What Does A Wedding DJ Do?

For those that aren’t familiar with professional wedding DJs, it may seem all they do is push a button and play music.  Planning and playing back music is one of the core functions of the DJ, there is so much more that goes on. The Wedding DJ is your entertainment coordinator and any times the wedding DJ stands in as pseudo-Wedding Coordinator. So what does a wedding do? To some people’s surprise, a wedding DJ starts to prepare well before the actual wedding day. In fact, it starts with the very first contact.

Now I can’t speak for all wedding DJs, and yes there are a number of DJs that do weddings that do not do the following and can sour the experience for many couples. I’d love to give you a glimpse of what I do as part of my wedding DJ services for my clients.

Getting To Know You

One of the very first things I do when meeting with a new couple is figuring out what exactly you are looking for. What kind of music do you like? Do you want lighting? Would you like to dance on a cloud for your first dance? What interesting things have you experienced at other weddings? All of this information becomes the foundation for determining the things you want, and don’t want, from your wedding.

I then quote you a price and will patiently wait (and gently nag) for you to select your DJ.

Learning The Nitty-Gritty

While the first phase of the discussions gives the DJ a glimpse into what you are looking for. Once you get closer to your wedding date the details need to be fleshed out. Typically about 60 days out from your wedding I have a series of forms that will get filled that help me guide some of the key elements of your wedding; from the pronunciation of your wedding party guests to if you are going to have a bouquet toss. I have to admit, the list can be a bit tedious for some. But it’s very important for me to know all the ins and outs so I can help ensure that you have a great night of entertainment.

It is also around this time that I will start to reach out to the venue to find any guidance. If I am unfamiliar with the location I’ll typically plan a trip to the site to determine things like establishing a line of communication with the venue. Equipment placement can be critical for some locations so that has to be noted. I will also reach out to the vendors like the photographer and videographer to begin our collaboration for your wedding.

Sometimes, More Planning Meetings

So while some planning meetings can be “done in one” the truth is elements of the wedding change all the time. Headcount changes can force changes to the floor plans. Musical selections might be altered to accommodate a group of people. You may decide to enhance your experience that you didn’t plan before, the list can go on. I always reach out to my couples 30 days out to see what has changed, and what hasn’t, and see if more formal meetings are required.

It’s at this time that I want the couple to lock in their special songs just in case it takes a while to procure anything. There are times I have literally ordered vinyl from Europe for a first dance where I could not obtain a copy otherwise. So if you have an odd song I suggest getting it in by this time so I can procure it.

Preparing For Your Special Day

Usually, the week prior I begin to lock things in place. I go over the details again and again, and if there is a question about a detail that I don’t have an answer to, I am not afraid to ask. I want to make sure that your day is as stress-free as possible! Establishing all your special songs in specific “crates” of music. Cloning my hard drive so I have multiple copies of music to play on. I go over all my equipment to make sure nothing is missing. I send the vendors and the venue some of the information I gather. There is a surprising amount of “little things” that I have to check off before your wedding day comes.

The Day Arrives

When the wedding day arrives, for many DJs it means workout time and it’s no different for me. I am a solo-run DJ business which means I put all my equipment in my van, drive, unload, setup, test, perform, breakdown, drive home, and unload. If you are doing a ceremony as well I have not one but two separate systems to setup and configure. Once setup and everything is tested out, the real fun begins.

Playing Well With Others

There are many DJs that are in it for the ego, the adrenaline rush, the need to control everything. For a quality wedding DJ, that ego is checked out. There is no room for conflicting personalities. Everyone needs to be working as a team, supporting each other where needed. This means working with the venue to ensure all the critical points on the timeline are met. Or notifying the photographer and videographer when things are about to happen so they don’t miss a shot. If a change in plans happens that you can work that into the timeline to ensure nothing is missed. Line everyone up for introductions and conveying any special instructions to make sure everything goes as planned.

The “Clutch Shot”

Making sure nothing goes wrong is always on a DJ’s mind and for good reason. A photographer can have a bad photo but there are literally hundreds of great shots to choose from. Florists can have a wilted flower or two but it may be overlooked by the remaining stunning assortments. Caterers can have a bad plate of food, but the hundred or more other plates are exquisite. But if something fails with the DJ especially at those critical moments all bets are off. A wedding DJ does not get a second chance and they must react at a moment’s notice. If a microphone cuts out a backup is at the ready. A song fails to play and another copy of it is a click away. A tremendous amount of care for your event is given by the DJ to ensure that your entertainment goes as flawlessly as possible.

Managing the Evening

After the vows are taken, the casual conversation of cocktail is concluded, the last bites are eaten and the last speeches are made then it’s the DJ’s time to shine. Playing a great set of dance music based on all the discussions you had prior. Trying to cross different age groups and styles to make everyone feel included. I take a lot of pride in my knowledge of music and my ability to seamlessly blend track into track.

A Different Vibe Everytime

For those that have seen the club or party DJ in action, I have to tell you, the whole arrangement and vibe is different. The mechanics can be totally different in trying to build up a crowd because after spending two, three, or more hours of not dancing, some people want to jump right into a big dance set. Also knowing how to read a crowd and having an eclectic music background is a must. In one night you could go from club hits to country, to EDM, to old school Hip Hop, 80s op, 90s House; and as a DJ you have to have a pretty intimate knowledge of that diversity. But the goal is still the same, getting people dancing hard, picking songs that make a guest look at you with amazement; that look on their face at that moment is priceless.

Before you know it the night is wrapping up. The whirlwind of months if not years of planning has drawn to a close. The very last songs is played. For the DJ it’s time to pack up and head on home. It’s been a long day but I sure feel damn good that everyone had a great night.

What Does A Wedding DJ Do? Now You Have More Insight!

The above paragraphs explain e a bit, there are still even more details that are too mundane to go over. On average I spend about 15-30 hours per wedding “all in” depending on the size and requirements. This also leads to the reasoning on why a professional wedding DJ costs more than a couple hundred dollars. Be it in the Hudson Valley region that I am into the beautiful sands of a California beach. Quality, skill, capability; they all factor into this whole experience.

I hope this can give you a greater level of appreciation for how involved the wedding DJ is.