorites or the latest music Hip Hop/ R&B records combined with old school. When it comes to searching for them online, that is another story. I recall having the most challenging time with my girlfriends trying to find an updated wedding playlist that incorporated Hip Hop/R&B songs. We searched for wedding songs on You Tube where we found wedding playlist videos that had songs listed from the early to late 90’s no more than a couple of years ago. Sometimes it seems like while you are planning your wedding/special occasion you cannot think of songs right away, but once you list one everything else comes as followed. The joys of creating your music playlist! After doing some research I discovered that there still wasn’t a recent playlist available that catered to Hip Hop/R&B.  Provided below is a list of songs, as more come to mind I will revise it.

 

Dinner Music/ Cocktail Hour:

Amel Larrieux- “For Real”
Erk Tha Jerk- “Right Here” Instramental
Teena Marie- “Portugese Love”

Pre Party:
SWV- “Cosign”
Algebra Blesset- “Nobody But You”
Beyonce- “Love on Top”

Came for the party:

Tyga- ft. Justin Bieber “Wait For A Minute”
Vivian Green- ” Get Right Back To”
Tank- “You’re My Star”
Pharrell- “Happy”
Keyshia Cole- “Take Me Away”
Midnight Star-” Curious
Justin Timberlake- “Suit and Tie”
Jennifer Hudson ft. T.I –  “I Can’t Describe”
Jaheim- “Ain’t Leavin Without You”
Michael Jackson-  “Love Never Felt So Good”
Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams- “Get Lucky”
Bell Biv DeVoe- “Poison”

Slow Dance:

Kem- “If It’s Love”
John Legend- “Tonight”
Kem- “Can’t Stop Lovin You”
Amel Larrieux- “For Real
Goapele- “First Love”
John Legend- “Open Your Eyes”
Leela James- “Fall For You”
John Legend- “All of Me”
Jill Scott- “Its Love”
Anthony Hamilton- “Best of Me”
Jaheim- “Age Ain’t a Factor”
Shelea Frazier- “Love Fell On Me”
Avant ft. Keke Wyatt- “You and I”
Conya Doss- Don’t Change

First Dance Songs:

Usher- “Here I Stand”
Ruff Ends- “Someone to Love”
Robin Thicke- “For The Rest of My Life”
Musiq Soul Child- “Settle for My Love”
Monica- “Your Everything to Me”
Robin Thicke- “Magic”
Lalah Hathaway- “Forever, For Always, For Love”
John Legend- You & I

H.E.R- My Song

Daniel Caesar- Best Part

Jamheim- In My Hands

Chrisette Michele- “Couple of Forevers”

Walking Down The Aisle Songs:

Janelle Monae- “Prime Time ft. Miguel”
Teddy Pendergrass- “Latest Greatest Inspiration”

Garter Removal/Toss

Dream- Falsetto

Usher- “She Came To Give It To You”

Last Call:
Maze- “Before I Let Go”
Miguel- “Do You”
Kindred Family Soul- “Forever More”

Beyonce- “Xo”

 

 

Check out billboards top 100 here for more genres!

 

Recap: Remember check your local radio stations, billboard top charts, and cable networks for their music stations to come up with songs for your wedding play list. Research what is appropriate vs. what is not appropriate to play at your wedding. Communicate your needs, and ask questions! I hope you all enjoy creating your ideal wedding playlist! Remember you found it here first!

 

 

Best Wishes- Charron

 

How to Find Your Wedding Playlist and Dj for Your Event

 

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