The Biggest Mistake Couples Make When Planning Their Wedding Playlist: Advice from a Wedding DJ in Provo
Cover Photo by Beth Mac Photo
Did You Know? 81% of guests say entertainment is the most memorable part of a wedding, yet 72% of couples regret not spending more on it (The Knot).
Creating the perfect wedding playlist is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day. Music brings the entire celebration together, from your first dance to the final song of the night. But after years of working as a wedding DJ in Provo, I’ve noticed one big mistake that couples make when planning their reception music—one that can make or break the party.
So, what’s the biggest mistake? Focusing too much on personal taste and forgetting about the guest experience.
Your wedding is all about you, but when it comes to the reception, it’s also about keeping the energy up and making sure your guests have a great time. I love helping couples create a playlist that reflects their style while keeping the dance floor packed. Here’s how to find the perfect balance.
Why Your Wedding Playlist Needs to Be More Than Just Your Favorite Songs
I get it—you want your wedding to feel like you. Music plays a huge role in that, and your playlist should absolutely include songs that are meaningful to you and your partner. But if the entire list is made up of deep cuts, niche genres, or only modern hits, you might lose the energy in the room.
A wedding brings together guests of all ages and backgrounds, and the music should reflect that. One of the biggest advantages of hiring a wedding DJ in Provo (rather than relying on a playlist) is having someone who can adjust the music in real time, keeping the party going and making sure no one is left sitting down.
How to Build a Wedding Playlist That Works for Everyone
Want to make sure your reception is a success? Keep these key points in mind when planning your playlist.
1. Include a Variety of Eras and Styles
A wedding is one of the few times you’ll have your grandparents, your childhood friends, and your college crew all in the same room. A great playlist brings people together by blending different styles and decades of music. Some guests will go crazy for throwbacks, while others love a solid pop anthem. Finding a balance ensures that everyone gets their moment to celebrate with you.
2. Be Thoughtful with the "Do-Not-Play" List
Some couples hand me a long list of banned songs, only to realize later that those were the exact songs their guests wanted to hear. It’s totally fine to avoid songs that you really don’t like, but be open to the idea that some popular hits might be crowd favorites. If there’s a song you’re on the fence about, I can always find the right moment or version that fits the vibe of your night.
3. Trust My Experience as a Wedding DJ
Reading the room is one of the most important parts of my job. If I notice that people aren’t responding to a song, I can quickly shift the energy to bring them back to the dance floor. That’s something a playlist can’t do on its own. When couples give me some flexibility with song choices, I can make sure the energy never drops.
How to Work with Your Wedding DJ to Get the Perfect Playlist
The best wedding playlists come from great collaboration between you and your DJ. Here’s how I help couples create the right soundtrack for their wedding.
Meet with Me to Talk About Your Vision
A few months before your wedding, I like to sit down (or hop on a call) to go over your style, favorite genres, and any special requests. This gives me a solid foundation to create something that fits you.
Let Me Handle the Flow of the Music
I always encourage couples to give me their top song requests, but I also suggest letting me build around those. Having the right flow keeps guests engaged and creates those unforgettable moments throughout the night.
Plan for Key Moments
Music plays a huge role in shaping your wedding day. Some of the most important moments to plan for include:
Grand entrance – A high-energy song that gets everyone excited
First dance – Something meaningful and personal to you
Parent dances – A classic or sentimental favorite
Dinner music – Background music that sets the mood but still allows for conversation
Dance party – Songs that keep the energy up and people moving
Last dance – The perfect song to end the night on a high note
How I Help Couples Build the Perfect Wedding Playlist
At Brown Sound, I focus on creating an unforgettable experience, not just playing music. I bring professional sound, lighting, and energy to every wedding I DJ, making sure the night flows effortlessly from start to finish.
How to Book Me as Your Wedding DJ
Most couples book 5-6 months in advance, but the sooner, the better! Here’s how my booking process works:
Consultation – We’ll chat about your wedding vision, song preferences, and any special details you want to include.
Playlist Planning – I’ll take your must-play songs and build a reception that keeps your guests engaged.
Execution – On the wedding day, I’ll take care of the music, sound setup, and announcements so you can relax and enjoy.
Final Check-In – A week before your wedding, I’ll go over all the details with you one last time to make sure everything is perfect.
Let’s Make Your Wedding Reception Unforgettable
Your wedding playlist should feel like you, but it should also create an incredible experience for your guests. By working with a wedding DJ in Provo, you can avoid the biggest mistake couples make and ensure your reception is one people will be talking about for years.
Looking for the right DJ for your wedding? Let’s chat! Contact me today, and let’s start planning the perfect soundtrack for your big day.
