Selecting and working with a DJ

When it comes time for you to select the entertainment for your reception, one option is a dj. But how do you know which DJ is right for you?

When interviewing a DJ, a few things to keep in mind is how do your personalities mesh, and what sort of style do you want for your reception? Are you looking for a club-like atmosphere, where the DJ is a prominent personality throughout the evening? Or do you want someone who is more in the background, playing music and only introducing important dances? Do you want someone who will involve all of your family and friends with Conga lines, giveaways and dances? Talented DJs can adapt to the type of crowd you have at your reception in order to get them up and dancing, and having a good time. I've worked with 1 DJ many different times and each time he seems like a totally different person -- he adapts to the party rather than having the party adapt (which it won't!) to him.

Once you've hired your DJ, you need to make out 2 lists. One is of all the important dances -- your first dance, parent dances, bouquet and garter tosses, cake cutting, etc. The other list is probably even more important: the do not play list! Here, you write down all the songs that you absolutely, positively do not want to hear on your wedding day. You can be specific, such as "Chicken Dance," or more general, like "all organized dance songs." One list that you do not, and actually should not, prepare is a play list. I've had couples try to give their DJs a play list of songs, in order, that they want to hear -- this is not a good idea for several reasons, not the least of which is that a DJ is a live person and can read your crowd and will know how to get them up and dancing. If the DJ is limited to playing the songs you selected, there's no room for the human touch. You hired the DJ, so you should let him or her do the professional job they are trained to do!

Until next time, happy planning ...