We’ve all spent some time in our years creating our perfect playlist on Apple Music or Spotify. We rock out to our crafted playlist in the car, at the pool, or turn it up when we clean the house. But, should playlists make an appearance at your wedding, too? We all love a good playlist, but in the grand scheme of things, playlists are not a person. Playlists do not provide a fun ambience, bring lighting to brighten up the space and get your guests dancing, cannot take requests, or bring a sound system with them. DJs and bands play an important role in weddings. They are an essential vendor during the ceremony and the reception. So, let’s talk about why they deserve a line in your wedding budget. 

I’m not going to lie, myself and other wedding assistants have played the role of DJ for many weddings. Back in the day, and we’re talking iPod days, I’ve clicked playlists or had to wait for the right second of the song to stop and change music as the bride walks down the aisle. I’m going to be real with you, I get stressed out just thinking about it. It was stressful. Even with a playlist, I can feel myself scrambling and worrying if the song would play, or if the plug with give feedback in the system. I never liked playing DJ. There are too many mistakes to happen and you definitely don’t want your loved ones or guests to be in charge of a role that should be played by a professional. 

One of the biggest roles we play is coordinating the day of your wedding. This includes scheduling and accounting for each minute of your wedding day. One of the key people we coordinate with to create this timeline is your DJ or band. Your vendor in charge of entertainment will determine what kind of sound system set up is needed for the ceremony and the reception. We will discuss the exact portion of your songs, to the second, where to start, where to play, and your entertainment will handle it seamlessly. Once we coordinate the timing for your procession, recession, cake cut, first dance, mother daughter etc., your DJ will stick to the timing and ensure that your wedding runs smoothly with all of your must-have songs being played. You will not have to worry about when your music will play or how it will be executed. Your DJ or band will have it covered! 

Your hired DJ or band will also help keep your wedding lively and your guests engaged. Many entertainment vendors will have various options and extras that can add some spice to your wedding day! We’ve seen gorgeous uplighting that compliments our couples’ wedding colors, as well as their monogram in lights during their first dance. Your entertainment can fit your personality and your vibe. You will meet with your vendor prior to the wedding day to determine your must haves and your do not play list. And trust us, this do not play list is important. You can decide if you want guests to ask for requests, or if you want your DJ to select music based on the vibe of the crowd. Once we had a group of individuals that seemed to really love 90’s hip hop and the DJ felt their energy and adjusted his music with the approval of the bride and groom. They are professionals that contribute largely to the atmosphere of your wedding day. 

Now, you might be thinking that DJ’s and bands are outdated. Or perhaps you think, “I don’t want my reception to feel like a club.” Well, did you know that there are different types of DJs or bands? We like to think of DJs like a photographer. Photographers have different styles and editing. Some like their photos posed and crisp and clean, while other photographers prefer candid shots with warm tones. Much like you shop for a photographer, you’ll shop for a wedding entertainer. DJs and bands provide different experiences. Some offer a classic DJ experience, some mix songs as they go, others work on getting the crowd up and dancing. We’ve seen live bands that work on getting guests dancing and participating. There are a wide variety of DJs and bands out there and we have worked with so many fabulous vendors that create a stress free wedding day for other vendors and their clients. 

When you select a wedding entertainer, the first question you’ll want to ask is what kind of experience do you and your guests want to have. What do you envision for your wedding day? Do you want a live concert feeling? Or do you want a DJ that can keep the crowd up and dancing? Once you determine the style of DJ of the band you’d like, the next step is determining what role you want your vendor to play on your wedding day. Each company will have different packages and offer different skill ranges and extras. We suggest meeting with a few vendors and determining what each vendor can offer. You want to find a vendor that will be a good fit with your energy, personality, and wedding expectations. 

Once you’ve selected your DJ or band, you want to meet with them and determine what you style is for the ceremony and reception. Often your vendor can help you select your songs for the ceremony or first dance, but you are more than welcome to bring ideas to the meeting! Be sure to be clear on your don’t play list, what their systems are for the ceremony and reception, your view on requests, when the last song will be played, and how your wedding coordinator will incorporate your DJ or band into wedding day announcements. 

Although playlists may seem like the more affordable option, we hands-down recommend hiring a DJ or wedding band to entertain you and your guests on your wedding day. They are professionals that are able to ensure you will have a stress-free wedding day and be able to focus on your wedding and enjoy the company of your guests. Having the right wedding entertainment can make or break your wedding. They help create the energy for your wedding day and keep your guests dancing through the night. So, just say NO to the playlist… we promise you won’t regret it.

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.