This first dance song list is curated from Spotify

1. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran

2. You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne

3. At Last by Etta James

4. All Of Me by John Legend

5. A Thousand Years by Christina Perri

6. Make You Feel My Love by Adele

7. I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz

8. Everything by Michael Buble

9. Better Together by Jack Johnson

10. Amazed by Lonestar

11. Come Away With Me by Norah Jones

12. First Day Of My Life by Bright Eyes

13. Let’s Stay Together by Al Green

14. Lucky by Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat

15. Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley

16. Marry Me by Train

17. Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton

18. What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

19. Crazy Love by Van Morrison

20. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz

The post Top 20 Most Popular First Dance Wedding Songs in 2023 first appeared on DJ Larry Jazzz.

The First Look

Though there’s no rule that says a DJ is a required wedding staple, a pro disk jockey can help make your wedding and reception more musical and more fun.

When hiring a wedding DJ, create a list of requirements before you start looking. Consider the affordability, availability, experience level, and professionalism of each DJ before making your final decision.

After choosing your DJ, outline your playlists for the type of music you want for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

From the first dance to the last “Cupid Shuffle,” the songs that narrate your wedding day will be dancing in the minds of you and your guests for years to come. As you and your SO map out the details for your big day, you’ll probably want to create a separate spreadsheet just for your wedding DJ checklist.

Here, we’ll help you get started with our three-part wedding DJ checklist:

Eight to 10 Months Prior: Choosing a Wedding DJ

Five Months Prior: Planning the Specifics With Your DJ

Three Months Prior: Creating the Ultimate Wedding Playlists

Is a Wedding DJ Necessary?

Only you can decide if a professional DJ is truly necessary.

There’s no rule that says you must hire professionals—whether that’s a DJ, a live band, or a college Cappella group—to play at your wedding. If you’re hosting a small event, you may be better off with a speaker system, an AUX cord, and a playlist of all your favourites.

No matter what you choose, you’ll want some kind of music playing in the background of your big day, even if it’s just for ambiance.

And, if you’re hosting a larger gathering with a guest list chock-full of party people, a professional DJ could elevate your day from good to great.

Hiring a Wedding DJ: Everything You Need to Know

To protect yourself from the late-stage madness of wedding planning, you’ll want to start crafting your wedding DJ checklist eight to 10 months out. And before envisioning which songs you and your partner will cut loose to all night long, you’ll need to choose a DJ.

8-10 Months Prior: Choosing a Wedding DJ

Many engaged couples are shocked to find out that their first choice of Wedding DJ is already booked up six months prior to their wedding date, so don’t delay in finding your dream DJ.

If you have a wedding planner, lean on them first if you aren’t familiar with the DJ market in your area. They’ll have a shortlist of their favourites and can give you a sense of pricing and style before you decide to set up interviews.

If you don’t have a wedding planner to ask for advice, you can browse through Zola’s vendor list of pre-screened wedding DJs. Search by price, music genres, setup, and availability as you determine what you’re looking for.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you might want to meet your potential DJs. When choosing a wedding DJ, go through the following checklist to make sure that they’re up for the job to meet your musical needs:

• What’s included in your rate? First, check that this DJ fits within your overall wedding budget. To do so, you need a full and complete picture of the entire wedding package that he or she provides. Ask about his or her rate and, most importantly, whether it includes:
  • Setup
  • Breakdown
  • Rental equipment
  • Transportation
  • Other extra fees
• How experienced are you? Find out about his or her previous spinning experience, particularly with playing weddings, and his or her overall understanding of various music genres. A good DJ can switch venues and event styles easily, but you also might not want to hire a first-time wedding act. Check reviews from past clients for a more accurate picture of his or her performance. Keep in mind that if he or she is so experienced—and by extension, so popular—they might be overworked and exhausted when they come to play your wedding.
• What would the collaborative process look like? Every DJ works differently. That doesn’t mean that one is better than the others, but one will fit better with your needs. Do you want a DJ that will take your vision and run with it, filling out the details and creating the actual playlists? Or do you want to make practically every decision about what song plays at what time? Both are fine! But you’ll need to find a DJ that can work with your method, whether that means he or she is trustworthy or can be flexible with changes.

Perhaps the best part about a DJ is how mobile he or she is—as long as he or she can plug in the equipment, he or she can play a beach wedding, a rooftop ceremony, or a party on a private yacht.

5 Months Prior: Going Through Your Wedding DJ Questionnaire

When you say “yes” to the wedding DJ of your choice, the fun really begins. Now, it will be your DJ’s turn to ask you the questions. Plan a session several months in advance to give your DJ time to work his or her musical magic.

Come prepared with this checklist of things you have to discuss:

• Create an itinerary for your ceremony: Music will be an integral part of your wedding ceremony. Either before your meeting or with the DJ present, plan out the various components of your ceremony and whether or not he or she will need accompanying music. Make sure that you cover:
  • The processional (when the wedding party walks down the aisle).
  • A special processional song for the bride.
  • A pre-recorded solo to be played between readings.
  • The recessional (when the couple walks back down the aisle together).
• Determine the specifics of your cocktail hour: As the in-between event of your wedding, the cocktail hour usually builds off the elegance of the ceremony, while ramping up to the fun of the reception. The music plays an important role in shaping this transition. To plan your cocktail hour, run through this list of questions:
  • What kind of vibe are you going for during your cocktail hour?
  • Do you want the party to get started early with some dance tunes?
  • Are you keeping things simple and elegant with instrumental love songs?
  • How long will your cocktail hour be?
• Plan your reception: This is when the music really takes centre stage and when your DJ’s input becomes invaluable. During your meeting, talk over this checklist of reception song considerations:
  • Introduction of the wedding party and the married couple’s introduction. In addition to a background song, do you want the DJ to announce you in a certain way (i.e., “now introducing Mr. and Mrs.” or “now introducing the Smiths”)?
  • Will you want a special playlist to play during dinner (if you have a sit-down dinner planned)?
  • In what order do you want the DJ to play your special dance songs (first dance, father and daughter, mother and son, etc.)? These songs are often popular and have many iterations—be sure to let the DJ know which versions you want.
  • How and when do you want the DJ to introduce the people giving toasts? Do you want the DJ to open the floor for anyone to give a toast?
  • Will you have a cake cutting during the reception, and, if so, what time and what song would you like played?
  • Will you be doing a garter or bouquet toss, or perhaps some other tradition? If so, what songs would you like played during this time?
  • Do you want the DJ to make a “last call” announcement for the bar?
  • What do you want the final song of the evening to be?

Other general questions may include whether or not you will allow your guests to make any special requests and if there are any songs that you absolutely do not want to be played on your wedding day.

3 Months Prior: Creating the Ultimate Wedding Playlist

If you’ve teamed up with a reputable DJ that understands your vision for your wedding music, you don’t need to be involved at every step of the day. However, it’s your wedding—and your money—so it’s up to you to decide how much input you want and how much freedom you’ll be giving your DJ.

Some couples may only want to choose the special dance songs and leave the rest up to the pros. Other couples, especially if they are music aficionados, may choose every song that is played all night, even if that means selecting 200+ tunes. In this case, you’ll definitely be glad that you started planning your playlist three months in advance.

No matter your preference, it’s time to start brainstorming.

Here, we’ll outline simple checklists to follow as you decide on potential songs, themes, and playlists for the different aspects of your wedding day.

Crafting Your Cocktail Hour Jams

The time between your ceremony and your reception sets the tone for the evening, so it’s important to curate a playlist with the entire event in mind.

A common choice is to play catchy, love-centric music with a light, but upbeat feel. After all, you wouldn’t want to waste all your favourite songs during the cocktail hour. Most guests will be mingling and munching anyway, so they may not fully appreciate your carefully curated playlist.

Follow this checklist to arrive at a mix of romantic, upbeat, and universally appealing cocktail hour tunes:

• Start with soulful classics: They’re called classics for a reason. You just can’t go wrong with these simple melodies and laid-back crowd favourites, including:
  • The Beatles: “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Come Together”—the list of potential Beatles songs goes on and on. Chances are that everyone from your great aunt to your 15-year-old cousin will be humming along.
  • Frank Sinatra: Shuffle in “The Best is Yet to Come,” “I’ve Got the World on a String,” and “My Way,” for some big band fun without the price of the big band.
  • James Brown: The soulful voice of James Brown is perfect for cocktail hour, though you’ll want to reserve some of his greatest hits for later in the evening. “The Boss,” “Night Train,” and “Try Me,” are great cocktail hour teasers that will set you up for an epic rendition of “Get Up Offa That Thing” when the sun goes down.
• Add in some easy acoustics and ballads: At this point in the evening, your music should provide a simple backdrop for mingling and sipping. Toned down acoustic songs and lyrical ballads are perfect for creating a little ambiance:
  • The Lumineers: Skip the sappy songs and sprinkle in their lighter hits such as “Ho Hey,” “Ophelia,” and “Flowers In Your Hair,” for a laid-back, acoustic vibe.
  • Ed Sheeran: Love him or hate him, Ed knows how to set the mood for die-hard romantics. “Perfect” comes to mind immediately, but there’s also “Thinking Out Loud,” and “Shape of You.”
  • Sam Smith: For a sprinkle of romance, a touch of fun, and the voice of an angel, go ahead and throw some of the UK singer’s hits, such as “Stay with Me,” “Latch,” and “I’m Not the Only One,” onto your cocktail hour list.
• Sprinkle in upbeat songs: Your cocktail hour playlist still has room for a little personality. Don’t be afraid to add in some of your personal favourites and the occasional upbeat jam for some much-needed variety, such as:
  • Garth Brooks: For a twang of country fun mixed into your classic playlist, Brooks’s “Papa Loved Mama” and “Two Pina Coladas” are fun cocktail hour choices.
  • Sara Evans: Consider adding some Evans flair to your playlist with “Born to Fly” and “Suds in the Bucket.”
  • Tina Turner: Chances are that Turner is already on your reception playlist, but you should consider her for cocktail hour tunes, too. Guests will shimmy and sway to “Stay Awhile” and “(Darlin) You Know I Love You” while preparing for the main event.

Deciding on Your First Dance

If you don’t have an immediate answer to the question, “What’s your song?” then you might have trouble picking a tune for your first dance. There’s no such thing as the “perfect first dance song,” just the one that means something special to you and your future life partner.

If you’re still drawing blanks, sit down with your SO and this checklist to decide, once and for all:

• Draw on shared memories: First dance songs often have emotional significance to the couple swaying along to it. Use this list of questions to take a quick trip down memory lane (and maybe towards your perfect first dance soundtrack):
  • Where was your first date? Can you tie this location to a popular song?
  • When did you meet? What was the top love song that year?
  • What is your favourite shared activity? Is there a song that centres around this?
  • What was the first concert you went to together? Does that band have a song you both love?
• Surf the streaming platforms for inspiration: If your first dance song has no significance, it should at least be something you both like. Browse Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube playlists to check out shared genres you enjoy or popular first dance tunes. Here are Spotify’s top 20 most streamed songs in first dance-themed playlists for 2023 to use as a starting point:

1. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
2. You Are The Best Thing – Ray Montagne
3. At Last – Etta James
4. All of Me – John Legend
5. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
6. Make You Feel My Love – Adele
7. I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz
8. Everything – Michael Buble
9. Better Together – Jack Johnson
10. Amazed – Lonestar
11. Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
12. First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes
13. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
14. Lucky – Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat
15. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
16. Marry Me – Train
17. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
18. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
19. Crazy Love – Van Morrison
20. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

• Go old skool instead: Most of the above songs are contemporary, or at least contemporary versions of more vintage tunes. If you want to choose a safe, yet sentimental song, you can’t go wrong with the classics. Some top first dance wedding songs from the past century include:
  • Frank Sinatra, “The Way You Look Tonight”
  • Elvis Presley, “Can’t Help Falling In Love”
  • Frankie Valli, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”
  • Nat King Cole, “L-O-V-E”

Hammering Out Your Reception Hits

According to Spotify Trends Expert Shannon Cook, anything goes when it comes to your wedding music, meaning that you can mix R&B, jazz, country, rock, and more into one big, louder-than-life playlist.

Chances are that your wedding guests span a wide demographic, from seniors in high school to senior citizens, and beyond. You want your reception playlist—especially the songs you want everyone to be dancing to—to reach a wide audience.

Reception songs should include a healthy variety of songs that make you want to sing, shout, dance, and enjoy a quiet, romantic moment.

Follow this song suggestion checklist to craft the perfect playlist:

• Start with upbeat music that you enjoy: A reception is supposed to be a celebration, and your playlist should reflect that. The foundation of your wedding soundtrack should be danceable tunes that you and your guests can mutually groove to, and you and your spouse mutually enjoy.
• Layer in the classics: To appeal to guests of all ages, throw in a few classic hits that even the youngsters know the words to. That includes:
  • ABBA: “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” will appeal to those that were around during ABBA’s heyday, as well as anyone that saw “Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again!” in theatres.
  • Jackson Five: “ABC” is a classic that appeals to every demographic.
  • Journey: Is a wedding complete without a chorus of your friends and family singing and dancing along to “Don’t Stop Believin’”?
  • Shania Twain: This Canadian songstress will get the last seated stragglers up with “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much.”
• Pepper in some pop music: Add in some of today’s best and most popular music, especially the dance-friendly, upbeat jams, such as:
  • Beyonce: “Single Ladies,” “Crazy in Love,” “Savage,” “Love On Top,” and “Halo” are all guaranteed party-starters.
  • Bruno Mars: Songs such as “Uptown Funk,” “24K Magic,” and, of course, “Marry You” will get people up and grooving in no time.
  • Ariana Grande: “7 Rings,” “Thank U, Next,” and “Positions” are all chart-topping hits with dance-floor-ready melodies.
• Don’t forget the wedding must-haves: There’s no pressure to structure your wedding playlist any particular way, but your guests will be expecting some of their all-time reception favourites. That list includes:
  • “Sweet Caroline,” Neil Diamond
  • “Cha Cha Slide,” DJ Casper
  • “Wannabe,” Spice Girls
  • “Livin’ On A Prayer,” Bon Jovi
  • “Hey Ya!,” OutKast
  • “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” Whitney Houston
  • “September,” Earth, Wind & Fire
  • “Cupid Shuffle,” Cupid

Original Source: Zola

The post The Ultimate Wedding Playlist Checklist first appeared on DJ Larry Jazzz.

While choosing your wedding DJ doesn’t have to be the very first thing on your wedding checklist, it shouldn’t be one of the last either. Once you choose your wedding venue, make wedding entertainment your next focus. Like venues, sought-after DJs book up quickly. So, don’t hesitate to start your search, especially if your top choices are popular in your area.

2.       Consider your style.

Not all DJs are meant to be wedding DJs—it’s a broad title. Wedding DJs are specific experts in how receptions flow and how to choose music that suits many demographics. Be sure to immediately cross off any DJs without wedding-specific experience (unless you’re having an unconventional reception or if you’re asking a friend to DJ, of course).

A wedding DJ can still mean a lot of different things. So, it’s important to keep your style and wedding vision top of mind. If you’re more old school and a fan of music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, for example, pursue a DJ who specializes in music from those decades. If you’re more into rap or pop or other more modern genres, you want to find a DJ who’s well-versed on the top of the charts.

3.       Ask around for recommendations.

The easiest way to narrow down any vendor search: word of mouth recommendations. Ask your family, friends, colleagues, or whoever if they hired a DJ they loved. Even if they’re not engaged or married, they may have recently attended a wedding with a DJ that really wowed.

Of course, you can also always trust the Internet to help you start your search, too. We recommend starting with a vendor search from a reputable wedding source. You can read vetted reviews from real couples, find out what services each DJ specifically offers, and more. It’s an easy way to taper your search to at least a handful of options.

4.       Get everything in writing.

Before you solidify your wedding DJ, be sure to hammer out all of these details in writing. Be sure to include any notes on special requests, including certain song recommendations, exact start and end times, who will actually DJ day of, etc.

Once you choose your DJ, you’ll likely be tasked with coming up with a list of must-hear songs, another list of absolutely-do-not-play songs, and a list of nice-to-hear-but-not-necessary songs. After that, your DJ will take it from there.

You’re now ready to hire the wedding DJ that’s going to help create the best wedding for you.

The post 4 Top Tips How to Choose Your Wedding DJ first appeared on DJ Larry Jazzz.

Once you’ve chosen your top three DJ options, contact them to make sure they’re available on your wedding day first. If so, schedule a call, in-person meeting, or even a FaceTime appointment to talk. These meetings are your opportunity to get all the intel you need to choose your wedding DJ. Here is a list of questions you want to ask:

The Basics

Before diving into the details, it’s paramount that you start with the basics. These important questions will inform you of a DJ’s availability and experience, as well as give you an idea of their schedule.

1. Are you available for my wedding date? As with all wedding vendors, this should be your first question. Ensure that a DJ is available for your wedding before taking the time to speak or meet with one another.
2. How long have you been DJing? Right away, you want to get an idea of how much experience this vendor has. Make sure this potential DJ is seasoned and prepared to work professionally.
3. How many weddings have you worked on? There’s a difference between DJing at a music venue and at a wedding reception. Inquire about how much wedding experience this DJ has under their belt.
4. How many weddings do you perform at per weekend? Do you perform at multiple events in one day? Get an idea of how busy (read: potentially overwhelmed or tired) this wedding reception DJ may be on your wedding day or weekend.
5. Will you or someone on your team be the day-of DJ? Some DJs run their own businesses featuring solely themselves. Other companies have a lineup of DJs available. Ask if the person you’re speaking with would be the one at your wedding and, if not, if you could at a point get in contact with who will be.
6. How do you get a shy crowd moving? Not all crowds are quick to rush to the dance floor. One major perk of hiring a DJ is that they know how to get (and keep) a party going. Ask how they handle a situation in which the crowd is slow to get started.
7. Do you have references I can reach out to? The biggest reassurance you can get about a wedding vendor will come from their past clients. Ask if they have references you can reach out to that will recommend them and speak to you about their work.

Music

Chances are you got a feel for this DJ’s music style via their website or social media. Even so, it’s important that you learn more about their catalogue and style, so you aren’t met with any surprises.

1. How would you describe your style? House, Top 40, country, classics—plenty of DJs specialize in a specific type of music. Make sure yours aligns with the kind of music you want to be played on your big day.
2. How often do you update your music catalogue? If you’re looking for more current music, it’s crucial to know how often a DJ updates their music collection. You don’t want to run into a situation where you’re looking forward to hearing last month’s hit radio song, only to find out that your DJ’s music library isn’t that up to date.
3. Do you use a predetermined set list? Many DJs will have a pre-made setlist they can play or that you can build off.
4. Can we make the playlist? Say you know your musical taste—and the taste of your guests—incredibly well. Ask if it’s possible that you and your partner to curate a list of songs—as well as a do not play list.
5. Do you have any samples of your work? If you can’t find samples on their website, ask if you can be sent some via email.
6. How do you handle song requests? Odds are, at least a few of your guests will approach your DJ with song requests. Inquire about how they handle these if they take them at all.
7. Will you also act as MC? From your wedding party’s entrance to your father-daughter dance to toasts, you may have a lot of announcements that need to be made throughout your reception. These are typically made by the DJ, but you’ll need to make sure this is the case.

Logistics

These details might not be as exciting to discuss as the music itself, but they’re equally—if not more—important to your wedding planning.

1. How much equipment do you require? Be aware of the DJ equipment they’ll need/will bring on your wedding day to get an idea of the set-up.
2. Would we need to provide any separate equipment? It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes there will be a type of equipment that you need to provide yourself. Ask if they’ll need a microphone, cables, or other tech equipment.
3. How do you handle equipment malfunctions? Will you have backup equipment? Ideally, nothing will go wrong during your wedding celebration. However, sometimes things happen. Be aware of what this DJ will do if a piece of their equipment malfunctions mid-reception.
4. Can you provide wireless mics for the wedding ceremony? It’s easier for everyone if you stick to one sound system throughout the day. If you don’t need to rent out a microphone from elsewhere, that’s a nice plus.
5. Are you familiar with our reception space? Ask if they’ve worked at your reception location before. If not, they may need to show up earlier to figure out how to set up.
6. Do you plan to use lighting or special effects? Strobe lights, video screens, sparklers, projectors—many DJs have special effects set-ups that can be included in a music package.
7. Do you handle set-up and break-down? Ensure that the DJ and/or their team will handle the setting up and breaking down of their equipment.
8. What will you wear? Wedding themes and formalities vary greatly. For that reason, your DJ should wear something that won’t make them look out of place.
9. If you’re unable to perform on the day of, do you have a backup plan? Most wedding vendors have a backup employee or contact they can reach out to in the event that they can’t make it to your wedding last minute.
10. Can you provide us with a full itinerary for the reception? If you have a wedding planner, chances are you’ll create an itinerary with them. If not, however, it may come down to you and your DJ.

Pricing

The bottom line is usually one of the biggest factors when it comes to deciding on wedding music. However, it isn’t as simple as asking what they charge. Discuss all potential fees and every option available to you.

1. What are your rates? Do you charge by hours, packages, or both? Inquire about how this DJ charges their clients. They may set prices for different packages or change by the hours that they set up and are playing music.
2. Do you have packages available? What is included? Packages make it easy to see what a DJ can offer you—and for what price. Ask for a detailed breakdown of each package available.
3. Do you have payment plans? Some vendors will allow you to pay in installments, while others will require a down payment, and then a final payment.
4. Do you have an overtime fee? Often, couples will get to the end of their wedding reception and ask the venue if they can extend their hours. In this event, make sure you’re aware of your DJ’s overtime fees.
5. Will there be additional fees? Transportation, parking, etc.? Get an outline of every item you can be potentially charged for or are expected to pay.
6. What is your cancellation policy? In the event that you need to cancel or postpone your wedding, don’t get caught with surprise rules. Ask what cancellation, reschedule, and refund policies they have in place.
7. Do you have the required insurance? Liability insurance is a must. Be sure that your DJ has it, plus any insurance that is required by your city or venue.
8. When can we expect a quote and/or written contract? When you’ve discussed all the above and are ready to sign on the dotted line, ask when you can expect to receive a full contract.

The post 32 Questions to Help you Choose your Wedding DJ first appeared on DJ Larry Jazzz.

Wedding reception entertainment comes in all shapes and sizes, but a DJ is one of the more modern options available that has become an increasingly popular choice over live music. That said, not all DJs will be suitable for wedding receptions. And the ones that are might not be suitable for your wedding reception. So, let’s break down how to narrow down your wedding DJ options to one—plus, get into the top questions you should be asking. Consider this your wedding DJ checklist.

Typically, couples choose between DJs or live entertainment like a band. Here are some benefits of a wedding DJ:

1. It’s cost effective. Compared to a live band (or other live entertainment), DJs typically boast lower rates. This isn’t always true, but generally speaking, DJs require lower entertainment budget. Bands require more manpower and potentially more travel costs because of their equipment.
2. Hear your favourite music, the way you remember it. Your first dance is a special moment to be cherished forever. So, if you chose Elton John’s “The Way You Look Tonight” as your first dance song because it conjures a specific romantic moment for you, it’s nice to know it will sound the same way as the time you fell in love with it and every time you hear it played in the future it will be the same version.
3. DJs can read the crowd. All performers should have some ability to read the room, but DJs have the unique ability to be able to shift musical direction with just a few key mixing elements from a set lineup.

The post 3 Reasons to hire a wedding DJ first appeared on DJ Larry Jazzz.