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Wedding Music & Entertainment Checklist

Music carries the day from the processional to the last dance. These tasks help you book the right entertainment and share clear requests, so the soundtrack feels like yours.

Plan it with datesSee all 3 tasks

By The ReadyToWeddy Team · Updated

Music & Entertainment checklist: 3 tasks in order

  1. 12+ Months Before

    Book your band or DJ

    Check venue noise and power rules, then compare set times

    7–18 months before

    Book your wedding DJ or band 9–12 months before the wedding, after checking your venue’s noise and power rules, and compare set times, equipment and contract terms.

    Steps

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    Music shapes the atmosphere from the ceremony to the last dance, and popular bands and DJs book early for peak dates. Your venue’s rules on volume, curfews, power and space can limit what’s possible, so it helps to check them first. Booking now leaves time to plan key songs and make sure the setup fits the room.

    Before this: Confirm your date and tell key peopleBook your venueKnow what to check in every vendor contract
    Read the full guide

  2. 3–6 Months Before

    Choose your key music moments

    Processional, recessional, first dance and last song

    1–5 months before

    Choose the music for your key wedding moments about three months ahead, including the processional, recessional, first dance and last song, so musicians have time to prepare.

    Steps

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    A handful of songs carry most of the emotional weight of the day. Choosing them now gives live musicians time to learn arrangements and gives your DJ or band clear cues. It also leaves time to check whether your ceremony venue has any restrictions on music, which some religious and civil settings do.

    Before this: Book your band or DJPlan the ceremony structureSend music requests and a do-not-play list
    +1 more
    Finalize ceremony details

  3. 2 Weeks Before

    Send music requests and a do-not-play list

    Key songs, a short request list and timings for each moment

    1–4 weeks before

    Send your DJ or band your key songs, a short request list and a do-not-play list about two weeks before the wedding, including timings for each music moment.

    Steps

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    Your DJ or band needs to prepare specific versions, edits and cues for the processional, first dance and last song. A do-not-play list is just as useful: it avoids songs with difficult memories or ones you simply dislike. Sending both now gives them time to source music and ask questions.

    Choose your key music momentsBook your band or DJSend the final timeline to vendors

Music & Entertainment guides

Step-by-step help for the biggest music & entertainment decisions.

All planning guides

Frequently asked questions

What should be on a wedding music checklist?

A wedding music checklist should cover booking your band or DJ, choosing music for key moments and sending your requests before the day. Book entertainment 9–12 months ahead, once your venue and date are set. Around three months out, choose the processional, signing, recessional, entrance, first dance and last song. About two weeks before, send a must-play list, a do-not-play list and your timeline.

Which wedding music decisions can wait?

Once your band or DJ is booked, song choices can wait until about three months before the wedding. Your full must-play and do-not-play lists only need to reach them about two weeks before.

What music do you need for a wedding ceremony?

Most ceremonies need music for guest arrival, the processional, any signing or quiet moments, and the recessional. Religious venues may have guidance on music, so check before you choose.

Should you give your DJ a do-not-play list?

Yes, it’s helpful. A short do-not-play list avoids songs that feel wrong for you or your guests. Pair it with must-play songs and guidance on how to handle guest requests.

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