Wedding Gig Set List

[chunkylover73]

We have our first wedding gig coming up next month and we're in the process of putting together a set list. We normally play rock/top 40 stuff so our wedding set list probably won't look a lot different from our regular set list. We'll be playing three-one hour sets from 9pm to 1am, so we're looking at 14 or 15 songs per set.

Our plan is to stick with the standards during the first set (Brown Eyed Girl, Saw Her Standing There, Centerfield, the stuff you want to strangle yourself with a cable to), pick up the energy a bit in the second set with more funk/disco/pop stuff (Celebration, Oh What a Night, etc) and finish the last set with more rock. We also plan on putting in more slow dance songs (maybe three per set) but we're not sure about that. I know there are a lot of bands with a lot more experience playing weddings so if you can offer up a bit of advice or post your set list that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[snyderz]

Sounds like wou've got ot wired. We always take 'The Wedding Blues' OFF the list, though.

[troy mcclure]

google the DJ top 200 list and see what songs ill work for your band..i have played about 5 weddings with my bar band but the couple knew our setlist and they approved the songs. I used an ipod in between sets to hit the top dance music we couldn't cover without keys or horns.

[merello]

Woman by John Lennon
Have I Told You Lately by Van
Everyone Hurts by REM
D.I.V.O.R.C.E.....

[jive1]

Originally Posted by merello

Woman by John Lennon
Have I Told You Lately by Van
Everyone Hurts by REM
D.I.V.O.R.C.E.....

I'd skip on DIVORCE. It's a wedding celebration, no need to talk about divorce, let alone sing about it over the PA. This song is in bad taste for a wedding IMO.

I'd skip on Everyone Hurts as well. Once again, it's a celebration of love and happiness, no need to sing a dirge about pain.

Now if the couple requested these songs it's one thing, but if they didn't I'd skip these two for something more romantic and upbeat.

[Munjibunga]

You Oughta Know ~ Alanis Morissett
Across the Line ~ Robert Cray
Judy's Turn to Cry ~ Leslie Gore
Before He Cheats ~ Carrie Underwood
Hell is for Children ~ Pat Benatar
You've Lost That Loving Feeling ~ Righteous Brothers
I've Come To Expect It From You ~ George Strait

Make that your first set, and you won't need to know any more.

[xgator4u]

Crazy Bitch by Buckcherry




No all kidding aside, You got the gig probably because they LIKE what you play, so play your usual sets. And ask the bride and groom if there is any thing in particular that THEY would like to hear.

[DiabolicLow B]

Kiss by Price

Most any popular Disco/Funk tunes, people love to dance at weddings.

[MrTAteMyBalls]

the beatles - in my life

the cure - lovesong - it's not upbeat, but may work....who knows i've never been to a wedding with a band.

[gregmerrill]

Start a bit melow not to loud unless they want you comming out with a bang. But this show ain't about you it's about the bride and groom. People seem to losen up more as the night proceeds, the booze starts to set in. If people are not dancing try a slow tune that will usually get people out on the dance floor and then be ready to play something quick right after that song to keep them on the floor. No pausing between tunes go song to song. Read the crowd if they respond to a certain genra of music best then keep it going. Your set list looks good. Make sure you have good break music if not they are going to want you to only take 5 min breaks. Since you own the PA you are basicaly in control of this event announcing the names of the wedding party, the cake cutting the 1st dance of bride and groom ect. This is your strongest selling point they need a good announcer to keep the night flowing well. You will be directing everyone what to do. It really is the most important thing in a wedding being able to communicate with a large group of people and directing them throughout the night. Also make sure your manager (if you have one) aint steeling the tips. It is quite common to get tipped on wedding gigs and they will usually give it to your manager or the wedding cordinator who hired you to give to you. We had a manager who keeped a 1k tip all to her self. We only found out because the bride was good friends with one of the singers. Big money to be made in the wedding scene.

[DONZI97]

Originally Posted by MrTAteMyBalls

the beatles - in my life

That was my wedding dance song.

[chunkylover73]

Thanks for all the tips and advice. One more related question: the bride is a big reggae fan but she understands that most of the attendees probably don't share her passion. However, we'd like to throw in one or two reggae tunes just for her. Any suggestions or ideas?

[TeamTrejo]

Red Red Wine

[Blonde Bassist]

Sex On Fire - Kings of Leon
Valerie - Mark Ronson/Amy Winehouse
Just Dance - Lady Gaga
Mr. Brightside - The Killers
All Night Long - Lionel Ritchie
Soul Man - Sam & Dave
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
I Wish - Stevie Wonder
Don't Wanna Miss A Thing - Aerosmith
Living on a Prayer - Bon Jovi
Disco Inferno - The Trampps
Let's Get it on - Marvin Gaye
I've always wanted to try sexual healing, but never had a band that could pull it off.
Mercy - Duffy

I've always put Kiss in the first set, tiny bit slower, better to groove to, but people don't wanna dance quite so much for some reason. Use stuff that people can throw their arms in the air and scream out the lyrics as well as dance to. Could even try some Police for some Faux reggae kinda feel songs. All of those songs work pretty well though.
I'm currently ended the set with one wedding band with Don't Wanna Miss A Thing and then using Don't Stop Believing as an encore. Used to use Let's Stick together by Roxy Music, and Papa's Got a brand new bag by James Brown as the encore. Seem to work really well.

Hope it goes well for you!

[rmkesler]

Don't forget to work out certain events with the coordinator. You will want to work out what tunes you're going to play for:

Bride & Grooms first dance
Father & Daughter dance
Mother & Son dance
Garter Toss
Bouquet Toss
Last dance

etc.

I wish you lots of luck with it. Wedding gigs can pay pretty well.

[hrodbert696]

Originally Posted by rmkesler

Don't forget to work out certain events with the coordinator. You will want to work out what tunes you're going to play for:

Bride & Grooms first dance
Father & Daughter dance
Mother & Son dance
Garter Toss
Bouquet Toss
Last dance

etc.

I wish you lots of luck with it. Wedding gigs can pay pretty well.

+1

My sister's wedding reception, she had arranged with the band what song to play for the father/daughter dance. Dad had no sense of rhythm whatsoever (not to mention being tone deaf) and they practiced the dance torturously to get him through it. Then the band played the wrong song....

[Edward G.]

Be able to think on your feet as a band. As the hired entertainment, part of your job is to keep a finger on the pulse of the room and sway it accordingly. There is no way to totally script it, because each one is different, and weird in its own right. Just know exactly what you are going to do for specific moments such as toasts, first dances, garter and bouquet business, adult swim and so forth. Work on your patter and emceeing. Know when to be silly and when to be somber. Ya gotta bring more than just music. Weddings can pay BIIIG, if you can add something special to the dynamic of the thing.

[baba]

For the funk/dance set you can't go wrong with these:

Brick House
Super Freak
Play That Funky Music
Thank You (Sly)
Jungle Boogie
Thriller

[SC Bassboy]

My band used to play the version of "Total Exclipse of the Heart" from the movie Old School. It was always a big hit.

As for the reggae it's hard to beat "Stir it Up" by Bob Marley.

[pasta4lnch]

september . . .