Guide
How do song requests work at a wedding?
How to agree it with the DJ before the day so guests can request songs without derailing the party.
Updated
How should you handle song requests at a wedding?
Usually the couple gives the DJ a list of must-play songs and do-not-play songs beforehand, and agrees whether guests can make requests during the dancing. If the DJ uses WeSound, guests scan the QR code and request from their phones, and the DJ accepts the ones that fit what the couple decided.
What should you agree with the DJ before the wedding?
A half-hour chat a few weeks before saves a lot of awkward moments on the dance floor.
The fixed moments
Entrance, first dance, cake, bouquet and last song. Give them the exact versions, not just the titles.
The must-plays
A short list of songs that have to play no matter what. Make it too long and the DJ loses room to read the floor.
The do-not-plays
Just as useful as the list above. The DJ will keep it in mind when going through guest requests.
Whether guests can request
Decide if you want requests and from when: some couples prefer to open them once the dancing starts.
How guests will request
At the booth, with notes or with the DJ's QR code. If they use WeSound, ask them to activate the wedding event so requests go to that session.
How can wedding guests request songs?
WeSound is an app and website to request songs from a live DJ and support them with a tip. At a wedding it works like on any dance floor: the DJ shows their QR code and guests scan it with their phone's camera, with nothing to install and no account to create.
Each guest searches for their song by title or artist, adds a dedication if they want and picks a tip. They pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay or card, and the tip is held until the DJ accepts the request. If the DJ declines because it doesn't fit the wedding, nothing is charged.
That way the DJ sees every request on their phone and accepts them when it suits the set, with no queue of guests at the booth during the dancing.
How do dedications work at a wedding?
Dedications are one of the sweetest parts of a wedding: “For the newlyweds, from table 4”, “For my grandma, who hasn't stopped dancing”. With WeSound the dedication is optional and reaches the booth along with the song.
We check every dedication before it reaches the DJ and some words aren't allowed, so an out-of-line message doesn't end up on the DJ's screen. Whether the DJ reads it out loud is something to agree with them beforehand.
What's the etiquette for requesting songs at a wedding?
At a wedding the dance floor belongs to the couple. A few ideas help requests add to the night:
- Ask for songs lots of people can dance to, not just your group.
- Don't request anything the couple said they don't want to hear.
- Respect the fixed moments: the first dance or the cake isn't the time to request.
- If the DJ doesn't accept your song, let it go: they're following the plan agreed with the couple.
FAQ about wedding song requests
Do guests have to pay to request a song?
With WeSound each request comes with a tip for the DJ, starting from the minimum they set for the event. If the couple doesn't want requests with tips, talk to the DJ beforehand and use another approach, such as a list sent in advance.
Do guests need to download an app?
No. They scan the DJ's QR code and request from their phone's browser.
What if the DJ accepts a song and it doesn't play?
The guest reports it in the app. WeSound looks into it and, if they're right, refunds them.
Keep reading
- WeSound at weddingsHow WeSound is used at a wedding, start to finish.
- How do I request songs without bothering the DJ?Practical tips for any party.
- How much should you tip a DJ?What it depends on and how the levels work.
- What's a QR code in the DJ booth for?For DJs: how their QR code works with events.
Share this guide with your DJ
If they play with WeSound, your guests can request songs from their phones during the dancing.
WeSound for DJs