The wedding DJ does more than just play song requests and the couple’s wedding playlist. He often doubles as the wedding emcee and is tasked to announce the entrance of the wedding party.
The 4 most important reminders for the wedding DJ are:
- Proper pronunciation of names
- Preferences for emceeing
- The proper playlist for each event
- The “do not play” playlist
Complete DJ Wedding Checklist
(Printable “Wedding DJ Checklist” pdf – here.)
Location Details
Wedding venue: __________________
Directions to the wedding venue: __________________________
Reception venue: ________________________________
Directions to the reception venue: ________________________
Wedding Day Schedule
3:00 – End of wedding ceremony
3:30 – Guests arrive at the reception venue
3:45 – Bridal party arrives at the reception venue
4:00 – 8:00 – Reception events
- Guests eat
- The first dance of the couple as newlyweds
- Father-daughter dance
- Mother-son dance
- Opening of the dance floor to all the guests
- Cutting the wedding cake
- Wedding toasts
- Serving of wedding cake
- Bouquet toss
- Garter toss
Announcement Of The Wedding Party
The wedding party will enter the reception venue in pairs. Their names and roles will be announced as they walk into the venue.
- Bride and Groom
- Best Man and Maid of Honor
- Attendants
- Ring Bearer and Flower Girl
Special Events Songs
Songs To Play
These songs MUST be included in the different playlists. These are meaningful songs that are suggested by the wedding party.
Songs To Avoid
These songs MUST NOT be played during the wedding reception.
Genre Checklist
The couple can fill out this worksheet so that the DJ can have an idea of what genres to include in the playlists.
DJ General Behavior and the Couple’s Preferences
Important Things to Tell the Wedding DJ
Proper Pronunciation Of The Names
It could be awkward if the DJ mispronounces the names of the wedding party attendees as they enter the reception venue. At the same time, he couldn’t be blamed if that happens simply because he wasn’t instructed on the proper pronunciation of the names. When preparing the list of names, make sure to include the phonetic spelling. You can also read the names out loud so that he can hear them.
Another thing to clarify is how you want the DJ to announce the entrance of the guests. Should it be “Mr. and Mrs. John Doe” or “Jane and John Doe”? Should there be “Miss” or “Mister” before the names of the rest of the wedding party?
Preferences For Emceeing
The wedding DJ usually doubles as the party emcee. This helps the couple save some money since there’ll only be one entertainer hired instead of two. If your DJ is also the emcee, make sure to clearly outline what your preferences are. Use the checklist above, which outlines the reasonable DJ behaviors. You should also tell him if you’re uncomfortable with being the center of attention or if there are awkward family feuds that must be avoided.
The Proper Playlist For Each Event
It’s your wedding day, so it makes sense to only play songs that are meaningful to you and your partner. Compile a list of your favorite songs to form a playlist. You can also indicate a space for guests to fill in their song requests on the RSVP card.
It’s part of the DJ’s responsibility to prepare the playlist based on the couple’s preferred songs. (That’s where the Wedding DJ Checklist will come in handy)
The “Do Not Play” Playlist
It’s common practice during wedding receptions to request songs for the DJ to play. To make sure that these requests don’t get out of hand, give a list of the songs that you do not want to be played at your wedding. This can be the chicken dance song or any other artist or genre that you just don’t like. You may also instruct the DJ to avoid playing songs with dirty language in them, especially if there are kids among the guests.
