How many songs does a DJ need for a wedding?

The number of songs you need depends on how long the music will be playing. For a typical wedding, you might have music during the ceremony, the drinks reception, the meal, and the evening party. A good rule is to have enough songs to cover each part without repeats, plus a few extra for requests.

For a full day, aim for around 100 to 150 songs. For just the evening, 60 to 80 songs should be enough. Remember that songs are usually around three to four minutes long, so an hour of music is roughly 15 to 20 songs. Think about the pace too: you will want slower songs for the first dance and quieter moments, and faster, more energetic songs for the dance floor later on.

It is always better to have too many songs than too few. You can trim the list as the night goes on, but you cannot easily add new ones if you run out. Ask your DJ or the person managing the music to have a mix of classics and newer hits, so there is something for every guest.