The Ultimate Event Run Sheet: 

When Should the Music Actually Start?

One of the most common questions event planners ask is: "I've got my venue from 6 PM to midnight. When should the DJ actually start playing?" 

Logistics can be incredibly stressful for first-time planners. To help you visualise your night, we’ve put together a standard, easy-to-follow 5-hour run sheet. 

This timeline ensures a smooth flow from the moment guests arrive to the final, epic farewell song. 

Feel free to browse our local Australian DJ directory to find the right match for your event >

The Standard 5-Hour Event Timeline

6:00 PM – Guest Arrival & Cocktails

• The Vibe: Upbeat, welcoming, but low volume. 

• The Music: Soul, Motown, acoustic covers, or relaxed house music. 

Your DJ sets the tone while guests grab a drink and mingle. You should still be able to hold a conversation easily. 

7:00 PM – The Grand Entrance & Formalities

• The Vibe: High energy, exciting. 

• The Music: The DJ fades the background music. 

Plays a punchy, upbeat track as the bridal party, birthday guest, or CEO makes their entrance. 

7:15 PM – Dinner Service

• The Vibe: Relaxed dining. 

• The Music: Volume drops slightly. 

Smooth, recognizable background tracks while entrées and mains are served. 

8:15 PM – Speeches

• The Vibe: Attentive. 

• The Music: Music is smoothly faded out entirely. 

Your DJ (if they are providing MC services or a wireless microphone) ensures the audio is crystal clear for the speakers.

8:45 PM – Cake Cutting & The First Dance

• The Vibe: Romantic / Anticipation. 

• The Music: Your chosen special song is played. 

As the first dance concludes, the DJ seamlessly transitions into an upbeat, universally loved song to invite everyone else onto the floor. 

9:00 PM – The Dancefloor Opens!

• The Vibe: Party time. 

• The Music: High-energy sets! 

The DJ reads the crowd, moving through genres to ensure all age groups get a chance to dance. 

10:45 PM – The Final Song & Farewell Circle

• The Vibe: Euphoric, nostalgic. 

• The Music: A massive singalong track 

(think Horses or Mr. Brightside) to end the night on a massive high. 

11:00 PM – Event Concludes

• Music stops, house lights go up, and the DJ begins pack-down. 

Your active local DJ should be willing to work seamlessly with your run sheet to ensure every moment, from the grand entrance to the final send-off, sounds perfect.