Timeline Tips: When Should the DJ Start and Finish at Your Wedding?

Planning your dream wedding in Aotearoa? From golden-hour beach vows to vineyard celebrations under the stars, the soundtrack of your big day matters—and so does the timing. One of the most common questions we get at New Zealand DJ Collective is: "When should the DJ actually start and finish at my wedding?" Let’s break it down so your party runs smoothly and keeps the dance floor buzzing all night long.

Why the DJ Timeline Matters

Your wedding DJ does more than just press play. We're curators of your celebration's energy—from setting the tone during your ceremony to driving the dance floor late into the night. Getting the start and finish times right ensures:

- Seamless transitions between key moments
- No awkward silences or energy drops
- The best value from your entertainment investment

Here’s how to time it just right.

1. Ceremony: Should the DJ Start This Early?
Start time: 30–45 minutes before your ceremony begins
Finish: Immediately after the ceremony ends

Even if you have live musicians or a celebrant handling the ceremony, a wedding DJ can manage pre-ceremony ambience, cue entrance songs, and run sound for your vows. If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, this is a no-brainer.

Pro Tip: Add a mic for the celebrant and vows—especially for outdoor weddings with unpredictable Kiwi weather.

 
2. Cocktail Hour: Creating a Seamless Transition
Start: Immediately after the ceremony
Finish: When dinner starts or guests move to the reception area

This is where the DJ helps maintain flow. We’ll curate a chill, upbeat vibe for mingling, photos, and canapés—setting the tone without stealing the show.

Popular NZ Cocktail Hour Tracks:

- Fat Freddy’s Drop – “Wandering Eye”
- Lorde – “Solar Power”
- L.A.B – “Take It Away”
 
3. Reception Start: When the Party Kicks Off
Start: When guests are seated for dinner
Finish: Typically between 10:30 PM and midnight (depending on venue rules)

This is where the timeline truly varies depending on your style of wedding. We recommend having your DJ:

- Play light background music during dinner
- Handle introductions, speeches, and announcements
- Build energy gradually toward the first dance and open dance floor

First dance tip: Schedule it after dinner and before dessert to get people up and moving early.

 
4. Dancing: The Main Event
Start: After formalities (usually 8:30–9:00 PM)
Finish: Based on venue restrictions or your energy levels—often 11:00 PM or later

This is the moment everyone remembers—the packed dance floor, the singalongs, the last slow dance. Let your DJ read the crowd, build energy, and close strong with a final banger or heartfelt send-off.

Can’t Miss NZ Floor Fillers:

- Six60 – “Don’t Forget Your Roots”
- Drax Project – “Woke Up Late”
- Savage – “Swing” (for a throwback moment)

How Long Should I Book My DJ For?

At New Zealand DJ Collective, we recommend the following wedding DJ packages:

Ceremony + Reception Package: 6–8 hours
Reception Only Package: 4–6 hours
All-Day Coverage: 8–10+ hours (for peace of mind and ultimate vibe control)

Final Thoughts: Customise Your DJ Timeline for Your Wedding

Every wedding is different—beach weddings, rustic barn parties, or sleek city receptions—so your DJ timeline should reflect your unique vibe. The most important thing? Communicate your vision early with your DJ, and trust the pros to adapt and flow with the day.

At New Zealand DJ Collective, we’re here to guide you through every beat of the day. Let’s make it unforgettable, together.

🎧 Ready to Plan Your Wedding DJ Timeline?
Contact New Zealand DJ Collective for custom DJ packages, expert timeline advice, and the perfect soundtrack to your New Zealand wedding.

 
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