If you’re searching for a wedding DJ, you may not understand what to look for in a wedding DJ setup. Understanding what equipment and preparation tactics make wedding DJs memorable is critical when hiring a wedding DJ. In addition to hiring a DJ who can play the right music, you also want someone with the best DJ setup.
RMF will answer all of your questions for a wedding DJ. We treat every wedding with the care it deserves and make it our priority to tailor any wedding entertainment plans to your specifications. Our team of personable, experienced DJs will learn your music tastes and discover what you want out of your wedding reception so they can deliver a unique experience that astonishes your guests.
The Necessary Wedding DJ Equipment Checklist
When you hire a DJ, you're not just paying for the music; you're paying for the equipment. DJ equipment can be very expensive, especially because there are so many components required to have the most comprehensive DJ setup for a wedding.
This is all the gear a wedding DJ needs:
- Wireless microphones
- Faders
- Subwoofers
- Powerful PA system
- Different lighting options
DJ Controllers and Laptop
While turntables and audio mixing consoles are must-have equipment, DJ controllers are highly recommended because they combine both pieces of gear into a smaller, more functional setup. DJ controllers made by brands like Pioneer are well-made and come highly recommended for DJing live events.
DJs also need a laptop and the right DJ software for mixing tracks, such as Traktor Pro 2 and Serato DJ Pro. Alternatively, a digital audio workstation (DAW) like Ableton Live can be useful for mixing, though its primary use is for music production.
PA System
PA speakers are the backbone of a DJ setup. DJs should have several PA speaker options to cater to small or large venues. If you're having your wedding at a large venue, like a banquet hall, your DJ needs to be prepared to fill the room with sound. You should ask your potential wedding DJ if they've played in a venue of that size before. Some of the top brands for PA systems include JBL, PRX, QSC K-Series, and Pioneer DJ.
Wireless Microphones
One of the DJ’s responsibilities is being the master of ceremonies (MC), and it's essentially a requirement for wedding DJs to be energetic, likable, and have good public speking skills.
While a wired microphone works fine for DJing a wedding, wireless microphones offer several advantages, and the sound quality of modern wireless microphones is on par with wired microphones. For one, wireless microphones make for a cleaner setup, with less chance a wedding attendee will trip over a wire. Wireless microphones allow a DJ to be mobile, which can make for a more dynamic performance.
A good DJ should bring a backup microphone or two. Whether the battery on the wireless microphone dies or there's an interference issue, wireless microphones can experience some technical difficulties. Although good microphones shouldn't fail, it's best to bring a backup microphone or two to keep the wedding festivities going smoothly.
Lighting
Lighting can make or break a wedding DJ setup, especially if the client wants an impressive light show at their reception. That’s why DJs should be prepared with multiple lighting options. Stage lighting can draw attention to the dance space and create an ambiance for events such as the daddy-daughter dance and the bride/groom’s first dance.
It also enhances the reception when professional DJs pair their mixes with strobe lights and laser lights. DJs should buy lights that have programming capabilities so that they can give you a tailored experience.
How Should Your DJ Prepare For Your Wedding?
Additionally, you should know how the best wedding DJs prepare for their weddings. Once you understand this, you can ask prospective DJs what their preparation process is during interviews. Gathering this information will teach you how to tell which wedding DJs devote all of their time and skills to their craft and which ones treat their job as more of a hobby.
Adaptable Playlist
Wedding DJ services should tailor the music selection to your musical tastes. It’s your wedding, so you should be able to hear your music. Creating a curated setlist, like a summer playlist, can help your DJ understand the vibe you're looking for. Once you've established the kind of music you wish to be played, you may want to ask your DJ what they plan on playing based on your input. The DJ should also work to discover a few of the bride and groom’s favorite songs, such as the couple's favorite song or simply their favorite party songs. With more guidance, a wedding DJ is better able to deliver the performance you want.
Attentiveness and Likeability
One of wedding DJs’ most crucial aspects is whether they accommodate the bride and groom’s needs. Throughout the interview and planning process, DJs should be inquiring whether the bride and groom have any special requests and whether they are happy with how the planning is coming along.
In addition to being attentive, the perfect wedding DJ needs to be the life of the party. If a wedding DJ doesn’t engage with the crowd, you may as well play Spotify over the speakers. Platinum DJs should make the wedding guests feel welcome and get those who don't even like to dance out on the dance floor.
Backup Equipment
Professional DJs should have contingency plans in place in case equipment breaks or gets stolen. If a DJ can't perform because of equipment issues, that could ruin a couple's wedding. That’s why you should ask your DJ about his backup equipment, such as whether he carries a spare DJ mixer, extra cables, speakers, mics, and a spare laptop.
DJ Equipment No-Nos
Let’s shift the focus from what DJs should have to what they shouldn’t do. Whether it be too much gear, too crazy of a light show, or bad sound, the following examples present a framework professional DJs should avoid.
Beauty In Simplicity
DJs are obsessed with gear. However, that obsession can get out of hand when it supersedes the love of putting on a good set. In most cases, wedding DJs don’t need elaborate setups. A simple PA system and controllers will get the job done. In fact, DJ arrangements that are too heavy-duty can turn people off the entertainment by being too loud.
Playing Too Loud Too Close
Inexperienced DJs don’t understand how to gauge the crowd’s music or volume preference, which can result in a set that's too loud. Platinum DJs understand that they aren’t at Coachella. They are aware of their surroundings and use them to create a fitting ambiance. Experienced DJs let the mix speak for itself in a way that doesn’t wreck people’s ears.
Too Much Light
Most experienced DJs will have a few lighting options for the bride and groom. However, some DJs take it overboard with their lighting. Most weddings aren’t trying to recreate EDC. DJs should ask the bride and groom what their lighting preference is, adapting the lights to fit the couple's vision.
Hire Wedding DJs With the Best Equipment
If you’re considering getting a DJ for your wedding, you need to be sure that you’re hiring someone with experience and talent. Before you choose a wedding DJ, use this article to learn more about your potential wedding DJ and whether they're the right fit. Your wedding entertainment is one of the most crucial aspects of the wedding planning process, and you deserve a wedding DJ who can match your vision.
RMF DJs is a Montana-based entertainment group that can deliver the wedding of your dreams. Contact us today and let RMF bring your wedding reception to life.
