Everything you need to make sure the music and mic moments hit all the right notes.
Your wedding entertainment sets the tone for your celebration – from romantic ceremony music to high-energy dance floor vibes. Whether you’re hiring a DJ, live band, or MC (or a combination), having a clear checklist will help you communicate your vision, avoid awkward silences, and keep your event flowing seamlessly.
This comprehensive DJ, band, and MC checklist will help you and your vendors stay on the same beat.
Pre-Wedding Preparation
Confirm the Essentials
- Date, time, and full wedding day timeline
- Venue address(es) and setup access time
- Point of contact for the day (planner or designated friend)
- Electrical outlet and stage setup requirements
- Equipment needs (speakers, microphones, lights)
- Backup plan for outdoor events
Music Style & Vibe
- Preferred genres for each part of the day
- Songs to avoid
- Volume preferences for different moments (dinner vs. dancing)
- Guest demographics (age range, cultural considerations)
Special Equipment
- Wireless mic for officiant and toasts
- Additional speakers for separate ceremony/cocktail/reception spaces
- Lighting options (uplighting, dance floor lights)
Ceremony Music Checklist (if applicable)
Pre-Ceremony
- Background music as guests arrive (15–30 min)
- Instrumentals or soft acoustic options
Processional
- Song for family/parents
- Song for wedding party
- Song for bride/groom entrance
During the Ceremony
- Background music for readings or unity rituals
- Mic for officiant
- Mic or sound check for vows (if needed)
Recessional
- Upbeat exit song as newlyweds walk out
Cocktail Hour & Dinner Music
Cocktail Hour
- Light, upbeat music (jazz, acoustic, classics)
- No MC needed unless introducing activities
Dinner
- Softer background music to allow for conversation
- Optional: playlist of couple’s favorites
- MC announces dinner service and any transitions
Reception & Dance Floor Checklist
Grand Entrance
- Confirm entrance song(s) for couple and/or wedding party
- Practice name pronunciation with MC
First Dances
- Couple’s first dance
- Parent dances (father-daughter, mother-son)
- Song edits (if you want to fade in/out or shorten)
Reception Flow
- Toasts & speeches (MC to introduce speakers)
- Cake cutting
- Bouquet/garter toss (if doing)
- Anniversary dance or other traditions
- Last dance and couple’s send-off
Dance Floor Vibes
- Must-play songs list
- Do-not-play list (and how strict you want this enforced)
- Open to requests? Yes/No/Case-by-case
- High-energy songs to get people dancing
- Special moments (e.g., “hora” or cultural dances)
MC Talking Points & Announcements
Timeline Cues
- Announce dinner, toasts, first dances, and cake cutting
- Introduce speakers and keep things moving
- Coordinate with planner/photographer for timing
Vibe Management
- Keep energy up and crowd engaged without over-talking
- Know when to hype the dance floor vs. keep things low-key
Final Week Checklist
- Send finalized timeline and key songs to DJ/band/MC
- Share names and pronunciations for wedding party
- Confirm arrival, setup, and soundcheck time
- Provide vendor meal info (if included)
- Have a printed version of the set list on hand
Final Tips:
- Communicate early and clearly. Share your vision, but trust your pros to read the room.
- Plan key moments. Not every second needs a song, but the big ones should be planned.
- Leave room for spontaneity. Great entertainers shine when they can respond to the energy in the room.
With the right checklist in hand, your wedding entertainment will go off without a hitch – and your guests will be talking about the dance floor for years to come.
