Playlist/dj

I have been in the wedding industry for over 10 years I cannot express enough how important having a DJ is they are there not just to play songs but also to MC the event and to make sure things go off without a hitch. Like introductions, notifying guests when you’re going to cut the cake, parent dances all that stuff. I had one stubborn Bride insist on not having a DJ and doing a playlist and it was a very chaotic situation The guest didn’t know where to go to request songs there was no flow to the evening. I’m not sure where you’re from but around where I’m from and you can get a decent quality DJ for between 500-1000. Somethings you just can’t skimp on photographer and DJ are number one

Guests can tell when things are happening as they do so an MC is optional, and not everyone wants the announcements of every single activity. The day of coordinator runs the show making sure things go smoothly.

If you want guests to dance, you need a dj. A playlist cannot read the crowd and switch to a different set of music. Many weddings have skipped out on the dj in favor of a preset playlist and no one danced.

I also was in the industry for years. I really recommend having someone (not family/friend) dedicated as a DJ, even if they're not necessarily someone with a business.

They'll help your flow by endless amounts. Help dismiss tables to get in line at the buffet so it's not everyone at once, announce you when you're coming in, bring attention to events (cake cutting, bouquet toss/anniversary dances). They're also huge when it comes to your ceremony music. Cueing your songs at the appropriate times and making sure they smoothly transition from one song to the next.

The weddings I've worked where they didn't hire a professional or worked off a playlist never went as well as they wanted. Issues with the ceremony music not playing or not playing correctly/smoothly. No mics so guests can't hear your actual vows, things like that. And at the reception? Yea, no dancing other than the first and parent dances. Event was over essentially the instant dinner was served.

Find a way to squeeze it in your budget if you can. It's so not worth the hassle.

Not everyone needs dancing to have fun .. its a “know your crowd” thing...i have been to several weddings where pastor or day of coordinator moved flow along and their playlist was done by the church sound guy. No problems at all. Thats how i intend to do my wedding

Thanks everyone! I’ll look into a dj!