Tag Archives: Wedding

What Wedding DJs Should NOT Do

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On Saturday night I was an actual guest at a wedding. One of my cousin’s got married to his high school sweetheart and it was a great time to see family that I do not typically get to spend time with. They are a good couple and glad they are finally getting married.

 

It was also an opportunity to listen to how my family members would respond to the professional DJ without asking questions, a data collection mission of sorts. The comments were somewhat surprising but more importantly, they mirrored what I was experiencing as well unfortunately. I am not one of those people that likes to criticize my peers. Here are a list of lessons I learned, again, about the honor of being a professional DJ and MC at a wedding:

1) Never let your microhone be louder than the typical volume of the music. It jars guests and is hard to hear what is being said.

2) Pay attention to the crowd. They will ‘tell’ you what to play and what not to play.

3) Don’t force the issue. If you want to move towards a genre or era of music, let it happen naturally and don’t make the guests switch gears without a proper segue.

4) Remember all the guests! As a Wedding DJ it is easy to fall in love with what is working and forget the rest of the room. Diversity is the key.

5) Keep your eyes on the people not dancing as well as those on the dance floor. Often the secret to an excellent event can be seen in the eyes, expressions and energy of those that are not participating. If they look bored or disinterested it is revealing of something. If they are having fun and full of energy and excitement, the fact that they are not dancing does not mean that you are not being successful.

6) Cheesy DJ/MCs are rarely appreciated.

7) Invite guests to make requests and honor them. The may think think you do not accept them if there is no offer.

8) Enjoy yourself! Who wants a Wedding DJ that looks miserable?

 

The reinforcement of the basic challenge of a professional Wedding DJ was clear to me in the reality of trying to meet the needs of The Bride and Groom and their guests. It only takes a bit of communication for this to be resolved and a great wedding is the result.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Wedding DJs Changing Genre At A Wedding

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Preparing earlier today for tomorrow’s wedding on Long Beach Island, NJ, I noticed that each component of the wedding has its own genre. This was the playlist created together with The Bride, like all good Wedding DJs do. She wanted ‘chill music’ for the Cocktail Hour with Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison and Norah Jones, amongst others; all great stuff.  The dinner music for the Reception includes artists like Josh Kelley, The Cure, Jason Mraz, Del Amitri and Red Hot Chili Peppers with other sprinkled in.  Then party time with Taio Cruz, Pitbull, Rihanna, David Guetta and some older favorites like Bel Biv Devoe and Montell Jordan.

 

I continue to be impressed with the diversity of music that Brides and Grooms are requesting for their weddings lately. It is not like it used to be with folks only wanting one genre and nothing else.  Should be a great wedding with fun people. The Bride was very careful in planning every detail to her liking along the way including the music. As a professional Wedding DJ, I appreciate knowing what The Bride and Groom want to hear. It is even better when we have had enough communication to know what directions we can take it to meet the needs of her friends and family.

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

How Do You DJ So Many Weddings?

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Last week I was meeting with a couple whose wedding I will DJ this later month. I like them as I do most folks I get to work with on their events. The Groom asked me with genuine curiosity, “How do you DJ so many weddings and not get bored? Aren’t they all basically the same?”

 

“No. They are never the same. Every wedding and every couple are different. There are many similarities in style and music but the wedding itself is always unique. I get fired-up before each wedding. I think they are fun and they mean something. They actually mean something. Brides and Grooms only plan on doing this once. Most other celebrations you hope to do many times – graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.  Weddings the hope is that it is a one-shot deal and makes it so much more intense. As a professional Wedding DJ, I connect to this”

 

“I agree! That is why we are getting married and chose you to be our Wedding DJ, but I still think it must be hard to get up for every one.”

 

“I think they are exciting. And I get to part of such an important part of a couple’s life. They know that they have the fun part covered when they hire me. They take care of everything leading up to the day and I will take care of the fun for their guests. How can I not get-up for something like that?”

 

“I hear it in your voice and know that you are telling the truth since we found you through a friend whose wedding you were Wedding DJ  last year and he had such good things to say about you. That is why we picked you after meeting with you first during the winter. You seemed genuinely excited about every aspect of the planning. I would think as a Wedding DJ this part would be boring for you.”

 

“Not at all! I love it. Sometimes I have more fun helping plan the wedding with the couple more than the wedding itself. I have a lot of experience and most couples don’t have much experience planning a wedding. I can offer them ideas and things to think about, then they come up with what works best for them. It’s your wedding, not mine. You get to choose. It’s fun for me as a professional Wedding DJ.”

 

As usual, I am busy getting the music together for their wedding. They have a nice mix of Pop, Dance, Salsa, Rock, Merengue, Hip Hop, Bachata, Oldies and Cumbia. Should make for a great event!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ