The Art of DJing Weddings

DJing weddings is about more than the music. The wedding DJ has to sell themselves to the crowd and be an expert master of ceremonies. That’s why DJing weddings is an art--not a science.

Wedding DJs might have the most impressive speakers and lighting systems in the world, but if they don’t know how to keep their guests engaged throughout the show, they might as well leave all that equipment at home and become a Soundcloud DJ.

At RMF DJs, we understand that wedding DJ services should offer unique, immersive experiences. Our platinum DJs can turn your wedding reception into an event that engages all of your guests. We also account for all of your preferences and ensure our performance meets your expectations.

The Majority of Guests Should Know the Song

DJs typically love playing deep cuts. However, in a wedding reception environment, you have to cater to your guests. Even somewhat relevant songs will likely fall flat during wedding receptions where the entertainment doesn’t meet the guests’ expectations.

Think about it, you go to a wedding to hear the songs that make you want to dance. You don’t go to weddings to hear the DJ’s experimental project. Wedding DJs can stray a little from the beaten path if they have clearance from the bride and groom, but as a rule of thumb, they should keep the night’s entertainment simple, and play songs everyone can enjoy.

The Songs Should Transcend Generations

Wedding DJs have a responsibility to play songs that span the ages. Realistically, every song DJs play can’t please everyone, but wedding DJs should make it a point to include as many as possible.

For example, DJs will never go wrong playing “Sweet Caroline,” “My Girl,” or “Shout.” Yes, these songs are cliche, but they’re effective and they bring wedding guests of all ages together. That’s the DJ’s job: to bring people together through the power of music.

Put the Bride First

As a rule of thumb, wedding DJs should focus on the bride. If they’re happy, the night runs smoother. Although wedding DJs should base their music selection on all of the guests’ preferences, they need to pay special attention to whether the bride is enjoying the night’s entertainment.

If the bride has requests, the wedding DJ should include them in the night’s music roster. They should also space them out according to the mood they evoke.

Wedding DJs should avoid playing the bride’s three favorite slow songs in a row. Instead, they should intersperse them throughout the set so they surprise her. The subtleties of the set selection make all the difference.

The Best Wedding DJs Have Extensive Music Libraries

The best wedding DJs have a music archive the size of The Library of Alexandria. To play songs that unite generations without appearing contrived, DJs need to have every available tool at their disposal. Songs are their chisel and the wedding guests are stone. DJs are the sculptor and the reception is their masterpiece. Without the proper tools, wedding DJs are useless.

Slow Songs Offer Natural Breaks

DJs must remember they are not at a rave when they DJ weddings. Weddings aren’t the club downtown and people in their early 20s aren’t the only ones that need to dance.

Furthermore, even the best EDM shows feature variety. Musical performances that stay at one speed eventually lose the crowd. Implementing slow songs throughout the set lets the crowd feel more than one emotion. No one wants to fist pump the whole night. As Otis Redding crooned, “try a little tenderness.”

Emoting some tenderness into the performance isn’t the only effect slow songs create. They also give natural breaks for people to recover their dancing juju. As a natural break in the set, slow songs give your guests space to converse, grab another drink, or take a break from the dance floor.

Study the People Who Aren’t Dancing

The true test of any wedding DJ is getting the wallflowers to dance. Study the people who don’t dance throughout the reception to gain clues into what they might like. Look for a head bob, a slight movement of the hips, any indicator that can serve as a clue to their musical interests.

Lighting Is Critical

Some purists would have you believe that musical performances are all about the music and you shouldn’t need lighting to create an immersive experience. Wedding receptions, however, shouldn’t only engage the ears of the audience. They should also be visually stimulating.

When examining lighting, you need to read the room and create a lighting environment that suits your guests. If it’s a big crowd, you might be able to get away with crazier lighting. If it’s a smaller, more intimate reception, you will most likely want to include warm lighting.

Accept Requests Sparingly

Wedding DJs should be open to requests but they also need to be selective. They should allow the guests to be an extension of themselves. What I mean by this is, if guests can request a song that adds to the performance, or rather, doesn’t detract from it, wedding DJs should include it. The one caveat to this rule is if the bride or groom requests a song- it’s their night and wedding DJs should do whatever they can to make it more memorable.

As a rule of thumb, The best way to decline song requests is to refer them to the bride for approval.

Wedding DJs Are Musically Gifted

People may not understand what cross-fading is, but when DJs slip this up, people notice. DJs should stick to what they know and avoid fancy tricks they aren’t confident in.

For example, aligning tempos for two successive songs is a rudimentary DJ trick, but playing songs in complimentary musical key signatures is a little more advanced. People might not be versed in music theory but they can instinctively tell when a piece of music is dissonant. DJs should know their limitations and stick to their skillset to create a memorable experience.

Two-Hour Dance Sets Are the Minimum

Pacing sets at two hours is a challenge, but skilled wedding DJs can do it. However, anything less than two hours for a wedding reception starts to get cramped. DJs need time for people to loosen up and ending within the two-hour range doesn’t give the set time to breathe.

Announce the Last Song

An easy way to upset the guests is the DJ playing the last song without notifying anyone. People want to know when they can get the last hoo-rah in. After all, it’s not every day that you get to attend a wedding for the people you care about most. Announcing the last song is a simple act of courtesy DJs should do without even thinking.

Let RMF DJs Create Your Masterpiece

When it comes to DJing weddings, RMF DJs has years of experience and platinum DJs that can make your wedding the most memorable night of your life. We even have a live jazz band that pairs with one of our platinum DJs if you’re looking for a truly unique experience.

Our state-of-the-art equipment and add-ons, such as our professional photo booth setup, give your wedding a unique flair you can’t find elsewhere. Our DJs also believe in transparent communication and work closely with you to get your vision for your wedding correct.