Wedding guides / Music & Entertainment

Music & Entertainment

Covers the ceremony musician(s), reception DJ or live band, and any additional entertainment (MC, dancers, performers).

R8 000 – R25 000 DJ packages sit at the lower end; live bands, especially larger ones, sit considerably higher.

Why it matters

Music sets the tone and energy of the entire reception — a mismatched DJ/band or a poorly planned sound setup is one of the most commonly cited regrets at weddings.

When it should happen

6–9 months out for in-demand DJs/bands on popular dates; confirm the ceremony musician separately, as it's often a different booking.

Questions to ask

Do they bring their own sound equipment, or does the venue need to supply it?
Can they take song requests/a 'do not play' list?
Is an MC included, or is that a separate booking?
What's the backup plan if equipment fails or a band member is unavailable?

Mistakes to avoid

Not confirming sound equipment compatibility with the venue's space/power supply in advance.
Forgetting to submit a 'do not play' list, leading to awkward song choices on the day.
Booking entertainment without asking about a backup plan for equipment or illness.

Worth knowing

Watch a video of them performing at a real wedding reception, not just a studio demo — reading a room and adjusting energy live is a different skill from a polished studio recording.