At a wedding reception, does the DJ typically play music during cocktail hour and dinner?

I like music so I would have music during the cocktail hour. There are many jazzy or instrumental cds that could be played and the DJ wouldn't go into full party mode until the dancing started.

we had a live band as opposed to a dj, but they played throughout most of the cocktail hour (they waited about 15 minutes before starting for people to get themselves organised and for the waiters to start bringing food and drink around) and for the whole reception (6pm to 11pm)......... during the cocktail hour and during dinner, they played slower music that was more for background than anything else.........

your dj shall play as long as you hire him to......... just remember that he shall be entitled to take a few breaks throughout the evening, but he should have some music playing on an ipod or something whilst he's gone.........

we had a live band as opposed to a dj, but they played throughout most of the cocktail hour (they waited about 15 minutes before starting for people to get themselves organised and for the waiters to start bringing food and drink around) and for the whole reception (6pm to 11pm)... during the cocktail hour and during dinner, they played slower music that was more for background than anything else...

your dj shall play as long as you hire him to... just remember that he shall be entitled to take a few breaks throughout the evening, but he should have some music playing on an ipod or something whilst he's gone...

Your DJ will guide you in all of this. When you think about it, all of us were new at everything for our wedding! So just keep in touch with him (or her).

When I think about it, I can't remember whether music has been played during cocktail hours. I can't even remember it for my own wedding! My guess is some kind of background stuff might have been playing, since the cocktail hour is really for mingling and hanging around waiting for the couple to appear.

We had a live band as opposed to a DJ, but they played throughout most of the cocktail hour (they waited about 15 minutes before starting for people to get themselves organised and for the waiters to start bringing food and drink around) and for the whole reception (6pm to 11pm). During the cocktail hour and during dinner, they played slower music that was more for background than anything else.

Your DJ will play as long as you hire him to. Just remember that he will be entitled to take a few breaks throughout the evening, but he should have some music playing on an iPod or something whilst he's gone.

If you hire them for that long, yes.

Most receptions I've been to have had the DJ for cocktail hour and dinner.

All depends on your contract put it down in a written contract all the things you expect and what he is charging you for the serices. DJ's usually get paid by the hour with a 3 hour minimum but check with the people you are considering

The DJ will stay for how many hours you hire them.

Yes, the DJ may announce, but that is entirely up to you! You meet with your vendor in advance and communicate your wants/needs. Your DJ will have questions about your taste in music, special songs to be played, no-play lists and whether or not you want the DJ to announce the couple, the cake cutting, the dinner, table call etc.

I had musicians during the ceremony and cocktail hour, and the DJ was there for the reception only.

Good luck and congratulations!!!

Usually music is played during cocktail hour and throughout the reception. During dinner, it's usually quite, probably instrumental. Yes, the DJ is the one who announces the bridal party as they enter.

At my wedding, the cocktail hour was from 6-7, Reception form 7-11. My DJ was booked for 5-11, with the hour before for set up and final consultation. There was continuous music from 6-11.

Typically yes, there is some at least light music playing during the cocktail hour and dinner. Does your venue offer anything that plays over their system or would you have to bring in the DJ? Speak to them about it. Some places do that. My venue did, and a friends venue did, so did my brothers venue and my other brothers venue. They all took care of the music during dinner and the cocktail hour, then the DJ took over the rest. Not all places offer it, it's best to ask.

How late the DJ plays is up to whatever you book with them.