If you're looking for some examples of the styles I play or just need a bit of inspiration for your party or wedding, here are a few ideas and tips to get you started.
PARTY PLAYLISTS
In the relatively short time I've been DJing in public, I have been really lucky to have worked with people who want supremely cool background music to complement their events at fantastic local venues. These are the kind of places I love to hang out with my friends and my best four-legged buddy in my downtime, so there's nothing better than also getting to select the tunes while I soak up the party atmosphere. My usual go-tos are artists like Bonobo and Maribou State but I also love playing plenty of European disco, classic house, afrobeat, and funk to set the mood at low-key events.
My Thursday afternoon show on Cutters Choice Radio usually follows a similar pattern, but I'll sometimes sprinkle a pinch of industrial metal and dubstep over the top to keep everyone on their toes.
WEDDING PLAYLISTS
During the day
The part of your day between the ceremony and evening reception is a time to kick back and enjoy mingling with your favourite people. I would always recommend playing romantic and slower tempo tracks that match the mood and help everyone to feel relaxed as they rehydrate (after all, some of your guests might have blubbed their way through your ceremony!)
Acoustic and classical songs are always a winner, or to mix things up you could add some pared-back cover versions of heavier tunes and see if your guests notice any hidden surprises.
Night time = party time
The evening is where the party really comes alive! Trust me when I say that you can absolutely play your favourite tunes during your reception, even if your tastes are a little different to the songs people are used to hearing at weddings. With the right build-up, you can throw pretty much anything at your playlist and I guarantee your guests will be thrilled to hear something a little different. The playlist below features some emo and pop-punk bangers that have all been a hit at weddings I've played recently. These mix beautifully with 80s and 90s pop, old skool house and disco, and palatable crowd pleasing favourites from funk to ska to indie and beyond. This is the perfect opportunity to travel through a wide range of genres to keep things interesting and give everybody a little something to enjoy.
Whatever your jam is, you should be able to trust your DJ to curate a track list that speaks to who you are and what you're going to love hearing on your day. It's important to remember that your guests will follow your lead - so if you want a bustling dancefloor and feel comfortable getting up there, then make sure you spend as much time boogying as possible (and think about a change of shoes so you don't have to tap out early with sore feet).
To first dance, or not to first dance?
The first dance is a tradition that isn't going anywhere - but it might not be the right one for you! If you would rather dig a hole to hide in than have a first dance, you're not alone - and it's totally fine to go straight into the party without one. However, traditionally-minded guests might not want to dance before the couple have officially 'opened' the floor for the night, which is what a first dance usually signifies - otherwise it's a bit like taking a bite of cake before it's been cut!
Instead of a couples dance, you might want to ask your DJ to make an announcement or do something different to let your guests know the party is open for business. You could consider kicking things off with a fun alternative such as a sparkler ceremony (venue permitting), going head to head with a lightsaber duel, or a competitive round of your favourite family board game. If you don't feel like forgetting about the first dance altogether, how about asking a few of your wedding party in advance to get up and dance with you?
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