When you are looking for a DJ for such an important day as your wedding, it makes sense to spend time trying to find someone who is the perfect fit. However, there are many things to consider when booking your wedding DJ. While some things can seem like promising ideas while you are planning your wedding, they can spell disaster on the wedding day—something I am sure you do not want to experience. Here are several common misconceptions about wedding DJs.
You Must Have a Playlist for the DJ
While most DJs encourage a list of must-play songs, they should not be asking you to create an entire playlist for the reception. Your DJ should be able to read the crowd to determine what they should play next. If they use their own judgment and experience, there should be no issue keeping the dance floor packed and the party going at your wedding. It is a good idea to give your DJ a handful of songs that you want them to play at your wedding.
DJing Is Easy—They Just Show Up and Play Some Music
Yes, you are hiring a DJ to show up and play music, but that is only part of their responsibilities. Much like a conductor, a great wedding DJ will direct guests throughout the night, making all announcements and working with the other wedding professionals throughout the night to keep the reception running as seamlessly as possible. Your DJ will be your emcee, which will reflect how well the celebration flows.
Keep in mind that about 90 percent of the work a DJ puts in for a wedding is done before the big day even arrives! There are many hours behind the scenes full of planning, coordinating, and preparing to make your special day flawless.
A DJ Can Refuse Requests
We understand your nervousness about having Aunt Sally come and request “The Chicken Dance,” but most DJs will not play all requests. A good DJ will use their judgment and filter out requests they feel do not fit the feel of the event. Allowing guests to make requests gives them a chance to interact and feel connected to your special day by contributing on a more personal level.
The DJ Has Lighting Covered
Lighting can mean many different things, and just because the DJ has lights, that does not mean that they are appropriate for your wedding. Be cautious of DJs that also tell you lighting is free or included in their package. Having the wrong lighting at a wedding can be very distracting and can leave your reception looking messy. Talk with your DJ and be sure they understand your wedding vision. They will then be able to transform the atmosphere of your wedding with the correct lighting.
You Must Do All the “Classic” Formalities
It is your wedding day, and you can do anything you want at your wedding! A great wedding DJ can work with you to come up with unique ideas for your reception. You can still keep things traditional without doing the same old things that every wedding does. A seasoned DJ has seen many things by working many weddings and will be able to help create a one-of-a-kind celebration to fit your vision.
Anyone Can DJ
We bet you know someone who is a DJ, and you may be thinking about hiring them to do your wedding. Whenever we hear this, we get nervous! You do not want just any DJ; you want an experienced professional, someone who knows how to run a wedding and has the right equipment to handle the job. If this is someone you also want to invite to the wedding as a guest, you need to be aware that they will likely spend most of the night working and won’t get to enjoy the event as fully as possible. Be sure the DJ you hire has a vast knowledge of music and will be able to play any genre or style your guests may want. Many DJs specialize in different styles, including blending and scratching, so be sure to do your research before hiring anyone.
There are plenty of things to consider before you book your wedding DJ. While some factors are more obvious than others, many are overlooked by engaged couples during the planning process, resulting in unfortunate outcomes when their wedding day arrives. If you are going to go through all the planning of a wedding, be sure to trust an experienced wedding DJ. You want to hire people who are sure to make your wedding a day you will never forget.
