Who Dismisses Tables for Dinner at a Wedding

Should DJs be the ones responsible for announcing guest seating, or should it be up to the caterers, the couple, or the coordinator? The answer is tricky, because it truly depends on the circumstances at hand and the preference of the couple. Weddings are complex events that require careful coordination among many vendors and participants. It has become a southern thing for DJ's where they end up becoming the announcers for this custom.

DJ Nikko's Take On The Subject: Why The DJ Shouldn't Be Who Dismisses Tables For Dinner at a Wedding

Many will argue that it should be the DJ because they have the microphone. Some will argue that it should be the caterers because they bring out the food. Others will argue it should be the coordinator or couple, because they run the whole event. And there will be a select few that will prefer to leave it to the guests, especially if it is a free-reign style wedding.

However, "I believe that is should not be up to the DJ to announce tables over the microphone, and that it's super cliche. This task should be taken out by the caterers or coordinator, but if the coordinator asks the DJ to announce tables, it is generally because they're super busy or swamped at the moment. While this shouldn't be advertised as the norm, it happens to the best of us. Luckily, there are professional ways to go about needing the help from other vendors in a wedding." For example, DJ Nikko has a few assistants available, which allows for the expansion of his professionality and service, whether to greet guests while he is busy, or to help serve, seat, and dismiss tables during dinner.

Candlelit banquet table set for a wedding, with greenery, white napkins, glassware and glowing THE BREAUS letters in back.

Other Expert Opinions:

-Ashlie Owens, a wedding planner or a coordinator, states that they have "never seen the caterer dismiss tables" and that "it's always been the DJ, couple, or coordinator." Ashlie also mentions, after being asked about the couple being the ones to dismiss tables, that "some couples prefer to eat before their reception and dismiss their tables themselves, so it gives them time with each guest that they may not otherwise get." This time with guests can consist a variety of things, whether it's a group photo, small talk and catching up, or just a simple "Hi, thank you for coming."

-Travis Bizzell, a DJ speaking on behalf of some of his DJ friends, states that when he is given the task of dismissing tables, he "will walk around the tables and do it rather than yelling 'table number 5' over the microphone." He mentions that this is his preference because it "gives him the ability to connect on a more personal level with the guests, helping the guests later on in the party aspect of the wedding.

-Andre Ball, an industry standard professional DJ replied to Travis' comment, stating that he "always asks my brides to talk to the caterer or the planner," and that it's "sup[er tacky to be announcing tables at a wedding and 9 times out of 10, people will go up when they want to."

-As the writer, I believe it depends on whether or not guests have specific seating or if it is a free-reign wedding. If it is a free-reign wedding, then I believe it is up to the coordinator to announce and dismiss tables, as they are meant to coordinate the wedding in many aspects including guest direction. Now, I do believe it is acceptable to request help from the DJ, as they do have a microphone which may catch the attention of a distracted crowd. That it why the DJ should not be the one and only person who dismisses tables for dinner at a wedding.

---

Create Your Unique Wedding Experience

Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s important to make sure the vibe and the soundscape match your unique love story.

We’re committed to helping you create a vibe that’s just as beautiful as your relationship. We’ve helped hundreds of couples in the Charleston area throw a party that their relatives are still reliving years later.

Planning a wedding involves a lot of moving parts, and it is a high-stakes affair. If you’re looking for a trusted partner who can help turn your dream into a dream wedding, then click the button below to book a free 10-minute live chat.

Click Here!