What Makes for a Great Wedding?
When it comes to weddings, there are three things guests always remember:
- The food – Not necessarily what they ate, but whether it was delicious or disappointing.
- Your dress – That unforgettable moment when they see you in your stunning gown.
- The entertainment – Did they have an amazing time and dance all night, or did they quietly leave after dinner?
You might have the most Instagram-worthy venue, breathtaking decorations, gorgeous flowers, and a photographer capturing every angle for your social feed. Your menu could rival a top London restaurant’s tasting menu. But if your entertainment misses the mark, the reception can fall flat.
Time and again, couples put so much effort into perfecting the details but cut corners when it comes to their DJ or entertainment. Maybe a family friend offers a “great deal” or you book the local pub DJ because it seems easy. The result? A wedding that doesn’t quite meet expectations.
How to Choose the Right Wedding Entertainment
Here are three key things to keep in mind when selecting your DJ or wedding entertainment:
1. The Master of Ceremonies
Your DJ isn’t just there to play music; they’re the heart and soul of your reception, setting the tone and ensuring everything runs like clockwork.
Ask to see videos or listen to recordings of potential DJs announcing wedding moments like the first dance or introductions. Do they have the polished, professional delivery you want? Mispronounced names, cheesy jokes, or a “radio DJ” vibe can quickly spoil the atmosphere.
A great Master of Ceremonies will:
- Keep the evening running smoothly, coordinating with your caterers, photographer, and venue staff.
- Maintain a lively atmosphere, even if the meal takes longer than planned or there’s a delay.
- Get your guests on their feet and create an electric dance floor vibe.
A skilled MC is priceless in turning your reception into a celebration your guests will talk about for years.
2. The Equipment
Think about your venue’s setup and logistics. Planning an outdoor cocktail hour or an evening by the fire pit? You’ll need a DJ with wireless speaker capabilities to make sure music flows seamlessly across all spaces.
If you’re hosting over 100 guests, your DJ should bring a sound system suited to the size of the venue. This might include extra speakers or subwoofers to ensure the music sounds crisp and full for everyone, not just those near the dance floor.
For ceremonies held at the same venue as the reception, a professional DJ will have a separate system for the ceremony. This avoids the awkwardness of moving equipment through your guests during the transition from ceremony to reception.
3. Reputation
Social media is your friend when researching potential DJs. Look for signs they’re experienced and professional:
- Do they showcase recent weddings on Instagram, with clips or stories from events they’ve worked on?
- Are they tagged in posts or shared by couples and other wedding vendors?
- Do they have positive reviews on platforms like Hitched or Bridebook?
- Are they responsive to your messages or emails, ideally replying within 24 hours?
These are all signs of a professional who will take your wedding as seriously as you do.
The Cost of Wedding Entertainment
In the UK, DJs typically charge anywhere from £300 to over £1,000 for a five-hour set. While it’s tempting to save money by choosing the cheapest option, remember: quality matters.
A skilled Wedding DJ will keep your guests entertained and the dance floor packed all night, while a poor choice can leave your reception empty just 30 minutes after dinner.
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Choose your entertainment wisely – it’s an investment in unforgettable memories for you, your partner, and your guests.
