10/05/2019
Attention Brides & wedding DJâs. This is a must Read. Given to me by a fellow Professional DJ Donny Lee.
Your wedding DJ will play a vital role on your big dayâand itâs actually more than just playing music to fill the dance floor. In fact, a wedding DJ has many jobs to do, some of which youâll see, others that are more under-the-radar. Thatâs why hiring a well-reviewed professional is totally worth it (meaning, creating a Spotify playlist, plugging your iPhone into some speakers, and calling it a day really wonât cut it).
Here are the things you probably didnât know your rockstar wedding DJ can doâaside from playing major tuneage, that is.
Helps enforce the day-of timeline
While your wedding planner and/or venue will likely take the lead on creating your wedding-day timeline, an experienced DJ will certainly contribute, since he/she knows how long certain parts of the reception will take. Whatâs more, your wedding DJ is responsible for executing and enforcing the timeline during your reception, making announcements to ensure that events occur on time and if there are any hold-ups, adjusting accordingly.
Provides sound equipment
Having high-quality, working sound equipment is an absolute mustâand your wedding DJ will have that all covered. Without microphones, speakers, and the like, your guests wonât be able to hear your first introduction as a married couple, the lyrics to your first-dance song, your best man's toast, the announcement that dinner is being served, or that the last dance is being played.
(May) supply lighting
While we do recommend hiring a company that specializes in lighting for more extensive needs, many wedding DJs offer uplighting as part of their services. Uplighting consists of smaller lighting systems that can be placed on the floor and aim light upwards to highlight your tables and dance floor. Talk to your wedding DJ to see if this is something that can be included in your package, or if youâre better suited to hire a professional lighting company.
Makes sure all equipment is working
There are few things more annoying during a wedding reception than music thatâs too loud, too soft, or muffled, or worst-case scenario, dead air due to malfunctioning equipment. Not only do experienced wedding DJs utilize top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art equipment, they also do sound checks at your venue well before the reception begins to ensure that everything is working properly so there wonât be any awkward silences.
Sets the mood
Sure, you could simplify a wedding DJâs role by saying he/she âplays the music.â But itâs really about more than just selecting and playing songs. A wedding DJ sets the tone for your reception by playing the right songs at the right times, and reading the crowd accordingly. If you want your party to be a total rager, theyâll know the right tunes to put guests in a dancing mood. Alternatively, if your goal is a reception with an old-school romantic feel, your DJ will know how to create that vintage vibe. And, a skilled wedding DJ knows exactly how to pack the dance floor if your guests are getting a little too comfortable in their chairs.
Helps you choose songs
Your wedding DJ can be a great source of advice if youâre struggling to pick songs for any of your special dances. An experienced DJ has seen first-hand which songs work and which donât, and is up-to-date on the newest tunes. Thatâs why itâs important to meet with your wedding DJ (in person, if possible!) a few weeks before your wedding to make your song selects and do-not-play list. Of course, your DJ will have an extensive library of songs you (or your guests!) can request, but the key is knowing if theyâre appropriate and when to play âem.
Serves as emcee
Emcee may be the most important role your wedding DJ will play. Think of your DJ as the host, cruise director, and point person for the evening, making announcements and ensuring that your guests are aware of whatâs going on and whatâs next. Having your wedding DJ serve as emcee is far more authoritative and professional than you trying to shout âTime for dinner!â over the blasting music. Your guests are more likely to follow directions from an experienced wedding DJ and will look to your DJ (instead of you or your new spouse) for information, so your big day will proceed smoothly and you can focus on enjoying every minute!
Covers up any hiccups
Things may go wrong on your wedding day, but fortunately, wedding DJs are pros at getting things back on track. Letâs say dinner is running slightly behind schedule. Your DJ can play an extra few songs so that guests are too busy dancing to care that the foodâs not ready. Or maybe your dad is in the restroom when heâs supposed to be giving his toast. Your DJ can cover until heâs available. Your guests wonât notice any potentially-awkward mishaps when youâve got a pro wedding DJ at the helm.
