Music is one of the major aspects of a wedding day experience. If done well, it will be praised for years to come.  So, successfully working with a good wedding deejay is everything.  Here is a list of five of the most common mistakes couples make while working with professional wedding deejays (and how to avoid them).

1. Not Hiring a Professional Deejay for Your Wedding

Many people promote their professional wedding deejay services, but they actually have very little experience as a professional deejay. Keep the following in mind: Professional wedding deejays have access to a large repertoire of music; they know how to work the crowd (without talking too much); and they bring their own professional sound equipment. When you agree to work with a professional deejay, they will present you with a contract for their services.  And, a professional wedding deejay will have their own business insurance.

2. Not Discussing Your Expectations With the Wedding Deejay Beforehand

If you want the deejay to be your emcee, communicate that information with them know beforehand.  Hold a meeting with your deejay in advance to discuss the style of music you want played — especially if you want the deejay to play only “radio edit” music for your reception.  Attire is important too. If you want the deejay to dress in a certain attire or play a specific genre of music, let him or her know beforehand.

3. Neglecting to Let the Wedding Deejay Know You Need More Than One Music Set-Up

If you need the deejay to play music in more than one room, share those details with them beforehand because there may be a different fee and the deejay will need to bring equipment for each room.

And, let the deejay know if the ballroom set-up is going to change after the ceremony. I have heard many deejays complain because they weren’t aware that the ballroom was “flipping” from the ceremony to the reception.  This room turnover may affect the music set-up, the timing, and the number of staff members that the deejay needs on-site.

4. Assigning the Wedding Deejay A Set-up Location Where They Cannot See the Dance Floor

Make sure the wedding deejay has a clear line of sight to the entrance of the reception for introductions and make sure that they can see the dance floor throughout the evening.

5. Assuming the Wedding Deejay Knows How to Pronounce Everyone’s Name

When you provide the deejay with the names of your wedding party for introduction, list their names in the order that you want them introduced.  And, make sure that the list of names you provide the deejay are also listed in phonetics to ensure that the deejay knows how to pronounce them. Better yet, when you have a meeting or call with the deejay, go through the pronunciation of the wedding party names.

And, remember to let the deejay know how the two of you want to be introduced as a married couple.

To help you organize your wedding day music, book your deejay or band, and successfully plan all of your wedding day music needs, download our wedding day music guidebook.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Dream Wedding Filled with Great Music?

Are you ready to embark upon a “worry-free” wedding planning experience? Please contact your wedding planning team at Howerton+Wooten Events. We specialize in helping our couples curate a beautiful musical experience for their wedding day.

Love and Soul Always, Kawania

Photo: Leonard Poteat Photography

P.S. If you’re interested in booking me as a speaker or wedding industry expert, click here to learn more.