Flow of a Reception

Do you have a DJ? Usually, a good DJ is really great about helping the reception flow well and may be able to help you out if you're lost. For our reception, there was cocktail hour, then we were introduced, we went straight into our first dance, then dinner and a little "mingling" time, then toasts, then dancing (lots of dancing!), then cake, then bouquet toss, then farewell.

^ I second Kathleens' advice. If you have a DOC, or an MC, they would coordinate with the DJ. Basically, give a schedule you would like.

Ok just curious ladies what is a good price to spend on a dj?

Much depends... but for a "typical" 4 hour reception, this is what I suggest.

60 minutes: cocktails

15 minutes: grand entrance/welcome speech/first dance

45 minutes: Meal blessing & Meal

15 minutes: toasts and other formal dances

15 minutes: cake, garter/bouquet

90 minutes: dancing/other activities.

Needless to say, there are immense variations to take into consideration. One thing I would suggest you do... have the cocktails at the reception site, not the ceremony site.

Savannah: What's a good price for a DJ is almost the same as saying "What's a good price for a car"? There are no specifics.

Check out www.costofwedding.com to get an idea of what the "average" rate is in your area. Chances are, professional DJ's will be close to that average. Here, in Southern California, you can get a DJ for as little as $200 on Craigslist (guaranteed) or you can pay as much as $5000. It depends on how important your wedding is. Is it more important to have fun than to eat better food? that's a decision you have to make.

I always encourage brides to look for VALUE, not price. WHAT/WHO do you get for what you're paying?