Answering your top wedding reception questions
Our couple Kate and Ryan with guests during speeches. Captured by Lulu + Lime.
This post is adapted from a highly requested episode of Project Engaged - which, fun fact, is the official wedding podcast hosted by the owners of THE SOUNDTRACK. Drawing on real-world experiences from the professional DJ and MC team at One More Song (us - Eddy and Aleks), we are breaking down the most common questions couples have about their wedding receptions.
From managing rogue music requests to maximising your time on the dance floor, here is everything you need to know for a stress-free, unforgettable party.
How much input do we have into the music?
This is the big one! If you have never booked a DJ before, you might wonder if you need to hand over a minute-by-minute playlist or if the DJ just “wings it”.
We use a comprehensive "Party Brief" questionnaire. This covers everything from your key moment tracks (like your entrance and first dance) to the overall vibe of the night.
We highly encourage couples to send over Spotify playlists to act as an "audio mood board". You don’t need to stress about the exact order of the tracks; that’s your DJ's job! We use your preferences as a base to read the crowd and drop the right track at the exact right moment.
Oh, and we definitely want to know your "do not play" list - so we can save you from any primary school disco flashbacks (unless you actually want the Nutbush!).
Do you take requests from guests on the night?
The short answer is: Yes, with an asterisk.
Our DJs are always happy to field requests, but they act as a filter. If a guest requests a song that is firmly on your "do not play" list, or if it totally clashes with the vibe you’ve briefed us on, our DJs will politely decline or ask for an alternative. Sometimes, a guest suggests an absolute banger, but it isn't the right time (like asking for Mr. Brightside five minutes after the dance floor opens). We’ll save those epic tracks for peak party time.
Hot tip: Don’t ban guest requests entirely. If you tell your guests "no requests," they tend to view it as a challenge and will hassle the DJ even more. Trust your DJ to handle the crowd professionally.
Do we really need an MC?
Trust us on this one: you definitely need an MC.
Even if you are planning a relaxed, non-traditional cocktail wedding, someone has to be responsible for announcing the key moments. Being an MC isn't just about public speaking; it is about coordination. A professional MC ensures that your photographer is in place before the cake is cut, checks that the father-of-the-bride isn't in the bathroom when it's time for speeches, and keeps the whole night flowing.
If you want to avoid a "stuffy" or formal vibe, that’s completely fine. Many DJs can smoothly take on the MC role, or you can ask a confident friend. But having one point of contact to run the timeline is non-negotiable for a stress-free night.
How do we maximise our dancing time?
If you are a couple whose main priority is letting loose on the dance floor, our golden rule when it comes to timings, is to work backwards.
If your reception ends at 11:00 pm and you want a solid two hours of dancing, you must block out 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm as non-negotiable party time. Slot all your formalities in before that block.
Here are a few other proven hacks to get more time on the floor:
Keep speeches short: Cap them at 3 minutes. If you give speakers 5 minutes, they will inevitably take 10!.
Opt for roving desserts: Don't let dessert become a formal, sit-down course that traps people at their tables. Keep the momentum high by having a roaming dessert served while people are mingling or already dancing.
Consider a winter wedding: Because the sun sets earlier in winter, your golden hour photos happen earlier in the timeline. This means your photographer won't have to pull you off the dance floor later in the night for sunset portraits!
Bonus option - extend your reception: Adding just one extra hour to a standard 5-hour reception builds in flexibility and almost guarantees extra dancing time.
When should we do the first dance?
Most couples choose to do their first dance straight after the speeches to officially kick off the open dance floor. We highly recommend getting your guests to stand up and form a half-circle around the dance floor rather than watching from their tables. It creates instant energy, gets people out of their seats, and looks incredible in photos.
However, if you are nervous about being the centre of attention, consider an early "dance bracket". You can do your first dance immediately after your grand entrance into the reception, invite everyone to join you for 10-15 minutes of upbeat throwback classics, and then have everyone sit down for entrées. It breaks the ice instantly and gets the energy high early on!
Is it worth adding a sax player?
Adding a live element like a sax player is the most popular addition we see, and for good reason.
It gives you the incredible, interactive energy of a live band while still allowing you to hear the original, original tracks you love (like a hip-hop classic or a house anthem) mixed by a DJ. If you can keep the sax player a secret from your guests until they jump out onto the dance floor, it’s a fun surprise.
We hope these insights help you plan the perfect, party-focused wedding reception! Eddy and Aleks also answer some of the most commonly asked questions about ceremonies on this episode of their podcast too.
Listen to the full episode
You can listen to the full podcast episode below or by searching “Project Engaged” on your favourite podcast app.
Planning your wedding and want an awesome DJ to bring the vibes? Get in touch!
