Do you need a DJ for an outdoor ceremony and cocktail?

I would use an MP3 player (iPod) or smartphone for the ceremony music, and then just hire the DJ for the reception. We actually didn't have any music during our cocktail hour and no one even noticed. As a matter of fact, it was really nice because everyone could easily converse.

I would think there would be music. For the ceremony we will have our DJ have a speaker outside and we are playing music for the cocktail hour. How big is the space outside ? Our DJ included the ceremony,cocktail and recpetion all in the same price so he will have 2 setups one outside and inside.

Eta: if its way over priced just stick to DJ for reception.

@karen- Thanks I might just do that for the ceremony if I cant find someone

and

@2brides2015-The outdoor space is pretty big and on an island and right near the river. They only ones I have seen do it by the hour instead but maybe I will ask for total packages like that!

Thanks ladies!

Well, you need to have something out there, at the very least so your officiant can be heard.

A DJ does other things than play music. They MC, entertain your guest during down time, coordinate your ceremony and reception for you. Just something to keep in mind.

We're just having a DJ during the reception, we're going to have our neighbor friends bring his amp and microphone so we can hook up an ipod or something and use the mic if necessary, our ceremony will be very small, short and to the point outside ceremony. I think mics are necessary during the reception in case someone wants to make a toast...but if the party is small enough it shouldn't be an issue if you don't have one and the DJ stops the music...

For an outdoor ceremony I think microphones are a must, so people can hear you and the officiant. However many of the officiants that I interviewed had their own sound systems so that may be an option. You also could look into hiring a harpist or other musician to play music. My friend found that was more affordable than a dj for the ceremony.

Your DJ will probably cut you a good deal for ceremony music since you already have them for reception. Our DJ would charge only $200 more for the ceremony. For an outdoor ceremony, you definitely will want microphones. I would say mics are a MUST! However, check with your officiant- our officiant provides their own lapel mic!

You don't necessarily need your DJ for the ceremony... we are having a string trio for the ceremony and cocktail hour.

You also will want your DJ for the cocktail hour - it will seem strange without any music!