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April 26, 20268 min read

Wedding Song Request List Template for DJs: Must-Play, Do-Not-Play, and Guest Picks

Use this wedding song request list template to collect better requests from couples and guests without derailing the dance floor.

weddingstemplatessong requests

Most wedding request problems happen before the first song plays.

If the couple and DJ do not align on must-plays, no-plays, and guest requests, the night becomes reactive fast.

Use this template to lock in clear rules before event day.

Why a structured wedding request list matters

A structured list helps you:

  • protect key couple moments
  • avoid conflict with family requests
  • reduce booth interruptions
  • keep dance floor momentum

If you are already accepting live requests, this pairs perfectly with a wedding DJ request system.

Wedding song request template (send to your couple)

Copy this section into your intake form, email, or planning doc.

1) Must-play moments

Please fill these out:

  • Processional:
  • Recessional:
  • Grand entrance:
  • First dance:
  • Parent dances:
  • Cake cutting:
  • Last song:

2) Must-play dance floor songs (top 15)

Please list 10-15 songs that absolutely matter to you:

  • Song - Artist
  • Song - Artist
  • Song - Artist
  • Song - Artist
  • Song - Artist
  • Song - Artist
  • Song - Artist
  • Song - Artist
  • Song - Artist
  • Song - Artist

3) Do-not-play list

List any songs, artists, or genres to avoid:

  • Song(s):
  • Artist(s):
  • Genre(s):
  • Special notes:

4) Guest request rules

Choose one:

  • Open requests all night
  • Requests after dinner only
  • Requests by QR only
  • No guest requests

If open requests are enabled, clarify:

  • "Requests are considered, not guaranteed."
  • "Couple priorities come first."

5) Family and cultural priorities

Add any must-include traditions or family songs:

  • Cultural set(s):
  • Family favorites:
  • Special dedications:

6) Content guidelines

Select content preference:

  • Clean edits only
  • Mixed clean/explicit by time of night
  • No restrictions

7) Backup direction

If the floor drops, which direction should the DJ move first?

  • Throwbacks
  • Pop singalongs
  • 90s/2000s hip-hop
  • Latin/Afrobeats
  • Open format

That backup direction is one of the most useful parts of the whole template.

How to collect guest requests without chaos

Best practice:

  • Collect couple priorities first (must-play and do-not-play)
  • Collect guest requests through one channel only
  • Route all live requests through QR instead of booth walk-ups

Use QR code song requests for DJs so every request lands in one queue.

Day-of workflow for the DJ

Before doors:

  • Review top 15 must-plays
  • Tag do-not-play songs mentally or in your prep notes
  • Confirm request policy with planner/couple
  • Post request QR in 2-3 visible areas

During event:

  • Prioritize couple timeline moments first
  • Use guest requests to shape open dance segments
  • Skip requests that break couple rules

After event:

  • Save requested-song data for future package discussions
  • Use tip/request insights to improve your upsell strategy

You can combine this with request tipping strategy once the core flow is stable.

Bottom line

A wedding request list should not be a random spreadsheet. It should be a control system.

When the structure is clear, couples feel safe, guests feel heard, and DJs keep the room moving.

PlayThatNext supports this exact process: one QR request channel, real-time queue control, and optional tips without losing control of the set.

**Create Your Next Wedding Event Free →**

Written by

PlayThatNext Team

Ready to try it?

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