Wedding Reception Ideas Blog

Another event planner and I were recently invited to speak to an association of DJs who are trying to improve the image of the industry. There is a trend with the prevailing economy to not hire a DJ. In a few cases it’s a cost issue. In others, it is usually because of a horrible experience with a marriage DJ during the past. The group wanted to know what clients look out for when interviewing and hiring a DJ to play the best wedding songs. The following thoughts came out of the discussion.

Clients need to know that their DJ and other professionals working at their event will give the best possible experience; they would like to know that the DJ is there to serve them and help make them and their event successful. Clients want to meet their DJ ahead; they don’t like having a stranger show up at their event. They need someone they know and with whom they can share any special issues related to their family or another situation. They don’t want to be blindsided by insensitive, and possibly embarrassing, actions, regardless of whether it’s unintentional. This is especially important when coping with divorced families and cultural and religious issues.

The DJ should arrive on time and be set up before the event starts. He/she should be dressed suitably, both for the formality of the event and the event location. He/she should have all the apparatus they require including microphones and lapel mic, if required. If a table is employed, bring a table-cloth.

Equipment should be up-to-date and in good repair. Workers should be adequately trained in its use.

Music should not contain controversial words or in any fashion be offensive to guests of any age. The DJ should find out in advance what the customer considers acceptable and what they don’t need played, then don’t accept requests for anything not pre-approved by the customer.

Don’t attempt to be the centre of attention; that is the responsibility of the bride-to-be and groom, not the DJ. Don’t talk too much; you aren't a radio personality. The bride and groom have to be introduced only once, not every half hour.

Be a good player with the event coordinator, photographer, facility chief and any other person working the event. Don’t make changes to a written agenda supplied by the clients or event planner without authorization. You don’t know what situations or family dynamics could be concerned and who you will offend. Make sure that you read any written info given to you.

Don’t try and force the clients into your mold; if they don’t like to dance or it is not appropriate in their religion or culture, be sensitive. If they have other issues, respect them.

Don’t drink on the job. You are there to work, not socialize, and the clients expect you to be at your best.

Don’t enter into group collaboration activities or games without previous approval from the hosts. They don’t seem to be applicable for every group.

Don’t nickel and dime the client. Upcharging for each item doesn’t go over well. As an alternative if you have to charge for something, include it in your fee; don’t bill it separately. If something happens and you want to play for an extra 10 or 15 minutes (the limo doesn’t arrive on time, for example.), don’t make a big deal about it in front of the client.

As in every industry, by putting the customer first and considering the effect of our behaviour on them, we as executives can help create a nice and remarkable event or we may be the basis of the bad memories. Let’s target the good.

RIchard Barker owns of WeddingApproved.com, a site that aids in finding a wedding dj as well asdesigning wedding invitations.