DJ questions.

BillandJen

We're trying to decide if we want to hire a dj or just make play lists and plug in an ipod.  The reception is going to be pretty small (under 40 people). My family will be there and not at the much larger reception we're having back home in Boston. A dj is an expense we didn't really figure into our budget because of the larger reception we're planning, but now we kind of want one for both. What are you doing for music/announcements?  Can anyone recommend a good (affordable) dj?  

smokeybailey

Define "affordable." 

MeatAuditor

We're planning on the ipod route for 50 people.  Most of them are relatives and it's hard to imagine them dancing together for a few hours.  We'll have other things for them to do after dinner and just want ambiance music.

We may still do a "first dance", and if people want to dance along after that, that's fine too. 

BillandJen

@ smokeybailey-Affordable for us is around a hundred bucks and hour or so, if it's it's going to cost much more than 3 or 4 hundred for a 3 hour reception we'll probably just skip it and save the $ for our big reception at home.  

MeatAuditor-Are you going to have anyone announce the first dance or announce when you and your husband come in?  That's kind of what I'm worried about.  I would feel rude asking any of our guests to do it.  

smokeybailey

Hmmmm, a hundred/hour is totally doable.  My DJ is around $600 for 5 hours-so pretty close to $100/hour.  Not sure what a 3 hour reception might be but you can certainly reach out to them:  http://www.djaysentertainment.com/.

I did book on a wedding show weekend so I got a discount but check in with them to see if they can help you out.  I think that it's totally worth it.  In fact, they aren't even playing for the 1st 2 hours because we have a piano man, but we don't want to have anyone worry about the tunes, announcements or whatever.

aegrish

We're having my dad 'announce' the first dance after his brief 'thank you all for coming' speech.  kind of an imformal transition...if that makes sense. We're not having anyone announce us because we're going to be at the room ahead of time to greet our guests.  If we were making an 'enterance' though I still wouldn't have anyone announce us...guests will likely stand and clap anyways once they see the couple entering.  At least we did for my friends reception in October (at mon ami)

BillandJen

Thank you both.  I will definitely check out the Dj link.  

ahhhitsshannyn

We went with All Night Long entertainment, and it was BY FAR the best decision that I made. I know that the wedding would have been boring without it!! I say go for it, it will make for a more memorable party!! They are probably more than you want to spend, I paid $600 for 4 hours, but you could probably find them cheaper and also maybe try craigslist for DJs just starting out. The DJ made everything run smoothly and made all of the announcements.