How to Curate the Perfect Playlist for Your Next Event.
From romantic weddings under the stars to sun-soaked celebrations by the pool, every event at Ambrym Estate has its own rhythm. And just like the right setting, the perfect playlist sets the mood, invites connection, and helps guests create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a lively party, here’s how to curate music that fits the moment.
1. Start With Your Audience and Event Style
Understanding your guests and the occasion is the first step to creating a playlist that hits the right note.
Wedding: Begin with soft, romantic ballads to set a heartfelt tone during the ceremony or pre-reception drinks. As the evening unfolds, transition into joyful tunes and timeless dance-floor favourites that bring every generation together.
Corporate Event: Keep it professional yet inviting with mellow background music during networking or dining, then introduce some well-known, upbeat tracks later in the evening to encourage a relaxed, social vibe.
Milestone Birthday: Celebrate big with a soundtrack that reflects the guest of honour’s personality. Mix nostalgic favourites with party anthems that get everyone dancing — from throwback hits to current crowd-pleasers.
End-of-Year Celebration: Whether it’s a festive gathering or a company wrap-up, choose uplifting tracks that feel celebratory. Blend seasonal favourites with energising hits to mark the occasion and end the year on a high.
2. Match the Mood and Atmosphere
At Ambrym Estate, the setting does a lot of the work — but music elevates the experience even further.
Upbeat & Energetic: Great for getting guests on their feet. Think “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars, “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, or “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.
Relaxed & Chill: For long lunches or sunset cocktails, try “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers, “Fly Me to the Moon”by Frank Sinatra, or “Daylight” by Gregg Karukas.
Romantic: To set a heartfelt tone, choose tracks like “When I Fall in Love” by Chris Botti, “Estelle” by Doris Casella, or “Saying Things” by Emanuel Fremont.
3. Structure Your Playlist with Intention
A well-paced playlist has just the right flow — rising and falling to match the energy of your guests.
Begin with Intention: Open with a few key tracks to set the mood from the first guest arrival.
Add Variety: Mix genres, tempos, and artists to keep things interesting.
Mind the Length: Match the playlist duration with your event, allowing for natural breaks and transitions.
Stay Current: Mix in a few modern tracks to keep things fresh and familiar.
Do a Dry Run: Play it through beforehand to catch any awkward transitions or mismatched moments.
4. Tailor Music to Your Specific Event
Here are a few examples of how to fine-tune your playlist depending on the celebration:
Wedding Reception
First Dance: A meaningful romantic ballad that reflects the couple's story.
Dance Floor: Blend classics, pop hits, and a few nostalgic favourites to suit your crowd.
Final Song: Choose something everyone knows — something they can sing with arms around each other to end the night on a high.
Corporate Event
Background Music: Soft instrumentals or laid-back jazz to keep things professional yet inviting.
Walk-On Music: Recognisable, upbeat tracks that bring a sense of fun and energy.
Party
Dance Floor: Prioritise big anthems and energetic hits to keep people moving.
Transitions: Use slower songs to create space for conversation and recovery between sets.
5. Tips for a Standout Soundtrack
Know Your Guests: Consider their ages, interests, and musical tastes.
Create a Theme: Whether it’s coastal cool, retro soul, or modern pop, a loose theme helps guide your song choices.
Ask for Input: Invite guests to submit a song request or contribute to a shared playlist.
Use Streaming Services: Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music offer curated playlists to inspire your mix.
Celebrate Local: Add tracks from Australian artists to give your playlist a personal, homegrown touch.
Let the Music Move You
At Ambrym Estate, we believe the best events are built on beautiful moments — and music is often at the heart of them. Here are some suggested tunes for your next event.
Wedding
Ceremony / Arrival:
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Kina Grannis
“Turning Page” – Sleeping At Last
“A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri
Reception / Dinner:
“L-O-V-E” – Nat King Cole
“Better Together” – Jack Johnson
“All of Me” – John Legend
Dance Floor:
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” – Whitney Houston
“Shut Up and Dance” – WALK THE MOON
“You Make My Dreams” – Hall & Oates
Final Song:
“Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen
“Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
“Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake
Corporate Event
Arrival / Networking:
“Feel It Still” – Portugal. The Man
“Put Your Records On” – Corinne Bailey Rae
“Come Away With Me” – Norah Jones
Background During Dinner or Presentations:
“River” – Leon Bridges
“Lovely Day” – Bill Withers
“This Girl (Kungs vs. Cookin’ on 3 Burners)” – Kungs
Socialising or Wind-Down:
“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
“Levitating” – Dua Lipa
“Valerie” – Amy Winehouse
Milestone Birthday
Guest Arrival / Mingling:
“Happy” – Pharrell Williams
“September” – Earth, Wind & Fire
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Party Starters:
“Raise Your Glass” – P!nk
“24K Magic” – Bruno Mars
“Let’s Get Loud” – Jennifer Lopez
Dance Floor Anthems:
“Crazy in Love” – Beyoncé
“Hey Ya!” – Outkast
“Mr. Brightside” – The Killers
Sing-Along Classics:
“Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
“Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond
“Dancing Queen” – ABBA
End-of-Year Celebration
Cocktail Hour / Arrival:
“Cooler Than Me” – Mike Posner
“Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
“Holiday” – Madonna
Festive & Feel-Good Vibes:
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee (if seasonal)
“We Found Love” – Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris
“Good as Hell” – Lizzo
Dance Floor Fun:
“Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake
“Don’t Start Now” – Dua Lipa
“Blame It on the Boogie” – The Jacksons
Farewell Songs:
“Time of My Life” – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
“Happy New Year” – ABBA (if appropriate!)
“Closing Time” – Semisonic
