When it comes to wedding planning, there are a few things that tend to be considered non-negotiables — a big white dress, a three-tier cake, a perfectly timed run sheet… and of course, an MC to keep everything on track. But what happens when you strip it back and rethink what really matters?
For Cat Spanti and her partner Josh, the decision to host their wedding in true Italian style — with one long communal table and a warm, inclusive atmosphere — meant reimagining some of those traditional elements that usually signal “we’re at a wedding.” One of the biggest things they let go of? The MC.
“We chose to have everybody seated on the one table. We’re Italian. We love to eat. We love to drink. We love to host. So we decided to be really inclusive and kind of do that like Italian-style, family-style one long table.” — Cat Spanti
This heartfelt choice wasn’t just about aesthetic — it was about creating a space that felt like home. That meant conversation could flow, the mood could evolve naturally, and guests felt part of something intimate and special.
Why No MC?
The typical MC role often involves formal introductions, attempts at humour, and transitioning guests from one “moment” to the next. But for Cat and her partner, this format didn’t align with the energy they wanted to create.
“It didn’t sit right with the experience we wanted our guests to have. We wanted everyone to feel relaxed. We wanted conversation to flow. We didn’t want those rigid, set times and moments you kind of anticipate when you sit down for a wedding dinner.”
Instead of an MC, they leaned into the organic rhythm of the evening. A DJ managed the run sheet quietly in the background — lowering the music for speeches, building energy at key moments, and intuitively adjusting the vibe based on what was happening in the room.
“When our dads did their speech, they both kind of got up, clunked a glass and the music went down. Everyone kind of knew — oh cool, a speech is happening. It just felt so in the moment and organic.”
It Worked — But It Took Planning
Pulling off a “no MC” wedding doesn’t mean winging it. In fact, behind the relaxed atmosphere was a ton of intentional planning.
Everyone giving a speech had a copy of the run sheet. The DJ, the caterers, and all key vendors were kept in the loop, ensuring no one was interrupting important moments with clattering plates or mistimed announcements. It was seamless, personal, and reflective of who they are as a couple.
And the result?
“Honestly, it was one of the best decisions we made. Everyone just had the absolute best, best, best, best time.”
The Magic of One Long Table
One of the most unexpected joys? The dance floor organically formed right next to the long dinner table, making the transition from heartfelt speeches to wild dancing feel completely natural.
“I feel like if we had an MC, moments like that wouldn’t have happened so organically. The DJ was so much more connected to what was happening in real time. He could change the music to suit the mood.”
Cat’s biggest tip? Choose a DJ who’s intuitive and experienced in reading the room. Someone who doesn’t just play a set list, but who truly understands atmosphere as part of the experience.
“I’m a big believer in atmosphere being the architecture of a space and an experience.”
Want a Wedding That Feels More You?
Whether you’re dreaming of an Italian-style long-table feast, a DJ who reads the room like a pro, or ditching traditions that don’t serve you — I’m here to help you bring that vision to life and document every heartfelt detail with intention.
While the imagery featured here is from another talented photographer, I’d love to help you plan and capture a day that’s completely unique to you.
Enquire here to chat about creating a wedding that feels effortless, beautiful, and deeply personal.
A wedding that feels as good as it looks.
