A Wedding DJ’s Thoughts on Song Requests
Song requests are a surprisingly hot topic when it comes to weddings. Some couples love the idea of letting guests chime in, while others avoid it at all costs. As a wedding DJ, I’ve seen both sides play out in real time, and it’s always fascinating to watch how different couples approach this question. Below, I’ll break down the main reasons couples either love or hate song requests—and share some tips on how to handle them so everyone’s happy on the big day.
Why Some Couples Love Taking Song Requests
They Just Want Everyone to Have Fun
For many couples, the dance floor is about letting loose and making sure guests of every age enjoy themselves. Whether it’s a trendy hit, a cheesy throwback, or a brand-new track nobody’s heard yet, these couples are less concerned about the “cool factor” of specific songs and more focused on creating a joyful, inclusive celebration.
They Aren’t Huge Music Buffs
Some people are passionate about music and craft super-detailed playlists for every moment. Others? Not so much. If you’re more casual about your music preferences, you might be perfectly fine letting friends and family pick their favorites and letting the party roll.
Why Some Couples Hate Taking Song Requests
They Want to Control the Playlist
These are the couples who care deeply about setting a particular vibe. They know exactly which songs are “must-plays”—and which ones are definitely off-limits. For them, letting guests dictate the music could ruin the atmosphere they’ve been planning for months.
They Don’t Share Musical Tastes with Their Guests
Maybe you love modern hits, but your parents are all about the golden oldies. Or you have cousins who live for line dances when you’d prefer never to hear them. If you can’t reach a happy compromise, saying “no requests” might sidestep a tug-of-war on the dance floor.
Most Couples End Up in the Middle: Let the DJ Use Their Judgment
Provide a List or Genre Guide
Many couples strike a balance by giving me, as the DJ, a master list of songs and genres they enjoy—or absolutely detest. If a guest requests something within that vibe, I’ll spin it. If it clashes with the couple’s style, it doesn’t make the cut.
Ban All Requests
Some pairs don’t want to risk hearing anything outside their carefully curated playlist. They’ll instruct me to politely decline guest requests. In that case, I usually come prepared with a tactful excuse—nothing that points the blame squarely on the couple, because we all know how persistent Aunt Sandy can be.
Accept All Requests
A smaller percentage of couples really don’t mind guests steering the ship. These folks are all about high-energy dancing and know their friends’ music picks usually deliver. If it keeps everyone on the floor, so be it!
Figuring Out the Best Strategy
Consider Your Crowd
If most of your guests are total party animals who love to dance, letting them request songs can keep the energy going. But if you suspect you’ll only hear “Cotton Eye Joe” a hundred times, maybe a strict no-request policy is wise.
Think About Age & Preferences
Look at the age breakdown among your guests. If you have a big chunk of older relatives, sprinkling in some Motown or classic rock might be a nice gesture—even if your personal playlist leans more modern. It’s all about keeping the crowd engaged.
Talk to Your Family in Advance
If you know certain relatives might push for oldies or line dances, have a conversation before the wedding. You might compromise on a short block of time for their favorites early on, then transition to your own picks as the night goes on.
Skip RSVP Song Requests Unless You’re Laid-Back
Asking for music suggestions on your RSVP cards sounds fun in theory, but if you’re picky about music, it can lead to disappointment. If you’re not prepared to honor those requests (or at least most of them), your guests may feel misled.
Why Guests Make Requests in the First Place
The Random Requester
They hear a favorite song in their head, want it played, and ask the DJ on a whim. If you don’t have it, they shrug and move on.The Wannabe DJ
They’re convinced they’re improving the party and will keep coming back with more songs if you oblige. They’re not offended by a “no” but love the thrill of contributing. (And honestly, they might make a solid DJ themselves one day!)
Talk It Over with Your DJ
The key to navigating requests is open communication. A seasoned DJ has dealt with all kinds of scenarios, from zero requests to infinite requests, and can adapt. Make a plan together so you know exactly how to handle friends or family who come up with song ideas on the dance floor.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s your wedding and your call. If you trust your guests to pick great tunes, feel free to let them request away. If not, limit or ban requests and let your DJ explain politely. The important thing is to consider your guests’ expectations, your own vision, and any potential family conflicts beforehand. Above all, keep your DJ in the loop so you can craft the perfect musical vibe for your special day. Good luck, and here’s to an incredible wedding celebration!
