TOP Reasons WHY Your Wedding DJ is Important!
Have you ever wondered…is your wedding DJ really that important? I truly feel that your DJ (or band) is one of the most important aspects to your Wedding Day and can often be overlooked due to budget restraints. It’s VERY important to hire someone who is professional, but reputable.
Image By: Zane Persaud
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, I get to work with plenty of really great wedding DJs of all different styles. Each DJ creates a unique experience, so it is important that you find the one who’s right for you!
Remember the Adam Sandler movie called the Wedding Singer?
Laugh all you want now, but “Singing” Wedding DJs were a POPULAR hire when I helped out within my Parents’ Bridal Show Company back in the day. A mix of band and DJ with a well sung MC/Emcee. It makes me giggle now because I know in the future, as most things do, it will be on trend again!!
AND NOW, you’ve arrived, at The TOP Reasons Why Your DJ is Important (from the eyes of a Wedding Planner):
Number One: Hiring a professional is key!
First, a professional ensures that the night stays on time. You need to make sure your DJ can stick to a timeline, but also make adjustments when & if small situations arise!
Secondly, having a professional DJ makes sure every needed announcement is relayed and names are read & pronounced properly. They will remind guests to put out their seating card with their meal choice for catering, announce everyone in your Wedding Parties names, properly announcing the wedding party for the Grand Entrance, etc.
Thirdly, a professional DJ will ensure the proper music is played at the right time. Can you imagine having the wrong First Dance song play...yikes!
Fourth, a professional DJ will have high quality music & sound. They should ensure you don’t hear that painful scratch from the speaker or any crackles.
Fifth, they will account for making sure there is enough electrical power at the venue and set this system up themselves. DJ’s who KNOW their stuff, ensure they have the proper amount of power & understand the venue prior to your Big Day.
Lastly, they will make sure the VIBE is met and the night stays FUN! A professional will know when to play a dance song and when to slow the night down, all while making sure everyone is having a great time. No awkward lulls please!
When all else fails, this is the whole goal: that the wedding night is enjoyable for everyone!
Number Two: There’s a difference between a DJ, an MC/Emcee and a Wedding DJ.
What is a DJ?:
When I think of a DJ, I think of someone who scratches records and is music oriented. Unless you want your Wedding to have a “Club Vibe” from beginning to end…you need someone who knows the difference between playing “Shots Shots Shots” and Frank Sinatra. A really good DJ will be able to transition the songs with no gap in the music, to keep the party going!
What is an MC/Emcee?:
The MC is important because this is the person’s voice you’re listening to all night long. Often a DJ will either be both the DJ and MC or it will be a team. You want your MC/Emcee to be fun without being corny and on top of the night.
What is a Wedding DJ?:
A professional who typically MC’s the night too. Often there will be a team, one who runs the music and one who is on the mic. A Wedding DJ will ensure the night runs smoothly and they also know the right music to play at the important moments.
**Side Story: I’ve worked with Wedding DJs who have been so overly into having guests on the dance floor, they’ve forgotten about the cake cutting. Or the opposite⎼had a great dance set going, and then lost everyone to a bad song transition.**
Image By: Zac Bromell
DJ HORROR Stories (Yikes!)
- One time, I worked a Wedding with a DJ who was so afraid to be on the mic, I ended up emceeing the night. (NOT my favorite thing to do, but important to keep the night going)
- Another time, I worked a Wedding where the DJ showed up with a hat on & flip flops, with NO change of clothes…
- Can’t forget about the DJ who I had to ask to stop drinking at the Bar and play the Grand Entrance song.
- And lastly, I’ve worked a Wedding with a DJ who had the BIGGEST setup that the system kept blowing the power all. night. long.
Image By: Ruan Richard
Number Three: Questions YOU (or your wedding planner) needs to be asking before hiring your DJ.
How are their reviews?
Ask for a video to see how they perform.
Are they recommended by your fellow vendors?
Do they offer wireless mics for the Ceremony? How many?
How many sets of speakers do they offer?
Consider if they will work well with your other vendors.
Does your venue have a noise requirement? Can the DJ adhere to the rules?
Does your DJ understand your vibe? Do you like THIER personality too?
Are they reasonably priced for your budget? (not too low, not too high)
Have they worked at your venue before?
Are they professional, from email responses to attire? Consider that they fit YOUR needs, not the other way around.
Important Last Notes!
**Make sure you give a list of your favorite songs AND your dislike songs prior to your Wedding day. Ex. Do you love Disney music and hate EDC? Your DJ needs to know that!**
Grab Your DJ Questions Checklist!
And we would LOVE if you asked us for our DJ recommendations!
Have a wonderful day everyone,
Jamison
