You’ve booked the venue, chosen your photographer, and started thinking about flowers and décor—but what about the entertainment? Your DJ plays a much bigger role in your wedding reception than simply playing music. From introductions and special dances to announcements and keeping the dance floor packed, entertainment can help set the tone for your entire celebration. Use this Wedding Entertainment Checklist to make sure you have all the important details covered.
1. Book Your DJ Early
Popular wedding dates can fill quickly, especially during peak wedding season. Once you have your venue and wedding date secured, entertainment should be high on your priority list.
Before booking, ask about experience, equipment, backup plans, emcee services, and how your DJ works with your other wedding vendors.
2. Plan Your Must-Play Songs
Start making a list of songs you absolutely want to hear. You don’t need to plan every song for the entire evening—that’s where an experienced DJ comes in. Instead, give your DJ a good idea of your musical tastes, favorite artists, and a handful of songs that you know will get your friends and family dancing.
3. Don’t Forget the Do-Not-Play List
Just as important as your favorites are the songs you don’t want played. Maybe there’s a song you hear at every wedding that you can’t stand. Maybe certain genres simply aren’t your style. Let your DJ know ahead of time.
4. Choose Your Special Songs
There are several moments throughout your reception that may need their own song. Your list could include:
- Wedding party introductions
- Couple’s grand entrance
- First dance
- Parent dances
- Cake cutting
- Anniversary dance
- Last dance
Not every wedding includes every tradition, so choose the moments that are meaningful to you.
5. Talk About Your Introductions
How would you like to be introduced? What about your wedding party? Provide your DJ with the correct names—and pronunciations—before the wedding. If there are complicated names, don’t hesitate to provide phonetic spellings.
6. Discuss the Timeline
Your DJ and emcee should understand the flow of your reception, including introductions, dinner, speeches, special dances, cake cutting, and open dancing. A well-planned timeline helps avoid long gaps and keeps guests engaged throughout the evening.
7. Consider Your Guests
Your wedding music should reflect your personality, but you also want your guests to have a great time.
If your guest list includes several generations, a good DJ can blend music from different decades and genres rather than sticking with one style all night. Reading the dance floor and knowing when to change direction is an important part of professional wedding entertainment.
8. Think Beyond the Music
Entertainment can include much more than a playlist. Depending on your venue and vision, you might consider upgraded dance floor lighting, monogram lighting, enhanced sound, cold sparklers, or other special effects that can completely transform the atmosphere of your reception.
9. Coordinate With Your Vendors
Your DJ shouldn’t operate in a bubble. Communication with your photographer, videographer, venue, catering team, and other vendors helps make sure everyone is ready for important moments. You don’t want your photographer out of the room when your first dance suddenly begins!
10. Then Relax and Enjoy Your Wedding!
Once you’ve shared your preferences and planned the important details, you shouldn’t have to worry about what’s happening next. That’s the value of working with an experienced wedding entertainment company.
At An Enchanted Evening, we’ve been helping couples celebrate since 1998. From professional DJ and emcee services to lighting, sound, and special enhancements, our goal is simple: help create a wedding reception that you and your guests won’t want to end.
Your job on your wedding day? Celebrate. Dance. Have fun. Let us take care of the entertainment.
