Tune in to the DJ
Adrienne Frank
Not all DJs are created equal, says Mark “Peace” Thomas, the 2001-2002 president of the American Disc Jockey Association. Below eight brides dish about their experiences with a DJ and our pro assesses each situation.
SCENARIO #1: The contract
Although Theresa McDowell, age 28, was wowed by her DJ’s skills on the turntables, she was even more impressed with his professionalism. “He went over every part of the contract with us to make sure we understood his responsibilities. It wasn’t ‘sign here, sign there’ and you’re done. My husband and I were impressed that he took the time to review every detail.”
Thomas: “Lots of people skip over the terms of their contract — that’s a big no, no. Understand the DJ’s policy regarding cancellations and refunds. Don’t be afraid to write an addendum right onto the contract regarding song requests or set lists. If they’re reasonable requests, the professional should happily accept them. Just get it in writing.”
SCENARIO #2: The music
Far from a music connoisseur, Melanie Collins, age 29, was anything but explicit when telling her DJ what songs she wanted — and more importantly, didn’t want — played during her reception. “I don’t know much about music, so I left it up to him,” she says. And the result? “He played The Chicken Dance. And YMCA, too! I wanted to crawl under the table.”
Thomas: “The biggest complaint concerning DJs is that they’re too over-the-top or corny. When you meet with a DJ, pay attention to his personality. You’ll learn a lot when meeting with him beforehand. If he chats you up and makes corny jokes, this guy may not be right for you. If he’s low-key, chances are he’ll be that way during your reception – and not likely play YMCA. And remember - if you don’t want a particular song played, put it in writing.”
SCENARIO #3: The cost
“When shopping around for a DJ, we were influenced by our strict budget,” says Lora Quinn, age 24. “My friend warned me against cutting costs when it came to the music. She did and was disappointed with her DJ.” The tip paid off. Quinn says her DJ was worth every extra penny.
Thomas: “Often the DJs who charge low rates are in the business part-time or as a hobby. Chances are, they talk a good game, but don’t have the music knowledge or library necessary to make your day special. Just remember —You get what you pay for.”
SCENARIO #4: The communication
“Our DJ was great, except for one very important detail — he played the wrong song version for our first dance,” says Cynthia Thran. “My husband was overseas for a long time, so we picked It’s All Over because the long distance part of our relationship was finally over. But the DJ got the artist wrong and played a different song by the same title — which was about how love stinks. It was a nightmare!”
Thomas: “Communication with your DJ is so important. A reputable DJ will call you one to four weeks before your wedding to confirm the details — including the music for the first dance. During that meeting, be sure he has the correct songs, as well as the artist. If in doubt, ask the DJ to play a particular song request right then and there.”
SCENARIO #5: The breaks
“I was concerned about how our DJ would keep the music going while he ate,” says Sarah Curry, 29. “I’ve been to weddings where the DJ has actually sat down at a table and eaten with the guests! But our DJ was very professional; he just popped in a mix tape and took a quick break. Before we knew it, he was back.”
Thomas: “It’s common to feed the DJ, but it’s certainly not expected. Don’t put the DJ in your head count because the caterer always prepares more food than you need. Besides, some guests may not show up anyway. Again, when you meet with your DJ, ask how he handles dinner. If he pops in a mix tape and eats dinner for an hour, that’s unacceptable. But if he’s takes a quick break and eats at the vendors’ table, that’s fine.”
SCENARIO #6: The song requests
“Our DJ was fabulous,” says Mary Martin, 24. “My husband and I developed a list of about 50 songs that had special meaning and he willingly played most of them at the reception.”
Thomas: “Some DJs don’t want feedback. If you’re a music lover, that’s probably not the guy you want. Make sure you select a DJ who is open to customizing his playlist to fit your needs and create the atmosphere you want.”
SCENARIO #7: The disappointment(s)
“We submitted a song list to our DJ a month before our wedding,” says Aimee Ousley, 25. “But he didn’t play a single one of them! My husband and I spent lots of time picking out the songs we wanted to hear, and I don’t believe the DJ even looked at our list.”
Thomas: “Proper protocol is to politely ask that he play music from your request list and hope that he does. If he still doesn’t comply, make the best of it, and later complain to the DJ company.”
SCENARIO #8: The dress code
“Our DJ showed up to our formal wedding in khakis and a polo shirt,” says Liz Montgomery, 30. "It was so inappropriate.”
Thomas: “If this is a concern for you, write the dress code into your contract. Then if the DJ shows up dressed otherwise, complain in a letter. It’s unprofessional to do that.”