5 tips for top-notch music at your next event
One thing we can say for sure is that the perfect playlist can make or break an event. Too many slow ballads? You could put your guests to sleep. Too many hype jams? Your guests could be exhausted after the first 30 minutes. That’s why we’ve created this list of tips for perfecting the musical ambiance at your next event.
#1 - Choose between a DJ or live band
The first make or break between a DJ or a live band typically comes down to budget - but not always! Generally, a live band is going to cost a bit more dough than a DJ. According to The Knot, a live band at a wedding costs $4,300—a $600 increase from 2019, while the average amount couples spent on a DJ was $1,400—a $200 increase from 2019.
Setting the cost aside, you have to consider your priorities! A live band will limit your song choices - which might be a bonus if you have a hard time creating a playlist and/or don’t want to spend the time making the perfect list of jams. A DJ will naturally open up the options for a wide variety of songs that you can assist in curating if that is what makes the most sense for your audience!
#2 - Make sure to pick the right amount of songs
Let’s assume you’ve decided to go with a DJ and talk about making sure you have all of your playlist bases covered! According to MDM Entertainment, a good rule of thumb is 15 songs per hour. A typical event reception will see about 3 hours of dancing after a meal is over. That is just 45 songs. If you give your DJ a list of too many songs, they might accidentally skip over some that are super important to you!
If you just can’t narrow it down, a good way around this is to break up your playlist into “Must Play” and “Play If Possible” songs! That way, you won’t miss out on some super fun crowd-pleasers but won’t have to worry about running out of tunes. Additionally, make sure you discuss a “Do Not Play” list with your DJ if you have songs you absolutely cannot listen to one more time or need to keep things PG!
#3 - Crowdsource information + ask your guests
Stuck on what songs should be played to keep things lively and fun? Ask your guests! Whether you’re planning for a wedding or corporate event - you have the ability to see what songs they want to hear! It’s always a fun addition on a wedding invitation to include “what song would get you on the dance floor?” on your RSVP! This will give your guests a small amount of fun homework to battle over which song to choose and give you an amazing short list of songs you might have not even considered! Hosting a corporate event? Shoot out a survey to the company to gather the same information!
#4 - Don’t forget to communicate with your DJ or band
At most events, there are times when the music needs to be toned down for other festivities! Don’t forget to communicate this with either your event manager, band, or DJ! Ensure they have the full schedule of events and general times for specific things happening. Communicate if you want total silence or if you would just like the music toned down to ensure your guests can all hear what is going on. Then there won’t be any awkward moments of trying to shush your music and still stay on schedule!
#5 - Don’t wait until the last minute!
Naturally, make sure to book out whatever music you choose WAY in advance of your event. Just like with photographers, event centers, caterers, etc. these vendors have busy schedules and the good ones are usually gone fast! Ensure this is one of the first things crossed off of your list.
Additionally, don’t wait to create your playlist until a few days before! It might seem like an easy + fun task to complete but these things take time and consideration and will take you way longer than you think!
Looking to book your next event at 502 East Event Centre? Contact our team! We have an excellent list of preferred vendors when it comes to music (and all things!) and we will help point you in the right direction.