Wedding Music Planning — How I Work With You
Wondering how wedding music planning actually works? Here’s exactly what to expect.
Music planning is at the heart of everything I do. A great wedding DJ doesn’t just show up and press play — they work with you in advance to understand exactly what you want your day to sound and feel like, then make it happen without you having to think about it on the day itself.
When Does Wedding Music Planning Start?
Once you book with me, you get access to my online planning portal where you can start building your music preferences at any point. Most couples find it easiest to work on this in the two to three months before the wedding, but the portal is there whenever you’re ready.
As a Mobile DJ Network (MDJN) member, I also schedule a planning call in the weeks before your wedding to go through everything in detail — music choices, timings, any special requests, and anything else you want to talk through. By the time your wedding day arrives, I know your day inside out.
What Wedding Music Planning Decisions Do You Need to Make?
Here’s a simple breakdown of the music choices involved in a typical wedding day:
Ceremony Music
- Pre-ceremony background music as guests are seated
- Processional — your entrance
- Signing of the register
- Recessional — your exit as a married couple
Drinks Reception
- Background music style and mood — upbeat, relaxed, acoustic, jazz, or something else entirely
Wedding Breakfast
- Background music to accompany your meal — typically something relaxed that doesn’t overpower conversation
Evening Reception
- First dance song
- Parent dances if applicable
- Overall music style and genres for the evening
- Must-play songs
- Do-not-play songs
- Last dance song
Do You Have to Choose Every Song?
Absolutely not. Most couples give me a general direction as part of wedding music planning — a handful of must-plays, a style or era they love, and a few things they definitely don’t want — and leave the rest to me. Reading the room and keeping the dancefloor moving is what I do. The more trust you give me, the better the result tends to be.
That said, if you’re very particular about your music, I’m equally happy to work from a detailed list. It’s your day — we plan it the way that works for you.
Ready to Start Planning?
Take a look at my packages to see what’s included, or get in touch to check my availability for your date.
Wedding Music Planning — Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to start thinking about wedding music?
You can start as early as you like — my planning portal is available from the moment you book. Most couples find it easiest to work on music choices in the two to three months before the wedding, when the rest of the day is taking shape. There is no pressure to have everything decided early, but the earlier we discuss your taste and timeline, the more personalised the result will be.
Do I have to choose every song?
Not at all. Most couples give me a general direction — a handful of must-plays, the genres or eras they love, and a few things they definitely do not want — and leave the rest to me. Reading the room and keeping the dancefloor moving is what I do best. The more trust you give me on the night, the better the result tends to be. That said, if you want to be more specific, I am equally happy to work from a detailed list.
How do you handle music requests from guests on the night?
I take requests during the evening and work them in where they fit the flow of the room. I will always consider your do-not-play list and the overall feel you want, so requests that clash with that are handled tactfully. The dancefloor stays yours — guest requests are a supplement to your plan, not a takeover of it.
What happens at the planning call before the wedding?
We go through everything in detail — your running order, music choices for each part of the day, any special requests, announcements, and anything else you want to talk through. By the end of the call I will have a clear picture of exactly how your day should sound and feel. Most couples find it reassuring to have that conversation a few weeks out when the other suppliers are confirmed and the day is coming into focus.
On the Day — More Wedding Music Planning Questions
Can you provide music for the ceremony and drinks reception as well as the evening?
Yes. I cover the full day — from pre-ceremony background music and your processional, through to drinks reception background music, dinner, and the evening dancefloor. Everything is planned in advance so you have one supplier managing the sound and atmosphere throughout your day. Take a look at my packages page for the full details, or get in touch to talk through what would work best.
Is the planning consultation free, and can we meet in person?
Yes to both. A dedicated consultation is included as standard with every booking, at no extra cost — by phone, video call, or in person, whichever works best for you.
