dj at backyard wedding - yes or no?

With that many people, I’d just create a playlist on Spotify and project it from some good speakers. If you and your bridal party start dancing, that should be enough to encourage others!

I’d go with Spotify as well. It fits with the intimate size of the party and those who want to dance will still do so. Good luck - sounds like fun!

Do you want dancing? If you do, hire a dj. If you just want ambient background music, do the Spotify list. Take a look at thumbtack.com.

I’ve been to fun weddings and parties where there were that many people or less with a dj and they had a blast. The same number with a Spotify list didn’t go on the dance floor at all.

You don't really need a dj, just a radio or a speaker that hooks up to your phone.
We are having a backyard wedding and we have a dj. However we hired him before covid and we were supposed to have a big wedding at a venue. We decided to keep him because he is only costing us $800.

View Quoted Comment Ahh ... I need to find a DJ for that price! I would totally pay that!

I guess I am the odd one out here because I am always team DJ! Regardless of how many guests you have, if you want dancing, you need a DJ. Your DJ not only plays good music, but they emcee your reception and help get people out of their seats and on the dance floor.

View Quoted Comment Yes! Completely agree with that! I just can’t fathom spending 1,200-1,600 for a DJ when we’re on a budget but at the same time I want one! So I’m torn. I feel like it would be hard to play the song I want walking down the aisle at the exact time needed, the song to leave the ceremony, all of the above. Whereas a DJ would do all that. Decisions, decisions!

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Yes, without a DJ, you will have to find someone to be in charge of your playlist. I'll be honest, that sounds like a nightmare. What if they play the wrong song at the wrong time? Do you want to be stressing about that? I would keep researching and see if you can find anyone cheaper. However, $1,200 for ceremony and reception really is not a bad price. Is there another area you could cut back on? Maybe florals or centerpieces?

View Quoted Comment I found my dj through this app and was shocked at the price. I think I booked him right away.

I personally think a DJ in important unless you don't have guests or don't plan on doing much dancing. A DJ also introduces the bridal party, bride groom, announcements, cake cutting, or any other activities. They are also there to help keep the guests entertained and partying. Even when ours was originally much smaller we were getting a DJ just so we didn't need to rely on anyone and had someone doing those small announcements. Even if you try looking for a newly practicing DJ or someone on thumbtack like others have mentioned.

I would definitely suggest a DJ if you want dancing. We live in a pretty HCOL area in CA and managed to book our DJ (3 weeks before the wedding) through Thumbtack for only $600. I would definitely check that option out!

View Quoted Comment Thank you SO much for recommending Thumbtack! I believe I found a DJ for 700! Half the price of my original quote. I’ve never heard of that site! So thank you!

Hey I’m having the same dilemma what did you decide on? I did find a few around 700.

View Quoted Comment We did end up getting one. I found him through Thumbtack for $750 for six hours, I believe. He was okay … didn’t play a lot of our requests but I am glad we had one. Definitely made things easier on us.