Hey Mr. DJ, Play My Request!

This is one of the latest trends in wedding invitations…asking for requests

This is one of the latest trends in wedding invitations…asking for requests

Growing up my parents were pretty “cool” about letting me explore music on the radio without a lot of push back. I remember calling into the radio station (which I eventually ended up working for) and requesting a song every single night. I did the same thing at the Skate Center or pretty much any event that had a DJ. There is just something about the DJ playing your song. Maybe it is the interaction, the anticipation….I just do not know, but it is a good feeling.

Over the last year, we have seen more and more couples opting to have invitations that look similar to the one posted above. They are asking for their guests to provide songs that promise to get them out on the dance floor. As you are reading this and if you are planning a special event or a wedding, you might be thinking this is a GREAT idea. Let me provide some feedback from a recent client/bride we worked with who might give you a different point of view.

RSVP and Song Requests

RSVP and Song Requests

We had a client recently send out RSVP cards for her wedding date along with song requests from each of her guests. Keep in mind she was expecting just over 200 people in attendance. Like all events, the people came from all walks of life and ranged greatly in demographics. Requests ranged from “Big Band only”to “Rap only” and even all the way to “we only dance to country slow songs“. I would like to call out that is only three of the requests we are discussing. We had well over 100 song requests. We discussed with the client in advance that this could create a difficult evening with flow of the reception and the dance floor “recycling” roughly every three to five minutes as songs changed. There was the “cool” factor for those who heard their songs, but towards the end, it was obvious the bride was really wanting to hear HER music. She liked Top 40, some Rap and what I would refer to as classic party songs! The last hour of the event was an absolute blast with people dancing with both the Bride & Groom…which that is the goal!

Another example of RSVP Card and Song Requests

Another example of RSVP Card and Song Requests

At Snyder Entertainment we offer ALLof our clients access to the most expansive music planning service in the industry. We setup “Must Play” lists and “Do Not Play” lists, even dedications. Remember, you are celebrating an absolutely incredible day and people are coming to celebrate with YOU! Friends and family will always get out and celebrate on the dance floor because that is why they sent in the RSVP in the first place. Go ahead, choose all of the music YOU like because you are the guest of honor. Certainly all of our DJ’s will take requests and play them because it works still at radio stations, skate centers and even your event. We just want to caution you that putting the entire evening into the hands of your guests could make for a long night waiting for that one song you requested. You hired a professional and our team has been a Wedding Wire Bride’s Choice for the last four consecutive years….let us show you why!