Not having DJ at reception?

[DisneyBrittany]

For those of you that did not have a DJ at your reception, who sort of "ran" the reception. Does the planner tell everyone when it is time to cut the cake/toast etc? Was it awkward at all? I'm having a hard time justifying the expense of $1400 for a DJ.

 

[lurkyloo]

It was made very clear to us that if we didn't hire a DJ, our planner would not be filling the role of MC. We used the iPod setup and had a family member switch between playlists/pause at the appropriate time. There was a microphone for the speeches, and our officiant (a family friend who stayed for the reception) made a blessing that announced brunch.

Since ours was just a small, casual brunch, we didn't feel the need to be announced or to tell everyone what was happening when—it was pretty obvious. When it was time to cut the cake, we just let the staff know, walked over to the cake table and kinda waved at everyone so DH could make a speech.

However, if you are envisioning a traditional reception—especially one with general dancing, not just first dances—where the couple and attendants are announced, the buffet is announced, the dances and speeches are announced, etc. you will either have to get a friend/family member who really knows what they're doing or hire a DJ.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

We didn't have a DJ and everything went beautifully!

I made a playlist on my iPod that I didn't need to change or touch at all during the reception, I just hit play!

We had the best man give a speech and sort of let everyone know what was happening.

Our planner was a huge help (even though they tell you that they will not run it for you). She discretely came by our table and let us know "it is time for cake" or "it is time for the first dance" and then we had someone turn on the song, or we got up and cut the cake. She was fantastic!

I am really glad that we didn't spend the money on a DJ. Our reception was definitely not traditional, but we were really happy with the way everything turned out!

 

[maddiesdaddy]

We didn't have a DJ and everything went beautifully!

I made a playlist on my iPod that I didn't need to change or touch at all during the reception, I just hit play!

We had the best man give a speech and sort of let everyone know what was happening.

Our planner was a huge help (even though they tell you that they will not run it for you). She discretely came by our table and let us know "it is time for cake" or "it is time for the first dance" and then we had someone turn on the song, or we got up and cut the cake. She was fantastic!

I am really glad that we didn't spend the money on a DJ. Our reception was definitely not traditional, but we were really happy with the way everything turned out!

Thanks..this was good to hear. I am not the OP, but was reading with interest. We will have approximatelyl 45 people at the reception which will trend traditional but really won't be. We were going to go with an ipod set up and it's good to hear that you felt it went well!

 

[DisneyBrittany]

I'm glad to know that this went well also. My wedding planner assumed we were having a DJ even though I put on my planning kit that I didn't want one. That will be the first thing to go when we get our first BEO!

 

[DisneyDJChuck]

It was made very clear to us that if we didn't hire a DJ, our planner would not be filling the role of MC. We used the iPod setup and had a family member switch between playlists/pause at the appropriate time. There was a microphone for the speeches, and our officiant (a family friend who stayed for the reception) made a blessing that announced brunch.

Since ours was just a small, casual brunch, we didn't feel the need to be announced or to tell everyone what was happening when—it was pretty obvious. When it was time to cut the cake, we just let the staff know, walked over to the cake table and kinda waved at everyone so DH could make a speech.

However, if you are envisioning a traditional reception—especially one with general dancing, not just first dances—where the couple and attendants are announced, the buffet is announced, the dances and speeches are announced, etc. you will either have to get a friend/family member who really knows what they're doing or hire a DJ.

Ditto. I think you hit the nail on the head!

 

[BecBennett]

We didn't have a DJ and everything went beautifully!

I made a playlist on my iPod that I didn't need to change or touch at all during the reception, I just hit play!

We had the best man give a speech and sort of let everyone know what was happening.

Our planner was a huge help (even though they tell you that they will not run it for you). She discretely came by our table and let us know "it is time for cake" or "it is time for the first dance" and then we had someone turn on the song, or we got up and cut the cake. She was fantastic!

I am really glad that we didn't spend the money on a DJ. Our reception was definitely not traditional, but we were really happy with the way everything turned out!

Mine went the same as this. The Ipod music was a little quiet, but it wasn't that much of a problem. It's money I'm glad was spent elsewhere.

 

[YvetteG]

we didn't do music at all. As we were on the terraces in France, and didn't do any of the traditional dancing etc. However, our planner/coordinators took care of everything and made sure everyone knew when it was time for photos, cakes, toasts, etc. it all went very smooth. for us it was casual, with no MC needed.