A professional disc jockey is responsible for creating the right mood while keeping everything organized for your reception, and sometimes even your ceremony. Here are a few tips to insure you will have a smooth wedding day:
1.) Always return time-line information, event planners and song lists (must plays or don’t plays) at least two to four weeks prior to your event date. This gives your disc jockey enough time to finalize with you and make arrangements to have important music.
2) Always FINALIZE with your disc jockey 7 to 14 days before
your event to go over time-line, discuss name pronunciations,
music and desired atmosphere. If you have not had a chance to
speak with your disc jockey, call and make arrangements. It is
important that the DJ that will be hosting your event
understands what you expect.
3) Seat older family or guests that may be sensitive about the sound furthest from the loudspeakers. Although a professional disc jockey will monitor the sound for reasonable noise levels, it is important that you know where the speakers will be placed since inevitably the noise level will be louder as you get closer to each speaker. It is recommended that your DJ raise the speakers above head level to get more sound coverage and avoid “in your face” sound which can often make it difficult to have a conversation.
4). Place the disc jockey in a location that is not obstructed.. Your disc jockey will usually be your MC, which means he/she needs to have a clear view of you and your guests to do an efficient job. If you place them in a room away from your guests or in a corner with an obstructed view, it will make entertaining and coordinating your event difficult.
5) Avoid placing guests behind loudspeakers or between the
loudspeakers and the dance floor. If you are concerned with
guests hearing clear announcements and enjoying the music, it is
best to have guests seated in front of the speakers but not
between the speaker and dance floor since that area can become
uncomfortable during dancing. If your guests are seated behind
the speakers, they will probably hear too much bass and may not
hear announcements clearly.
6). Consider four speakers (or more) for large rooms, multiple rooms or guests seated behind loudspeakers. It may be best to have four speakers (or more) if you have an unusual room situation . A professional DJ will make recommendations. Always get a few different opinions since some DJs will sacrifice sound quality to save you money. It is important that you and your guests can hear announcements and the music clearly and comfortably.
7). If you know you have a conservative audience and would like an entertainer that interacts with your audience, make sure you ask what type of activities or dances your disc jockey can offer. Many disc jockeys simply play music, make announcements and keep things organized and that is OK, unless you are looking for more of a personality. There are exceptional disc jockeys that have acting/improve or musical backgrounds and have a knack for audience participation. These disc jockeys may cost more, but if you need more than music, do your homework and hire someone you feel confident with.
8). Discuss cocktail and dinner music ahead of time. Many DJ's consider cocktails and dinner a “throw-away” time, which is not a clear way of thinking.. Cocktail and dinner time may be the perfect time to work in those non-dance favorites or play music for your older guests that may leave early. There are creative disc jockeys that can turn dinner into a memorable experience, so be sure to talk about cocktails and dinner ideas.
9) Hire your disc jockey so that he is set-up and ready to go before your guests arrive, even if you are hiring a band or mariachis for cocktails/dinner. Remember that your disc jockey will be making preliminary announcements which may include bridal party introductions, toasts and other general information that guests may need to know. If you hire the disc jockey to play two hours into your event and the normal set-up time is one hour before the contracted time, you will have your disc jockey rolling in during your cocktail or dinner time, which takes away from the atmosphere and inconveniences your guests. Your DJ also serves as a “back-up” plan if your musicians show up late or they need breaks.
10). Remember if you have your entertainer setting a projector & screen or plasma up for your photo montage to make your venue is aware of this, because it requires more space (up to 15 feet). This will insure that the venue does not have to move tables the day of your event. We strongly suggest you draw it on your seating arrangement as well! Plus if you are having a Monogram be sure that you have a flat, light colored wall to project it on, mirrors and windows will not work!
11). Make sure all your vendors work well with other companies, your DJ & MC will be running the show and setting the flow of your wedding. They should have the master time-line & planner, DO NOT let your hall dictate to you how its going to be! This is your wedding & you planned it with your entertainer the way you dreamed it up. Not to say that things won't change - but your DJ can roll with minor changes, like food not being ready etc. Too many halls like to tell brides "the way it it" and that is YOUR way!
12). Follow your instincts and don’t be fooled. If your “gut”
tells you not to book with a disc jockey because you have doubts
or a bad feeling, follow your instincts. The most popular disc
jockeys tend to be more expensive so if someone seems well below
average, there is probably a reason for it. Do your homework and
remember that surveys show that 85% of a party’s success usually
falls in the lap of your entertainer. It is a big
responsibility, so choose wisely and follow your heart.
Adapted from Guest Author: Mark Thomas of Awesome Ent., CA. He is active in the DJ Community & a past President of The American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA).
