No Dj/mc ok or weird?

If you aren’t planning to have dancing you should be ok. Keep in mind that a DJ does a lot more like introductions, keeping the schedule moving for any events you have during the evening, etc. so you might want to have someone lined up to do all of that for you.

View Quoted Comment That’s a good point. I don’t think we would do any type of formal introduction.

The only wedding I went to that didn't have a DJ (or a band) was pretty rough - the speaker kept cutting out and you would dance for a few minutes, then have to pause while they messed with their playlist and the speakers again. The best man needed a few tries to get a song set up for the couple's first dance. I'm always Team DJ if you want dancing. But with a guest list of 30 people and no dancing, I think you're totally fine and could better spend that money elsewhere. And like Cyndy said above, just make sure you have someone lined up to make announcements, catch everyone's attention for toasts/speeches, and keep the event moving.

I agree, I think with 30 people or less with no dancing you don’t need a DJ. But with that said, definitely have someone to be your mistress of ceremonies. They will help keep the timeline moving, make sure you have a timeline even for a small event, so that everything is organized and you’re not stressed out that day

Yeah idk if we’ll have formal speeches or toasts. We discussed it and we don’t want to put any pressure on anybody.

I thought about doing the same and asking my brother to “MC” whenever some sort of direction was needed. I think assigning this part to someone would be wise just to make sure you don’t personally have to announce mealtime, etc.

I’m doing the same! We’re doing a 20 person ceremony and reception and contemplating not having a DJ because we won’t be having dancing but I am concerned about the ceremony music and first dances. I’ll have to ask someone to do that but not sure if it’ll be the same.

We had an intimate wedding planned and had chosen to hire a violinist and a guitarist. Seemed like the right fit for us as we also didn't want much dancing. This would have provided adequate background music for our group size. Also, because it was so small, we chose more of a dinner like reception. No introductions needed. Keep it simple yet formal.

I think that's totally fine. i went to a wedding like that last year where there was not a dance floor and there was no dj mc but everyone still just mingled amongst themselves and had fun anyway

I'm doing that same thing at my wedding too! I'm not hiring a dj and I'm not planning on having that much dancing. I'm also only inviting 40 guests, maybe even less. Both my FH and I aren't really the big partying/dancing type of people, we're both pretty laid back and introverted so I felt that kind of dancing with a dj isn't what we wanted. Although, we are doing our first dance together just the swaying back and forth cause I know our parents would want to see that. For the rest of the night we are also just using an amp that can plug into a phone or device to play a Spotify playlist while guests eat and mingle. They can also go up and choose songs to dance to of they want. Or I'll designate someone to be the "playlist dj" if I want a song change.


I went to a wedding of about 25 people last year that did exactly this and a few people went up and played favorite songs to dance to and then people started getting up to dance! It was alot of fun and feel like it works so well in an intimate setting because almost everyone knew each other already. Awkward moments with speakers or pauses weren't that big a deal. They also didn't have an MC cause they didn't really need one. The bride and groom just did things on their own, like announcements and everything flowed really well. I think if you want someone to MC choose someone who is good at public speaking and is comfortable doing it.

It's absolutely fine not to have a DJ *or* an MC for a small wedding. Think of it like a nice dinner party. Those don't need dancing or someone to make announcements or any entertainment beyond eating, drinking, and conversation. Background music is a plus, but it sounds like you have that covered with a playlist and speaker.

I've been to a few (some small, some large) weddings where the couple did their own music with a preset playlist and it turned out fine. They had a first dance and people could dance or mingle after that. There were no problems speakers not working, guests being confused or anything of that nature. Do what works for you and your crowd.

I’m glad everyone is making such good points!

I feel like with such a small gathering and with dinner being served, it will be quite obvious and not too much hassle to say something if necessary. I think with a playlist playing it the background it will be fine. I don’t anticipate stopping/starting music for any reason, maybe just adjusting the volume.

My sister had a small reception in a local cafe after her ceremony. I think they did have a playlist of some kind on, but I can't say I remember it or the food. Just that it was a nice small event.

I think that would be totally fine.

I agree, it should be fine! We’re just doing a 50-60 person wedding with a playlist we make and having some close friends do announcements over a portable mic the venue offers

View Quoted Comment We’re having ours at a cafe as well!

View Quoted Comment Nice! I’m glad I’m not the only one lol

It’s fine! For our DW of 15 guests we had an accordionist for cocktail hour (which some people did dance to!), then a playlist for dinner. No dancing/DJ. Worked great.

View Quoted Comment

That is awesome! We’re actually having a guy who plays the hammered dulcimer for our ceremony.