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The Wedding DJ: It's A Bit More Than Pushing Buttons

7/30/2012

6 Comments

 
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I promised awhile back to share my perspective on DJs for weddings. I am not sure why, but I frequently encounter people who assume that, as an officiant, I would not appreciate or promote the work of DJs. Quite the contrary!

While I have admitted to a preference for live music at the ceremony, I do love working with professional DJs. It is always a treat when they provide the mic and run my voice through their sound system so I do not have to set up my own equipment. We have a number of great DJs in my area with whom it is a dream to coordinate the ceremony. I definitely prefer professional DJs to a boom box when it comes to processional and recessional music - any day of the week.

I have enjoyed lives bands at wedding receptions, but encounter DJs far more often and actually prefer them as entertainment. The few bands I have seen at weddings were accomplished musicians, but not terribly adept at being Masters of Ceremony. They didn’t have anything to suitably fill the gaps during their necessary breaks and were limited to their own style of music.            

I have seen live music put to its best use when musicians perform a set for the cocktail hour and then a DJ takes over for the formalities of the reception. Similarly, I attended a reception this spring where a band played a single set in the middle of the reception. The DJ was able to grab a bite to eat and relax for a little bit while the guests were essentially treated to a mini-concert.

Although DJs are frequently the primary entertainment at many receptions, couples can fail to appreciate how much the quality of the DJ impacts the overall experience. DJs have an amazing degree of influence over the flow and atmosphere of your festivities. I have seen DJs create incredibly awkward moments by mispronouncing names or badgering someone to dance who really does not want to be out on the floor. On the other hand, I have seen DJs transform a sluggish mass of people merely enduring the cocktail hour into a laughter-filled crowd enjoying a fun and engaging cocktail party.

Take note though, this is a wedding vendor category particularly prone to “weekend warriors.” There are plenty of folks who think because they can push a button on an iPod they are qualified to DJ a wedding. Please believe me when I tell you the DJ does much more than this. This individual is your Master of Ceremonies and should have the unique personality necessary to pull it off without being either boring or obnoxious. They have to be able to “read a crowd” and know when to switch to a different style of music at a particular point in time to rev things up or tone it down. I have attended enough receptions where this was not the case and it can make the occasion rather tedious for guests.

A good DJ will have an extensive music library, high quality sound equipment and an engaging personality. Many of these entertainment companies can also do wonderful things with lighting to achieve just the right festive atmosphere.

While you should definitely be permitted to select key songs, I highly recommend you share your tastes with the DJ and then leave it in his or her capable hands with respect to music selection. Your desired play list may not be the best choices for pacing a celebration attended by a diverse group of guests. Trust me on this and trust your DJ. We are talking about professionals who have experienced hundreds of events and consequently have learned what works and what does not. I know you have the best taste in music ever, but dictating the play list to the DJ is a guaranteed way to ruin your reception. Do not be tempted to do it.

If this is not an aspect of your wedding that is all that important to you, enlisting a friend or opting for the lowest quote might be perfectly fine. But if you want an awesome party with entertainment rather than just background music, take your time and hire a reputable professional DJ. The price difference is well worth a place in your budget.


I have worked with the DJs below (listed alphabetically) on a number of occasions and can recommend them without reservation.

Complete Music and Video (Brian Hawkins)

DJ Brett James Entertainment

DJ Shane

DJ Tunes of Florida

Sophisticated Gents
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6 Comments
Roger Mabie link
7/31/2012 06:54:07 am

Wow! Somebody gets it. Haha! Just kidding. This is a good article Ann. Thanks for giving good advice. Thanks for the recommendation too. It means a lot. Every time I work with you, everything is done so perfectly. You get my recommendation any time.

Reply
Mike Junkins link
8/1/2012 02:29:07 am

Nice article, thanks for your efforts to inform brides and grooms.

Reply
Robert Bonham link
8/1/2012 08:38:17 am

This is a good article and does touch upon the importance of hiring a seasoned DJ and MC that knows what they are doing.

The bride / groom still need to be careful of the booking agency/large multi-op DJ companies that have a big pitch and flashy website to get them to book. You usually don't get the level of service and skill you were sold on. Meeting with the actual DJ you'd like to hire before booking them is a wise move.

Here is a good artiicle to read in helping you choose the right DJ.

http://www.weddingmusicusa.com/articles/dj-hiring-tips.asp

Enjoy!

Robert Bonham
Wedding DJ/MC for Puget Sound, WA
www.musicdelitedj.com

Reply
Jodi Ransom, Columbus OH link
8/8/2012 12:35:00 am

Roger from DJ Tunes, posted a link to this on a professional DJ forum, and I am so glad I clicked through.

Thank you for describing so nicely the impact and difference that a professional DJ/MC can add to this once in a lifetime celebration!

Sending my thanks and appreciation to you on behalf of professional wedding DJs who work hard toward making a prefect party .... it's nice to know that someone notices!

All the best this wedding season to you and the smart brides and grooms who have entrusted you with their weddings. I have no doubt those smart couples will also be VERY HAPPY couples with you as the officiant!

Reply
Australia audio engineering school link
9/4/2012 05:30:43 pm

Live music plays very significant role in everyone's wedding ceremony. It’s one kind of entertainment and it makes friends and relations to enjoy the occasion.

Reply
Rev. Ann Fuller
9/4/2012 08:57:17 pm

I quite agree. Two weeks ago I officiated a wedding where the bride and groom hired a string quartet and a ballerina to entertain their guests at one point during the reception. I've also commented on live music in this blog post. http://www.brevardminister.com/1/post/2012/07/harps-are-totally-cool.html

Provided people understand what live musicians/performers and DJs are capable of contributing to the experience, there is no reason they cannot work together effectively. I have seen this more and more over the last few years.

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    Rev. Ann Fuller

    The commentary on this blog is my own opinion developed over years of officiating a wide range of wedding sizes and styles. I am always happy to answer any questions you may have.
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