Don't Let a Copy - Paste Playlist Kill Your Wedding Vibe
- tepanganiban
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
If Your DJ Shows Up With a Premade Playlist, RIP
TL; DR: If your DJ doesn't have variety in their mixes (that you've heard already hopefully) or on their social you're probably going to hear Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Cha Cha Slide and Sweet Caroline whether you like it or not.
Give your DJ 3 genres or 10 must play songs and see how they react. If they start getting squirrley they may lack the library, skills or confidence to make it work. Seek alternatives.
Okay let's get into it!
If you're planning your wedding — especially here in the Bay Area, where the vibe matters just as much as the venue — you need a DJ who brings energy, skill, and flexibility to your celebration.
What you don’t want? A DJ who shows up with the same playlist they used last weekend.
Yes, it happens. A lot - if you follow their socials you'll hear the same tired out "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" into Soulja Boy - well what if you don't like "Crank That"??
In my obvservation most people listen to 40% of the same music - but it's the other part that makes your event individually you. Here’s why DJs who use premade playlists can be a red flag, and how to avoid getting stuck with one.
1. Your Wedding Isn’t a Copy-Paste Event
Not everyone wants Kendrick Lamar, not everyone wants Line Dancing... everyone does want Party in the U.S.A. though lol.
However! Your love story isn’t generic — even if your music is, it should be your version of generic not last week's wedding.
2. The Dance Floor Changes Unexpectedly
No crowd is the same. No energy is predictable. No playlist can satisfy the real time change in vibe and tastes.
A great DJ reads the room, adjusts on the fly, and builds momentum - and drops bangers. If there is already a setlist, they're playing Bruno Mars into Vanilla Ice no matter if you like either of those or not.
3. Cultural Vibes, Family Traditions, and Inside Jokes
Bay Area weddings are often diverse, multilingual, and multi-generational — and that’s why we "dance a lil' different".
A DJ with a “standard setlist” probably isn’t considering your Nigerian aunties, your Tita's Todo Todo, or the fact that your guests want Latin - and that has crazy variations. If your DJ isn’t asking questions about your culture, your vibe, or your guests, they’re probably just planning on playing "Gasolina", "Calm Down" and checking the reggaeton and afrobeat box.
4. Premade Playlists = Below Average DJ
Harsh? Maybe.True? Probably.
A DJ who doesn't take the time to learn your tastes and crowd isn’t the worst thing, however the expectations should (and maybe already does) match the price tag.
You do get what you paid for sometimes. If price is most important, find someone talented but without a lot of experience - that way you get in on the ground level of their rising reputation. If you have more wiggle room in the budget, find a DJ who checks more boxes.
5. Playlists Don’t Adapt On The Fly
A real DJ isn’t just playing music — they’re managing energy, MCing, keeping the flow, and creating moments.
When is it time to "get hyphy off a lil gin"? It just happens. Can't go too early, can't go too late - have to read the room and ride the wave.
6. You’re Not Just Paying for Sound — You’re Paying for Experience
First of all sound does matter but that's a topic for another day!
You hired a DJ for the skill, curation, and presence they bring to the room. That means they should be building a custom music experience around you — Like they should know that you're not a Swiftie but there are specific songs by Taylor Swift that you do like.
FINAL: If They Don’t Customize the Music - Boring!
Your wedding may be a once-in-a-lifetime event. You have all your favorite people in the same place at the same time - don’t let a default DJ run it on autopilot.
Now you're probably thinking "that's not going to be me" but every weekend someone is dissapointed. Just because the photos look good and the set up is all white doesn't mean your floor is not going to start with "September" followed by a rough transition to YMCA". If their social media and mixes lack variation - dead giveaway!
If you need an example of great and varied DJing check out my home page for social media and mixes!
Best Wishes!
