The Groom’s Guide to Wedding Music Planning

You’ve been handed the tunes brief—congratulations. This groom’s guide to wedding music rundown keeps it simple, cheeky, and stress-free, so you can deliver a packed dance floor and zero awkward silences.

Set the Vision (15 Minutes, Tops)

Pick three words that describe the night: “elegant, joyful, sing-along” or “modern, soulful, high-energy.” Agree on:

A 10-song must-play list
A 5-song do-not-play list
One or two “moment songs” (aisle, first dance, last song)

Assemble the A-Team

Ceremony: Soloist like Tania Doko, Ron Kingston, and Mark Hughes, strings like String Fever and Accent Strings, Pianist like Jam the piano-man and Marshall Hamburger or an acoustic duo for aisle magic
Reception: Live bands like Redemption Band, Tequila Mockingbird, Jellybean Jam, and Empire Entertainment for energy, DJ for variety, or both (band first, DJ late)
MC: A pro MC keeps speeches tight, names correct, and momentum flowing

Lock the Date (Before Your Venue’s Neighbours Do)

Great acts book out months ahead—especially peak Saturdays. Get quotes, confirm inclusions (PA, lighting, set lengths), and secure the date with a deposit. Ask about:

Arrival, setup, and soundcheck timing
Curfew and sound limits
Overtime rates and add-ons (ceremony set, sax, percussion)

Build a Bulletproof Run Sheet

Keep your event run sheet simple and share it widely (venue, band/DJ/MC, photographer).

Guest entry and pre-dinner ambience
Entrances and formalities (cake, toasts, first dance)
Live sets timed around meals
DJ blocks when the dance floor is hottest
Last song and exit track
Include mobile numbers for the venue manager, bandleader/DJ, MC, and photographer.

First Dance Without the Stress

Choose your first dance songs – songs you can actually move to
Keep it 2–3 minutes; invite guests on halfway
Practise a simple sway-turn combo—no need for choreography heroics
Confirm the exact version and key if your band is performing it

Brief Like a Pro

Vibe: “Classy dinner ? big sing-along ? throwback bangers late”
Crowd mix: Ages, cultural songs, absolute winners for your crew
Must-plays / do-not-plays: Be specific on artists, eras, and any “hard no” tracks
Special announcements: Names (with phonetic hints) and order of speeches
Requests policy: Nominate one trusted friend as the request filter

Tech and Logistics (Future-You Will Thank You)

Confirm power, space, and stage layout with the venue
Check bump-in route, parking, and loading times
For outdoors, have shade, wet-weather cover, and an alternative power plan
Share a backup playlist on USB/phone with key moments labelled

Day-Of Smooth Moves

Feed your entertainers at a sensible time
Keep water on hand near the stage/DJ booth
Coordinate the photographer for first dance, bouquet, and last song
Trust your act to read the room—give them permission to pivot

The Groom’s Guide to Wedding Music Checklist

Vision words agreed and shared
Acts booked (ceremony + reception) and MC confirmed
Must-plays, do-not-plays, and moment songs finalised
Venue sound limits, curfew, access, and setup times confirmed
Run sheet drafted and circulated with contact list
Backup playlist on USB/phone; device and cables ready
Payments, arrival times, and overtime rates confirmed
Photographer cue points for first dance and final song locked in

Whether you’re in the early planning stages or adding the final touches, these resources will guide you toward entertainment choices you’ll love:

Table of Contents

Set the Vision (15 Minutes, Tops)
Assemble the A-Team
Lock the Date (Before Your Venue’s Neighbours Do)
Build a Bulletproof Run Sheet
First Dance Without the Stress
Brief Like a Pro
Tech and Logistics (Future-You Will Thank You)
Day-Of Smooth Moves
The Groom’s Guide to Wedding Music Checklist

Jeremy LaBrooy

Jeremy is a musician, educator and entertainment industry specialist with over 30 years professional experience. He founded Vogue Entertainment in 1993.