Top 10 Mistakes Wedding DJs Make
From the first dance to the last, music plays an instrumental role (pun intended) in making a wedding unforgettable. At Austin’s Best DJs & Photo Booths, with over a decade of experience under our belt, we understand how essential it is to have the perfect music on your special day. That’s why we want to arm you with knowledge: the top 10 mistakes wedding DJs often make, so you can be confident in making the right choice for your wedding disc jockey.
1. Inadequate Equipment Setup:
One of the most common mistakes is not bringing appropriate equipment. It’s vital that the DJ’s setup is professional, with backups for essential gear. You wouldn’t want the music to stop due to technical glitches. It can happen and the professional DJs know this. They are fully prepared and have backup equipment ready to go, just in case.
2. Ignoring The Couple’s Playlist Preferences:
Every couple is unique, and so is their wedding playlist. A DJ should never ignore the bride and groom’s music preferences or play songs that have been explicitly blacklisted. Many DJs will often ignore the playlist and play what they think works. This is only okay if YOU are okay with that.
Remember, this is YOUR wedding and you should be in charge of what is played on your big day, not the DJ. I know this may sound weird, but we truly believe this. Yes, we’re experts and know what to play to keep people dancing. However, we want to fulfill your vision of your wedding day, so we let you decide what we play. All pro DJs should do this (but they don’t).
3. Poor Volume Control:
Whether it’s blasting music during dinner or a too-soft first dance song, improper volume levels can dampen the mood. It’s crucial for a DJ to understand and adjust to the venue’s acoustics and adjust the volume throughout the evening.
4. Lack of Interaction with the Crowd:
A good DJ and MC does more than just play songs; they engage with the guests. From reading the room’s energy to making announcements, an MC and DJ’s interaction can make or break the wedding vibe.
It’s important to note that, again, we believe that every event is about the couple, and not the DJ. So we’re never going to be obnoxious and talk too much on the microphone, or try to steal the show. You are the star of the show, not us! (Of course, if you hire a celebrity DJ, then that’s different). 🙂
5. Not Being Adaptable:
No matter how well-planned out things may be, weddings can be unpredictable. A top-notch DJ should be flexible, whether it’s handling last-minute song requests or adjusting to schedule changes.
A good DJ is also going to know exactly how to handle a situation where the schedule is off. They should be able to know what to do to get back on track and save time, as needed. Professionals should always look at your tentative timeline and see where adjustments may be needed, and suggest any changes that may be helpful. Some examples could be dinner being too long for the amount of guests you’re expecting, or starting the pre-ceremony too early, etc.
We’ll always suggest the right amount of time to save you time and money. It’s not about making money for us. It’s about making you happy and making sure you have an amazing time on your special day. This should be every professional DJ’s goal.
6. Playing Overly Explicit Songs:
Weddings typically have guests of all ages. It’s a significant misstep to play explicit songs, especially without the couple’s consent. Clean versions or more family-friendly tracks are always a safer bet.
If you want to hear the explicit songs, a good idea would be to perhaps wait untl later during the dance, when the older relatives or those with kids are gone.
7. Lack of Professionalism:
Arriving late, dressing inappropriately, or being unprepared are signs of unprofessionalism. Couples should seek DJs who treat their wedding day with the seriousness and respect it deserves.
Your wedding day is every bit as important to us as it is to you. This should be the case for EVERY vendor you hire.
8. Not Coordinating with Other Vendors:
Your DJ should be in sync with the photographer, caterer, and event planner/coordinator. For instance, they need to know when it’s time for the bouquet toss or cake cutting to ensure they play the right song and create the desired ambiance.
We always make sure everyone is aware of what’s happening before it happens. This helps your vendors and you know what’s happening throughout the evening.
9. Skipping Pre-Wedding Meetings:
A pre-wedding consultation is essential. It’s an opportunity for the DJ to understand the couple’s vision, discuss song choices, and get a sense of the wedding’s timeline.
It is absolutely critical for you to meet with your DJ before your wedding. It can be online or in-person, but it definitely needs to happen. If you have a hard time reaching your DJ, or he/she is slow to respond, even before you book, be careful hiring this DJ!
10. Not Having a Diverse Playlist:
A diverse guest list means a variety of musical tastes. It’s not a good idea to stick strictly to one genre or era. A diverse playlist ensures everyone gets on the dance floor at some point.
Of course, if you absolutely want to hear only one genre, you can ask the DJ to do this and he/she should accommodate your request.
Overall
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, and the right music plays a significant part in that. By being aware of these common mistakes, you can make informed decisions and ensure that the music at your wedding is nothing short of perfect.
If you’re looking for a DJ who avoids these pitfalls and prioritizes your vision, Austin’s Best DJs & Photo Booths is here to help. With our years of experience and dedication to excellence, we promise to make your wedding soundtrack unforgettable. Contact us today and let’s make musical magic together!
