To have a dj or not

If you can afford it, I would go for it. A DJ knows how to read the room and play just the right song at the right moment, which a Playlist can't do.

We went back and forth on to hire a DJ or not. At first, it seemed like an unnecessary expense, but after really trying to figure out logistics between music and mics for the ceremony, someone to emcee the entrances and events during reception, and just reading the room and playing the right music, we ultimately decided to book a DJ!

We had to have a DJ we both have different taste in music and our guest list is all over the place. We needed somebody who could read the room and switch the music accordingly. Also I’ve been to an event where they had somebody play a playlist and the person messed up half of the important cues.

Do you want dancing or just background music? A good dj will add to the party while a bad dj (including asking friends to run a playlist) will break the party. A good professional dj is worth their weight their weight in gold and can keep the party going by reading the crowd and playing what they respond to. That is not possible with a diy playlist. Plus when your family and friends work, they aren’t not able to enjoy the wedding as other guests are.


Take a look at Instagram in your area and eventective.com for vendors

Hey Raven! Big congrats on your engagement! I would definitely recommend getting a good quality DJ. In my experience, the music really shapes the entire event, and it's more complicated than you'd think. Not only do they play music, the DJ usually MC's the reception too which really helps the flow of the entire reception and keep everything on schedule. Aside from just playing songs, a great DJ will read the crowd and play things that keep everyone's energy high and on the dance floor. In our area of North Carolina, a good DJ runs around $1,000 for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

I would go for it if you can afford it too

I agree with everyone else. If you can afford one, I would. A good DJ will help keep the event going in the right direction and keep things on time. They are also a wealth of knowledge if they have been in the business long enough. I talk to my DJ at least once a week to get advice and ideas.