DIY Wedding Music Planning: Ideas for Budget

Introduction

Planning your wedding can be an exciting and stressful experience, especially when it comes to choosing the music. The right music can set the tone for your wedding and create a memorable experience for you and your guests. However, hiring a wedding DJ or band can be expensive and may not fit into your budget. That's where DIY wedding music planning comes in! With a little creativity and planning, you can have a wedding with great music without breaking the bank. In this article, we'll discuss some budget-friendly ideas for DIY wedding music planning.

Make a Playlist

One of the most budget-friendly options for wedding music is making your own playlist. With services like Spotify and Apple Music, it's easy to create a customized playlist that reflects your taste in music. You can even share the playlist with your guests before the wedding so they can get a sneak peek of what's to come. When creating your playlist, think about the different parts of your wedding, such as the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Choose music that is appropriate for each part of the wedding and that will keep the energy levels up.

Ceremony Music

For the ceremony, you'll want to choose music that is appropriate for the setting. If you're getting married in a church, you may want to choose traditional hymns or classical music. If you're having an outdoor ceremony, you may want to choose more modern music that is upbeat and fun. Some popular ceremony songs include "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel, "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, and "Marry Me" by Train.

Cocktail Hour Music

During the cocktail hour, you'll want music that is upbeat and sets a fun and relaxed tone. Choose music that is easy to listen to and that will put your guests in a good mood. Some popular cocktail hour songs include "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra, and "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake.

Reception Music

For the reception, you'll want music that will keep your guests dancing all night long. Choose a mix of fast and slow songs that will appeal to all ages. You can also add in some wedding classics, such as "YMCA" by The Village People, "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston, and "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang. Don't forget to add in some crowd-pleasers, such as "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars and "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon.

Ask Friends and Family

Another budget-friendly option for wedding music is asking friends and family to contribute. Do you have friends in a band or who are skilled at playing an instrument? Ask them if they would be willing to play at your wedding. You can also ask them to make a playlist or DJ for part of the wedding. This will not only save you money but will also add a personal touch to your wedding.

Hire a Student DJ or Band

If you're looking for a live band or DJ but still want to save money, consider hiring a student DJ or band. Many music schools have students who are looking for gigs to gain experience. By hiring a student band or DJ, you'll not only save money but also have the opportunity to support young musicians.

Create a Musical Scavenger Hunt

If you're looking for a fun and interactive way to incorporate music into your wedding, consider creating a musical scavenger hunt. Create a list of songs that have special meaning to you and your partner, and give the list to your guests. Your guests then have to find someone at the wedding who knows the song and have them sing it. This will not only keep your guests entertained but will also create a fun and memorable experience.

Conclusion

Planning your wedding music doesn't have to be stressful and expensive. With a little creativity and planning, you can have a wedding with great music without breaking the bank. Remember to make a playlist, ask friends and family to contribute, hire a student DJ or band, and create a musical scavenger hunt. By using these budget-friendly ideas, you'll have a wedding that is not only memorable but also fits into your budget.