How Many Songs Should You Limit Your “Do Not Play” List to?

By DJ Justin Warwick from DJ Enterprises Mobile Disc Jockey & Photo Booth

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, happiness, and togetherness. You want every moment of it to be special, and that includes the music played at your reception. But what if there are certain songs that you absolutely do not want to hear? How many songs should you limit your “do not play list” to at your wedding reception?

Let’s get started

First of all, it’s important to recognize that your wedding reception is a party for your guests, too. While it is certainly your special day, you also want to make sure that your guests have a good time. With that in mind, it’s generally a good idea to keep your “do not play” list relatively short. Ideally, you should limit it to no more than five to ten songs.

Why keep the list short?

Well, for starters, you don’t want to alienate your guests or make them feel like their favorite songs are being excluded. Additionally, the more songs you add to the list, the more challenging it can be for your DJ to keep the party going. If there are too many restrictions, it can be tough to build and maintain momentum on the dance floor.

Of course, there may be certain songs that are especially important for you to avoid. Perhaps you have a strong aversion to a particular artist or genre, or maybe there are songs that hold negative associations for you. In those cases, it’s perfectly reasonable to add those songs to your “do not play list.”

When creating your list, it’s important to communicate your preferences clearly to your DJ. Make sure they understand the reasoning behind your choices, and give them some leeway to exercise their professional judgment. After all, they are experienced in reading a crowd and keeping the dance floor packed. You want them to be able to do their job effectively while also respecting your wishes.

Ultimately, the number of songs on your “do not play” list will depend on your personal preferences, as well as the overall vibe you’re hoping to create at your reception. By limiting the list to a reasonable number of songs and communicating clearly with your DJ, you can ensure that your wedding day is everything you’ve dreamed of – musically and otherwise.