FROM FIRST DANCE TO FINAL SONG
Music sets the tone of every iconic wedding moment – from the triumphant entrance song and the romantic melody of the first dance to the joyful anthem of the couple’s grand exit, and critically, the beats keeping the dancefloor alive all night long. Join Western Australia Wedding & Bride’s Hannah McDonald as she teams up with Jarroyd and Sarah, partners and DJs at Orange Ave Events, to dive into the ultimate wedding playlist guide – building the love, magic and energy so you can dance into forever with your favourite people and the perfect tunes.
Driven by a deep passion for the art of music curation and creating unforgettable atmospheres, Jarroyd and Sarah founded Orange Ave Events – a boutique DJ agency based in Boorloo. “We started the company after years of working in Perth’s music and events scene – wanting to offer something more curated and personal for couples. Our focus is weddings and corporate events, but we’re also working DJs. You’ll catch us playing in some of Perth’s best bars and clubs every week, meaning we’re across what’s trending, what fills a dance floor, and how to blend classic favourites with current tracks to keep everyone engaged,” they explain.
For Jarroyd and Sarah, DJing weddings goes far beyond just playing songs – it’s about making moments that people will remember forever. “Being trusted with a couple’s wedding music is both a huge responsibility and an incredible honour. Music sets the mood and emotion – it can bring happy tears during the first dance, then shift seamlessly into the kind of energy that has parents and best friends all on the same dance floor together,” they say.
Spinning The Plan
So, when it comes to crafting the perfect wedding playlist, what’s the process?
“Firstly, we ask couples for their must-plays – the songs they absolutely want to hear – and, just as importantly, their do-not-plays. Knowing what to avoid is often just as valuable as knowing their favourites,” they begin. “If they’ve created playlists for different parts of the day, we’ll talk about how they’d like us to use them. Should we stick close to their selections, or use them as inspiration to build our own interpretation of their vibe?”
When it comes to spinning the decks on the big day, getting a sense of the room is absolutely critical to reading it. “We also explore their favourite genres and artists – what they love and whether that resonates with their friends and family. Age is a great marker too,” they continue. “Asking when they finished school helps us understand the music they grew up with in those seminal years. We’ll also chat about what clubs or bars they used to frequent and where they’d go for a night out now. And we’ll get a sense of the guest mix – is it mostly friends, mostly family, or a blend of both?”
Crafting the perfect soundtrack for a wedding takes time, care and an in-tune understanding of each couple’s unique style. “On average, we spend a full day or two curating and preparing music for each wedding – sometimes even longer for highly personalised celebrations. That means sourcing any special songs, creating custom edits for key moments, finding clean versions when needed, and building tailored music crates for every part of the day,” they share.
The pair stress the importance of booking early, not only to secure your dream disc spinner but to ensure your exact style is communicated and understood. “Most couples lock in their DJ six to eighteen months in advance and doing so secures your first choice for the big day. It also gives us time to truly get to know you and your vibe,” they specify.
Playlist Picks
Everyone knows the typical wedding bangers, but the pair suggest some often overlooked favourites that always work well. “Inner Smile by Texas is unbeatable for a feel-good singalong moment, Music Sounds Better With You by Stardust always hits, Afterglow by Wilkinson is a go-to late-night track and you can’t go past Praise You by Fatboy Slim,” the experts list.
When it comes to timeless classics, it’s hard to pass up these hits from the disco era – a genre built around love. “Celebration by Kool & The Gang is a classic for a reason, We Are Family by Sister Sledge gets generations linking arms, September by Earth, Wind & Fire is pure happiness, I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston is the ultimate top-of-your-lungs moment, and Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! by ABBA cuts across ages and gets everyone dancing,” they add.
Mixing It Right
Just like any other element of your special day, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. Wedding playlists are a unique expression of you as a couple and the loved ones you’ve invited to revel in the magic. “It’s a mix of a lot of things coming together,” they confirm. “But first and foremost, it’s about personal touches. We love weaving in songs that really mean something to the couple. It doesn’t have to be every track, but dropping those special tunes at just the right moments instantly makes the night feel uniquely them.”
That said, there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure the music complements the vibe throughout the entire wedding day. “Start with something cool and feel-good for cocktail hour, slide into the right dinner vibe, then build towards the party. We ease people onto the dance floor with familiar favourites before turning the energy up and keeping it there. And of course, there’s the art of balancing requests and reading the room,” they explain.
All in all, don’t underestimate how powerful your wedding soundtrack will be. Chances are it will live on in the guest’s memories long after you drive off into the sunset. “Choose a DJ who takes the time to get to know you, who can adapt on the night, and genuinely loves what they do. The energy and joy coming from behind the booth sets the tone for the entire reception. You want a DJ who connects with your guests in a positive way,” they emphasise.
Image courtesy of Orange Ave Events.