If Your Wedding DJ Isn’t Doing These 8 Things, You’re In Trouble . . .
We all have heard horror stories about overpriced and underprepared wedding DJs.
Yes, a wedding DJ can truly make or break a wedding reception – which is why this is one of the most important decisions a couple can make when planning their special day.
“A great wedding DJ is not only very talented, but thoughtful, passionate, a good listener and conscientious as to the needs of the couple getting married, which is what it’s all about. Period.” So says Johnny Budz, CEO of Elite Sound Entertainment of Saddle Brook, N.J., one of the Northeast’s most highly-reviewed NJ wedding DJ providers and himself an in-demand wedding DJ. “It’s all pretty obvious, but for some reason with many wedding DJs, it’s not. And for that reason, they just don’t get the job done and the wedding is a disaster.”
According to Budz, a great wedding DJ is many things, and offers eight such examples of what your wedding DJ MUST be:
1 – GREAT DJs Listen!
A great wedding DJ will closely listen to your instructions and make sure he understands your EVERY wish. Great DJs know this is the biggest day of your life, and that you’re trusting him/her with determining the flow of the day. And they take the responsibility seriously, ALWAYS putting the needs of the couple first.
2 – GREAT DJs Pronounce The Names Right!
Professional DJs & Master’s of Ceremonies take the responsibility of your formal announcements very seriously. With this, they make sure EVERY name is pronounced correctly. They practice this and go over it with the couple in the weeks beforehand to make sure it’s perfect. “Nothing is more unprofessional than a DJ or MC mispronouncing someone’s name wrong in the wedding party,” notes Budz.
3 – GREAT DJs Play YOUR Requested Music, and read the crowd . . . The perfect combination!
If your DJ is a professional, he or she knows that having the Bride and Groom’s favorite song(s) are paramount. Just as important is having a DJ that knows how to read a crowd and play to that crowd. If he or she doesn’t, the event could be a disaster. “It’s a combination of preparation and experience, something that many DJs simply don’t do, amazingly enough,” added Budz.
4 – GREAT DJs Plan Ahead With The Venue!
A great DJ always contacts the venue before the wedding day to secure all setup logistics – when the doors open, where to park, where to bring in the equipment, any particular venue rules, etc.
5 – GREAT DJs Never Assume!
A great DJ never assumes. For example, he or she will have exact directions to the venue beforehand. This may sound obvious, but “we’ve all heard of DJs who were late to a wedding reception,” says Budz.
6 – GREAT DJs Test Everything Ahead Of Time!
Great DJs arrive at least a couple of hours before the event begins to unload equipment and set-up and test the sound system, which has been thoroughly tested prior to his arrival. Great DJs adjust sound levels, check microphones, and position speakers to take advantage of the room’s acoustics. Every location has it’s own distinctive acoustics, and a great DJ knows how to maximize this. If outdoors, great DJs adjust the sound according to layout, weather, etc.
And a great DJ ALWAYS has a backup system ready to go in case of equipment failure.
“We also all know of a wedding where the DJs equipment stopped working,” notes Budz
7 – GREAT DJs Are Poised, Presentable Professionals!
Great DJs are always well dressed, well groomed, well rested, relaxed and in control. Again, this may seem obvious, but that’s not always the case! This comes with thoughtful preparation.
8 – GREAT DJs Always Work & Plan Ahead With Others Involved!
Great DJs always synchronize their efforts with those of the venue staff, wedding photographers, videographers and other involved to ensure a seamless flow among everyone during the entire event. A great DJ locks down all logistics and timing BEFORE the event, not during!
“A great DJ is a well prepared DJ,” concludes Budz. “A great DJ puts the couple first, rather than his or her own interests. A great DJ will help you to create a lifetime of great memories, so when selecting your wedding DJ, don’t just ask them if they do these eight things, but ask others if they do, as well.”