Take the opportunity to create playlists of music you like, then compare notes. Keep all the songs you can agree on, then get rid of any strong dislikes. If you're hiring a DJ, you can simply hand them the song-list in advance, to play on the night. But allow he or she the flexibility to go "off-piste" to keep the crowd engaged.
If you're hiring a party band, narrow down a handful of favourite acts, then browse their song-lists to see who offers the closest match to your combined tastes. Each Function Central band has their full song-list published on their web page.
Function Central bands are experts at "reading" a crowd and adjusting their song choice appropriately, getting guests of all ages on to the dance-floor and ensuring everyone has a great time.
Compromise with Playlists
Start by each creating your own “must-play” and “do-not-play” lists, featuring around six to ten songs that reflect your personal tastes. Merge these into a joint shortlist that becomes your go-to set of essentials. Share it with your band or DJ—this ensures both of your preferences come through, while still allowing the musicians flexibility to weave in crowd-pleasers and maintain flow.
Match the Music with the Vibes
Break the music into distinct phases that flow with your wedding timeline: elegant acoustic or classical for the ceremony, relaxed tunes for cocktails, smooth jazz or soft vocals through dinner, and a mix of your favourite upbeat tracks for the dance floor. Matching genres with the vibe of each part of the day can ensure both parties are represented musically and helps avoid abrupt shifts in energy.
Think of the Guests
If you can’t agree on what you'd like the band to play – how about thinking about what the guests would like instead? Get each guest to send their favourite song, which you can then use to compile a playlist for the DJ.
Typically weddings are mixed generation events, so your guests will span a wide variety of age ranges. For this reason, most wedding bands and DJs have a repertoire of well-known songs from all decades, from the swing era right through to the present day.
However, if your guests are all around the same age, you could consider a DJ band specialising in the music you all grew up with, whether this is a Beatles tribute band or an 80s tribute band.
Embrace Cover Versions and Fusion Styles
If your styles diverge - say you love rock while your partner prefers modern pop - look for cover versions or genre-blending tracks that straddle both worlds. Acoustic or indie-style renditions gently modernise older songs and can bridge personal preferences while keeping things familiar and seamless.
Choose a different genre
If, for example, you want a rock wedding band and your partner wants a funk and soul band, why not skip both genres entirely and hire something completely different, like a ceilidh band? Ceilidh bands are very effective at getting people dancing and appealing to everyone. Kids love the interaction of a caller, and learning the steps.
The less common options don't end there – you could hire a jazz or swing band, steel bands or even a Latin and salsa band. Vintage bands are increasingly popular and can appeal to pop and jazz fans alike: typically they play modern pop hits in a retro style.
Prioritise the First dance
Is there a song that means a lot to both of you? This should be your first dance. Even if the band don’t already know your favourite song, most wedding bands will be happy to learn up to one request, free of charge, if it's a song they think they'd want to add to their song-list in the long term.
Still stuck?
Get some advice by ringing us on 0333 242 0560, or submitting an enquiry on our website. Our experts have been matching couples with wedding bands for years, and are very good at finding bands to suit every taste and pocket!
