Here is a list of some of the pros and cons and thoughts of hiring a DJ versus playing a Spotify playlist for one of the most important days of your life.

Hire A Wedding DJ?

Pros

•Splurging on an experienced DJ is better than having an unprepared DJ.

•Knowing what song to play for the biggest positive outcome. This only comes from experience.

•As an example, an experienced DJ knows from the time guests arrive through the meal is a gold mine of information as to the style of music guests prefer. The music played helps DJs determine what songs are guests bobbing their heads to, tapping their toes to, and lip-syncing to.

•A party’s biggest failure during the reception’s party time is emptying the dance floor. DJs think 3 songs ahead to keep the dance floor bopping at all times.

•An experienced DJ knows what it will take to make an amazing party and not just a family get-together. Knowing what songs to play to keep the energy up is a coveted talent.

•Having announcements made with style and class. Plus, knowledge of when not to be on the mic - like announcing tables for buffet eating. 

•You can almost always find a DJ for any budget.

Cons

•An increased cost to the budget.

•Having trust in the DJ to create your desired type of celebration.

•Whether family and friends have a good time at your wedding is primarily in the hands of the DJ. Hiring an incompetent DJ could be catastrophic to the success of the event. 

Play a Spotify Playlist?

Pros

•Couples on a limited budget may not be able to hire a professional DJ. A Spotify playlist satisfies this scenario.

•You play exactly the songs you want in the desired order.

•Internet is not needed as long as you activate offline mode on Spotify.

•You don’t have to worry about hiring a DJ that is 1. unprofessional, 2. doesn’t show up, or 3. doesn’t care about the success of the event.

Cons

•Guests typically remember if they had a good time or not at your wedding. Having a DJ will exponentially increase the odds of everyone enjoying themselves by playing the right tracks at the right time.

•Someone will need to prepare the playlist.

•Will the playlist creator know what song will get guests excited and in a party mood?

•The playlist is set in stone. There are no switching song selections if guests are reacting positively or negatively to a specific era or genre.

•A person is needed to queue the playlist for specific moments of the wedding day (like formal dances).

•You will need a sound system to play the music from your Spotify playlist.

•This could include the use of an in-house system already available at the venue, Bluetooth speakers, and a PA System and speaker rental. I recommend you rent a professional PA System over Bluetooth speakers to prevent spotty connections.

•I am going to put this as a con to a Spotify playlist. It is the DJ’s job to work closely with the couple to create a memorable celebration for everyone. However, the success of the wedding should be only judged through the eyes of the couple. DJs have the experience and dedication to make that happen.

Details of an Experienced DJ

•If you hire a DJ for a four-hour reception, contemplate what goes into the four-hour event for the DJ.

•Communication time with the wedding couple with phone calls. texts, emails, meetings, etc. (2-4 hours)

•Building a music library. DJs cannot legally play music directly from YouTube. DJs must legally purchase their music for public performances (Big Bucks). Why not just play songs from YouTube? Besides the legal ramifications, there is a quality of sound issue. Basically, the songs sometimes don’t sound good through a sound system.

•DJ equipment including laptops, DJ software, speakers, headphones, microphones, furniture, lighting, and more. (minimum investment of tens of thousands)

•Preparation time includes assembling a pre-planned playlist, arriving 1-2 hours prior to the event, and not leaving until at least 1 hour after the event ends. Travel time to the event with loading and unloading time. Preorganizing the day’s events. (minimum of five hours to ten hours - also count in years of experience to know what songs work well together for specific crowds at designated moments)

•Splurging on an experienced DJ is better than having an unprepared DJ.

Details of a Spotify Wedding Playlist

•A premium individual Spotify account is $10.99 per month.

•This is required to not have commercials played during your wedding.

•Time is needed to review the optimal settings such as blending songs (known as crossfading).

•Click your profile picture at the top, and select Settings.

•Scroll down to Playback.

•Switch Crossfade songs on.

•Move the slider to select the crossfade length. (start at 3 seconds)

•Time is needed to create music folders for your wedding day.

•Time is needed to select all of the music to play during your wedding day.

Tips for Playing a Spotify Playlist

•Create music folders for your wedding day.

•Folder for ceremony

•Folder for background music

•Folder for formal moments such as dances

•Folder for party dance songs

•Consider the preferred eras and genres of music of all of your guests. Be considerate of their enjoyment at your wedding. Even if you love metal rock music, there is a way to tastefully incorporate it into your wedding day (there are many cover songs).

•Try to be more open-minded about the dancing time of your reception. Play party favorites during the party time for everyone to sing their heart out and dance to their favorite hits.

•As a rule of thumb, the worst song you can play is the one that no one knows (unless the song has special meaning to the wedding couple - then it is a must-play).

•Get song ideas and a wedding music checklist on MyWeddingSongs.com

Warning: Don’t wait until the last week before the wedding to create your playlist. Give yourself a month to plan out a playlist everyone will enjoy.

Duplicate your playlist with someone you trust with access to it offline as a backup.

A Spotify playlist can be ideal when:

• You having a "cake-only" reception.

• You’re inviting less than 30 guests.

• You’re not planning on dancing.

There is no right or wrong answer. Only you, as the wedding couple, can decide what you think is best for your wedding...and here's to YOUR amazing wedding day! ~ Dave ~

Today’s weddings have become more than just the exchange of vows and a big party afterward. They’ve become immersive experiences that encompass not only the big day itself but also an exciting array of pre and post-wedding parties that stretch far beyond the “I do’s.”

If you want to turn your wedding into a multi-event experience that brings family and friends together, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re unravelling a list of pre and post-wedding parties that will elevate your big day to higher levels. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of a bridesmaids’ luncheon or the exuberance of a bachelorette bash, prepare to be inspired. 

Engagement party

One thing to remember when planning your pre and post-wedding parties is to be mindful of your guest list because anyone who gets an invite should also be invited to the wedding. 

That being said, one of the earliest pre-wedding parties to put on your calendar is the engagement party. Typically occurring a few months after the proposal, an engagement party is a great way to celebrate the moment your fiance popped the question. And the best thing about this type of celebration is that it can be hosted by anyone and be as grand or informal as you want. 

Restaurants, lounges, party rooms and banquet halls are all ideal venues for larger engagement parties. For more intimate gatherings, nothing could be sweeter than a backyard affair, either at your own home or that of a family member or friend. And with brunch, lunch and dinner parties all on the table, the options are truly endless. 

Wedding shower (or couples shower)

The bridal shower is typically a daytime gathering arranged by the bridal party or family that takes place a few months before the wedding to shower the bride with gifts. This celebration is frequently a luncheon, tea party, or light hors d’oeuvres social and has traditionally been reserved only for women. 

This tradition dates back to medieval times when a father didn’t approve of a marriage or refused to provide a dowry. The community would gather together to gift the bride with essential household items she would need. 

In today’s modern times, the wedding shower has evolved to be a couple’s shower with a co-ed guest list, with both engaged parties attending. This event often has a theme and fun games that revolve around the couple or married life.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen luncheon

The luncheons for the bridesmaids and groomsmen are often the first significant event of a wedding weekend, taking place in the afternoon the day before the ceremony. It’s a time for the bride and her bridesmaids and the groom and his groomsmen to enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed environment before all the craziness of the wedding day ensues. 

The mid-day activities typically occur on the same day, although they’re generally hosted in different locations. The wedding party has traditionally planned and covered the cost of these luncheons, but given the numerous expenses they already have to pay for, many modern couples are choosing to cover the expense themselves. 

This is one of the pre-wedding parties that are still relatively new and not practiced by everyone. But the bridesmaid and groomsmen luncheon is an excellent way for the soon-to-be weds to enjoy their favourite people and extend the wedding celebrations without all their guests. 

Bachelorette and bachelor parties

Weddings celebrate the couple joining together in love and commitment, and the most anticipated of the pre-wedding parties are the bachelorette and bachelor parties which celebrate the individuals. So let’s party!

These soirees symbolize a final fling of singledom, celebrated with a group of the bride and groom’s closest friends. It can be anything from one fun night out on the town to a multi-day adventure. 

Rehearsal dinner for the bridal party

The final formal event before the wedding is the rehearsal dinner. As the name suggests, this dinner follows the ceremony rehearsal. The wedding party, immediate family, and anyone involved in the ceremony is often invited to the rehearsal dinner, but out-of-town guests may also receive an invitation. 

The rehearsal dinner is customarily hosted by the groom’s parents, though the wedding couple also commonly hosts it themselves. Although there are many options for where to host a rehearsal dinner, private rooms at restaurants or in homes are the best choices.

Welcome party for the guests

The welcome party is a terrific way to kick off your big weekend if you and your partner expect many out-of-town guests. This activity brings your guests together to foster conversation and create a lively atmosphere. 

A simple backyard cookout, a private room at a neighbourhood restaurant, or a cocktail party at a hotel bar are all good options. This is the ideal occasion to catch up with distant relatives and friends.

Day after brunch

A brunch held the day after the wedding allows guests to say farewell following a weekend of celebration. This is also a great opportunity for out-of-town guests to say goodbye to family and friends. It’s generally a fun and relaxed event that’s held at a restaurant, banquet hall or at home, and many times is laid out as a buffet-style meal that combines breakfast and lunch items but can truly be any style you prefer...and here’s to your SPECTACULAR wedding day! ~ Dave ~

Imagine a classic vintage car like a Rolls Royce pulling up, its sleek lines reflecting the glimmering sunlight, whisking you to your fairytale wedding ceremony. Or picture yourselves soaring through the skies in a luxurious helicopter as you make your grand exit from your wedding. Luxury wedding transportation is a great way to elevate your event from ordinary to extraordinary, and these two ideas are just the beginning. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional or seeking something entirely out-of-the-box, there are endless possibilities to ensure you and your partner arrive and depart in style, leaving your guests in awe. So, if you’re ready to turn heads and leave a lasting impression, join us as we explore a curated list of unique and captivating ideas for luxury wedding transportation.

Classic vintage car

When it comes to ultra-stylish wedding transportation, few options can match the allure of a vintage car. Stepping into a beautifully restored classic vehicle will transport you back in time to a bygone era of romance and elegance. The gentle purr of the engine, the luxurious interior, and the graceful curves of the bodywork will perfectly complement sophisticated weddings. Look into renting a vintage Rolls-Royce, a glamorous Cadillac or a sleek Jaguar, all of which will add a dash of old-world glamour to your special day.

Stretch limousine

Stretch limousines have been the quintessential choice for luxury wedding transportation for generations. And it’s no surprise why — they’re timeless and luxurious to boot, ensuring a stylish and unforgettable entrance. With its luxurious amenities and spacious interior, a stretch limousine offers comfort and sophistication, allowing you to savour every moment of your journey to the altar.

Luxury sports car

For daring and adventurous couples, choosing a luxury sports car for your wedding transportation is the ultimate statement of style and excitement. Imagine the thrill of speeding to your ceremony in a sleek and powerful machine, turning heads and leaving guests in awe. Combining cutting-edge design and high-performance engineering creates an unparalleled experience, reflecting your dynamic love and shared passion for life’s exhilarating moments. With a luxury sports car as your chariot, you’re not only making a grand entrance or exit, but also setting the stage for an unforgettable wedding day that perfectly embodies your spirit of adventure and celebration.

Helicopter

Whisking away from your wedding together in a helicopter is the epitome of high-class adventure, taking your celebration to new heights — literally! You can charter a helicopter for a few hours to transport you from the wedding ceremony to reception, making for an incredible getaway and photo opp. Plus, boarding a luxury chopper right after saying “I do” is a chance to steal a private moment, high above the clouds, amidst the whirlwind of the day.

Horse-drawn Cinderella carriage

We can’t complete our list of luxury wedding transportation without including a horse-drawn carriage ride. Step into your real-life fairytale with a Cinderella horse and carriage ride, which will transform your wedding day into a magical and unforgettable experience. As you arrive at your ceremony or depart as newlyweds, the enchanting carriage, drawn by regal horses, will capture the hearts of everyone present. It will be a scene straight from a movie, one that you’ll cherish forever.

Unique wedding transportation ideas

Luxury wedding transportation doesn’t just include vehicles with four wheels — there are many other unique options that will get you from point A to point B. Your wedding venue of choice can help determine what type of transportation will best suit your wedding. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Pedicab
• Taxi
• Streetcar
• Segue
• Ski lift
• Tractor (perfect for rustic weddings)
• Moped
• Dog sled team
• Motorcycle
• Golf cart
• Seaplane
• Antique train or trolley

... and here's to your AMAZING wedding day! ~ Dave ~

Are you considering your wedding a “child free” zone? No we’re not talking about infants - although it seems mandatory to have a screaming baby during the most tender moments of your ceremony. That’s always the chance you take. We’re talking about those kids that are generally preteen and clearly do not want to be at a wedding and are bored out of their minds.

We can’t tell you the amount of brides we’ve worked with over the years who tell us in advance there’s not a chance there will be any children allowed at their wedding. They’ve been to way too many weddings where children are completely disruptive, while parents are getting three sheets to the wind and their children are misbehaving and causing a ruckus.

You might wonder how this affects us as a wedding vendor? Well, we set up thousands of dollars of sensitive electronic equipment. We don’t generally think of the dance floor or photobooth area as McDonald’s Playland-  but clearly some parents do. Not only could children damage the equipment but they can seriously injure themselves.

I DJ’d a wedding in 2017 where children were running around in circles on the dance floor during dinner and I politely advised the parents that it was very unsafe and they should remove them for their own safety. They got seriously upset and left the wedding and then wrote a review as to what a monster I was. Go figure. I was more concerned with their safety than anything else. Clearly, the parents were not. I simply didn’t think it was a good idea for a 50 pound speaker to come tumbling down on a child. 

There is a simple solution to all this: have those kids around a preteen age supervise a designated play area at the venue for the toddlers that need and want something to do such as colouring, playing games, organizing, a sing-along - even in a separate room. We’ve seen this and it works great. Those pre-teen children then have a purpose at the wedding and the toddlers are kept busy. It’s a win-win for everyone!

The other option is simple: designate your wedding a “child free” zone and be done with it. You are almost guaranteed to get some pushback, but either way you are taking a risk in ensuring a successful outcome of your most special day. Wedding receptions are not cheap and are an immense planning project. As 25+ year wedding pros we strongly encourage you to consider all these options… and here’s to you having an amazing wedding day!  ~ Dave ~