When couples are trying to find a way to stretch the budget, the question often comes up if they really need a DJ or would a Spotify play list do? We’ve seen both options work very well and we’ve seen both have their drawbacks.
I’ll explore the pros and cons of both so you can make the most informed decision for your preferences and budget.
Pros of hiring a DJ...
Almost every wedding has a dance component in the program and hiring a DJ is a fantastic way to keep the crowd moving and engaged with music and lighting. An experienced DJ can read the crowd, gauge the energy in the room and adjust the music accordingly. They have an extensive music library and their sound equipment is top-notch guaranteeing excellent sound quality and a well lit dancefloor. Your chances of a “technical error” somewhere during the day are almost non-existent by hiring a DJ. Some DJs also offer MC services, a photo booth, fireworks, fog machine, music and mic set-up for your ceremony and even limo service.
Cons of hiring a DJ...
DJ’s are like any other vendor and they can vary in skill, product and price. Hiring a seasoned and professional in demand DJ can be relatively expensive and if you already know that your crowd is not a dancing crowd, you may choose to dedicate this part of your budget to another more meaningful experience for your guests. As well, keep in mind that if you need music for the ceremony and the reception in addition to the dance, you may be paying extra for a DJ to be on location throughout the whole day. Also, be sure to ask if you can confirm which DJ will be at your wedding. When you hire a DJ through a larger company, if you don’t specifically ask for a certain DJ, you may get someone else that works for the company who may have less experience or a different style than the one you wanted or saw at another wedding. Also note that if a DJ is with you through the day, they usually require at minimum 1 break and a meal.
Pros of a Spotify Playlist...
The obvious benefit of using a Spotify playlist for your wedding is the cost savings. If someone is willing to give up their phone for the evening and your venue has a speaker system already in place you may only have to purchase the right cord to connect a device to their speakers and you have a DIY DJ. You (or someone you designate) will have full control over the playlist and could handpick every song for your personal playlist. There may be a minimal fee or no cost for use of the A/V equipment at your venue and for your Spotify subscription.
Cons of a Spotify Playlist...
Depending on who is in charge of the task of running the music (assuming they are a guest and not a professional) then they run the risk of being distracted at some point during the wedding or requiring their phone for personal reasons. They may have their own taste in music and change it up without reading the crowd and could possibly lose interest of the guests. Other potential challenges such as unreliable Wi-Fi or mobile data, failure to keep battery loaded or buffering could also occur. If the venue has speakers that are easily accessible, make sure they are set-up for optimum sound and experience for your guests ie. they could be too far from the dancefloor or concentrated in one area that could be too loud for some or too quiet for others. This usually means that speakers should be lifted off the floor and on stands. If you want lighting, then you will need to source and rent your own as many venues don’t have lighting for a dancefloor. This could also mean more set-up and take-down by a friend or guest at your wedding and it could be hard for them to commit to this task once they are enjoying their time as a guest.
In Summary...
It has been my experience that if you have a smaller wedding with reliable guests to take on the music responsibilities and a venue with a professional sound system (be sure to do a sound check during your venue tour) then a Spotify playlist can work very well. However, if you have a lively larger guestlist looking for that party athmosphere and require ceremony support, lighting and MC support with minimal to no risk with your entertainment, then a professional DJ will keep you and your guests entertained and celebrating to the last possible minute.
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