Should You Hire a DJ for Your Family Reunion?
One thing I’ve realized from attending so many weddings is that we don’t get together with our family and friends nearly as often as we should. Life gets busy, work piles up, schedules fill, and before we know it years have gone by without sitting down to break bread with the people we love most.
It’s high time we bring back the family gathering. Whether it’s in a park, a rented event hall, or even someone’s backyard, life is simply too short not to spend time with family. And remember—“family” doesn’t have to be limited to blood relatives. Invite your new significant other and let everyone meet them. Bring along that high school friend who has been by your side for years. The truth is, we spend so much time watching each other’s lives unfold on social media that we forget the irreplaceable value of connecting in real life.
So how do you throw an unforgettable family reunion? Here are a few tips that will take it from ordinary to awesome:
Step 1: Hire a DJ
Every family has a wide range of music tastes—grandparents might love Motown, your parents might be into classic rock, while the younger crowd wants today’s hits. A professional DJ can seamlessly blend all those genres and create an atmosphere where everyone feels included. They can also act as the MC for the day, keeping the energy high and helping to run activities.
Want to make it even more fun? Have your DJ host some games that get everyone involved:
Musical Chairs for kids and adults alike.
Name That Tune with songs from different generations.
Dance Contests with prizes for the best moves.
Family Trivia using fun facts about relatives.
With the right DJ, music and entertainment become the heartbeat of your event.
Step 2: Capture the Memories
Hire a photographer (or even a photo booth) so the moments aren’t just lived but remembered. With everyone dressed up, smiling, and together in one place, you’ll want those digital memories to look back on for years. A shared online album makes it easy for everyone to access and download photos after the event.
Step 3: Add Activities for Kids
If children are part of the mix, plan something special just for them. A face painter, balloon artist, or bounce house can keep them entertained while the adults catch up. Happy kids mean relaxed parents—and a smoother event for everyone.
Step 4: Share the Responsibility
Hosting doesn’t mean one person has to shoulder the entire financial or planning burden. Create a private Facebook event page or group where family members can contribute ideas, organize potluck dishes, and even chip in financially. A few people giving $20 or $50 each goes a long way toward covering entertainment, food, or venue costs.
Step 5: Think Smart About Venue and Timing
Consider holding the reunion at a venue with in-house catering or bartending—that can simplify logistics and often save money. And here’s a pro tip: booking your event on a Thursday or other off-peak day might land you a discounted rate, since many venues are empty midweek.
The Bigger Picture
Yes, planning a family reunion takes effort. Coordinating schedules, entertainment, and food may seem overwhelming at first. But here’s the truth: you can’t put a price on experiences and memories. Don’t wait until a wedding or funeral to reconnect with a cousin you haven’t seen in three years. Start the conversation now, take the initiative, and create moments that your family will talk about for decades.
Because when all is said and done, it’s not just a reunion—it’s a reminder of what really matters.
So, should you hire a DJ for your family reunion? Absolutely. But more than that—you should make it a priority to gather, laugh, eat, dance, and celebrate life together.
