The Art of DJing Your French Wedding

There's no question that wedding DJs set the tone when it comes to the music and atmosphere at a wedding – so the pressure is on. You’ll need to be well-versed in the latest music styles and have a variety of songs to draw from when selecting the perfect song for each moment.

Even though it's highly likely that you'll be hiring a professional DJ for your French wedding (something we strongly recommend), it still pays to know a few basics about the art of DJing. That way, you can ensure that your DJ gives you the perfect set and meets all your needs.

So without further ado, let's get into the basics of DJing for a French wedding!

Wedding DJs Should Play Tracks That Most Guests Know and Love

DJing at a wedding is all about catering to your guests. While the temptation might be there to play your latest underground find, your wedding guests will appreciate familiar music to which they can sing and dance.

This isn't to say that you can't introduce new and exciting music to your guests – but it should be done in moderation and with the express permission of the bride and groom. For example, you might want to mix up a few current pop hits into your setlist, but don't forget the classics that appeal to various ages.

While it can be cliché to play songs such as "Sweet Caroline" or "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" at a wedding, the fact that all of your guests can universally recognise them means that they're always welcome additions to any setlist.

Remember, your job as the wedding DJ is to bring people from all demographics together, and those types of songs are great for doing just that.

Use the Bride as a Barometer

While you should always look to cater to your wedding guests, you should also pay close attention to the bride. She's likely spent months, if not years, planning her perfect wedding – so you must regularly check in with her. If she looks as though she's not feeling it on the dance floor, then switch it up and try something else.

The bride can be your barometer as to what type of music is working, and you should keep an eye on her throughout the evening. If she's enjoying a specific song, chances are your guests will, too – so trust her judgement and go with it. Remember, she knows her guests far better than you do.

Lastly, accommodate her requests, such as playing a song in her honour or switching to a particular genre to get the party going. These simple gestures can go a long way towards making a bride feel special on her big day.

Don't Forget to Add Slow Songs to Give People a Natural Pause in the Proceedings

It's easy to get carried away when playing at a wedding, and it can be tempting to queue up an hour's worth of non-stop bangers. But, while you want to keep the energy up for as long as possible, you should also remember to add some slower songs into the mix.

This will give everyone a natural break from dancing and allow them to catch their breath, head for a drink at the wedding bar, have conversations with friends and family, or take a breather outside.

Even the most intense electronic dance music shows have slow sections to add variety and contrast to the overall feel of the set. So keep this in mind when selecting your wedding songs, and don't forget to add in some chilled-out slow jams now and again.

There's nothing wrong with choosing songs that still have some energy to them. The last thing you want to clear the dance floor entirely with a slow song that's too lethargic.

Still, opt for a slower song now and again that perhaps offers great singalong value or still has a certain groove to it. This way, while people may leave the dance floor for a few minutes, they will still be engaged with the music and will be more than ready to return once the tempo picks up again.

It's Not All About the Music – Lighting is Key, Too

Lighting and sound go hand in hand when it comes to creating the perfect atmosphere for a wedding. While you might have chosen all the right songs to get your guests up and dancing, their enthusiasm and energy can be severely dampened without the right lighting.

Again, you'll need to tailor your lighting to the audience, the venue, and the specific song. You don't want to be strobing and flashing away with bright lights to a slow song – instead, opt for something more subtle and ambient.

For the faster songs, however, go wild with the lighting. Choose from various colours, patterns, and effects to jazz up the dance floor and keep your guests on their toes. If you don't have any lighting equipment of your own, plenty of companies hire out wedding disco lighting systems, including Fête24.

In short, it's all about combining your selection of wedding songs with equally dynamic lighting so that you have visual appeal as well as a great soundtrack. When done right, your wedding guests won't be able to keep their feet still!

Don't Let Requests Overawe You – Stick to Your Playlist

No matter how well you plan your wedding songs, chances are someone will eventually request something outside the parameters discussed with the bride and groom.

While the person requesting might make it seem as though their request carries the weight of the world (especially if they've consumed a few drinks), try to stick to your playlist and politely explain that, while you'll try your best, you might not be able to accommodate their request. Or refer them back to the bride for approval.

That's not to say ignore every request, of course. If you can find a way to fit it in without compromising the flow of your set, then, by all means, play it. You might find songs requested already in your set, in which case it's a no-brainer. And, as mentioned, you should always make every effort to play a bride's song requests.

Just make sure that you don't let guest requests overwhelm your carefully laid plans. Your job is to cater to guests, yes, but the day is all about the bride and groom, so make sure you're sticking to what was agreed upon with them and keeping them happy first and foremost.

Announce the Last Song

One of the easiest ways to leave people slightly annoyed and flat at the end of a wedding is to simply end the night without notifying anyone that it's the last song.

So, make sure you announce the last song with great fanfare, encouraging everyone to have one last dance, take some photos, and make their way home. This is an excellent opportunity to play the bride's favourite song (if it wasn't already in your set) or a song with some real energy to it.

By properly announcing the last song, you'll ensure that people have enough time to say their goodbyes and have a meaningful end to the night. It might even be worth giving a warning three of four songs out from the end, too. This way, people can really soak up the last few tunes and have plenty of time to get their coats and head home.

Hire a Wedding DJ to Avoid Any Major Faux Pas

So there you have it, a quick guide to the art of DJing a French wedding. At the end of the day, it's about giving the bride, groom, and their guests a night to remember. With some careful planning, excellent music selection and dynamic wedding lighting, you'll be able to create the perfect atmosphere for a wedding that your guests won't soon forget.

When selecting the best wedding songs and managing the playlist so that your guests are happy throughout the night, there's no one better than a professional wedding DJ. They won't just be able to provide great music and lighting tailored to your audience and your tastes; they'll also ensure that all the major faux pas are avoided and that you have a night to remember.

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of creating a playlist and want to avoid any embarrassing slip-ups on the night, then why not contact us regarding our professional wedding DJ services today?

We'd be delighted to help make your special day unforgettable and have several flexible DJ packages to suit your needs