Planning a Bar Mitzvah is an exciting milestone filled with joy, celebration, and meticulous planning. One of the key elements that can make or break the event is the music playlist. As a DJ company with years of experience in creating memorable Bar Mitzvah parties, we've compiled a guide to help you craft the perfect playlist that will keep your guests dancing and having fun all night long. Read on for your step-by-step guide to make sure the dance floor is on fire!
1. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Understanding the age range and musical preferences of your guests is crucial. A Bar and Bat Mitzvah party typically includes a mix of family members, friends, and kids. Make sure to include a variety of genres and songs that cater to both the young crowd and the adults.
FOR THE KIDS:
Popular current hits, energetic dance songs, and fun, age-appropriate tunes with clean, radio-friendly lyrics. FOR THE ADULTS:
Classics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, as well as today's biggest hit tunes and pop charts. FOR ALL:
A musical journey that captures attention and with the help of your entertainment crew, enages with you and your guests.
We have a fresh library of music that we've curated from past 5-star events that we can share with you!
2. INCLUDE TRADITIONAL JEWISH MUSIC
If tradition is important, incorporating traditional Jewish music is a must for your child's Mitzvah celebration. Songs like "Hava Nagila" and other traditional tunes can bring everyone together on the dance floor and create a sense of cultural pride and celebration of the "simcha" and of your heritage. Not only is it possible to play religious songs, it's also possible to play Israeli pop-tunes. Or a combination of the two. For the HORA consider if you want Ashkenazi or Sephardic style music, or both.
3. BALANCE UPBEAT AND SLOW SONGS
To keep the energy flowing throughout the night, it's essential to balance high-energy dance songs with slower, more relaxed tunes. Generally, you shouldn't have more than a hanful of slow songs for the child/parent dance, any dedications (anniversaries, grandparent's nod, etc.), and SNOWBALL, a popular kids game designed to engage boys and girls in some appropriate slow dancing. Typically these "slower" moments allow guests to catch their breath and enjoy music as a "couple" and for the kids, an opportunity to be mature and interact with new friends to songs they know.
Contact us for free sample playlists you can use as is or customize further in planning your BIG NIGHT!
4. TO TAKE REQUEST (OR NOT)
Allowing guests to request songs can add a personal touch to the playlist. It ensures that everyone hears some of their favorite songs and can create a more interactive and enjoyable experience. For the kids, it's a nice way to make them feel included and in some cases clue the DJ into bubbling up and playing songs that were further down the list of your child's request.
It's totally fine to NOT take requests. But our recommendation is for your child to provide a list of requets in advance of the party which will be priorities to request that anyone else submits. Either way, make sure to include your child in the planning process.
5. CREATE A WINNING TIMELINE
Plan specific times for dance sets throughout the event. This can include group dances like Wobble, Cupid Shuffle, Dougie, YMCA (believe it or not it's coming back!, traditional Jewish circle dances, dance-offs, special presintations, montage, and more. These planned moments can boost the party’s energy and keep guests engaged. Address your guests, adults and kids, with a special attention to elder family members. To get a tried and true timeline template so your run of show is stress free, click below.
6. PERSONALIZE PLAYLIST
Include songs that have special meaning to the Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Whether it’s his favorite song, a tune that represents her hobby or interest, or a song that holds sentimental value, personalizing the playlist makes the event even more memorable. In addition, if there is a mitzvah theme, you can ask your DJ to incorporate contextual music into the playlist. As an easy example we recently played at a party that was baseball themed. So, we included baseball dugout cheers and chants between songs and during the trivia contest. Don't know which theme to select, click here for theme ideas!
7. KEEP IT APPROPRIATE
Ensure that all songs chosen are appropriate for the event, especially considering the presence of younger guests. Avoid songs with explicit lyrics or themes that might not be suitable for a family-friendly environment. If you are from a more conservative background, you should discuss what "appropriate" is so as not to offend your guests.
BONUS: HAVE FUN WITH IT!
Before the BIG DAY, pump the tunes in the car and get excited about the party while on your commute. And most importantly, trust your DJ, you've invested a lot of money into the entertainment for the evening and took special care selecting your entertainment company. Put your trust in them and just have fun!
If you need any help or want to ensure a professional touch, don't hesitate to contact PARTYEXPRESS by clicking here: Get in touch
We'll make your party.....a CELEBRATION!
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