Wedding Planning: Creating a Reception Your Guests Will Remember Forever
When creating a reception your guests will remember forever, couples call to hire a wedding DJ, I always ask one simple question:
“What is your vision for your reception?”
Most couples answer with something like, “I see everyone dancing and having a good time,” followed by, “I just want to enjoy my family and friends.”
That’s a great start—but it’s also very vague.
So here’s the real question:
Do you envision people sitting and eating, or a high-energy dance party?
This may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many couples don’t clearly define this early on. Many assume the reception will “just work itself out” or that decisions can be made on the fly. Unfortunately, the questions you don’t answer before the wedding are the hardest—and most stressful—to answer during the reception, when you’re supposed to be having fun.
Without intentional planning, your reception is left to chance. It might be incredible. It might flop. It might land somewhere in between. And every guest will walk away with a different impression. While you can’t please everyone, a well-thought-out plan dramatically increases your chances of success.
Tips for Planning a Successful Reception
Hire an expert planner.
An experienced wedding planner can help you organize, coordinate, and execute your day seamlessly—relieving a huge amount of stress. Finding the right planner should be a fun part of the process, and there are many talented professionals in East Idaho and Jackson Hole.
Note: Many DJs (including our company) assist with wedding planning elements. However, our primary role is providing music and entertainment—not full coordination. We can make announcements and help guide the flow, but we can’t manage kitchen issues, coordinate vendors, and still deliver top-tier music. DJs who offer planning help can be a great budget-friendly option, but they are not a replacement for a dedicated coordinator whose sole job is keeping the event running smoothly.
Make it entertaining.
Your wedding reception is not a food function—it’s an entertainment function. The food is just one part of how you entertain your guests.
Spend Your Budget Where It Matters
According to Modern Bride Magazine, couples spend an average of just 5% of their budget on music, while 83% goes toward the ring, venue, catering, and attire. Many couples spend more on appetizers than on their DJ.
Yet Bride Magazine reports that 38% of guests remember the music, while only 8% remember the food. No one leaves a reception early because of the appetizers—but they might if the music doesn’t connect.
If the music sets the tone for your entire celebration, it deserves thoughtful consideration.
Choose music that fits you—and your guests.
Your reception is a celebration of you as a couple, shared with your friends and family. When picking the right music for your wedding, be mindful of your audience. A room full of guests over 40 probably won’t want rap music all night. Variety is key to keeping the dance floor full.
Don’t fear traditional wedding music.
Yes, some wedding songs are overplayed, old, or corny. Make a list of songs you don’t want played—but trust your experienced DJ to use a classic or two if it helps get people dancing. Cliché songs are often cliché because they work.
Create a smart request list.
Limit your request list to 10–20 songs, organized by:
- Cocktail Hour
- Dinner
- Dancing
Too many requests make it harder for your DJ to read the room. And remember—dance songs should actually be danceable.
Spend time with your DJ.
It’s crucial that your DJ understands your musical taste before the event. Saying you like “80s music” isn’t enough—do you mean Pop, Rock, Alternative, or New Wave? Be specific. The clearer you are, the better your DJ can create the right vibe.
Let’s Sum It Up
- Start early—planning should be fun, not stressful
- Receptions are entertainment functions, not food functions
- Your reception is about you, with your guests in mind
- Be creative—classy can still be fun
- Don’t eliminate classics just to be different
- If you can’t picture people dancing to a song, save it for dinner or cocktail hour
For more ideas or help planning your reception, email me at tyler@abpdjs.com.