Wedding Reception Q&As

Answers to your questions about toasting, timing, and traditional reception rites and rituals.

Q: We hired a DJ who was recommended by our reception site manager. Should we give him a play list of our favorite songs (my crowd loves to dance), or just let him do his thing? 

A: It’s always better to inform your DJ or band of the type of music you want played. I’m assuming that you’ve already listened to the demo tape and have some idea of your DJ’s style. Regardless, you should provide a play list of your favorite tunes and, if yours is a dancing crowd, you’ll want to make sure he spins lots of get-on-your feet music. Work out the list in advance and don’t forget to include slower-paced tunes for guests who prefer that type of dancing. Make sure your repertoire has something for everyone and leave a lot of the hard-core partying tunes for the middle and end of the reception. Another caveat: Don’t play loud dance music during the dinner, and don’t sit Grandma and Aunt Ethel near the DJ or speakers. They won’t appreciate being blasted by pulsating rock tunes!

<< More Wedding Reception Advice

Pages