Most people don’t realize that a wedding DJ does much more than play music, and for this reason, choosing the right DJ can really make or break your wedding day.
You may even be wondering is a DJ really is that important at my wedding? Couldn’t we just create a playlist of our favorite songs and spend the money we save on food or even our honeymoon?
What’s Your Wedding Reception Why?
Well, you could. But take a step back and remind yourselves why you’re having a wedding reception in the first place. For help answering this question, please read our blog about setting your wedding priorities. Because that’s where it really starts.
But let’s assume that the reason you are asking your family and closest friends to be present for the most important day of your life is to celebrate with you. Then ask yourselves and those helping to pay for your wedding the following questions:
- What does a celebration look like to you?
- What do you want your guests to remember about your wedding day?
- What do YOU want to remember most about your wedding years from now?
I have asked these questions hundreds of times, and not once has the answer been, “we want to make sure everyone has the best meal of their lives.” No. Nearly 100% of the time, the answer is, “we want everyone to have a great time!” And no one can do that better than a wedding DJ.
A Great Wedding DJ Creates Momentum
Like any good story, a wedding reception has a beginning, a middle, and an end.
The Beginning
When you step into a wedding or wedding reception, what do you notice? You certainly notice the venue and its setting as soon as you drive up. But after that initial impression, what makes you feel welcomed and relaxed even before the wedding party arrives?
Scenario #1: Imagine walking into a wedding venue where there is silence, muddled conversations, or dishes clanging somewhere behind the scenes. How do you feel? If you’re like most people, you feel pretty awkward and assume you have arrived too early. What do you do — besides look at your phone nonchalantly?
Scenario #2: Now imagine walking into that same wedding venue, but pleasant music playing. There may still be muddled conversations and the sound of food being prepared, but you barely notice them, and you know you’re exactly where you are supposed to be. The music also lifts your spirits and extends a welcoming invitation to enter. Now you feel relaxed, and talk casually to other guests.
Isn’t this how you want your guests to feel? An experienced and perceptive DJ can read your guests and help put them at ease from the very moment they arrive.
The Middle
Next comes the middle of your wedding reception. This generally has the most structure and typically includes entrances of the hosts and wedding party, first dances, meal, toasts, and other cultural traditions such as cutting of the cake.
In addition to being the MC for these events within the event, your DJ is responsible for working with your venue or planner to execute this series of events, and avoiding a stampede to the buffet line! He or she will also use music and special effects such as spotlighting, GOBO and Dancing on the Clouds, to add a sense of excitement and anticipation as these transitions take place. This is also when the DJ will tell your unique love story through the sequence of special songs you have selected for your wedding day.
The End – where the fun begins!
Now that the formalities are over, it’s time to kick things up a notch! This is when your wedding DJ gets to really show their stuff with music and more special effects such as uplighting and cold sparks!
This is also where your DJs vast music library shines and puts leaves you best friend’s pre-prepared wedding playlist in the dust! That’s because an experienced wedding DJ knows how to read the dance floor and pump out the energy that gets people on their feet! Your friend’s awesome Bluetooth speaker is no match for your DJs crystal-clear sound equipment.
But all good parties must come to an end, and that takes skill too. Like a healthy workout, your DJ knows how to cool things down gradually and bring the party to a gentle landing by ending with a few songs of special significance to the newly-weds.
A Wedding Dj Will Allow You to Enjoy Your Wedding Day
Your wedding DJ is there to work with your wedding planner or venue to make sure your day runs smoothly and according to schedule. For example, you won’t have to watch the clock to make sure you start toasts on time. Nor do have to know what songs all 200 of your guests want to dance to. All you have to do is share the best day of your life with your family and closest friends. Let your DJ and coordinator do the rest for you.
Should We Have a DJ or a Live Band?
If you’re debating whether to invest in a DJ for your wedding, I can assure you will not regret it, even if it means spending more money for this service than you originally thought was necessary. Your wedding DJ can truly make your wedding day spectacular in a way that a band or other music solution cannot. Additionally, if you’re deciding between a live band and a DJ at your wedding, this blog will help you make that decision.
Planning a wedding in Maryland? Raptor Productions is a professional DJ company based in Maryland. We provide a full spectrum of wedding DJ and event planning services. Contact us today to start planning your happy event!