# Wedding Music & Entertainment Checklist > A wedding music checklist: book your band or DJ, choose ceremony and first-dance songs, and send a must-play and do-not-play list before the wedding. Source: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/music Publisher: ReadyToWeddy (https://readytoweddy.com) · Last updated: 2026-09-17 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. ## Summary A wedding music checklist should cover [booking your band or DJ](https://readytoweddy.com/guides/book-entertainment), 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](https://readytoweddy.com/guides/create-wedding-day-timeline). ## Checklist (3 tasks, in order) ### Book your band or DJ - When: 7–18 months before (12+ Months Before) - Category: Music & Entertainment - Priority: Recommended - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/guides/book-entertainment 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. **Why it matters:** 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. **Steps:** - [ ] Check venue noise limits, curfew, power and space. - [ ] Decide between a band, DJ or both. - [ ] Shortlist and watch or listen to live performances. - [ ] Confirm availability for your date. - [ ] Compare set lengths, breaks, equipment and overtime. - [ ] Ask about ceremony music and microphones for speeches. - [ ] Read the contract and pay the deposit. **Helpful questions:** - “What plays during your breaks?” - “Can you provide microphones for speeches?” - “How do you handle requests and a do-not-play list?” **Best done after:** Confirm your date and tell key people ### Choose your key music moments - When: 1–5 months before (3–6 Months Before) - Category: Music & Entertainment - Priority: Recommended - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/3-to-6-months#choose-music-moments 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. **Why it matters:** 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. **Steps:** - [ ] List ceremony moments, from arrival to recessional. - [ ] Add your entrance, first dance and last song. - [ ] Shortlist a few options for each moment. - [ ] Check music rules with your officiant or venue. - [ ] Confirm timing and edits, such as shortened tracks. - [ ] Share the final list with your musicians or DJ. **Helpful questions:** - “Can you shorten this track or fade it at the right moment?” - “Are there any music restrictions at our ceremony venue?” **Tips:** - Time your walk down the aisle and pick a section of the song that fits. **Best done after:** Book your band or DJ ### Send music requests and a do-not-play list - When: 1–4 weeks before (2 Weeks Before) - Category: Music & Entertainment - Priority: Recommended - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/2-weeks#send-music-requests 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. **Why it matters:** 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. **Steps:** - [ ] Choose processional and recessional songs. - [ ] Pick songs for entrances, first dance and cake. - [ ] Pick a last song, and note versions and cut points. - [ ] Add a short list of songs you’d love to hear. - [ ] Write a do-not-play list. - [ ] List announcements with phonetic name spellings. - [ ] Share your guest requests policy and any volume limits. - [ ] Send it with your final timeline. **Helpful questions:** - “Can you take requests from guests, and do you want us to limit them?” - “Can you fade the first dance song at a set point?” ## FAQ ### 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](https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/2-weeks#send-music-requests) and guidance on how to handle guest requests.