The Wedding DJ: Part 1

This blog series may apply to one of the three audiences; someone in the process hiring a DJ for a wedding, a DJing considering performing their first wedding or a wedding planner. Whatever your circumstance, Congratulations! This is an exciting time and the purpose of a wedding reception should not be lost. 

Why is DJing a wedding such a big deal?

Of all the events I have had the pleasure of DJing there is nothing like the rush AND stress that comes with a wedding. It is almost indescribable. Whether you are DJing your first or 500th wedding, the rush and stress are still the same as your first performance. Weddings are high stakes events because you have a captive audience where everyone is likely critiquing every aspect of the event and looking for flaws in execution. It’s human nature. Keep in mind that wedding guests also have some stake in this event as well. They probably dressed up more than they usually would have for a party, purchased a gift and possibly traveled a great distance. The least a bride and groom can do is make sure guests are adequately fed and entertained. So, Mr. or Ms. DJ should put this reception on their back and show the crowd how a party should be done!

Unless there is a band, the DJ is the center of attention and carries the burden of entertaining guests with a proper music selection, possibly being the emcee and keep the entire night on schedule.

I only get one chance to make a first impression, and a room full of people with positive reviews could be responsible for future exponential growth. A bad review from the bride and groom or someone with an influential social circle can hurt your career. You never know who is in the room watching you and taking notes. That includes the staff and management of the venue which is likely to refer you if not higher you outright. 

My goals as your wedding DJ:

1. Provide all the elements that were mutually agreed to in the contract for the performance fee paid.
2. Show up on time and ready to play with a solid music plan specific to that event.
3. Musically engage the entire room and play to the venue.
4. No catastrophic equipment failures or malfunctions. 

As a professional DJ, I don’t want to mess up why? Because that is not what I practice or plan for. What qualifies as messing up? Having a complete gaff with music to the point a song cuts off abruptly due to malfunction or just running out song before a transition. Messing up the introduction of the bridal party as I bring the bride and groom into the room, including a name pronunciation, order or simply leaving someone out of the bridal party. I think you get my point. Any number of things can go wrong and likely will if you don’t plan.