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Kiersten
Expert February 2018

dj for a Small Wedding

Kiersten, on February 4, 2018 at 11:43 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 10
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To do or not to do, that is the question. lOl.
We're hosting a small ceremony/reception with 60 or less people and I'm trying to decide if a DJ is really necessary or worth the expense.

I'm concerned with spending nearly 1k on one, and then the dance floor being empty. The guest list is almost entirely family (40+ yrs) and a smattering of younger cousins and small children.

FH hasn't had any input (as in, didn't care) at all. Then suddenly was like, oh, yea I think we should have one. We're having a Celloist & Violinist for the ceremony and cocktail hour.

Has anyone had a small reception with a DJ? What were your thoughts? Was it worth it?

10 Comments

Latest activity by earias, on February 5, 2018 at 1:24 PM
  • O
    Master October 2017
    O ·
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    I had a small wedding, 42 guests, and had a DJ-very worth it. The DJ was instrumental during meetings with the venue in getting what my husband, and I wanted in terms of timeline, and getting earlier set up time, etc. Our DJ was very knowledgeable, had the very best equipment which was important for our ceremony because we didn't want an ugly bulky microphone, and instead had a lapel microphone. Everyone enjoyed the music.
    • Reply
  • Ella Marie
    Devoted May 2019
    Ella Marie ·
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    I’m in the same boat!!! We’re having no more than 40!
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  • Tarin
    Dedicated November 2018
    Tarin ·
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    I think you should have one. They will be the one keeping the reception going. Even if people don’t dance you need someone to play the music and make announcements.
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  • Km42118
    VIP April 2018
    Km42118 ·
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    I'm having an even smaller wedding reception. 20-30 total. I thought about not having one because of the fear of not having anyone dancing. The DJ is going to cost us 1200 and the dance floor 800. So I was totally okay with not having one. But I think people will enjoy it, so we decided to have it.

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  • ET
    Devoted March 2018
    ET ·
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    I also am having a small wedding (40-45 guests) and having a DJ is extra important to us because we want someone to encourage people to get up and dance and keep the party mood going. Without a DJ, I definitely wouldn't expect anyone to jump out of their chairs and boogie.

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  • The Nuptials
    VIP July 2018
    The Nuptials ·
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    Depends on the vibe you want. I went to a wedding in Dec with 33 guests and the dance floor was packed. Literally everyone was dancing or at a cocktail table around the floor. No guest was over 40yrs old, and I am sure that helped. No older folks or grandmas. Another options if you don’t want a first dance is keeping some of your love music for the reception for a dinner party vibe.
    • Reply
  • bobbileighba
    Expert June 2018
    bobbileighba ·
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    We are only having about 20-25 guests and we are having a DJ. Originally we weren't going to, but I was able to ask around about smaller packages or assistant DJs, etc. I ended up contacting a highly rated DJ who was already booked for my date, but upon hearing what I needed he said his wife could easily do our event as she is his assistant at many events. She has worked with our venue before, and reviews call her out specifically by name, so I know she truly has been part of these other events. The cost was about half of their normal rate.

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  • Mrs. Fall Bride
    Master October 2016
    Mrs. Fall Bride ·
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    Your dance floor will be empty without a DJ, not with one.

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  • Melissa
    Expert October 2018
    Melissa ·
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    If it's not a restaurant reception I'd go for it. They do more than just music. They release tables if buffet style, give announcements, keep the timeline moving, etc.
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  • earias
    Champion December 2017
    earias ·
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    I had 40 guests and a 9-piece band and the dance floor was packed until the very end of the night. We thought his family wouldn't dance at all, and they were the ones who wouldn't get off the dance floor! Definitely get a DJ or band. They really enhance the whole experience for everyone and make it so much more fun. Plus they help to facilitate the evening and make the announcements.

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