You’re all queued up for a GRAND party – friends and family are filled with joy and a little booze and ready to hit the dance floor … and here comes Donnie, your band buddy from high-school, with his iPod and a self-decided playlist of old Nickelback songs and 90s hip hop – creating a party flop that could have easily been avoided.

The purpose of a DJ is not only to play music but to keep the party moving. If your goal is to have a smash dance-party, the mantra is to not scrimp here. If every get-together with friends turns into a dance party at your home, you can probably get by with a less costly service, because your people will dance anyway – but it’s amazing how even your mosh-pit experts won’t hit the dance floor at a wedding without some encouragement.

So what’s my DJ advice? First up – some definite don’ts:

  • First and foremost, don’t do it yourself with an iPod and a friend. You get what you pay for. Unless your friend is a DJ in real-life, s/he is simply not ready for prime time at your one-time event. Having attended several of these, the dance party still limps on with highs and lows – but it could have been so much better with a professional behind the “wheel” and the professionalism of an emcee.
  • Don’t just choose your favorite music genre or trendy new tunes. You’ll want to engage the entire audience – so some oldies from your parents’ genre and even some big band music for the grandparents will get everyone dancing. Even a little line dancing can be enjoyed by all!
  • Don’t just choose songs that you like – make sure they are dance-able. Some great music is just not great for dancing. A good DJ will steer you toward fun, dance-able song that might not be what you expected.

The do’s list is longer and vital to your party’s success:

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  • Do read the reviews. So many people think they can be a DJ and make a little money on the weekend – so they buy some equipment and put together some playlists (or worse yet, plan to live-stream some Spotify picks), but when dance time comes, they actually suck. Make sure that your DJ can not only play music – but is also a capable emcee. They give the vibe of the night when it’s the party time, so you want someone who can read the room and announce things professionally. DJs should have videos that they can share so you can see them in action – a definite “must” before you book!  

Look for someone that is able to read the crowd, fill the dance floor, and then keep it filled. There should never be a lull – a great DJ will blend songs seamlessly to keep the party going. If there are gaps between songs, you might as well use that friend with an iPod. And ask about breaks – if your DJ takes a 15-minute break, it is going to be difficult to build that momentum back up again. A “no break” expectation is not unreasonable.

And make sure they are reliable. A quick scan of DJ reviews can readily identify many who have been disappointed by no-shows or late cancellations. You don’t want to be that couple!

  • Do meet with the venue first to see what they allow before looking for your DJ. And make sure the DJ knows all the AV access in the venue prior to booking so they are sure they can adequately provide the services you need. It’s also wise to ask about back-up equipment – if something goes on the fritz in the middle of Uptown Funk – what is their back-up plan?
  • Do make sure the DJ understands the vendor roles, if you’ve hired a coordinator they’ll be working closely with the emcee to make announcements, etc. Make sure the DJ can be a team player!
  • Do find out their usual attire. T-shirts and blue jeans won’t fit the vibe of your glam wedding at the Hilton, but might be fine for the Boho event at a venue by the lake.
  • Do find a DJ that will customize a playlist for you. Lists of must-plays and do-not-plays should be accommodated – but the DJ should also be able to provide guidance on what works and what doesn’t based on experience. Listen to their wise counsel.

There’s always the option of a live band – but again, you’ll want to be sure they can keep the party moving and are not just there simply to play a concert. A wedding band should be able to do all the same things that a DJ does – emcee and play requests – but the vibe is different because of their larger presence and they’ll cost a whole lot more. If you’re thinking you might want a live band, be sure to do some scouting to be sure they can provide the feel that you want.

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Made your decision? Now you need to be sure to get it all in writing. The contract should include:

  • Start and end times with load-in/break down and actual “play time” delineated.
  • No swap-out of the person you booked without notice. You don’t want to be surprised by son Jake showing up to do his first solo gig when you thought you’d booked the company owner.
  • Reference to an addendum with itemized “must-play” and “do-not play” songs. The full playlist needs to be finalized at least 60-days in advance so the DJ has time to prepare any songs not already in their library.
  • Written cancellation and refund policies.
  • Total fee – including an overtime rate – just in case. And ask about extra charges for wireless microphones, emcee services (I know – it seems like this is a no-brainer that should be included but be sure it is included in the total fee), taxes and any required gratuity. In addition, usually the DJ will expect to be fed in an off-stage area before the party starts. Double check the expectation and then be sure to include them in the count to your caterer.

You’ve finalized the playlist and special songs – now go over the list of special guests that the DJ will be announcing (aka any necessary family announcements, those giving toasts, etc.) and be sure you write the phonetic pronunciation beside the name (unless, of course, it’s a simple John Smith). Nothing is more embarrassing for you or them than mispronunciation of the name of the father of the bride!

Now, put on some comfy shoes and go dance the night away with a fun-filled, well-executed dance party!

More vendors to secure early?  The caterer is high on my list … check back for the next post for my foodie insights!