Making a Request List for Your DJ
One of the most common questions we get is: “Do you take requests?”
Absolutely—we encourage them. Requests can greatly contribute to the success of your event, but they also need some direction. A well-built request list helps your wedding DJ elevate the experience rather than restrict it.
Here are a few key guidelines to help you get the most out of your request list.
Know Your Event Timing
Timing matters more than most people realize.
- A 2-hour dance equals roughly 30 songs
- If you submit 60 requests, there is no possible way to play them all
For a 2-hour event, we recommend 10–15 requested songs total. This allows the DJ to:
- Take live requests during the event
- Read the room
- Adjust the music based on crowd energy
If you have a longer list, prioritize it:
- Must Plays
- If We Can
- Songs We Like
Too many requests force the DJ to focus on the list instead of the dance floor. Trust your DJ—they’re watching what’s working in real time.
Hire a Professional, Experienced DJ
An experienced DJ:
- Knows the hottest dance songs from every era
- Understands when to play them
- Can balance requests with crowd energy
An amateur DJ often knows only a handful of popular songs—usually from the current era—and may repeat them or play them at the wrong time.
Experience matters.
School Dances vs. Weddings
School Dances
Requests should represent the majority of students, not just a small group. A successful school dance is about inclusion and energy across the room.
Weddings
Wedding request lists are different. They reflect the couple’s taste with their guests in mind. Timing and emotional flow play a bigger role here.
Make the List Easy to Read
Clear communication prevents mistakes.
- Include Song Title and Artist
- Type the list in an email
- Avoid handwritten notes or texts—they’re hard to read and easy to misinterpret
The cleaner the list, the smoother the event.
Genres Matter More Than Individual Songs
Sometimes more important than specific songs is knowing:
- What genres you like
- What styles you don’t like
This gives the DJ flexibility to read the crowd while staying within your preferences.
Timing Is Everything
For weddings and formal events, knowing when you want certain songs played is extremely helpful.
Examples:
- Ceremony Prelude
- Cocktail Hour
- Dinner
- Open Dance
This ensures your favorite songs are played at the right moment, not just at a random time.
Keep Dance Requests Danceable
For dance portions of the event:
- Songs should be danceable
- Songs should be recognizable
Most people won’t dance to music they don’t know—even if it’s a great song.
Music Quality & Legality Matter
A professional DJ:
- Legally downloads and purchases music
- Uses high-quality audio files
An amateur DJ may rely on:
- YouTube
- Spotify
- Streaming services
These can fail, sound poor, or violate usage rules.
Give Your DJ Enough Notice
We recommend submitting your request list at least two weeks before the event. This gives your DJ time to:
- Review the music
- Find high-quality versions
- Download anything that’s missing
Our Philosophy at A&B Productions
At A&B Productions, we truly strive to play every request. However, every song we play is carefully considered.
Our ultimate goal is to elevate the party with every song. If a request doesn’t support that goal, there is a chance it may be skipped—but only with the event’s best interest in mind.
If you ever have questions about requests or song selection, we’re happy to help.