Updated 15 October 2026
Great wedding entertainment is planned moment by moment, not booked in one go. This checklist shows who covers each part of the day, what each type of act brings, the questions to ask, and when to book so nothing is left to chance.
Who covers what on the day
| Moment | Who to book | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Walk in and ceremony | A singer, string player, saxophonist or choir | Give them the exact songs and the cue for the bride’s entrance |
| Signing of the register | The same ceremony musician | Plan two or three songs, as signing often takes longer than expected |
| Drinks and photos | An acoustic duo, saxophonist or a DJ playing background music | Keep the volume low enough for conversation |
| Grand entrance | The DJ and MC, sometimes a dance crew | Send the DJ the order of entrance and the song for each group |
| Speeches and programme | The MC | Share names, pronunciations and the order of speakers |
| First dance | The DJ, or a singer performing live | Confirm the exact version and length of the song |
| Dance floor | The DJ or a band | Ask for a mix that works for every generation |
| Send off | The DJ | Agree the last song and the venue’s end time |
DJ, MC, band or choir: what each brings
DJ
The most flexible choice. A wedding DJ can play quiet music during dinner, run the entrance and keep the dance floor full until the end. Many bring their own sound system and microphones. See wedding DJs.
MC
The MC runs the programme, introduces speakers, manages timing and handles surprises calmly. A bilingual MC helps when families speak different languages. See MCs for hire.
Live band or singer
Live music makes the ceremony and dinner feel special. Bands cost more and need more space and power, so many couples book a singer for the ceremony and a DJ for the reception. See singers for hire.
Choir
A choir brings real emotion to the ceremony, the walk in and the signing. It suits church weddings and traditional celebrations. See gospel singers and choirs.
Instrumentalists
A violinist, string duo or saxophonist is ideal for the ceremony and cocktail hour, and needs little space. See violinists and saxophonists.
Traditional and cultural celebrations
Many South African couples celebrate more than once: an umembeso, a lobola celebration or a traditional ceremony, and a white wedding. Each day has a different feel, so plan the entertainment for each one separately.
- For a Zulu traditional celebration, a Maskandi group or a choir is a natural fit, with a DJ for later in the day.
- Ask the MC whether they are comfortable hosting the traditional parts of the programme, and in which languages.
- Tell the DJ which traditional songs the families expect, and when they should be played.
Planning your wedding? Find your DJ, MC, singer or choir on Discover and send a booking request straight from their profile.
Your wedding entertainment timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 9 to 12 months before | Set your budget and decide which moments need which act. Shortlist DJs, MCs and live acts. |
| 6 months before | Book the DJ, MC and any band or choir. Peak weekends go first. |
| 3 months before | Agree the running order, entrance songs, first dance and any traditional music. |
| 1 month before | Send the final programme, names and pronunciations, and venue contact details. |
| 1 week before | Confirm arrival and setup times, power, parking and the venue’s end time. |
| On the day | Give one person the job of being the contact for the entertainment. |
Questions to ask every act
- Are you available on our date, and how long will you perform?
- What is included in the quote: sound, microphones, lighting, travel?
- What do you need from the venue: power, space, a table, a dressing room?
- Can you learn or play a special song for us?
- What happens if the programme runs late, and what does overtime cost?
- Can you work with our MC or DJ on cues for the key moments?
Frequently asked questions
Do we need both a DJ and an MC?
For most weddings, yes. The DJ handles the music and the MC runs the programme. Some DJs can MC as well, which works for smaller weddings with a short programme.
How early should we book our wedding entertainment?
Book your DJ, MC and any band or choir about six months ahead, earlier for peak weekends. Weekends from September to April are the busiest wedding season in most of South Africa.
Can a singer perform at the ceremony and a DJ at the reception?
Yes, and it is a popular combination. Book each act separately and share the same running order with both so the handover is smooth.
How do we pay for wedding entertainment safely?
Book and pay through GigFinder. Your payment is held in escrow and only released after the wedding, when you share your 4 digit confirmation code with the artist’s label.