Affordable Wedding Entertainment: Diy Dj Alternatives

If you can't afford a DJ for your wedding, you're not alone. Many couples opt to save money by forgoing a professional DJ and instead taking a DIY approach to their wedding music and entertainment. While a good DJ can enhance the fun and tone of your reception, it's not always a top priority for couples, especially those on a tight budget.

There are several alternatives to hiring a professional DJ, from creating your own playlists to enlisting the help of musically-inclined friends or family members. However, it's important to remember that a DJ does more than just play music. They also act as MCs, make announcements, and keep the event running smoothly. So, if you're planning to forgo a DJ, be sure to consider these additional responsibilities and assign them to someone who can help ensure your wedding runs smoothly.

Create separate playlists for each part of the day

If you're creating your own wedding playlist, it's important to separate your music into different sections of the day. This will help you to create the right atmosphere at the right time and ensure a smooth flow to your celebrations.

Pre-Ceremony

This is the music that will be playing as your guests arrive and take their seats. You'll want to set a happy and relaxed tone, so choose some upbeat tunes that your guests will recognise and perhaps something that reflects the season or your theme.

Processional

This is the music that will play as you walk down the aisle. You'll want something that means something to you and your partner, perhaps a song that you both love or that reflects your journey together. It should be something happy and sweet, but avoid anything too lyrical as you don't want your guests getting distracted by the words and singing along!

Recessional

The music for this part of the day should be joyous and content, reflecting the fact that you've just tied the knot. It could be something a little more upbeat than your processional music, but it doesn't have to be. Again, choose something that means something to you both.

Cocktail Hour/Drinks Reception

For this part of the day, you'll want to choose fun songs that are familiar but not too dance-oriented. You want your guests to be able to settle down with a drink and a chat, but also get them excited for the meal and dancing to come.

First Dance

Traditionally, this is a slow and romantic song, but modern couples are increasingly choosing faster songs that allow them to impress the crowd with their moves. Choose something that means something to both of you and that reflects your relationship.

Wedding Party/Reception

For the rest of the evening, you'll want a mix of fast and slow songs, old and new. This is your chance to get creative and choose songs that you and your partner love. Include a mix of genres to cater to different tastes, and don't be afraid to throw in some guilty pleasures!

Remember to include more music than you think you'll need, just in case. You don't want to run out of songs before the end of the night!

Download playlists to a device and test them

If you're creating your own playlists for your wedding, it's important to download them to your device and test them in advance. This will ensure that they play smoothly during your big day, without any unexpected interruptions or technical difficulties. Here are some tips to help you with this process:

Downloading Playlists:

• Use a music platform like Spotify or YouTube Music Premium to create and download your playlists.
• Consider purchasing or subscribing to a premium service to take advantage of offline download features.
• Save your playlists to a dedicated device, preferably one that has no other responsibilities and can be left unattended during your wedding. An old phone, iPad, or computer are good options.
• Ensure that your device has sufficient storage space for all your playlists.

Testing Playlists:

• Test your playlists on the device in offline mode or airplane mode to simulate the conditions at your wedding venue. This will help you identify any issues with internet connectivity.
• Play through each playlist from start to finish to ensure all songs are downloaded correctly and play as expected.
• Check that the volume and audio quality are consistent across all songs. Adjust as needed to create a seamless listening experience.
• Familiarize yourself with the device's controls, including how to start/stop playlists, adjust volume, and transition between songs.

By following these steps, you can feel confident that your playlists will be ready to go when it's time to celebrate your special day!

Appoint someone to be in charge of the music

Appointing someone to be in charge of the music is a great way to save money on your wedding. Here are some tips to ensure that this goes smoothly:

Create the music playlists

Make a different playlist for each part of the day, such as pre-ceremony, processional, recessional, cocktail hour/dinner, first dance, and dancing. Clearly label these playlists so that whoever is in charge of the music knows which songs to play and when. If you want to be extra organised, you could also number the songs within each playlist to indicate the order they should be played in.

Choose the right device

Download your playlists to a device that has no other responsibilities on the day, such as an old phone, iPad, or laptop. This device should also be one that you're happy to leave unattended for long periods, especially if your wedding is in a public place. Make sure the device is on airplane mode and that the playlists still play without WiFi.

Test the system

Download any apps you need to interface with the venue's music system, such as Sonos or Spotify, and test the system at the rehearsal if possible.

Brief the person in charge

Brief the person you appoint as the keeper of the playlist on which song is which, and how to transition smoothly between songs. For example, instead of abruptly stopping a song by hitting pause, lower the volume slowly and then hit stop before moving on to the next song.

Choose the right speaker system

Go for high-quality speaker systems. Using a speaker that you use at home for parties won't be loud enough or have good enough sound quality for a wedding.

Don't forget the mics

If you need microphones for speeches, make sure you have them set up and tested.

Be your own DJ

If you don't want to appoint a guest to be in charge of the music, you can always be your own DJ. Spend time creating the perfect reception playlist, and then plug in your device and let it play! Just remember to have a microphone on hand so you can speak over the music when you need to.

Ask a friend to create a playlist

If you can't afford a DJ for your wedding, one option is to ask a friend to create a playlist. This can be a great way to save money while still having fun and memorable dance music at your wedding. Here are some tips to consider when asking a friend to create a playlist for your wedding:

• Create separate playlists for each part of the wedding, such as the pre-ceremony, ceremony, cocktail hour, first dance, and dancing. This will make it easier for your friend to manage the music and ensure a smooth flow throughout the event.
• Brief your friend on the songs and their order within each playlist. This will help them understand the overall flow and any specific songs you want for key moments.
• Provide your friend with the device that will be used to play the music, such as an old phone, iPad, or computer. This ensures that your personal devices are not left unattended during the wedding.
• Put the device on airplane mode to test if the playlists will still play without an internet connection. This is important as some venues may have unreliable Wi-Fi.
• Download any necessary apps, such as Sonos or Spotify, and test the system in advance, especially if you plan to use the venue's audio-visual (A/V) system.
• Brief your friend on the technique of fading out songs instead of abruptly stopping them. This creates a smoother transition between songs, especially during important moments like the ceremony processional.
• If possible, have your friend attend rehearsals to familiarise themselves with the setup and flow of the wedding. This will help them feel more prepared and confident on the big day.
• Consider the friend's responsibilities and respect their time. Assigning them the role of managing the playlist means they won't be solely a guest, so communicate clearly and set expectations accordingly.
• If your friend is also a guest, remind them to set alarms or reminders on their phone to stay on track with their playlist duties throughout the event.
• Discuss with your friend in advance and ensure they are comfortable and willing to take on this responsibility. It is important to have their buy-in and commitment to creating a fun and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Choose a live band instead of a DJ

If you're looking for a way to save money on your wedding, one option is to choose a live band instead of a DJ. Here are some reasons why this might be a good idea:

Cost

The cost of a wedding DJ versus a live band varies depending on location, but generally speaking, a DJ is a more affordable option. According to one source, the average cost of a live band is $3,900, while a wedding DJ costs $1,500. Another source states that a live band can be anywhere from four to ten times more expensive than a professional DJ. If you're working with a tight budget, opting for a DJ or even a self-made playlist can help you save money that can be allocated to other aspects of your wedding.

Vibe and Energy

If you're set on having a live performance and the energy that comes with it, a band might be the way to go. Live bands offer a unique performance with interactions with the crowd, choreographed dance moves, and unexpected twists on favourite tunes. They can also be a great choice if you want to hear a song performed live exactly as it sounds on the radio. However, if you're looking for versatility and the ability to switch between genres and styles quickly, a DJ might be a better option. DJs can also be more cost-effective if you're looking for additional services like lighting packages and projectors, as many modern DJs offer such production elements.

Space and Venue Restrictions

When deciding between a band and a DJ, it's important to consider your venue's restrictions and requirements. A band typically needs more space and may have more equipment, so check with your venue manager to ensure your space can accommodate live musicians. There may also be restrictions on electricity use and noise limitations, especially if your venue is in a residential area or has nearby noise-sensitive locations.

Making Your Own Playlist

If you're on a very tight budget or have specific musical tastes, creating your own playlist could be an option. However, this requires a significant amount of work, as you'll need to choose hours' worth of music and carefully plan the flow of the day. You'll also need to consider the technical aspects, such as ensuring your device is on airplane mode and downloading any necessary apps for interfacing with the venue's music system.

In conclusion, choosing a live band over a DJ can be a great way to save money on your wedding, especially if you're willing to be flexible with your musical choices and venue requirements. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide based on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.

Frequently asked questions