This is a question we get asked all the time, so I thought it might be a handy thing to talk in more detail about.
It’s a tricky one – because I totally understand why you would want to have all your favourite songs played at your wedding or another special event – of course you would! However, there are a few things to consider…
1) It’s worth listening to the expertise of your band… and keeping in mind that they play at events all the time, so will know how to structure a dynamic set-list. It’s actually quite an art – putting together a good set list – you have to think about many different aspects of the music, and the heights and lows of the evening. There are some songs that will work best in the first set, and some later on. You’ll probably want to start the evening on a high point – but then you don’t want to be ‘too high’ all the way through the evening, or there’ll be nowhere to build to! Similarly, you don’t want to be too ‘low’ either, or it wouldn’t be a very fun party! There’s a lot to think about. You may also find that the band like to Segway songs together, which is fantastic (because they will mix between songs like a DJ would) but does mean you’ll need to leave it to them to decide which songs work together.
2) Some songs work better than others with a live band… A song that is a complete crowd pleaser for a DJ isn’t necessarily a good live band tune. For example songs that are very electronic may not always work as well with a band.
3) Do you want to play to your audience’s taste in general, or play to your own tastes?… Again this is a tricky one, and there’s really no right or wrong answer because it’s your wedding! I think usually you can find a nice compromise though.
The best thing to do is get in touch with your band and chat through your favourite songs, and the songs they usually would play that go down well, and put together a setlist using their expertise, alongside your taste and knowledge of what you and your guests may want to hear.






