DIY Wedding Music: How to Use Wedding Playlists and Skip The DJ
- 2MagpiesCreative
- Feb 7, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Mar 27
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Wondering if you can make your own wedding playlists and totally skip the DJ? Our answer is YES, you can!
We know a handful of planners (and most DJs) who always caution against it, but we’re of a very different opinion—because we’ve seen it work time and time again.
Yes, a DJ can help ensure the music flows seamlessly all night long. But using DIY wedding playlists lets you personalize every note of your celebration, making sure your wedding sounds just as much like you as it looks and feels. That’s a big win. An even bigger win? The money you can save. Going the wedding playlist route and skipping the DJ can seriously help rein in your budget. That’s huge if you’re dreaming of plunking those dollars down on other aspects of your day.
Make no mistake: tackling your own wedding music isn’t a quick and easy task. It takes some thoughtful planning, and you'll want to spend time thinking through the details and logistics to ensure everything flows smoothly. But it’s absolutely doable—especially in a world where Spotify and portable speakers exist. While the idea might seem daunting at first (and others may advise against it), we’re here to arm you with everything you need to pull off wedding playlists like a total pro.
Know Music & Noise Restrictions at Your Wedding Venue
When planning your wedding music, it's crucial to check with your venue about some key rules and regulations before you dive any deeper. Addressing these points early ensures your celebration flows smoothly without unexpected challenges. Be sure to understand the following:
Noise Restrictions: Many venues, especially those in residential areas or with close neighbors, have strict noise restrictions or sound level limits. You want to make sure you can play your wedding playlists in peace, so get some clarity on what is, and is not, allowed.
Time Restrictions for Outdoor Music: If you're planning an outdoor reception or ceremony, ask about any curfews or time restrictions for playing music outside. These rules are often in place to comply with local ordinances.
Restrictions on Projected Music Outside: Some venues may have specific rules about projecting music outside, even beyond noise levels, such as restrictions on speaker placement or the type of music allowed. Make sure that you are permitted to play your own amplified music outside and are not limited to acoustic musicians.
Determine Wedding Speaker Set Up Options & Logistics:
After discussing any rules and regulations, ask your venue for their insights and suggestions for providing your own music. They know their space better than anyone and chances are they will have seen what works really well and what doesn’t work at all. Be sure to check on the following set up and logistical needs:
Confirm Availability of In House Equipment - If Any: Many venues have some sort of in-house sound equipment. It always pays to ask if they have any option to use these, as you may just be able to plug into their sound system, which takes a lot of work off of your plate. If they don’t offer a speaker system, you’ll need to tackle the leg work which we'll get into shortly!
Power Source: Determine the availability and location of power outlets at your venue or if a battery-operated system is necessary.
Venue Size and Guest Count: Assess the size of your venue and the number of guests to decide if you need additional speakers to ensure clear sound everywhere.
Acoustics & Set Up: Determine the best placement for your speakers ahead of time - consider things like proximity to the dance floor, protection from inclement weather (if outside), ease of access, etc.
Choosing the Right Speaker System For Your Wedding:
If your venue does not have an in-house system at your disposal, you can rent basic equipment or you can even purchase your own budget-friendly speaker system. Choosing the right speaker system will depend on a number of factors. It's not crazy complicated, but it does require a little thought and planning on our end.
Luckily for you we have a separate blog post dedicated exclusively to helping you select a speaker system for your needs, as well those fun accessories like party lights, microphones, etc. But if you need some speaker suggestions right here, right now, these are 3 solid options:
Creating Your Soundtrack: Creating Your Wedding Playlists
Crafting your own wedding playlists is a creative way to infuse your celebration with a truly personal touch. This approach allows you to carefully select every song, setting the perfect mood for every moment. From the walk down the aisle to the last dance, your handpicked playlist not only saves on costs but also creates a totally bespoke musical backdrop.
Start with our Free Curated, Ready To Party Wedding Playlists: We’ve crafted dozens of ready made playlists in a variety of styles for each and every part of your wedding. All of our playlists are free to use and you’re welcome to use them as is, or as a song library and starting point for your own curation.We've picked out the most requested dance tunes, most popular first dances, trendy and traditional ceremony options and beyond. Looking for the perfect cocktail jazz playlist - we have it. Want a country reception - we have that too. Bridgerton style music for your guests before the ceremony arrives - oh yeah, we have that. Go ahead and make your life easy! We're always adding more!
Organize Your Music By Segment: Organize your music into playlists for different parts of the wedding: ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. If you have special songs for moments such as the first dance, or grand entrance, you will want to have them on their own list so they are easy to access.
If you're unsure of what music you'll need or how much music to place on each playlist, you want to read our other blog that breaks it all down. We breakdown exactly what kind of music you should consider and just how much you need for each part of your wedding...I told you we'd make it easy!
Communicate Clearly: Ensure whoever is in control of transitions knows what is what. Label your playlists clearly, and have a printed out copy of what specific songs are to be played when so there is no confusion.
Who Will Make Wedding Announcements With No DJ?!
Many couples start to feel nervous wondering if they can pull off a wedding without a professional MC—but we’re here to reassure you: you absolutely can. We’ve seen dozens (and dozens!) of weddings run smoothly without a professional MC or DJ guiding the evening. All it takes is a bit of thoughtful planning.
Having a friend or family member step into the MC role can create a beautifully personal experience for everyone involved. When done right, there is nothing “DIY” about it. In fact, we’ve seen it elevate events—because let’s be honest, sometimes DJs can be a little... cheesy. A well-prepared family member or friend can bring warmth, class, and an extra layer of intimacy to your celebration that no hired voice ever could.
If thoughtfully planned for, having your friends or family members act as the MC throughout the night can provide a really beautiful and super personalized experience for all. When done right, we feel there is no easier way to add a touch of class, elegance, and intimacy to your celebration!
Who to Ask: Choose someone confident, articulate, and personable. You’ll want someone who feels comfortable speaking in front of a crowd and who can bring a little energy and fun to the role. Just as important: they need to be reliable. Make sure whoever you ask understands your expectations and is genuinely up for the task.
You might opt for one person who naturally shines in the spotlight and would love to take on the full MC role. Or, consider dividing up the job—asking a few different guests to introduce various segments of the event. It’s a fun and meaningful way to include more people in your celebration.
Maybe there's someone who didn’t make it into the wedding party but would be honored to introduce you as a newly married couple. Think of the people in your life who would be genuinely touched to be included in a small but special way.
How to Prep Your MCs:Make sure your MCs are set up for success by providing a detailed event schedule and clearly communicating the tone and style you’d like for announcements. You can choose to have them read from a script you’ve prepared, or—if you’re both comfortable—they might prefer to speak more off the cuff.
Either way, talk through the approach ahead of time and make a clear plan. The goal is to avoid any confusion or last-minute surprises. (We’re planners—we definitely don’t like surprises.)
Coordinate with your Day-Of: If you’re working with a Day-of Coordinator, make sure to loop them into your MC plan. They can be a huge help in managing the flow of the event and cueing anyone who’s supposed to speak—within reason. For example, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask your coordinator to give your Maid of Honor a heads-up when it’s time to introduce the father-daughter dance at 7:15 PM.
However, keep in mind that their primary focus is overseeing the big picture. Be sure to have an open conversation about what’s realistic for them to manage. Excessive MC hand-holding or a long list of micro-tasks likely won’t be feasible. Clear expectations upfront will help everything run smoothly—and keep your coordinator from feeling overwhelmed.
Additional Considerations
Batteries & Backup Plans:Have backup devices and a copy of your playlist ready to avoid any technical hiccups. Be sure to pack charging cables, extra batteries, extension cords, and any other equipment you might need—just in case.
Licensing and Permissions:Check with your venue to see if they require any special music licensing.
WiFi Dependence:If you’re relying on streaming, make sure there’s a solid internet connection—or better yet, download all your tracks ahead of time to avoid any mid-party silence.
Ad-Free Listening:If you’re using a service like Spotify, make sure you’ve upgraded to a premium account so your music isn’t interrupted by ads!
Ready to create your own soundtrack? Be sure to check out our other posts on wedding music planning and sound system essentials so you’re fully prepped to DIY your wedding music with confidence.
To make things even easier, we’ve crafted dozens of free ready-made wedding playlists for every part of your celebration—from your walk down the aisle to the last dance. Use them as-is or treat them as a starting point to build your own custom wedding vibe. You can find all the free wedding playlists right here.
And don’t forget—we’d love to have you join us over at The I Do Club, where you’ll find a treasure trove of planning tips and a community of couples planning their weddings, just like you!
You've got this!
Happy Planning,
Jillian
FAQ: DIY Wedding Music for Couples Skipping the DJ
Can we really have a wedding without a DJ? Absolutely! Planning a wedding without a DJ is totally doable with some thoughtful prep. If you're considering DIY wedding music, you're not alone—we’ve seen countless couples pull it off beautifully with curated playlists and the right sound setup.
How do we use playlists instead of a DJ? Start by organizing music into playlists for each part of your wedding day—ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. One of the best wedding playlist tips is to clearly label each playlist and assign someone to handle transitions. Make sure you've checked on venue restrictions and have reliable speakers.
Who should we ask to be the MC if we don’t have a DJ? Choose someone confident, articulate, and comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. A friend or family member with great energy and a dependable personality can help guide the flow of your event and create a more personal vibe—no cheese required.
What equipment do we need for a DIY wedding music setup? At minimum, you’ll need a quality speaker system (rent or purchase), a playback device (Iphones work just fine), charging cables or batteries, and possibly extension cords. Many venues offer in-house systems, so always ask—this can simplify everything.
Should we stream music or download it? We recommend downloading your playlists in advance to avoid issues with WiFi. If you’re using Spotify or a similar service, make sure you’ve upgraded to a premium account so your DIY wedding playlist isn’t interrupted by ads.
How much music do we need for each playlist? Generally, aim for about 1.5x the time you’ll need. So if cocktail hour is an hour, plan for at least 90 minutes of music. We have another blog post that breaks this all down by segment to help you build the perfect soundtrack.
Can our day-of coordinator help with the music and announcements? Yes—as long as expectations are clear. Your coordinator can help cue special moments like speeches or dances, but they can’t micromanage the playlist. Be realistic and respectful of their bandwidth, and your DIY wedding music plan will run like a dream.
What happens if the music cuts out or something goes wrong? Always have a backup plan. Bring extra chargers, extension cords, and a second device loaded with your playlists. Test everything beforehand and have someone designated to troubleshoot if needed.
What if our venue has music restrictions? Many venues have rules about noise levels, curfews, and speaker placement—especially outdoors. Always check with your venue about music policies early in the planning process so there are no surprises on the day.
How do we keep the dance floor full without a DJ? The secret is in the playlist order. Start with crowd-pleasers, build momentum, and mix in a few slower songs for variety. Watch the energy in the room and adjust if needed. Bonus tip: Appoint a “hype friend” who can help get people moving!
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