Are DJs worth spending money?

DJs also MC the whole event. Who will announce everything if you just have a spotify playlist?

There are many reasons why this is a bad idea.

DJ's are not just "players of music" they read the room and help regulate the flow- they are "moment of coordinators"

rather than day of coordinators.

Being said- I did not have a DJ- I had 30 guests and a small family dinner- I had music I arranged myself and separate play lists for the 3 parts of the evening. It worked out well- but I had no and expected no dancing- no speeches- no toasts- no garter/bouquet toss.

Nothing like that- so for me it worked out- I did spent probably 4 hours putting together the play lists- so don't think it's "plug and play"- I put a lot of thought into that shit.

So yes it can be done- but there are "down sides" and for most weddings- I wouldn't recommend it.

The question is do you want people to dance? Unless your crowd is homogenous and you know their taste in music, it will be hard to make a goo playlist that gets everyone dancing. A good DJ does more than press a button, they read the crowd and get people dancing.

I made sure the DJ I hired would also act as a kind of coordinator. He will be the one telling everyone where to be and when. Announcing cake cutting, first dances, dinner, etc. He is also providing sound equipment for the ceremony. Cordless microphones and the music. I think it's an important expense.

What type of vibe are you going for at your wedding? Because if it's a party atmosphere, I don't think skipping out on a DJ is going to cut it. Also, if you are having a super small wedding (say 30 or less), then I'd say, yes skip the DJ. But if not I would advise against it.

How many guests are you expecting??

Like others have said, the dj does more than "play music"

They get the crowd going, introduce everyone, help with staying on schedule.

They become a doc too if the food is delayed, they can continue to keep playing music.

What time of the day is your wedding?

My dj was by far the cheapest vendor I had ($300). He had great reviews & I was super impressed. Cheap doesn't always mean bad but you do have to be careful. My dj is a teacher that does this on the side because he enjoys it so he was better priced than those whose primary job is djing.

Thank you everyone - Soon to be Mrs. Terakawa - the ceremony is at night on a Friday.

Amanda - By "be careful" do you have any suggestions for things I should ask to make sure they'll be on top of things?

If you want dancing or anything announced, then yes. The last two weddings I've went to didn't have DJs and went as follows:

1) no one announced what was happening so everyone missed the cake cutting, etc unless they were REALLY paying attention

2) no one could hear the speeches because the sound equipment was poor quality, and placed across the venue

3) people danced but there would be large gaps in between the songs so it made it awkward and people were just standing around waiting for the next song to come on

The DJ can get a feel for the crowd and help to get people out on the floor dancing, so I would suggest going for it.

YES YES YES AND YES.

Dj in my opinion is the second most important to us behind the food! We booked the best Dj in our county and I'm so excited about it

If you're going to hire a DJ anyway (you said someone professional with equipment) why not just let them do their thing? Most DJs ask for a "do not play" and "must play" list, and judge the crowd on what to play next. As others have pointed out, they emcee the entire reception. If you're going to pay someone something, why not just pay an actual professional and get the job done the right way?

I think Amanda meant you get what you pay for. $300 in NYC might get you someone whose initials are DJ, but that's about it. Basically an amateur. The DJ sets the tone/vibe of the reception, and if he/she sucks it might mess up the flow/mood.

We had a DJ/MC at our reception and I highly recommend them. He made announcements and kept the flow going.

Yes, they are definitely worth it, they pilot the event and create the science of what to play when....much better flow and better experience for everyone. Don't cut corners on the DJ, caterer, or photographer. There is also a difference between a good and bad DJ. Don't find out first hand.

Cheap usually means bad, sorry Amanda. Esp with DJs.

I am very, very picky about DJs. My friend used a completely 100% professional actual wedding DJ who does this weekly and makes a living off it, and he was disgustingly bad. It got to the point that literally NO ONE was dancing and people were yelling at him(he was in a loft) to play somethign, ANYTHING decent.

90% of wedding DJs are terrible. IMO it's worth finding an actual DJ, like the kind that works clubs and other venues.

In fact, we went to a wedding two weeks after ours, with one of the "best" DJs in the area, and my friend came up to me, admittedly drunk, but told me "You know... everyone's thinking it.... your DJ was SOOOOOOOOOOO much better."

I think a DJ is something that you need. Like others have said they do more than just play music. They help the DOC keep everything on time and running smoothly.

DJs are worth every penny you will spend on your wedding.

I'm biased because FH is an awesome DJ

A DJ is ALWAYS worth it.

Went to my college roommates wedding earlier this month. her DJ sucked. No one danced (except for when I had FH request the Cupid Shuffle- that got some people out), he had crappy quality music, Mic had feedback, couldn't make out what people were saying into the mic, played music that didnt fit the mood ("Country girl shake it for me" during dinner? I dont think so), played the WRONG SONG for the BP recession

A Good DJ is always worth it, unless you're not planning on dancing or having any kind of dialog during the reception

Don't cut corners on a DJ. They are what makes the reception one to remember.

Hire one. A good one is worth every cent (not 300.00).