How do you define a rockin’ wedding reception?
Perhaps you prefer an elegant affair with great conversation, no dancing, and a string quartet. Maybe you imagine a wild and crazy outdoor pig roast with everyone boogie-ing down to southern rock. Or perhaps a hotel ballroom with 50 of your guests dancing and singing to Bruno Mars! No matter your plans, choosing a DJ for your wedding reception is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make for your wedding.
According to surveys, before the wedding most brides rank entertainment 9th in importance compared to other wedding goods and services. However, after the wedding 72% of brides say they should have spent more time choosing their wedding reception DJ. Isn’t it sad that only around 30% of brides are completely happy with their wedding entertainment?
I have provided DJ entertainment for literally thousands of weddings and one of my goals is to use my expertise to help you plan a romantic, fun-filled wedding reception that you will be able to look back on with the fondest of memories. Here are 5 essential tips to consider when hiring a DJ for your wedding reception.
- Make sure you hire cooperative DJs who work well with other staff, respect your wishes, and understand the important role entertainment plays at your reception. The wedding reception DJ, banquet facility staff, caterer, photographer, videographer, and wedding coordinator must all work together professionally so your special day turns out exactly the way you want it. A great DJ will serve as an “entertainment director”, making sure everything happens exactly according to your plans and wishes.
- Hold your reception in the evening hours. With a great DJ for your wedding reception it is possible to have a successful party even on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon but it’s best to not have the dance music start before 7pm so people’s inhibitions loosen a bit beforehand.
- Hire experienced, professional, and talented DJ entertainment…yes, DJ entertainment. It’s great to see a live band play at a wedding but here’s the deal – you have to pay thousands of dollars to get a good band. A great DJ is often far less expensive. Moreover, a great wedding reception DJ has the music that people want to dance to. The music is played by the original artists and it’s the sound that your guests are familiar with, which makes a huge difference.
- If you like to dance, feel free to get on the dance floor because when you’re having fun and dancing, your guests are more likely to get up and join the fun. A great wedding reception DJ will also be able to get the crowd moving but it is ultimately better if the bride and groom dance a few songs, too. Celebrate and have some fun at your wedding on the dance floor!
- Have the DJ for your wedding reception play your parent’s dedication songs after the meal… such as the bride and her father, the groom and his mother. Do your first dance as husband and wife after you’re introduced into your reception, but wait until after the meal for the parent’s dances.
- Consider these factors to ensure that your wedding reception is the best party it can be. If it’s not possible for you to do some of the things I’ve suggested or you disagree with some of my ideas, rest assured that if you choose a great DJ for your wedding reception, he/she will abide by your wishes, suggest alternatives when possible, and help to make your wedding reception a positive memory for you.
Article written by Ted Bilodeau, who owned and managed several event services companies from 1976 to 2019, most recently Complete Weddings and Events based in the Raleigh/Durham area of North Carolina, providing photography, DJ entertainment, video, photobooths, and lighting for weddings and events of all types. Ted has also performed as a DJ for thousands of weddings and other events throughout New England, upstate New York, and North Carolina. He also worked on the air on several radio stations for about 30 years throughout New England and upstate New York. He owns Partyhound Media with its flagship website www.partyhound.com. The “Hound” is an online directory of vendors, products, services, ideas, and information for anyone presenting any sort of party, wedding, or event.
Author: The Party Hound
Our favorite imaginary dog, 'The Partyhound', didn't write this blog post, as you probably guessed. We like to think he's a smart pooch, but he's not that smart!! 'The Partyhound' simply represents one or more of Partyhound Media's creative staff of researchers, journalists, writers, photographers, and cinematographers. These are actual real live people who are excited to share their thoughts with you. If you'd like to learn more about joining our staff, please throw us a bone! Email: ted@partyhound.com.
