What time does a DJ usually start at a wedding?

The typical start time for a wedding DJ is between 7pm and 8pm. This is when the formal part of the day, such as the wedding breakfast and speeches, is usually finished, and guests are ready to move into the evening party. If your ceremony and meal finish earlier, you might ask the DJ to start at 6pm, especially if you want music during the drinks reception or while guests are waiting.

Some couples prefer a later start, around 9pm, if they have a long dinner or want to keep the evening relaxed. Others ask the DJ to play from the start of the evening reception, which might be 6.30pm or 7pm, and then continue until the venue closes. The DJ will need time to set up before they start playing, usually about an hour, so they may arrive at the venue earlier than their official start time.

It's worth thinking about the flow of your day. If you have a band playing earlier in the evening, the DJ might start after their set. If you have a ceilidh or a quiz, the DJ might play before and after. Talk to your DJ about your schedule and agree the exact start time in your contract, including whether they will play background music during dinner or only start when the dancing begins.